Most companies will sell you whatever you ask for.
We won’t.
We walk away from jobs every single week. Sometimes multiple times a day.
And not because we don’t want the work. We do.
But we believe this one simple truth: If the blinds aren’t right, it’s wrong to sell them.
Let me show you what that looks like.
When “Blackout” Doesn’t Mean Blackout
One of the biggest traps we see? People being sold vertical blinds with “blackout” fabric — especially for bedrooms.
Sure, the fabric itself blocks light. But the gaps around the louvres? They leak daylight like a sieve.
So what you thought was a pitch-black sleep sanctuary… turns into a room that still glows at sunrise.
Could we sell it anyway? Sure.
Do we?
Never.
That’s not blackout. That’s a bad promise. And we won’t be part of that.
When It Looks Good But Works Bad
Wooden venetians on French doors? Gorgeous.
Right up until you actually have to open those doors.
They’re heavy. They stack high. They rattle. They block. They frustrate.
And what started as “Instagram-perfect” ends up being “everyday annoying.”
That’s when the regret kicks in.
We’ve seen it too many times and we refuse to let our customers be next.
When Safety Makes the Blind Impractical
Cords are tightly regulated (as they should be) for child safety. But here’s the rub: sometimes those regulations make blinds nearly unusable like when cords have to be 1500mm off the floor over a kitchen sink.
If you need a step ladder to open your blind, it’s not practical. It's a hazard.
So we walk away.
Our Rule: Right Blind, Right Fit, or Nothing
My grandad used to say something that still guides us today:
“It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds.
It’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
That’s the heartbeat of Barlow Blinds.
We’d rather lose the sale than lose your trust.
Because when we do recommend something, you’ll know it’s not based on profit or convenience it’s because it works. For your space, your safety, and your sanity.
And that’s why our customers come back. Again and again.
Because real trust isn’t built by saying yes to everything.
It’s built by knowing when to say no.
FAQs: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Blinds
Are vertical blinds with blackout fabric truly blackout?
Not really. While the fabric itself may block light, vertical blinds have gaps between the louvres and around the edges which means plenty of light can still sneak in. For true blackout, other blind types (like Cellular Blinds with side channels) are a better fit.
Can I use wood venetians on my French doors?
You can but we usually don’t recommend it. They’re heavy, they stack high, and they often end up getting in the way. Most customers love how they look... until they live with them. There are better options for doors.
Why do cord rules make some blinds harder to use?
For child safety, blind cords must be at least 1500mm from the floor. In tricky spots like over kitchen sinks or baths this can make the cord awkward or even unreachable. If it’s not safe and practical, we’ll help you find another option.
Do you ever refuse to sell certain blinds?
Yes. If we believe a blind won’t work well for your space, or might lead to frustration or regret, we’ll walk away from the job. We’d rather lose the sale than leave you with the wrong solution.
What blinds do you recommend for blackout bedrooms?
The best blackout option in our opinion is a Cellular Blinds built into a frame. It seals off the light from every angle. We’ll walk you through options that actually deliver the darkness you’re looking for.
