Facts You Should Know Before Choosing Any Blinds

With so many window covering options available, knowing where to start can feel harder than it should. Should you buy ready-made blinds online, visit a local showroom, or work with a company that measures and installs everything for you?

For homeowners looking for custom blinds in Surrey, Vancouver, or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, the best place to buy window blinds is usually one that can help with more than simply choosing a colour. Accurate measurements, the right product for the room, safe operating options, warranty coverage, and proper installation can all affect how well your blinds work once they are in your home.

This guide explains what to compare before ordering custom blinds and shades, including sizing, materials, price, installation, energy efficiency, child safety, warranties, and where you can start a custom blind order online.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Window Blinds?

The best place to buy window blinds depends on the type of project you have.

Ready-made blinds can work well for straightforward windows where the available sizes closely match the opening and you are comfortable measuring and installing them yourself. For larger windows, unusual dimensions, multiple rooms, motorization, or a more finished look, a custom window covering company can make the process easier.

When comparing companies, look for a provider that can help with:

• Accurate window measurements
• Made-to-measure sizing
• Product and fabric selection
• Privacy and light-control recommendations
• Cordless and motorized options
• Clear pricing
• Professional installation
• Warranty and after-sales support

The lowest advertised price is not always the best value if measuring, installation, replacement parts, or service after the purchase are not included.

Custom Blinds vs. Ready-Made Blinds

One of the first decisions is whether you need standard-size blinds or a custom product.

Factor	Ready-Made Blinds	Custom Blinds
Window sizing	Made in standard dimensions	Made for the measured window
Product choices	Usually limited to stocked options	More choices in fabrics, colours, opacity and controls
Measuring	Usually handled by the buyer	Professional measuring may be available
Installation	Often DIY	Professional installation can be included
Motorization	Limited depending on retailer	Can be specified for compatible products
After-sales support	Depends on the retailer	Often easier when working with a local company

Neither option is automatically right or wrong. The decision comes down to your budget, window dimensions, how much customization you want, and how much of the measuring and installation process you want to handle yourself.

What Should You Look for Before Buying Custom Blinds?

1. Start With What the Blinds Need to Do

The original purpose of the blinds should guide almost every other decision.

Ask yourself what matters most in the room:

• Privacy
• Blackout or room darkening
• Glare reduction
• Natural light
• Insulation
• Easy cleaning
• Motorized control
• Coverage for a large window or patio door

A bedroom, for example, may need stronger light control than a living room. A street-facing room may need daytime privacy without making the room completely dark. A sliding patio door needs a product that can cover a much wider opening while still being easy to use.

If you are unsure which style matches the room, start with Ray Blinds’ guide to the different types of blinds for windows.

2. Get the Window Size Right

Correct measurements are one of the most important parts of buying window blinds.

A blind that is slightly too narrow can leave unnecessary gaps. A blind that is too wide may not fit inside the frame at all. Window openings can also be uneven, so measuring only once across the centre is not always enough.

Inside-mount and outside-mount blinds require different measurements. The depth of the window frame, handles, trim, and other obstructions may also affect the finished fit.

If you want to understand the process before ordering, see the step-by-step guide to measuring windows for blinds.

3. Choose the Right Blind Style

There is no single blind style that is best for every room. Different products solve different problems.

Roller blinds are a clean and simple option for bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and other spaces where you want straightforward light control.

Zebra blinds use alternating sheer and solid fabric layers, allowing you to adjust between more daylight and more privacy without raising the entire shade.

Honeycomb blinds, also called cellular shades, use a cellular structure that creates an insulating layer near the window.

Vertical blinds work particularly well for wide openings and sliding patio doors because the vanes can tilt for light control and slide out of the way when the doorway is in use.

Faux wood blinds provide the appearance of wood with materials that are easier to use in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and other higher-moisture spaces.

Sheer horizontal shades can be useful when you want softer daylight and privacy without a heavy window covering.

If convenience or hard-to-reach windows are the main concern, motorized blinds are available for several compatible blind and shade styles.

4. Consider Colour and Material in the Actual Room

Colour matters, but there is no universal rule that a certain colour works best.

Instead of choosing from a screen alone, compare the sample against the room’s flooring, walls, furniture, and natural light. A fabric or finish can look quite different under warm indoor lighting than it does in daylight.

Material is equally important. Fabric shades, faux wood, vinyl, aluminum, and other materials each behave differently when it comes to cleaning, moisture, weight, durability, and appearance.

This is one reason seeing physical samples before placing a large order can be useful.

Energy Efficiency and Window Blinds: What Does the Research Say?

Window coverings can also affect comfort near the glass, particularly during cold winters or periods of strong sunlight.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that qualifying insulated cellular shades can decrease heat loss through windows by 40% or more in winter. The DOE also notes that these products can reduce solar heat gain during warmer conditions.

This does not mean every blind will produce the same energy savings. Results depend on the window, product construction, fit, climate, and how the shade is operated.

If insulation is a priority, honeycomb or cellular shades are worth comparing with other window covering options.

Are Cordless or Motorized Blinds Safer for Homes With Children?

Child safety should be part of the buying decision whenever young children live in or regularly visit the home.

Health Canada states that the safest window coverings are those without long accessible cords. Long accessible cords can create a strangulation risk, particularly for young children.

When shopping for new blinds, ask what cordless options are available for the product you are considering. Motorized systems can also remove the need for a traditional long operating cord on compatible products.

Always follow the manufacturer’s safety and installation instructions for the specific window covering.

Quick Facts to Compare Before Ordering Window Blinds

Fact	What It Means for Buyers	Source
40%+ reduction in winter window heat loss	Qualifying insulated cellular shades can decrease heat loss through windows by 40% or more in winter.	U.S. Department of Energy
Avoid long accessible cords	Health Canada says the safest window coverings are those without long accessible cords.	Health Canada
Surrey-based company	Ray Blinds is a family-owned window covering company based in Surrey, BC, serving the Lower Mainland.	Ray Blinds
Serving homeowners since 2017	Ray Blinds states that it has served homeowners in the region since 2017.	Ray Blinds
Custom manufacturing	Ray Blinds manufactures made-to-measure blinds and shades based on individual window measurements.	Ray Blinds Manufacturing

5. Compare Pricing, Not Just the Starting Price

Price will naturally be part of the decision, but comparing blinds purely by the advertised starting price can be misleading.

Ask what the quote actually includes:

• Product
• Custom sizing
• Measuring
• Installation
• Motorization, if applicable
• Controls or smart-home hardware
• Delivery
• Warranty

Material, fabric, window size, number of windows, blind style, controls, and installation requirements can all change the final cost.

If you are trying to establish a budget first, read the Ray Blinds guide to window blind installation costs.

6. Choose a Retailer or Installer You Can Verify

The original version of this guide recommended choosing the right retailer, and that advice still matters.

Before ordering, check how long the company has been operating, what services it provides, and whether its reviews consistently mention product quality, communication, measuring, installation, and support after the sale.

Do not rely on a single review. Look for patterns across multiple reviews and platforms.

For a larger project, it can also be worth getting more than one quote so you can compare product specifications and service, not just the total price.

7. Review the Warranty Before You Pay

Window coverings include moving parts such as brackets, clutches, cordless mechanisms, motors, rollers, and other components. Understanding the warranty before you buy can save confusion later.

Ask:

• How long is the product covered?
• Are mechanisms covered for a different period than fabrics or materials?
• Does motorization have separate warranty terms?
• Who handles the warranty claim?
• Are repairs or replacement parts available locally?

Ray Blinds publishes its current window blinds warranty information online, including separate coverage periods for internal mechanisms, cordless mechanisms, and motors.

8. Decide Who Will Install the Blinds

Some homeowners are comfortable installing straightforward blinds themselves. Others prefer to have the measuring and installation handled professionally.

Professional installation becomes more valuable when you are dealing with:

• Large or tall windows
• Multiple blinds that need to align
• Sliding doors
• Bay windows
• Motorized blinds
• Hard-to-reach openings
• Inside mounts with limited frame depth

A clean installation should leave the blind level, secure, easy to operate, and correctly positioned around handles, trim, and other obstructions.

9. Think About Maintenance Before Choosing the Material

Maintenance was another useful point in the original article, but different blind types should not all be treated the same.

Simple roller shades often need little more than regular dusting and occasional spot cleaning, depending on the fabric. Faux wood and vinyl products can be easier to wipe down, which is useful in kitchens or bathrooms. Fabric products may require gentler care.

Before cleaning any blind, follow the care instructions for its specific material rather than using a strong cleaner that could damage the finish or fabric.

10. See Samples Before Making a Large Purchase

Samples are especially helpful when buying custom window coverings.

A colour that looks neutral online may appear warmer, cooler, lighter, or darker once it is beside your flooring and wall colour. Fabric opacity can also be difficult to judge from an online image.

Whenever possible, compare samples in the actual room and look at them during both daylight and evening conditions.

Should You Wait for a Particular Season to Buy Blinds?

The original article recommended buying blinds during an “off-season.” In practice, promotions and lead times can vary by retailer, product, and time of year, so there is no reason to assume winter will always be the cheapest period.

A better approach is to ask about current promotions, manufacturer offers, production time, and installation availability when you request your quote.

If you are renovating or moving into a new home, order timing should also account for when you actually need privacy and light control in place.

Can You Order Custom Blinds Online?

Yes. You can start a custom blinds order online even when professional measuring and installation will happen later.

A typical custom blinds buying process looks like this:

1. Submit a quote request with your contact and project information.
2. Explain which rooms and windows need coverings.
3. Discuss blind styles, materials, colours, privacy, and light-control needs.
4. Review samples or visit a showroom if needed.
5. Confirm the final window measurements.
6. Approve the product specifications and quote.
7. Have the blinds produced and installed.

Starting online is convenient because you do not need to know every specification before contacting the company. Basic information such as the number of windows, room type, approximate size, and what you want the blinds to accomplish is enough to start the conversation.

Is It Better to Buy Blinds Online or From a Local Blinds Company?

Online-only ordering can work well for homeowners who already know the exact product and measurements they need and are comfortable installing the blinds themselves.

A local custom blinds company can be more useful when you want:

• Someone to check the measurements
• In-person fabric and colour samples
• Advice on the right product for each room
• Motorization or smart-home setup
• Professional installation
• Local warranty or repair support

For a single straightforward window, DIY may be perfectly reasonable. For a whole home or a project with different window types, having one company manage measuring, ordering, and installation can simplify the process.

Where Can You Buy Custom Blinds in Surrey?

Homeowners looking for custom blinds in Surrey can choose between big-box retailers, online-only stores, interior design suppliers, and local window covering companies.

Before choosing one, compare the complete buying experience rather than only the advertised price. A good provider should be able to clearly explain the product, measurements, installation process, warranty, and expected next steps.

If you prefer to see products in person, Ray Blinds has a Surrey showroom where walk-in visitors can compare blinds, shades, shutters, fabrics, colours, and motorized options. You can also begin with a free quote or arrange an in-home consultation.

Buying Custom Blinds From Ray Blinds

Ray Blinds is a family-owned window covering company based in Surrey, BC. The company states that it has served homeowners across Surrey and the Lower Mainland since 2017.

Ray Blinds offers made-to-measure blinds, shades, shutters, and motorized window coverings, along with measuring and professional installation. The company also manufactures custom blinds and shades for individual window sizes rather than relying only on standard-size products.

Homeowners can visit the Surrey showroom, start with an online quote, or arrange an in-home consultation to compare products and confirm measurements.

Typical measure-to-install turnaround: [CLIENT TO CONFIRM AND INSERT REAL TURNAROUND]

“[CLIENT TO INSERT AN APPROVED 1–2 SENTENCE QUOTE ABOUT WHAT HOMEOWNERS SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING CUSTOM BLINDS, WHY PROPER MEASURING MATTERS, OR WHY RAY MANUFACTURES LOCALLY.]”

Questions to Ask Before Ordering Custom Window Blinds

What are the best blinds for my room?

The best option depends on the room, window size, privacy needs, amount of sunlight, desired light control, and how often you operate the blind. Roller, zebra, honeycomb, vertical, sheer, faux wood, and motorized products all solve different problems.

Should custom blinds be professionally measured?

Professional measuring can reduce the risk of ordering a blind that does not fit correctly, particularly for inside mounts, uneven frames, large windows, and motorized products. If you measure yourself, measure the opening in several places rather than assuming the window is perfectly square.

Can I get cordless window blinds in Canada?

Yes. Cordless window coverings are available in Canada. Health Canada recommends replacing window coverings with long accessible cords with newer coverings that do not have long accessible cords.

Are honeycomb blinds energy efficient?

Honeycomb or cellular shades are designed with air pockets that add an insulating layer near the window. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that qualifying insulated cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more in winter.

Can I order motorized blinds?

Yes. Many roller, zebra, honeycomb, Roman, sheer, and other compatible window coverings can be motorized. Available controls and power options depend on the product and installation. You can learn more about motorized and automated blinds from Ray Blinds.

Can I order custom blinds online in Surrey?

Yes. You can begin the process online by requesting a quote and sharing information about your windows. Final measurements and product specifications can then be confirmed before the blinds are manufactured.

Should I compare several blind quotes?

For larger projects, comparing two or three quotes can be useful. Make sure you compare similar products and check what is included in each price, including measuring, custom sizing, installation, motorization, warranty, and after-sales support.

Where can I see blind samples in Surrey?

Ray Blinds’ Surrey showroom is open to walk-in visitors during regular business hours. Homeowners can compare fabrics, colours, materials, blinds, shades, shutters, and motorized options in person. Visit the Ray Blinds contact page for the current showroom details.

Final Thoughts

Choosing window blinds becomes much easier when you look beyond colour and price.

Start with what you need the blinds to do, confirm the measurements, compare appropriate materials and styles, check cordless options, understand the warranty, and decide whether you want professional installation. When energy efficiency matters, look at products such as insulated cellular shades. When young children are present, avoid window coverings with long accessible cords.

For homeowners in Surrey, Vancouver, and across the Lower Mainland, working with a local custom window covering company can also give you access to in-person samples, professional measurements, installation, and local support after the blinds are installed.

Looking for Custom Blinds in Surrey?

Ray Blinds can help you compare custom blinds, shades, shutters, and motorized window coverings based on your windows, rooms, privacy needs, and budget.

Request a free quote from Ray Blinds or visit the Surrey showroom to compare your options in person.