What Are Made to Measure Blinds?

What Are Made to Measure Blinds?

When it comes to choosing new blinds for your home, you have two options. Made to measure blinds, or ready-made, off the shelf blinds. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference, and why we champion made to measure blinds here at A1!

Made to measure is a term that’s thrown around often. But what does it mean? Made to measure blinds are bespoke blinds that are made exactly to your specifications. This includes everything from their size, fit, and fabric, to the accessories, and even which side the control chain sits on!

In comparison, ready-made blinds are available off the shelf. They come in set sizes, colours, and designs as standard. They cannot be personalised. Unfortunately, this often results in ill-fitting blinds that are not quite right! That’s why at A1, we would always recommend choosing made to measure blinds…

We’ve been manufacturing made to measure blinds across the North East region for over 30 years! We’re an expert team of craftsmen with a wealth of experience in producing and fitting a wide range of high-quality blinds and shutters. Our range covers everything from rollers, Romans, verticals, and more.

Why Made to Measure Blinds Are the Best

  1. Made to Measure Blinds Are the Perfect Fit for Your Window

Every home – and window – is different. This can make purchasing new blinds tricky. 

The main reason for choosing made to measure blinds is that the overall finish is better. This is because they are produced with your exact window in mind. Therefore, they’ll look the perfect fit with a clean-cut finish. Having a good fit will help to keep more light out, offer more privacy, and help to keep the warmth in too!

A ready-made alternative is likely to need to be cut down to size to suit your window width. Cutting an off the shelf blind can sometimes result in inaccurate lengths or frayed edges, plus, you can never guarantee they’ll properly fit your window! Unlike with made to measure blinds.

Made to measure blinds

  1. A Huge Range of Options for Made to Measure Blinds

Another reason you should choose made to measure blinds is that they’re made exactly to your style and requirements.

All our blinds are produced from scratch in our Blaydon factory, so we can provide the exact blinds that you need for your space. This could include a dimout lining for a bedroom, splash-proof fabric for your kitchen, or a black metal chain to match the rest of your décor! The world of made to measure blinds brings so many options when it comes to dressing your windows.

Made to measure blinds give you the freedom to create the perfect blinds for your home. Not only do A1 offer 11 different blind styles, but we also have thousands of colour and fabric options to choose from too!

Did you know you can order up to 5 free samples from our website? This will make choosing your made to measure blinds so much easier! Simply head to the product page and add a sample to your basket. Alternatively, you can visit our showrooms to see all our products on display.

Venetian made to measure blinds

  1. The Best Quality Made to Measure Blinds & Service

When you choose made to measure blinds from A1, not only are you guaranteed beautiful, perfectly fitting blinds, you’ll also receive an A1 service.

Made to measure blinds are made to much higher standards than ready-made blinds. At A1, our expert team use only the best quality materials to produce the best quality made to measure blinds in the region. This excellent quality makes them more durable so they shouldn’t need replacing as often as regular blinds would. Of course, they really do look the part too!

We offer free home consultations whereby our team will talk you through your options and help you to make the best decision for your needs. During this consultation, we’ll also measure your windows and bring along lots of samples to help you pick. Together, we’ll work out the best fabric, design, and style for your made to measure blinds.

Vertical window blinds

Which Blinds Can Be Made to Measure? 

You’ll be glad to know that all our blind styles can be made to measure. This includes Venetian blinds, perfect fit blinds, pleated blinds, allusion blinds, shutters and much more! They work great for your windows, conservatories, and doors alike!

So, no matter which blinds you fancy, rest assured that A1 can produce them to your exact specification. You can take a look at our full range of made to measure blinds styles on our website or contact the team to find out more.

Have we inspired you to choose made to measure blinds? Book a free home or virtual consultation, or visit one of our showrooms today! We’ll help you to find a look you love.

A1 Blinds Wins BBSA Award for Best Community Impact

A1 Blinds Wins BBSA Award for Best Community Impact

We’re incredibly proud to announce that A1 Blinds has won the BBSA Award for Best Community Impact, recognising the work we have been doing to support people experiencing homelessness in our community.

This award means a great deal to our entire team because it represents something much bigger than a business achievement – it reflects the power of a community coming together to help people who need it most.

The BBSA Awards at The Midland Hotel, Manchester

The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is the UK’s only national trade body representing companies that manufacture, supply and install blinds, shutters and awnings. The organisation plays a vital role in maintaining high standards across the industry, promoting quality, safety and professionalism.

Each year, the BBSA hosts its annual awards to recognise the very best companies within the blinds and shutters industry, celebrating excellence in areas such as innovation, service and community impact.

This year’s awards ceremony took place at the iconic Midland Hotel in Manchester, bringing together blind companies from across the UK for an evening celebrating the achievements of the industry. The event featured great entertainment, including a comedian, and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the night.

We were incredibly proud to hear A1 Blinds announced as the winner of the BBSA Best Community Impact Award.

To be recognised by the BBSA alongside some of the best companies in the industry is something we are extremely proud of.

The Community Initiative That Led to the Award

This award recognised a community initiative that was incredibly important to us.

Last year, A1 Blinds launched a project aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness in our local area.

We created a community drop-off hub where local residents and businesses could donate sleeping bags and essential items to help people sleeping rough.

The response from the community was incredible.

Businesses, residents and organisations from across the area came together to support the initiative. People donated sleeping bags, warm clothing and essential supplies with the shared goal of helping those facing extremely difficult circumstances.

Once collected, the donations were delivered to HOPE Charity, who work directly with people experiencing homelessness and ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

A True Community Effort

While A1 Blinds helped organise the initiative, this achievement belongs to many people.

The response from the local community was inspiring.

Local businesses supported the campaign, residents donated generously, and our entire team got behind the initiative.

This award is therefore not just a win for A1 Blinds – it is a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part.

Continuing Our Commitment to the Communit

Winning the BBSA Best Community Impact Award has reinforced something we strongly believe in.

Businesses have the ability to make a real difference within their communities.

Following the success of this initiative, we have decided that A1 Blinds will partner with a different charity each year to continue supporting important causes.

Our goal is simple – to continue using our platform to support people and organisations doing incredible work.

Supporting Smile for Life Charity

This year we are proud to be working with Smile for Life Charity, a fantastic organisation based in the North East of England.

Smile for Life’s mission is to put a smile on the face of every disabled and disadvantaged youngster.

The charity empowers children and young people to achieve their potential and live full and happy lives.

Through a range of support initiatives and programmes, they help young people overcome challenges and experience opportunities that may otherwise not be available to them.

We are excited to support their work and help raise awareness of the difference they make within our region.

Looking Ahead

Winning the BBSA Award for Best Community Impact is a huge honour for everyone at A1 Blinds.

More importantly, it reinforces the values that drive our business every day.

Supporting our community

Helping people where we can

Working together to make a positive difference

This award represents the combined efforts of our team, local businesses, residents and charities working together.

And this is only the beginning.

We look forward to continuing our community initiatives and supporting even more great causes in the future.

Thank you to everyone who supported the initiative – this award truly belongs to the whole community.

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Case Study: Bradley Hall Head Office

Custom Branded Roller Blinds for Bradley Hall’s Grey Street HQ

Client: Bradley Hall
Location: Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Commercial Property
Scope: Custom Branded and Non-Branded Roller Blinds Across Two Floors
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time, Within 2 Weeks

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install a combination of branded and non-branded roller blinds for Bradley Hall’s stunning new head office on Newcastle’s iconic Grey Street. The blinds not only enhance the aesthetic of the new space, but also provide practical year-round comfort.

What the Client Needed

As the building is listed, Bradley Hall were unable to use external signage to display their brand identity. They needed an interior solution that would subtly represent their brand in a stylish, professional way, while still providing effective solar shading and heat retention.

The Challenge

  • No external signage permitted due to the heritage status of the building.
  • No parking for unloading equipment.
  • 4-metre-high windows requiring specialist ladder access.
  • Narrow spiral staircases, making it difficult to manoeuvre materials without damaging freshly decorated walls and doors.

The client also required a rapid turnaround ahead of moving into their new space.

How We Overcame It

Our team designed and manufactured a blend of branded and non-branded roller blinds, ensuring a cohesive look across two floors. The installation required exceptional care and expertise to work safely within the constraints of a heritage building.

Despite the logistical hurdles, we delivered the entire project from initial enquiry to completion in under 2 weeks, meeting Bradley Hall’s deadlines without compromising on quality.

The Result

The finished installation delivered:

  • Stylish integration of Bradley Hall’s branding into the new office.
  • Effective shading and thermal control for year-round comfort.
  • Seamless delivery within a limited timeframe.
  • A high-quality installation, despite the challenges of restricted access and building constraints.

Client Feedback

“Huge thanks to you and the team Kevin! Fantastic service from start to finish, quick turnaround and quality product and installation. They look great!”

– Sharon Boyd, Chief Operating Officer, Bradley Hall North East / Yorkshire

The Bigger Picture

This project demonstrates our ability to combine branding, design, and practicality, even in heritage or conservation-area buildings where signage is restricted. It also underlines our expertise in overcoming complex site challenges and delivering under tight time pressures.

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.

© 2026 A1 Blinds

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