Frequently Asked Questions About Made-to-Measure Blinds

These are the questions customers most often ask before arranging a home visit with Stratford Blinds. If your window or requirement is unusual, call 01789 576026 and we will be happy to advise.

Our service

Do you provide made-to-measure blinds?
Yes. Each blind is made for the window we have measured rather than cut down from a standard shop size. We check the recess, handles, opening clearances and suitable fixing points before an order is placed.

Is measuring and fitting included?
Yes. Free measuring and professional fitting are included with blinds supplied by Stratford Blinds within our normal service area. If you are unsure whether we cover your address, please contact us before booking.

Do you have a shop or showroom?
No. We provide a home-visit service and bring samples to you. This lets you compare colours, textures and finishes in your own room and in its actual light.

Which areas do you cover?
We visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and surrounding towns and villages. Contact us with your postcode if you are near the edge of the area.

What are your contact hours?
Our contact hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 7pm. Saturday and Sunday are closed. Home visits and fitting appointments are arranged in advance.

Choosing the right blind

What types of blinds do you offer?
Our range includes roller, Roman, vertical, wooden, faux-wood and aluminium Venetian blinds, as well as Perfect Fit, pleated, day and night, blackout and motorised options. We also advise on suitable solutions for patio doors, bi-fold doors, roof windows and other difficult windows. Availability and suitability are confirmed during your home visit.

Which blinds are best for bathrooms and kitchens?
Moisture-resistant roller fabrics, aluminium Venetians and faux-wood blinds are often practical choices. Real wood and some fabrics are not ideal in consistently damp or steamy rooms. We will consider ventilation, proximity to sinks or hobs and the level of condensation before recommending a product.

Can you fit blinds to bay windows or old, uneven windows?
Usually, yes. Bays and older properties often have walls, frames and recesses that are not perfectly square. We measure at several points and check handles, opening windows and fixing surfaces so that we can recommend a workable layout. Any limitation will be explained before you order.

What works well on patio doors and large windows?
Vertical blinds are a practical option for wide windows and sliding doors. Roller, panel, Perfect Fit or motorised solutions may also be suitable depending on the door design, the available space and how frequently it is opened.

Are Perfect Fit blinds completely drill-free?
Perfect Fit systems are designed to attach to many compatible glazed doors and uPVC window frames without drilling into the frame. They do not suit every bead, frame or door, so compatibility must be checked during measuring.

Privacy, light and insulation

Do blackout blinds make a room completely dark?
Blackout fabric prevents light passing through the material, but a standard roller or Roman blind can still allow light around its edges. The amount depends on the window, recess and fitting position. If darkness is especially important, tell us so we can discuss the most suitable system and explain the realistic result.

Can I have privacy while still seeing outside?
Some screen, voile and day-and-night fabrics can reduce the view into a room while retaining daylight and a degree of outward visibility. This effect depends on the light being brighter outside than inside. After dark, with the room lights on, these fabrics do not provide one-way privacy; closing an opaque section or a separate blind is the reliable option.

Which blinds help with heat and glare?
The best choice depends on the direction the window faces, glass area and whether your priority is glare, summer heat or winter comfort. Reflective, pleated, blackout and other specialist fabrics may help, but a blind is not a substitute for insulation or specialist glazing. We will explain the relevant options without making unrealistic energy-saving claims.

Prices, ordering and installation

How much do made-to-measure blinds cost?
Price depends on the blind type, window size, fabric or finish, controls and the number of blinds required. Motorisation and specialist systems cost more than standard manual options. After measuring and discussing your choices, we provide a clear, no-obligation quotation before anything is ordered.

How long do blinds take to arrive?
Many made-to-measure blinds are ready in approximately two to three weeks, but the time varies by product, fabric availability and manufacturer workload. We will give you the current estimate when you order and arrange fitting once the blinds are ready.

How long does fitting take?
That depends on the number and type of blinds, the windows and the fixing surfaces. A small order may be completed quickly, while a whole house or complex bay takes longer. We will give you a sensible indication when arranging the installation.

Can I supply my own measurements or fit the blinds myself?
Our normal service includes measuring and fitting because this reduces the risk of ordering the wrong size and ensures the blind is installed safely. Supply-only requests can be discussed, but measurements supplied by the customer remain the customer’s responsibility.

Can I cancel or return a made-to-measure blind?
Made-to-measure products are manufactured specifically for you and normally cannot be returned simply because you have changed your mind once manufacture has started. Faulty goods are handled in accordance with your statutory rights. Please read our terms and conditions or contact us before ordering if you have any concerns.

Operation, safety and aftercare

Are your blinds child-safe?
We take blind-cord safety seriously. We will recommend suitable operating systems and fit any required safety devices in line with the product instructions and applicable safety requirements. Safety devices should never be removed, and cords or chains must be kept away from young children.

Can motorised blinds use a phone or smart-home system?
Remote control is available on suitable motorised blinds. App and smart-home compatibility depends on the selected motor, controller and any additional hub required, so we confirm the exact functions before you order rather than assuming every system supports them.

How should I clean my blinds?
Regular light dusting with a soft cloth, duster or suitable vacuum-brush attachment is safest for most blinds. Faux wood and aluminium can usually be wiped carefully, while real wood should be kept dry. Fabric-cleaning instructions vary, so check with us before using water, detergent or stain remover.

What guarantee do the blinds have?
Blinds supplied by Stratford Blinds have a 12-month guarantee. Normal wear, accidental damage, misuse and unauthorised alterations are not covered. This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.

What should I do if a blind develops a fault?
Contact us promptly with a description and, if possible, a photograph or short video of the problem. We will identify the blind and assess whether the issue is covered by the guarantee, requires an adjustment or needs a replacement component.

Still have a question?

Call 01789 576026 or use our enquiry form to arrange a free home visit and no-obligation quotation.