Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you send out FREE samples?
• How do I know that you have received my order?
• How do you keep your prices so low?
• When will I receive my blinds?
• How do I know my credit card details are secure?
• Do you offer FREE delivery?
• What if I am not in when my blinds are delivered?
• Do you just deliver within Mainland UK?
• What do I do if my blind is damaged on arrival?
• What is the difference between an ‘exact’ and a ‘recess’ measurement?
• How do I measure for a Roller blind to cover a door with a window in it?
• Do you supply brackets and screws?
• I have very big windows what is the largest size of blinds that you can make?
• Do you sell wooden Venetian blinds?
• Will you measure and fit my blinds?
• How do I arrange a home visit?
• Can I get these internet offer prices through a home visit?
• Can I wash my blinds?
• Are my blinds guaranteed?
• Can I order blinds for my business?

Do you send out FREE samples?

Yes - we will send you a FREE pack of our entire on-line product range including all of our vertical and roller blind fabrics and our entire range of aluminium venetian slats. Our unique ‘Shop in a Box’ service allows you to view our entire range of fabrics in the comfort of your own home, experience the quality on offer and then colour match to suit your décor. Order your FREE sample pack by going to the ‘Order Samples’ section of the website.

How do I know that you have received my order?

You will be sent a confirmation email within 24 hours to confirm that we have received your order and your payment and that your blinds have gone into production.

How do you keep your prices so low?

We aim to offer the most competitive prices for made to measure blinds on the web. We buy our textiles and components in large volumes from tried and tested suppliers and using the very latest production techniques and technology to custom make your blinds means that we can pass the savings directly on to you.

When will I receive my blinds?

Your blinds will go into production on receipt of your order and we will endeavour to deliver to your specified address within seven working days. You will receive a call or email, (if we can’t leave a message), from one of our Customer Service advisors within five working days to confirm a delivery date. See delivery options for full details.

How do I know my credit card details are secure?

Shades Window Blinds use a company called PROTX for handling our on-line payment transactions. PROTX operates a completely secure credit card and debit card payment system and is the largest independent Payment Service Provider in the UK meaning you can order your blinds from us and pay on-line with complete confidence. If you would rather order over the phone then please call one of our Customer Service advisors on 0845 600 6499 between the hours of 09.00 and 18.00, Monday to Friday, and they will be happy to process your order as well.

Do you offer FREE delivery?

Yes weekday delivery is completely free if you live in mainland UK. For all other delivery options go to the delivery section of the website.

What if I am not in when my blinds are delivered?

If we try to deliver your blinds and you are out we will leave details of your local collection depot. You can phone to have the blinds re-delivered, (a local re-delivery charge will apply and be payable by yourself), or alternatively you can collect the blinds yourself at a convenient time.

Do you just deliver within Mainland UK?

For delivery to the Scotland Highlands and Islands we charge £20.00 post and packaging per order up to a maximum of six blinds. Delivery to either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland is £25.00 post and packaging per order up to a maximum of six blinds. For larger orders please contact one of our Customer Service advisors for a quote.

We welcome enquiries for deliveries to the Channel Islands and will supply you with a quote based on the weight of the order.

For all other delivery enquiries please contact one of our Customer Services advisors on 0845 600 6499 for a Free quote.

What do I do if my blind is damaged on arrival?

We thoroughly inspect every blind we make and also photograph it before it leaves our factory to ensure that it is in perfect working condition and that all relevant accessories and brackets are included. Your blinds are then carefully packed by our despatch team but very occasionally they can be damaged in transit for reasons out with our control.

If this happens we ask you to phone our Customer Service Helpline, in the first instance, on 0845 600 6499. If a blind has been damaged in transit we will arrange for the pick-up of the blind and following our inspection to determine the cause of the damage we will remake the blind and send it back to you by return post. Please note: we are not liable for any damage that has been caused to a blind through incorrect fitting or operation and if this is found to be the case we will charge you for remaking the blind and all post and packaging costs incurred.

What is the difference between an ‘exact’ and a ‘recess’ measurement?

When you place your order for a made to measure blind from Shades Window Blinds you will asked on the order form to specify whether your measurements are ‘exact’ or ‘recess’. An ‘exact’ blind will be made to precisely the measurements that you have entered on the order form. An ‘exact’ window blind will either be a Venetian or a Roller blind and will typically be fitted in front of the window frame, (or on a door), and is usually fitted with a face fix bracket.

A ‘recess’ measurement is required for a blind that you want to fit within the ‘recess’ of your window. Measure the ‘recess’ width from wall to wall as per our measuring guide, take the shortest width and enter those details into the on-line order form. We will make the necessary adjustments to take into account the headrail fittings and thus ensure a perfect fit for your blinds. For Venetian and Vertical blinds we deduct 13mms from the width of your blind to take into account the headrail and chain fittings. With Roller blinds there is no headrail, however we still need to allow for the fittings at either end of the blind. This means that the width of the blind regardless of whether you have specified an ‘exact’ or a ‘recess’ finish will be made 36mms less than the measurements that you entered into the order form.

An important point to note if you are ordering a roller blind to cover a door with a window in it, (typically a bathroom door or a front door), is that an ‘exact’ width measurement will be required, and you will therefore need to add on 36mms to your width measurements to ensure that you have sufficient material coverage of any glass or window area in the door. For more information see our ‘Measuring and Fitting’ guides for full details, or if you have any questions please call one of our Customer Service advisors on 0845 600 6499 who will be able to help with your order.

How do I measure for a Roller blind to cover a door with a window in it?

If you are ordering a roller blind to cover a door with a window in it, (typically a bathroom door or a front door), an ‘exact’ width measurement will be required, and you will need to add on 36mms to your width measurements to ensure that you have sufficient material coverage of any window or glass area in the door. If you have any questions please call our Customer Service Helpline on 0845 600 6499.

Do you supply brackets and screws?

Yes we will supply a pack containing the required number of both ‘face fix’ and ‘top fix’ brackets to give you more flexible fitting options, (note: only top fix brackets are required and will be supplied with a Vertical blind). We do not supply screws. You will need to buy screws and rawlplugs according to the material that you are attaching the blinds to; for example wood or plaster screws as required.

I have very big windows what is the largest size of blinds that you can make?

Vertical Blinds - We can make a Vertical blind up to a maximum size of 2.8 metres wide by 2.8 metres drop, (an oversize surcharge of £9.99 per blind applies over 1.9 metres wide by 1.9 metres drop).

Roller Blinds - We can make a Roller blind up to a maximum size of 2.0 metres wide by 2.8 metres drop (an oversize surcharge of £9.99 per blind applies over 1.8 metres wide by 1.8 metres drop).

Venetian and Wood Effect Venetian Blinds - We can make a Venetian blind up to a maximum ‘Large’ size of 2.2 metres wide by 2.2 metres drop.

Do you sell wooden Venetian blinds?

We are planning to introduce a range of made to measure wooden Venetian blinds in the very near future.

Will you measure and fit my blinds?

At present Shades only offer a home visit service to our customer base in Central Scotland.

How do I arrange a home visit?

If you live in Central Scotland and wish to book a home visit from one of our Sales Advisors please enter your home postcode to determine whether we cover your area, then fill in your details and indicate whether you would prefer a Monday to Friday, morning,afternoon or evening appointment. One of our Customer Service advisors will call you back and confirm a date and time to suit your schedule. Or, you can simply telephone us on 0845 600 6499 to speak to an advisor, confirm we cover your area and book a home visit. Appointments are available Monday to Friday - we do not cover weekend calls.

Can I get these internet offer prices through a home visit?

The fabrics, prices and offers listed on our website are for internet customers only and are not available through our home sales advisory service or in our retail outlets.

Can I wash my blinds?

Do not wash window slats in a washing machine – some stains can be sponged clean with cold water and a little mild detergent but this is not guaranteed by the fabric manufacturer so please test on a small area first.

Are my blinds guaranteed?

Yes our products are displayed and inspected before leaving the factory to ensure that they meet our stringent quality control standards and are guaranteed through normal use for a year for parts and labour.

Can I order blinds for my business?

The offers in this website are available only to domestic customers for delivery in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland. Commercial customers should contact our sales team to be provided with appropriate fabric ranges and pricing structures.


If we haven’t answered your question please call our Customer Services Helpline on 0845 600 6499.