10 tips on how to choose the best blinds for your home?

Or view our 5min read here: 10 Tips to choosing your perfect custom blinds

Did you know that custom blinds do more than just cover windows. 

They set the mood, give you privacy, and even help with energy bills.

The right blinds make a home feel cozy, stylish, and practical. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best ones?

After 20 years of installing blinds, I’ve seen it all—blinds that fit like a glove and blinds that look like an afterthought. And here’s a little secret: custom blinds always fit better than ready-made ones. 

If you want blinds that last and look great, view these 10 tips on how to choose the best blinds for your home?

1. Think About Function First

Before you fall in love with a design, ask yourself: What do I need these blinds to do?

• Want total darkness for better sleep? Blackout blinds are your best bet.
• Have a sunny living room? Sheer or light-filtering blinds soften bright light without making the room feel gloomy.
• Need something for a bathroom or kitchen? Faux wood or aluminum won’t warp from moisture.

I once installed wooden blinds in a client’s bathroom. They looked amazing—until a few months later when the steam made them bend and crack. Lesson learned: match the blinds to the room, not just your style.

2. Get the Right Size

Blinds that are too small leave gaps where light sneaks in. Too big, and they look bulky. Ready-made blinds come in standard sizes, but let’s be honest—most windows aren’t “standard.”

A custom fit looks polished and blocks light exactly where you need it. Plus, you won’t have that annoying gap where the morning sun shines right into your eyes.

3. Pick the Right Material

Different blinds work better in different rooms. Some are easy to clean, while others need more care.

• Wood blinds – Beautiful, but sensitive to humidity. Best for living rooms and bedrooms.
• Faux wood blinds – Look like wood but resist moisture. Great for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Aluminum blinds – Sleek, modern, and super easy to wipe down.
• Fabric blinds – Soft and stylish but need regular dusting.

A client of mine once picked real wood blinds for her kitchen because she loved the rich, warm look.

A year later, the cooking steam had warped them. We swapped them for faux wood, and she was much happier.

4. Control Your Light

Some rooms need total darkness. Others just need a little filtering.

• Blackout blinds – Perfect for bedrooms and TV rooms.
• Sheer blinds – Let in natural light while softening glare.
• Venetian blinds – Adjust the slats to let in as much (or as little) light as you want.

Think about your lifestyle. 

Do you love waking up to soft morning light? Go for sheer blinds. Hate the early sunrise waking you up? Blackout blinds are the way to go.

View our post on how to combine curtain with blinds

5. Match Your Décor

Blinds should blend into your home, not stick out like a sore thumb. A client of mine once chose bright red roller blinds for her neutral-toned living room. They looked great in the store… but once installed, they clashed with everything.

A safe bet? Neutrals like white, beige, or gray work with most styles.

If you would want to add personality? Try bold colors in small doses, like in a home office.

6. Balance Privacy and Light

If you live near neighbors or a busy street, you don’t want people seeing straight into your home. But you also don’t want to live in a cave.

• Top-down, bottom-up blinds let you cover the lower half of the window while keeping the top open for sunlight.
• Dual-layer blinds have sheer and opaque sections, so you can adjust them depending on the time of day.

I once helped a family who had a big front-facing window. They didn’t want people peeking in but also wanted sunlight. Top-down blinds gave them the best of both worlds.

7. Save on Energy Bills

Blinds do more than look pretty. They can help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

• Cellular (honeycomb) blinds trap air and act as insulation.
• Reflective blinds bounce sunlight away, keeping rooms cooler.
• Thicker fabric blinds help block heat in summer and keep warmth inside during winter.

If your electricity bill keeps creeping up, the right blinds can make a real difference.

8. Choose Easy-to-Clean Options

Some blinds are a breeze to clean. Others? Not so much.

• Aluminum and faux wood – A quick wipe is all they need.
• Venetian blinds – Need dusting often.
• Fabric blinds – May require vacuuming or even dry cleaning.

A client of mine chose fabric Roman blinds for her kitchen. A month later, cooking grease had settled into the material. She switched to faux wood, and cleaning became much easier.

9. Keep Kids and Pets Safe

Dangling cords can be a hazard for little ones and curious pets. If safety is a concern, look for:

• Cordless blinds – No loose strings to tangle with.
• Motorized blinds – Adjust them with the touch of a button.
• Retractable cords – If you prefer corded blinds, these stay tucked away.

10. Spend a Little More for Quality

Budget blinds might look fine at first, but they often break, fade, or just don’t work well over time. I’ve replaced plenty of cheap blinds that just didn’t last.

A high-quality set operates smoothly, lasts longer, and keeps looking great. It’s worth the extra investment—you won’t regret it.

Get your Free Quote on any blinds if you are in the East Rand or surrounding areas

Blinds might seem like a small detail, but they make a huge difference in how a home looks and feels. Whether you want better sleep, more privacy, or a stylish touch, the right blinds can transform your space.

And if you’re thinking about ready-made blinds, here’s my advice: custom always fits better. It’s like buying a dress off the rack versus one made just for you. 

The fit, function, and durability are simply unmatched.

So before you make a decision, take a moment to consider your needs. The right blinds will serve you well for years to come.