Benefits Of Made To Measure Blinds

Benefits Of Made To Measure Blinds

Bespoke (made-to-measure) blinds have increased in popularity in recent years. Homeowners in Britain and across the world have all taken a fancy to it – and it’s not hard to understand why.

Bespoke blinds allow home and business owners to style blinds to their taste, making them part of the design process. Customers now have the autonomy to choose between fabrics – it’s shaken up the way property owners shop for blinds.

Made-to-measure blinds have transformed how shading solutions make a house a home. We take a closer look at how it’s all possible.

Complete Control of Style

Bespoke blinds give consumers the freedom to design their blinds and put their creativity into practice. The choices of colors and fabrics mean customers take control in creating blinds that match their style. Bespoke blinds improve the chances of consumer satisfaction as customers leave with the blinds they designed, taking ownership of the process. This all but guarantees they will go home happy.

Better Fit

Bespoke blinds are fitted and measured around your window to ensure the whole window frame is covered. It helps keep warmth inside the house and cold air outside while maintaining a stylish appeal. Due to the choice, customers can use better quality fabrics. These fabrics will make blinds more durable and sustainable for longer-lasting usage. The overall feel of the blind is enhanced, adding warmth and charm to any home.

Reduced Replacement Costs

Made-to-measure blinds reduce the chances of having to buy replacement blinds. Due to the quality of the blinds, they are less susceptible to damage. Even though made-to-measure blinds are usually more costly, buying them does give you greater satisfaction compared to other conventional blinds on the market. Paying a bit extra now will save you in the future as you won’t have to replace your blinds due to damage or fading – so sit back and enjoy!

Cost Effective

As mentioned, bespoke blinds are cost-effective for consumers. Despite probably being a slightly more expensive option than regular off-the-shelf blinds, the longevity in quality will save you money in the long run! The personalisation process gives you materials and fabrics needed to uphold the value and durability of your new shading solution. It’s important to remember high-quality blinds are not cheap. That’s why investing in quality now saves you money in the long run, making that premium price a worthwhile purchase.

Stylish Appeal

You don’t have to be a design guru to get a stylish home that looks great for all occasions. As style is specific to the individual, bespoke blinds are perfect as you create the look that speaks to your heart and home. If you desire bright or dark colours, soft or hard fabrics, long or short lining, you can tailor the blinds to your taste with the utmost quality. The experience of shopping for blinds in this manner adds a sense of excitement and creativity to the process and outcome. No two customers’ blinds are the same – we’re always delighted to be part of the creative process that gives homeowners truly unique shading solutions.

However, even though bespoke blinds hold a lot of positives, there are other aspects to consider.

Are made-to-measure blinds really more expensive?

Its often perceived that made-to-measure blinds are more expensive than the conventional off-the-shelf blinds you can find on the market.  However, there is usually a reason why the price could be slightly higher and the benefits far outweigh the cons. Made-to-measure blinds are usually made from better materials because off-the-shelf blind manufacturers tend to try and cut costs when manufacturing in bulk. This means that ordering off-the-shelf blinds may backfire when consumers must spend more money to replace their blinds sooner than usual, increasing their future costs further. 

Another factor to consider is the measuring. At A1blinds, one of our design consultants will come to your home and ensure your window has been measured perfectly. This makes sure you don’t make any mistakes when measuring and makes sure that the blinds fit perfectly when they are produced. This can save in a costly replacement if you measure wrong. 

Time consumption

We can all be indecisive at times. Being indecisive may delay the process as consumers may need extra time to commit to a specific style of blinds for their home or business. The customer and supplier may experience friction as they get frustrated during the creating process. Others from the homeowner’s family or friends may interfere and try to influence the creative process. Customers may be turned off by the wait time, leading them to choose more conventional blinds instead. However, finished bespoke blinds are worth the wait – you’ll get your perfect blind that matches your home and living space down to the finest detail.

Long Term Quality

In conclusion, bespoke blinds are a great way to style your home and add a level of uniqueness to your window or door. Creative control over the design process gives you a shading solution that fits perfectly into your home or business.

Even though bespoke blinds are more expensive and time-consuming to craft, they provide greater longevity in quality which should counteract any concerns you may have. If you are more price conscious but still want bespoke blinds, try going to your manufacturer with ideas and a budget, ensuring you don’t pay more than you’re willing to spend.

Interested in finding out more? To get a FREE phone or home consultation with our experts who will help you get the ideal blind for your property.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite – The Smarter Way to Add Style to Your Windows

When it comes to window style, shutters are always a favourite – but traditional plantation shutters can be pricey, time-consuming, and invasive to install. That’s where our new Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite comes in.

Exclusively from A1 Blinds, this innovative system gives you the clean lines and light control of classic shutters – without the complications.


Why Customers Are Choosing Shutter Lite

  • Great Style, Great Value
    Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite offers an accessible alternative to traditional shutters – ideal for modern homes looking for elegant simplicity.
  • Quick & Simple Fitting
    No drilling. No mess. These shutters click neatly into place using a Perfect Fit® frame – meaning less disruption and more convenience.
  • Works With Doors and Tilt & Turn Windows
    The shutter moves with your window or door – making it perfect for inward-opening frames, patio doors, and even French doors.

🌞 Let the Light In – and Keep the View

Thanks to its minimal framework and slim louvres, Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite lets in plenty of natural light while maintaining excellent privacy. The clever design also gives you a clearer view to the outside than bulkier shutter systems.


❄️🔥 Comfort All Year Round

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite does more than just look good. These shutters help create a more comfortable indoor environment by:

  • Reducing heat loss in winter
  • Blocking direct sunlight in summer
  • Helping improve energy efficiency throughout the home

By regulating room temperature, they can even contribute to more consistent energy use over time.


💷 Style That Elevates Your Home

Shutters are known to enhance both kerb appeal and interior finish. Shutter Lite can:

  • Add a high-end look to any room
  • Signal quality and practicality to potential buyers
  • Enhance the overall presentation of your property

A stylish upgrade that makes a lasting impression – especially when fitted professionally by A1 Blinds.


🧼 Practical, Waterproof & Wipe-Clean

Built for everyday living, these shutters are:

  • Easy to remove for cleaning or decorating
  • Wipe-clean and waterproof
  • Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes

No caulking. No damage. Just a smart, practical solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.


Made in the UK

We’re proud to offer a product that’s:

  • Made in the UK
  • Fitted by our trusted A1 Blinds installation team

📞 Upgrade Your Windows Today

Stylish. Practical. Versatile.

Perfect Fit® Shutter Lite proves you don’t need to compromise on looks, light, or lifestyle.

Contact A1 Blinds today to find out more and book your free home consultation.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.


What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.


The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.


How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.


Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.


The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.


The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.


Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

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