Your Ultimate Guide to Buying Aluminium Venetian Blinds Online: Measure, Order & Install with Confidence!
Dreaming of sleek, modern window coverings that offer both style and supreme functionality? Aluminium Venetian blinds are an incredibly popular choice, known for their versatility, durability, and precise light control. And the best part? Buying them online has never been easier or more convenient!
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from accurately measuring your windows to installing your beautiful new blinds, all while ensuring a smooth, stress-free online shopping experience. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Aluminium Venetian Blinds?
Before we get to the “how-to,” let’s quickly recap why aluminium Venetian blinds are such a fantastic investment for your home or office:
- Incredibly Durable: Made from lightweight yet strong aluminium, these blinds are resistant to warping, cracking, and fading. They’re ideal for high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Sleek & Modern Aesthetic: Their clean lines and metallic finish add a contemporary touch to any décor, from minimalist to industrial. They come in a vast array of colours and finishes.
- Ultimate Light Control & Privacy: The adjustable slats allow you to precisely manage the amount of light entering your room and offer excellent privacy when fully closed.
- Low Maintenance: Aluminium is easy to clean – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to keep them looking pristine.
- Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than other custom blind options, they offer great value for money without compromising on quality or style.
The Benefits of Buying Aluminium Venetian Blinds Online
Gone are the days of limited selections and pushy salespeople. Buying your blinds online offers a wealth of advantages:
- Wider Selection: Online retailers often have more colour options, slat sizes, and control types than physical stores.
- Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your home, any time of day or night.
- Competitive Pricing: Lower overheads often mean better prices and deals compared to brick-and-mortar stores.
- Customization: Most online stores offer made-to-measure blinds, ensuring a perfect fit for every window.
The Crucial First Step: Accurate Measurement!
This is, without a doubt, the most important part of your online blind-buying journey. The golden rule: measure, measure, and measure again! Even a small error can lead to ill-fitting blinds, so take your time.
You’ll need a steel tape measure for accuracy. Decide whether you want an inside mount (blinds fit inside the window recess) or an outside mount (blinds fit over the window opening).
Understanding Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount:
-
Inside Mount:
- Pros: Clean, streamlined look, fits snugly within the window frame, allows decorative curtains or drapes to be hung outside the recess.
- Cons: Requires a precise fit, may have small light gaps if not perfectly measured, window must be deep enough for the blind’s headrail.
- Measuring Tip: The online retailer will usually make a small deduction for clearance, so do not make any deductions yourself. Provide the exact recess measurements.
-
Outside Mount:
- Pros: Can make windows appear larger, covers the entire window opening (minimizing light leaks), good for windows with shallow recesses or obstructions inside.
- Cons: Extends beyond the window frame, may not be suitable if other window treatments are planned close to the frame.
- Measuring Tip: You decide how much overlap you want. A general recommendation is to add 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) to the width and height of your window opening to ensure full coverage.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide:
For an Inside Mount:
- Width: Measure the exact width of the inside of your window recess in three places (top, middle, and bottom).
- Record the smallest measurement. This is the width you’ll provide to the retailer.
- Height: Measure the exact height of the inside of your window recess in three places (left, middle, and right).
- Record the smallest measurement. This is the height you’ll provide to the retailer.
- Depth: Check the depth of your window recess to ensure there’s enough space for the blind’s headrail and operating mechanism. This information is usually provided on the product page.
For an Outside Mount:
- Width: Measure the width of the window opening, including any trim or frame you wish to cover.
- Add your desired overlap. For example, if your window opening is 90cm wide, and you want 5cm overlap on each side, your total width will be 100cm (90 + 5 + 5).
- Height: Measure the height of the window opening, including any trim or frame you wish to cover.
- Add your desired overlap. For example, if your window opening is 120cm high, and you want 5cm overlap at the top and 5cm at the bottom, your total height will be 130cm (120 + 5 + 5).
Pro Tip: Always use centimetres or millimetres for precision, as specified by the retailer. And write down your measurements immediately to avoid confusion. Better yet, get a second person to double-check your readings!
Placing Your Order Online: What to Expect
Once you have your accurate measurements, navigating the online ordering process is usually straightforward.
- Select Your Blind Type: Choose “Aluminium Venetian Blinds.”
- Enter Measurements: Input your measured width and height. Be mindful of whether you selected “Inside Mount” or “Outside Mount” on the product page, as this tells the manufacturer whether to make deductions or not.
- Choose Slat Width: Common options include 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, or 50mm. Smaller slats offer a more delicate look and finer light control, while wider slats provide a bolder appearance and better outdoor views when open.
- Select Colour & Finish: Explore the vast palette! Order samples if available – screen colours can look different in real life.
- Choose Control Type & Side: Decide between traditional cords/wands or newer, often safer, cordless or motorized options. Specify which side you want the controls on.
- Review Your Order: This is your final chance to catch any errors. Double-check all measurements, colours, slat widths, and control options before proceeding to payment. Most custom blind orders cannot be returned if you made a measuring mistake.
- Payment & Confirmation: Complete your purchase. You’ll usually receive an email confirmation with your order details and estimated delivery date.
Installation: Bringing Your Blinds to Life
Installing aluminium Venetian blinds is a manageable DIY project for most people, requiring only basic tools. Each manufacturer’s instructions may vary slightly, so always refer to the specific guide provided with your blinds.
Tools You’ll Likely Need:
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Power drill with appropriate drill bits
- Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on screws)
- Step ladder (if needed)
General Installation Steps (Always consult your product’s specific instructions!):
- Unpack & Inspect: Carefully unbox your blinds and check all components against the packing list. Ensure there’s no shipping damage.
- Mark Bracket Positions:
- Inside Mount: Hold the headrail (the top part of the blind) in the recess to determine where the mounting brackets should go. Mark the screw holes with a pencil. Ensure they are level.
- Outside Mount: Hold the headrail above your window opening, centered and level. Mark where the mounting brackets will be.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Using the appropriate drill bit for your wall material (wood, plasterboard, brick), drill pilot holes at your marked positions.
- Attach Mounting Brackets: Secure the brackets to the wall or ceiling using the screws provided. Make sure they are firmly attached and perfectly level.
- Click in the Headrail: Carefully lift the blind’s headrail and push it up into the brackets until it clicks securely into place.
- Attach Wand/Cords: If applicable, attach the control wand and ensure the cords are operating smoothly.
- Final Checks: Operate the blinds fully up and down, and adjust the slats to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Tips for Success & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tips for a Smooth Experience:
- Always Measure Twice (or Thrice!): We can’t stress this enough. Get a helper to verify measurements.
- Understand Your Mounting Type: Be clear about inside vs. outside mount and how it impacts your measurements.
- Read the Instructions: Every blind is slightly different. Don’t skip the manufacturer’s installation guide.
- Be Patient: Take your time with measuring and installation. Rushing leads to errors.
- Order Samples: If colour accuracy is critical, order physical samples if the retailer offers them.
- Consider Child Safety: If you have children or pets, look for cordless or motorized options for enhanced safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Rushing Measurements: This is the #1 cause of issues.
- Assuming Standard Sizes: Windows vary! Always measure, never guess.
- Forgetting to Specify Mount Type: If you provide “exact recess size” but intend an outside mount, your blinds will be too small. Always select the correct mount type on the product page.
- Ignoring Installation Instructions: Don’t assume you know how to install them. Each blind type and manufacturer has specific methods.
- Not Using a Level: Crooked blinds are an eyesore! Always use a spirit level during bracket installation.
- Using the Wrong Drill Bit/Screws: Ensure your hardware is appropriate for your wall material for secure installation.
Maintaining Your Aluminium Venetian Blinds
One of the great advantages of aluminium Venetian blinds is their easy maintenance.
- Regular Dusting: For daily upkeep, simply close the slats completely (either up or down) and wipe them with a microfiber cloth or a duster. Then reverse the slats and dust the other side.
- Deeper Clean: For more stubborn dirt, open the slats fully and wipe each one individually with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. Ensure they are completely dry before closing them.
Conclusion
Buying aluminium Venetian blinds online is a fantastic way to enhance your home with stylish, durable, and functional window coverings. By focusing on accurate measurements, understanding the online ordering process, and following the installation guidelines, you can confidently transform your windows with a professional finish.
So go ahead, explore the vast online selections, and get ready to enjoy the sleek look and precise control that only high-quality aluminium Venetian blinds can offer!
FAQ
Q. How do I accurately measure my windows for aluminium venetian blinds when ordering online?
A. Most online retailers provide comprehensive measuring guides, often with videos, to help you get the exact dimensions. Generally, you’ll need to decide between an ‘inside mount’ (within the window recess) or an ‘outside mount’ (overlapping the window frame). Always measure in at least three places for both width and height and use the smallest measurement for accuracy. Double-check your measurements before finalising your order.
Q. Can I get free samples of the aluminium slat colours before purchasing?
A. Yes, reputable online stores typically offer free samples of their aluminium slat colours and finishes. It’s highly recommended to order samples to see the true colours in your home’s lighting conditions, as colours can appear differently on screen. This helps ensure your blinds perfectly match your interior decor.
Q. Are aluminium venetian blinds easy to install myself, or do I need a professional?
A. Aluminium venetian blinds are generally designed for DIY installation and come with all necessary brackets and clear instructions. Many online retailers also provide installation videos. You’ll typically need basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, and tape measure. Most customers find the process straightforward and manageable.
Q. What customisation options are available when buying aluminium venetian blinds online?
A. Online stores offer a wide range of customisation. You can specify precise width and drop measurements to fit your windows perfectly. Beyond standard colours, you might find various finishes (matte, gloss, metallic), different slat widths (e.g., 25mm, 35mm, 50mm), and options for control mechanisms (cord, wand, or even motorisation).
Q. What is the typical lead time for custom-made aluminium venetian blinds ordered online?
A. The lead time can vary depending on the manufacturer and the complexity of your order, but custom-made aluminium venetian blinds typically take between 5 to 15 business days for manufacturing, plus shipping time. Some express options might be available, while peak seasons or special finishes could extend the wait. Always check the specific lead time stated on the product page or during checkout.
Q. How do I clean and maintain my aluminium venetian blinds?
A. Aluminium venetian blinds are very easy to clean and maintain. For light dusting, you can use a feather duster, a soft cloth, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. For deeper cleaning, wipe the slats with a damp cloth soaked in mild soapy water, then wipe dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
Q. What is the return policy if my custom-made aluminium venetian blinds don’t fit or I change my mind?
A. Due to their custom-made nature, returns for incorrect measurements or change of mind are often not accepted unless there’s a manufacturing defect or an error on the part of the seller. It’s crucial to double-check your measurements carefully. Reputable online stores usually offer a warranty against defects and might have a “measure insurance” option for a small fee, which covers accidental mismeasurements. Always review the specific return and warranty policy of the retailer before purchasing.