When choosing new window coverings, most homeowners find themselves deciding between made to measure blinds and ready made blinds. On the surface, they can look similar, but the way they’re made, fitted and finished makes a real difference.

Here’s what you should know before deciding.

What Are Ready Made Blinds?

Ready made blinds are pre-manufactured in standard widths and drops. They’re designed to suit the “average” window size and are usually purchased off the shelf or online for home installation.

You may also see them described as:

• Cut to size blinds
• Blinds cut to size
• Cut to measure blinds

While these sound customised, they’re typically standard blinds that are trimmed down to better fit your space.

For straightforward windows and short-term needs, they can be a practical and affordable option. But because they aren’t built specifically for your measurements, there’s often a degree of compromise involved.

What Are Made To Measure Blinds?

Made to measure blinds are custom manufactured to the exact dimensions of your windows.

Instead of adjusting a standard blind, the blind is created specifically for your space.

This means:

• Precise measurements
• A cleaner, tailored finish
• No awkward gaps at the sides
• Better light control

Many made to measure blinds, like ours at Aspiration Blinds, can also be fitted by professionals that handle both measuring and installation. This removes guesswork and ensures everything operates smoothly from day one.

For modern window styles, made to measure perfect fit blinds are especially popular. These clip neatly into the frame without drilling, making them ideal for uPVC windows and doors.

The Key Differences

1. Fit & Finish

The biggest difference between ready made blinds and made to measure blinds is accuracy. With ready made blinds, you may need to compromise on width or drop, small gaps can let light in and they may sit slightly uneven.

With blinds made to measure, they are built to the exact millimetre and designed to sit neatly within or over your recess. This gives a more seamless, built-in appearance, making them especially ideal for bay windows, patio doors and unusual shapes

If precision matters, custom-made will always outperform off-the-shelf.

2. Style, Fabric & Design Choices

Ready made blinds are limited to what’s currently in stock. That means fewer fabric ranges, fewer control mechanisms, and fewer customisation options.

In contrast, made to measure blinds offer far more flexibility.

You can typically choose from:

• Wider fabric collections
• Blackout, dim-out or light-filtering options
• Motorised or manual controls
• Coordinated solutions, including made to measure curtains and blinds

This makes it easier to match your blinds to your interior design rather than adjusting your décor to suit what’s available.

3. Installation & Hassle Factor

While ready made blinds are typically cheaper, this is because they require you to do a lot of the work yourself, including measuring your windows, choosing the closest available size, potentially cutting the blind down to fit and finally installing it correctly.

If measurements are even slightly off, the blind may not function properly, or look right.

With made to measure and fitted blinds, everything is handled professionally. The blinds are measured accurately, manufactured to suit, and installed securely.

For many homeowners, avoiding the stress and risk of getting it wrong is worth the investment alone.

4. Cost: Short-Term Saving vs Long-Term Value

There’s no denying that ready made blinds usually cost less upfront.

But price isn’t just about what you pay on the day.

Ready made blinds may wear out faster, need replacing sooner, look temporary and provide weaker light control.

Made to measure blinds, while a larger initial investment, are designed to last. They fit better, operate more smoothly and use higher quality components.

Over time, that durability can make them better value overall.

When Do Ready Made Blinds Make Sense?

Ready made blinds do have their place. They can be suitable for:

• Temporary accommodation
• Student housing
• Quick property staging
• Lower budgets
• Standard, straightforward window sizes

If you need something fast and inexpensive, they can be incredibly handy.

Why Many Homeowners Choose Made To Measure Blinds

For long-term window fittings, the advantages of made to measure blinds tend to outweigh the convenience of ready made options.

Homeowners often prefer them because they offer:

• A perfect, gap-free fit
• Improved insulation
• Better privacy
• Enhanced light control
• Greater durability
• A more premium finish

Blinds made to measure simply look intentional and part of the room, rather than an add-on.

Which are Right for You?

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly solution, ready made blinds can do the job.

But if you want precision, durability and a finish that truly complements your home, made-to-measure blinds are usually the better long-term choice.

Investing in made to measure and fitted blinds means investing in quality, appearance and peace of mind,  and that’s why so many homeowners choose custom over compromise.

Aspiration Made to Measure Blinds

At Aspiration Blinds, all of our made to measure blinds are manufactured to your exact window dimensions, ensuring a flawless fit and a professional finish. Whether you’re styling a modern extension, updating a family home, or upgrading a conservatory, we offer a wide range of blinds made to measure to suit every room.

Here’s a look at some of the styles we provide:

Roller Blinds

A versatile and contemporary option, made to measure roller blinds are ideal for kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces. Available in blackout, light-filtering and patterned fabrics, they offer both practicality and clean design.

Cassette Roller Blinds

Cassette roller blinds encase the fabric neatly within a top cassette for a streamlined appearance. These made-to-measure blinds provide a more refined finish and enhanced light control.

Blackout Blinds

Perfect for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms, made to measure blackout blinds are designed to minimise light intrusion and improve sleep quality.

Vision Blinds

Also known as day and night blinds, vision blinds feature alternating sheer and opaque panels. Made to measure for precise alignment, they allow you to adjust privacy and light levels effortlessly.

Perfect Fit Blinds

Our made to measure perfect fit blinds clip directly into uPVC window frames without drilling. They move with the window or door, making them ideal for conservatories and patio doors.

Pleated Blinds

Neat and compact, pleated blinds are especially popular for conservatories and shaped windows. Their tailored structure ensures a clean, modern look when made to measure.

Conservatory Blinds

Temperature control is essential in conservatories. Our made-to-measure blinds are designed specifically to fit roof and window panels, helping regulate heat and glare throughout the year.

Vertical Blinds

A practical choice for larger windows and sliding doors, vertical blinds offer adjustable light control and a structured appearance when manufactured to your exact size.

Roman Blinds

For a softer, more luxurious feel, made to measure Roman blinds add texture and elegance to living rooms and bedrooms. They can also be coordinated with made to measure curtains and blinds for a cohesive look.

Venetian Blinds

Available in aluminium or wood finishes, Venetian blinds provide excellent light control with adjustable slats.

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Our made to measure wooden Venetian blinds offer a timeless, natural aesthetic that works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional interiors.

Apex Window Blinds

Designed specifically for angled or apex windows, these specialist blinds are made to measure to ensure precise fitting in uniquely shaped spaces.

Whatever your style preference, our made-to-measure blinds are designed to complement your home while delivering long-lasting performance and a perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are made-to-measure blinds worth the extra cost?

For many homeowners, yes. Made to measure blinds are built specifically for your window dimensions, which means a better fit, improved light control and a more polished finish.

While ready made blinds are usually cheaper upfront, they may not last as long or fit as neatly. If you’re furnishing a long-term home, made-to-measure blinds are often a better investment.

What is the difference between made to measure blinds and ready made blinds?

The main difference is how they’re manufactured.

• Ready made blinds are produced in standard sizes and sold off the shelf.
• Made to measure blinds are custom built to your exact window measurements.

Even options labelled as cut to size blinds or blinds cut to size are typically trimmed from standard stock rather than created specifically for your window.

Are cut to size blinds the same as made to measure blinds?

No, they’re not the same.

Cut to size blinds (sometimes called cut to measure blinds) are pre-made blinds that are adjusted to better fit your window. While this can improve sizing slightly, they are still based on standard designs and components.

Made to measure blinds, on the other hand, are manufactured from scratch using your exact measurements. This usually results in a cleaner, more accurate finish.

Do made to measure blinds fit better?

Yes. Because blinds made to measure are produced to precise dimensions, they typically provide a tighter fit with fewer gaps at the sides.

This means:

• Better light control
• Improved privacy
• A more seamless appearance
• Less movement or rattling

For bay windows, patio doors or unusually shaped frames, custom sizing makes a noticeable difference.

What are made to measure perfect fit blinds?

Made to measure perfect fit blinds are designed to clip directly into uPVC window frames without drilling. They sit neatly within the frame, moving with the window or door when opened.

Because they’re made to measure, they fit the frame exactly — giving a sleek, integrated look that’s especially popular in modern homes.

Are ready made blinds good quality?

Some ready made blinds are perfectly suitable for short-term use or rental properties. However, because they are mass-produced to standard sizes, the materials and mechanisms may not always be as durable as those used in made-to-measure options.

If you’re looking for something long-lasting and tailored to your space, made-to-measure blinds often offer higher overall quality.

Is it cheaper to buy ready made blinds?

In most cases, yes — the initial purchase price of ready made blinds is lower.

However, if the fit isn’t quite right, or if the blinds need replacing sooner due to wear and tear, the long-term cost can increase. Made to measure blinds may cost more upfront, but they’re designed to last and function properly over time.

Do made to measure blinds come with installation?

Many suppliers offer made to measure and fitted blinds, meaning they take care of both measuring and installation.

This ensures:

• Accurate sizing
• Secure fitting
• Smooth operation
• A professional finish

Professional fitting can also give peace of mind, particularly for larger windows or more complex installations.

Can I get matching made to measure curtains and blinds?

Yes. Many homeowners choose made to measure curtains and blinds together to create a coordinated interior design.

Because both are custom produced, you can select complementary fabrics, colours and finishes that suit the overall style of your room.

How long do made to measure blinds take to be delivered?

Because they’re custom manufactured, made to measure blinds typically take longer to produce than ready made blinds. Lead times vary depending on the style and supplier, but they are usually made and delivered within a few weeks.

While this requires a little more patience, the result is a blind tailored specifically to your home.

Are made-to-measure blinds better for insulation?

Yes, in many cases.

Because made-to-measure blinds fit more precisely, they reduce gaps around the edges. This can help minimise draughts and improve thermal efficiency, particularly during colder months.

A better fit often means better insulation.

Which option adds more value to a home?

While blinds aren’t a structural renovation, well-fitted, high-quality made to measure blinds can enhance the overall appearance of a property.

They tend to look more permanent and considered than ready made blinds, which can positively influence how a room feels, especially in modern or recently renovated homes.