Choosing new blinds might seem simple. You pick a colour, measure a window, job done – right?
Wrong.
Blinds are one of those things that feel easy until you’re halfway through an online order, realise you’ve got no idea what a recess is, and suddenly find yourself arguing with your tape measure at 11pm.
So, to spare you the frustration (and a possible blind-buying disaster), we’re rounding up the most common mistakes people make when buying blinds — and how to avoid them.
Whether you’re kitting out a whole house or just refreshing the downstairs loo, this guide will help you make confident choices without regrets.
🚫 Mistake 1: Guessing the Measurements
Let’s start with the biggie.
If we had a fiver for every customer who came to us after a “rough estimate” went wrong… we’d have a showroom made of gold.
Blind sizes are not one-size-fits-all. Even if two windows look the same, they can be different by a few millimetres — and that’s enough to cause issues.
✅ How to Avoid It:
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Use a metal tape measure (fabric ones stretch and give false readings)
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Measure width and drop in three places: top, middle and bottom
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Note down the smallest measurement — not the average
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Decide if you want the blind to fit inside the recess (for a snug fit) or outside (for full coverage)
Or better yet — let us measure up for you. It’s free, fast, and stops any awkward DIY drama.
🚫 Mistake 2: Choosing Style Over Substance
Yes, we all love a good-looking blind. But focusing only on how a blind looks — and forgetting what it needs to do — is a fast track to frustration.
For example, a pale-coloured voile might look gorgeous in a bathroom… until you realise it turns transparent at night. Or you buy a blackout blind for a kitchen and wonder why you now cook in the dark.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Think about function before fashion:
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Need privacy? Go for dim out, blackout or top-down options
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Too much sunlight? Consider Vision, Venetian or roller blinds with solar-reflective backing
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Humid room? Choose moisture-resistant fabrics or faux wood
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Want full darkness? Blackout with side channels is your friend
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Safety first? Cordless or motorised options are best for homes with little ones or pets
Once you’ve sorted the practical side, then you can go wild with colour, texture and finish.
🚫 Mistake 3: Forgetting About Child Safety
Blinds and cords can pose a serious risk to small children — and while UK regulations have come a long way, it’s still possible to buy blinds that aren’t child-safe.
Don’t assume that all blinds are “safe by default.” If you’ve got little ones (or ones who visit), it’s worth making sure.
✅ How to Avoid It:
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Look for blinds that are safe by design, such as cordless, tensioned or motorised options
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If you do have cords, install cleats or safety clips to keep them well out of reach
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Always keep cots, beds and furniture away from windows where cords hang
And if you’re not sure? Ask. Any reputable blinds company will guide you towards the right option — and fit it safely too.
🚫 Mistake 4: Assuming All Blinds Are Equal
A blind is a blind is a blind — right?
Not quite.
There’s a world of difference between budget, off-the-shelf blinds and made-to-measure, professionally fitted ones. From how well they block light to how long they last, quality matters.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Be wary of rock-bottom prices — they often mean flimsy materials, poor mechanisms, and limited lifespan.
Instead:
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Invest in made-to-measure blinds for a perfect fit and proper function
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Choose trusted suppliers who offer guarantees and aftercare
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Ask to see samples before you commit
Spending a little more up front can save you money, stress, and screwdrivers down the line.
🚫 Mistake 5: Ordering Online Without Seeing Samples
Photos on a screen rarely tell the full story. That “dove grey” blind might turn out to be purple in daylight. And the fabric that looked smooth and sleek might actually feel like cardboard.
✅ How to Avoid It:
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Always request fabric samples before you buy
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Look at them in the actual room, at different times of day
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Check how the colour works with your paint, flooring and furnishings
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Feel the texture and thickness — some blinds are purely decorative, others are designed to insulate or block light
Or better yet — pop into a showroom where you can see blinds in action and ask questions on the spot.
🚫 Mistake 6: Ignoring the Room’s Conditions
Each room in your home has its own vibe. Your bathroom might be full of steam, your conservatory like a sauna, and your north-facing bedroom cold and dim.
Buying the same type of blind for every space usually leads to disappointment in at least one of them.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Match the blind to the room’s environment:
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Bathrooms & kitchens: Look for moisture-resistant blinds (PVC roller, faux wood, aluminium Venetians)
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Conservatories: Choose blinds that offer thermal control and UV protection
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Bedrooms: Prioritise blackout fabrics and quiet operation
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Living areas: Balance light filtering with privacy — Vision, Roman, or verticals work well
Think about what you need that blind to do, not just how it looks.
🚫 Mistake 7: Overlooking Motorisation
Still think motorised blinds are just for luxury show homes or tech bros?
Think again. Today’s smart blind systems are surprisingly affordable, easy to use, and great for hard-to-reach windows — plus, they remove the need for dangling cords altogether.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Consider motorised options for:
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Skylights or high windows
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Large bay windows
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Media rooms or bedrooms (hello lie-ins!)
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Elderly or mobility-restricted households
And the best bit? You can control them with a remote, app, or even your voice (if you’re feeling fancy).
🚫 Mistake 8: Fitting Them Yourself (When You’re Not That Handy)
We love a bit of DIY as much as the next person. But blinds — especially big or shaped ones — are fiddly little things. One wrong move and you’ve drilled into the frame, the wall, or worse… the window.
✅ How to Avoid It:
Unless you’re confident with a drill and a spirit level:
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Book a professional fitter (like us 😉)
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Let them deal with odd angles, out-of-true windows, and awkward recesses
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Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a job done properly — first time
Plus, if anything goes wrong, it’s not your wall that takes the blame.
🚫 Mistake 9: Not Thinking About Cleaning
Some blinds are wipe-clean dreams. Others are dust-trapping nightmares.
If you’ve got a busy household, allergies, pets, or zero patience for duster duty, make sure your blind choice fits your cleaning style.
✅ How to Avoid It:
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Venetian blinds (especially aluminium or faux wood) are easy to wipe down
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Roller blinds in PVC or treated fabric just need a quick once-over
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Roman and pleated blinds need a little more love — vacuum with the brush attachment
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Vertical blinds can be removed and soaked, but check fabric first
And don’t worry — we’ve got a full blog post on blind maintenance right here if you need it.
🚫 Mistake 10: Not Asking for Advice
You don’t need to be a blinds expert — that’s our job.
Trying to figure everything out on your own (especially online) can leave you second-guessing and overwhelmed.
✅ How to Avoid It:
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Visit a showroom or book a home consultation
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Ask all the questions — even the silly ones (we’ve heard them all!)
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Tell us about your lifestyle, space, and priorities — we’ll guide you to the right options
🪟 Final Thoughts
Buying blinds should be exciting — not stressful.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll end up with blinds that look brilliant, work perfectly, and make your home feel like, well, home.
Remember:
✔️ Measure carefully
✔️ Think practically
✔️ Ask for samples
✔️ Don’t be afraid to ask for help
And if you want to take out all the guesswork completely?
Come see us at Just Blinds. We’ll show you the best options for your home, do all the measuring, and handle the installation — so all you have to do is sit back and admire your lovely new blinds.
Team Just Blinds
No stress. No mess. Just beautiful blinds, made simple.
