Buying blinds

Custom window coverings are made to measure, so most problems start before anything is made: with measurements, specifications or unclear terms. The guides in this section walk you through the buying process from tape measure to installation day.

The guides in this section

• Measuring windows Tools, steps and common mistakes.
• Inside or outside mount? Light gaps, depth and handles.
• Comparing quotes Like-for-like specifications, terms and rights.
• Installation: what to expect Preparation, cord safety and checking the work.

A simple buying process

1. Decide what each covering needs to do.
2. Choose inside or outside mount.
3. Measure carefully, or book a measure.
4. See samples at home.
5. Get like-for-like written quotes.
6. Check the business and read the terms.
7. Check every covering on installation day.

Working to a budget

We don't publish prices, because they depend on the product, size, fabric, controls and installation. To make a budget go further, prioritise the rooms where coverings matter most, such as bedrooms and street-facing rooms, and stage the rest. Get written quotes for the same specification from several suppliers so you can compare fairly. Ask whether simpler fabrics or controls would meet your needs.

Allow for lead times

Custom window coverings are made to order, so there's usually a gap between ordering and installation. Ask each supplier for an estimated lead time in writing, and what happens if it's delayed. If you're moving into a new home or finishing a renovation, plan ahead so you're not without privacy. Temporary coverings can bridge the gap. Remember that lead times may change with demand, fabric availability and the complexity of your order.

Warranties and your rights

Many suppliers offer warranties on fabrics, mechanisms and installation. Read what's covered, for how long and what you need to do to claim. Keep your quote, invoice, care instructions and warranty documents together. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that consumer guarantees apply automatically to products and services, in addition to any warranty a business offers. Products must be of acceptable quality and match their description, and services must be provided with due care and skill. If something goes wrong, contact the business promptly, in writing, with photos.

A quick checklist

Before you order:

• decide what each covering needs to do;
• choose the mount type;
• measure carefully, in millimetres;
• see samples at home;
• get like-for-like written quotes;
• check the business and its ABN;
• confirm lead times, warranty and terms;
• plan for cord safety.

Keep good records

Keep a simple record for each room: product, fabric or material and colour, supplier, date installed, care instructions and warranty. Photograph the labels or swing tags before you remove them, and keep the cord safety warning labels and instructions. These records help if you need a repair, a matching replacement, or to make a warranty claim, and they're useful if you sell the home.

If you rent

If you rent, check your rental agreement and talk to your rental provider or agent before drilling holes or replacing window coverings. Consumer Affairs Victoria has information about the changes renters can and can't make. Removable options, such as tension rods or freestanding screens, may suit some situations. Keep any original coverings you remove, and take photos so you can restore the property at the end of the tenancy.

Getting help from suppliers

Good suppliers will explain options clearly, bring samples, measure carefully and put everything in writing. Don't be afraid to ask questions, including why they recommend a particular product, what alternatives exist, and how the covering will be fixed and operated. Ask to see examples of similar installations. If a supplier can't answer clearly, or pressures you to sign on the spot, take your time and get another quote. A clear, unhurried conversation is usually a good sign that the rest of the process will go smoothly too.

Living with your choice

Once coverings are installed, give yourself a few weeks to see how they work through different weather and light. Notice whether rooms feel warmer, darker or more private, and whether coverings are easy to use. If something isn't operating properly, contact the supplier early rather than waiting. Small adjustments, such as tension on a chain or alignment of a shutter panel, are often simple to fix soon after installation. Make a note of anything you'd do differently for the next room.

Accessibility and ease of use

Think about who will be operating each covering. Heavy blinds, high windows and stiff controls can be hard for some people to use, including older people and people with limited reach or grip. Motorised controls, wands, lighter fabrics and splitting wide windows into smaller coverings can make daily use easier. Ask suppliers to demonstrate controls before you order, and consider where switches or remotes will be kept.

Five habits for better window coverings

1. Know what each covering must do: privacy, darkness, glare, warmth or style.
2. Measure carefully: steel tape, millimetres, three measurements, smallest figure.
3. Compare like with like: the same specification in every written quote.
4. Secure every cord: loose cords must not form a loop of 220 mm or more below 1,600 mm.
5. Fit snugly and use them well: close coverings when heating is on, especially at night.

About these guides

Custom Design Blinds is an independent information site. We aren't a blinds retailer, manufacturer or installer, and no business pays to appear in our guides. We don't publish prices or rank suppliers or products. We write every guide in our own words and list the official sources we used, such as ACCC Product Safety Australia, the Federal Register of Legislation, YourHome, Sustainability Victoria, energy.gov.au and Consumer Affairs Victoria. Requirements change, so check current details with the relevant agency.

How we keep these guides current

We review each guide against official sources and show the date it was last checked. If you notice something out of date, please tell us through our contact page, and we'll check and correct it.