In your (seemingly) endless search for new window furnishings, you may have come across vertical blinds.
Typically, when you think of blinds the first thing you picture are either roller blinds, or blinds with horizontal slats. Beyond that, it’s all shrouded in mystery. But one thing all of them have in common, is that they’re also a style statement and not just about covering windows.
So when it comes to vertical blinds, we hope this will get you thinking straight. Get it? Okay we’ll stop.
There are many ways in which vertical blinds can be your saving grace. They’re highly adaptable, and can be used to personalise specific areas in your home.
Best bit? They’re not just reserved for windows.
Vertical blinds are a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing window furnishing option. You may already have seen them in many spaces precisely for these reasons. Still, they remain unique in their own right.
They’re made up simply of a headrail, and ‘blades’ or ‘slats’, which aren’t so much blades like you’d find with venetian blinds, but instead vertical strips of fabric.
The beauty of these fabric panels is that they can be adjusted at just the right angles, for just the right light and privacy. Which means precise control for your space. Talk about setting an ambience.
1. Vertical blinds are ideal for large spaces
Not all windows in your house may be the same size. So when it comes to dressing them up, a few issues tend to crop up. One of them includes getting matching window furnishings to fit those varying sizes. Though a roller blind may fit that kitchen window, it won’t suit a tall one in the living room.
The problem exacerbates when you end up at a retail store, desperately looking for the perfect fit. Usually, something or the other is amiss. Rarely ever do you go home with a full set of blinds you’re thrilled with.
Luckily, custom-made DIY vertical blinds like ours solve these problems.
You can select the exact height and width, in just the right shade for you. So if you’ve been wanting to cover larger French windows, bay windows or sliding doors for instance, vertical blinds can be a game-changer.
Additionally, unlike roller blinds, vertical blinds are designed for height. Which means that they can go quite a way down for extended coverage. Perfect for covering entrances including patio doors. To add an extra dose of pizzazz, consider coupling sheers with vertical blinds too.
2. Easy maintenance
If you’re a parent of babies or fur babies, easy maintenance is probably on top of your list. We know how quickly things can get a bit grubby! Which makes vertical blinds a perfect option for such homes.
All you have to do is give the panels a wipe down every so often. And if, for any reason they get soiled or damaged, you needn’t take it all down. You can simply remove the panel in question and have it replaced. Our customer support team is here to help in the event this happens, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
3. Cost-effective and versatile
You’d be forgiven for thinking that custom-made, stylish, DIY vertical blinds like these are going to be expensive. However, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that we make everything ourselves. Which, in turn means that you could save up to 70% off retail prices for bespoke vertical blinds.
Additionally, vertical blinds for windows or doors are incredibly versatile. You might recall seeing them somewhere in the back of your mind? You’re not wrong. Many offices have vertical blinds installed because they fit the bill in every way. Plus, they can fix that glare on the projector in the middle of an all-important presentation without hassle.
4. Stacking
Now that we’ve got functionality, uses, maintenance and cost out of the way, let’s take a look at how you can further customise your vertical blinds.
How you want them to ‘stack’, is pretty much another important aspect to consider. This looks different for every space, but you can achieve something specific for you.
For doors and other large openings you can walk through, consider the most convenient way of operating the blinds. You don’t really want to get tangled up in them, especially if the entrance is frequently used. You could choose to stack left or right, but centre is also an option. This gives you more fluidity than being restricted to a side.
5. Measuring
We’ve created a range of guides for the correct measuring and installation of all our blinds, including DIY vertical blinds.
Getting your measurements right is key. If you follow our guides exactly, you’ll be able to do just that.
Here are two step-by-step videos of how to measure for custom-cut vertical blinds accurately.
OUTSIDE WINDOW FRAME
INSIDE WINDOW FRAME
Note: Always measure in millimetres only.
WIDTH
a) Measure the exact width you would like the blind to cover.
b) Measure to the outside of the architrave or at least 50mm past the window opening.
HEIGHT
a) Measure the exact height you would like the blind to cover.
b) Measure outside of the architrave or at least 50mm past the window opening.
NOTE: The blind will be supplied at the sizes provided (we won’t make any deductions).
Note: Always measure in millimetres only.
DEPTH
Measure the depth of the window frame to ensure you have enough space for the blind to operate.
WIDTH
a) Measure the width inside the window frame in 3 places from left to right.
b) Make a note of the smallest measurement.
HEIGHT
a) Measure the height inside the window frame in 3 places from top to bottom.
b) Make a note of the smallest measurement.
NOTE: We’ll make slight deductions to ensure the blind fits your window.
We hope that was straightforward, but if you find yourself struggling, don’t. Just get in touch with our customer support team either via Live Chat or e-mail for help. Whether that’s for vertical blinds repairs or just a general query on vertical blinds price, be sure to let us know.