Blinds come in a variety of styles, sizes and materials, which makes revamping your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or living area a cost effective and practical exercise. Blinds are also available in a variety of configurations for installation in outdoor areas, such as a patio, veranda or outdoor entertainment area. Besides offering protection from the harmful effects of the sun, they can also provide shelter from the elements as well as offering you privacy from neighbours or passers-by.

Blinds installers will typically offer a service that includes a customised measurement and fitting service. Custom made blinds are often required if you have window dimensions that are not available in the standard sizes. If you are not especially DIY friendly then having the peace of mind that professionals installers bring makes sense.

• experience – the longer an installer has been operating may well indicate a certain standard of workmanship, so research your installer carefully
• professionalism – is the standard of workmanship consistent and of high quality?
• reputation – does the installer have a reputable body of work in the local area which you can view or verify?
• full service – does the installer offer a full service that covers all aspects of acquiring and installing blinds in your home?

There are numerous varieties of blinds on the market, so choose based on your own needs and styling cues in your home.

Venetian/horizontal – these are the common, typical blind one finds in a range of locations and in a variety of materials including wood, aluminium, and coloured vinyl/plastics.

Roman – these blinds often are manufactured in a fabric of your choice and fold neatly away with a draw cord mechanism.

Roller – versatile blinds that are low profile and can be customised in a variety of colours, with a spring activated mechanism. Plastic/PVC roller blinds are especially suited to kitchens, where fabric or wood would be unsuitable.

Vertical – these louvre style blinds are functional and available in a variety of materials, including fabrics, canvas or wood. They are especially easy to maintain as they do not collect dust as easily as horizontal blinds.

Outdoor – a range of durable UV treated canvases as well as clear or solar tinted plastics/PVC are available for use outdoors.