What Are the Benefits of Buying Made-to-Measure Blinds?

What Are the Benefits of Buying Made-to-Measure Blinds?

Made-to-measure blinds come with a long list of benefits. They are superior to their off-the-shelf alternatives for many, many reasons. But first, let us explain exactly what they are!

Made-to-measure window coverings are made to fit your window and your window only. Using your measurements, and the fabric and lining that you’ve chosen, we go off and make your blinds, exactly as you’ve asked. No two made-to-measure blinds are the same. And that’s their beauty.

The alternative option is off-the-shelf blinds. These are the ready-made option. You’ll find them packaged up on the shelves, in set colours and sizes. Whilst they’re a quick solution to window coverings, off-the-shelf blinds are unlikely to fit your windows and meet your requirements as they should.

Stay with us whilst we take a closer look at the benefits of made-measure-blinds to help you make the best decision possible…

Discover 6 Benefits of Buying Made-to-Measure Blinds

The benefits of buying made-to-measure blinds for your home go much further than just looking good. Here are a few…

You’ll Get a Better Fit When You Choose Made-to-Measure Blinds

Windows don’t come in standard set sizes, so why should your blinds? The key benefit of buying made-to-measure blinds is they fit perfectly. They’re made to the exact size of your window and therefore will do the best possible job in blocking the light and providing privacy.

Another benefit of buying made-to-measure blinds is you can choose the way they fit too! Opt for a recess fit where the blinds are attached right up against the window. Or you can choose an exact fit. This is where the blind is attached to the wall above the window, covering both the window and a small part of the wall on either side of the recess.

Choosing a fit will depend on many factors, but mostly comes down to which look you prefer! Just having the option though is a key benefit of choosing made-to-measure blinds!

Perfectly fitting made to measure blinds

Made-to-Measure Blinds will Improve Energy Efficiency

Because your blinds fit perfectly, they’ll work perfectly too! Made-to-measure blinds will improve the energy efficiency in your home by helping to keep the warmth in and the cold out. With little-to-no gaps between your windows and blinds, air will be prevented from escaping.

Made to measure blinds improve energy efficiency

Made-to-Measure – AKA Bespoke Blinds

Another major benefit of buying made-to-measure blinds is they’ll look exactly like you want them to look. No matter what your taste or décor is, there’s a made-to-measure blind for you.

Our range includes over 10 different styles! You’ll choose from Roller, Roman, Venetian, Pleated, Vision, Motorised, Panel, Velux, Allusion, Perfect-fit blinds and Shutters! All of which are available in a huge range of fabrics, colours, textures, patterns and prints.

It doesn’t end there! When you choose made-to-measure blinds, you’ll also have the option to add decorative chains and pulls, bottom bars, braids, and accessories. They’ll truly be unique to you and can be as fancy or as subtle as you wish!

Bespoke made to measure blinds

A Choice of Linings

Not only can you choose your fabric and finishes, but you can also choose the lining when you buy made-to-measure blinds. You’ll be able to opt for dimout, blackout, thermal or solar protective coatings – depending on what you need!

Made to measure Roman blinds

Made-to-Measure Blinds Offer the Highest Quality

Not only are they ‘made-to-measure’ blinds, but they’re made to a much higher standard too. At A1 Blinds we use only the best quality materials to produce the best quality blinds in the North East region. Our team is made up of expert craftspeople who are highly skilled at what they do!

When you buy made-to-measure blinds from A1, you can rest assured knowing you’re buying a quality window covering that will look great and stand the test of time. All our blinds come with a 12-months manufacturer guarantee as standard, and we’re always more than happy to help!

Sheer made-to-measure blinds

We’ll Do All the Hard Work for You!

To ensure you’re getting the absolute maximum from your blinds, we won’t just make them for you. We’ll also measure and fit them too! For FREE! We’ll make sure we get the perfect sizing and a professional finish.

Have we convinced you? Trust us we’re experts on this! A made-to-measure blind won’t let you down, and neither will we.

Why not book your free home consultation today? During this appointment, we’ll guide you through our range, show you through our samples and measure your windows. Then, once you’ve selected the perfect made-to-measure blinds, we’ll make them and come back and fit them for you! Book on our website or contact us at info@a1blindsuk.co.uk or 0800 193 0417.

Alternatively, you could visit one of our North East showrooms. You’ll find us at Blaydon at Forest Hall, and you’ll be able to see our blinds in situ and get a feel of how they look.

 

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.

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full


    Client: Private Developer
    Location:
    St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
    Sector:
    Commercial – Student Accommodation
    Scope:
    482 Roller Blinds
    Project Status:
    Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)


    The Project

    We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.

    How It Came About

    This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.

    What the Client Needed

    The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
    We supplied blinds that ticked every box:

    • Blackout fabric for full privacy and light control
    • Fire-retardant (FR) materials to meet regulations
    • Colour-matched components for a clean, consistent look
    • A solution that was cost-effective without compromising on quality

    Why They Chose Us

    We brought more than just products to the table:

    • We’re a local manufacturer with full control of our production schedule
    • We’ve got a proven track record in commercial and student accommodation work
    • We listened, adapted, and delivered exactly what was needed
    • Our team kept things simple, professional, and on track from start to finish

    How We Delivered

    From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.

    • ✅ Delivered On Time and In Full
    • ✅ Zero defects across all 11 floors
    • ✅ Smooth installation with minimal disruption to other contractors

    What the Client Said

    “Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”

    Nick Campfield, Project Director

    The Result

    This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.

    In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.


    Ready for the Next One

    With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.

    Best Blinds to Keep Your House Cool in Summer

    Best Blinds to Keep Your House Cool in Summer

    When the UK finally gets a stretch of warm weather, it’s brilliant — until your home turns into a sweaty, sleepless oven. If you’re searching for how to keep your house cool in hot weather (without running a fan 24/7), you’re not alone.

    One of the most effective and energy-efficient ways to regulate indoor temperature is by choosing the right window blinds. In this guide, we’ll share the best blinds to keep your house cool in summer, with expert tips and links to products proven to beat the heat.



    ☀️ Why Blinds Matter in Hot Weather

    In the UK, up to 30% of unwanted summer heat enters through your windows, according to government energy data. That’s a big deal — especially in homes with large windows or glass doors.

    Blinds help reduce heat gain by blocking or reflecting sunlight before it warms up your interiors. But not all blinds are created equal. Here’s what to look for.



    🧊 1. Thermal Blinds Work in Summer Too

    Thermal blinds aren’t just for winter. The same insulating layer that keeps the cold out can also reflect heat away from your home in summer.

    By reducing solar gain, thermal blinds can make a room feel several degrees cooler — perfect for bedrooms, loft conversions or sun traps.

    Top tip: Choose lighter-coloured thermal blinds to reflect rather than absorb sunlight.



    🌓 2. Vision Blinds Offer Flexibility & Style

    Vision blinds combine sheer and opaque fabric stripes, letting you adjust how much light and heat enters your room throughout the day.

    They’re especially effective in rooms where you still want light, but need to control glare and warmth — like kitchens, conservatories or home offices.



    🪟 3. Venetian Blinds Let You Deflect Sunlight

    Venetian blinds, particularly aluminium or faux wood, are ideal for regulating sunlight without completely blocking it. Simply tilt the slats to bounce the sun’s rays upward, reducing heat while maintaining brightness.

    They’re also easy to clean and look great in modern homes.



    😴 4. Keep Bedrooms Cool with Blackout Blinds

    Getting to sleep in a hot room can be tough. Blackout blinds help by not only blocking early sunlight but also reducing heat build-up during the day — especially in south- or west-facing bedrooms.

    Combine them with open windows in the evening for a cooler, more restful night.



    🔧 5. Perfect Fit Blinds = Maximum Coverage

    Perfect fit blinds offer edge-to-edge coverage inside the window frame — meaning less light leakage and less heat sneaking in. They’re ideal for doors, conservatories or awkwardly shaped windows.

    The snug fit means better temperature control and a sleek, tidy finish.



    💡 Bonus Tip: Combine Blinds with Smart Ventilation

    For best results, open windows early in the morning or later in the evening to let in cooler air — and keep your blinds shut during the hottest parts of the day to block the heat.


    Still not sure which blinds are right for your space? Check out our expert guides on the best window coverings to keep out heat and how roller blinds can help cool your home in summer for more ideas and inspiration.

    ✅ Ready to Cool Down Your Home?

    Browse our full range of heat-busting blinds:

    Book your free home appointment here
    📞 Or call us on 0800 193 0417

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