Wooden and Faux Wood Venetian Blinds: The Difference Most Companies Never Mention
Here’s something most people aren’t told when buying wooden or faux wood Venetian blinds in the UK…
Not all blinds are made the same way.
In fact, there are two completely different ways they’re produced and chances are, nobody has ever explained this to you.
The Two Types of Venetian Blinds
1. Made to Measure (Built from Scratch)
This is what most people assume they’re getting.
The blind is manufactured specifically for your window from the very beginning.
Every component is positioned with that exact size in mind.
2. Trim-to-Fit (Cut Down After Production)
This is what most people actually get.
These blinds are mass-produced overseas in standard sizes, shipped into the UK, and then cut down to fit your windows.
Here’s the Part That Surprises Most People
Around 97% of wooden and faux wood blinds installed in the UK are trim-to-fit.
And yet… hardly anyone talks about it.
Why Trim-to-Fit Dominates
It really comes down to two things:
1. Price
Trim-to-fit blinds are cheaper to produce and import.
And in an industry where many companies feel pressure to compete on price, cheaper is easier to sell.
Price comparison for trim to fit wooden venetian blinds and made to measure wooden venetian blinds supplied and installed in Leicestershire.
1200mm x 1200mm Trim to fit £131.00 inc vat Made to measure £188.00 inc vat
1500mm x 1200mm Trim to fit £162.00 inc vat Made to measure £240.00 inc vat
2200mm x 1500mm Trim to fit £313.00 inc vat Made to Measure £404.00 inc vat
2. Lack of Awareness
Many of the people selling blinds don’t actually know how they’re made.
They’ve either never been told…
or they’ve never thought to ask.
A Real Example We See All the Time
We were in a customer’s home not long ago.
They told us something felt “off” about their blinds but they couldn’t quite explain what.
At first glance, everything looked fine.
But when we measured the control cord positions, the difference was obvious.
Each blind had been trimmed slightly differently so each set of cords were didn't match..
Same room. Same bay window.
But the cords didn’t line up.
Once you see it… you can’t unsee it.
As you can see from the 2 examples above the distance from the end of your blind to the controls can be huge. In these cases 70mm to 140mm (They were installed in different houses)
The maximum we have seen is 180mm and the smallest is 40mm.
Anyone selling these blinds will not be able to give you any idea where the cords will finish on your blinds.
How to Tell What You Have in Your Own Home
There’s a simple way to check.
Measure from the wall to the tilt cords on each blind.
- If the distance is different on each one, they’re almost certainly trim-to-fit (See pictures above).
- If the cords sit in exactly the same position across every blind, they’ve been made to measure from scratch (usually around 50mm from the end of your blind).
So… Does It Actually Matter?
That depends on what matters to you.
Some people are perfectly happy with trim-to-fit blinds and that’s absolutely fine.
But others want:
- A perfectly consistent look across every window
- Symmetry in how the blinds sit and operate
- A product that’s been built specifically for their home
The key issue isn’t which one is “right.”
It’s that most people are never given the choice.
And If We’re Honest… We Were No Different
For years, we only offered trim-to-fit blinds too.
That was the standard. That’s what most companies did.
But once we saw the difference and realised customers were never being told we knew that had to change.
Now, You Get the Choice
Today, we offer both options.
- Trim-to-fit if keeping costs down is your priority
- Made-to-measure from scratch if you want a blind built exactly for your windows
Because these two products are not the same.
And pretending they are doesn’t help anyone.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t about saying one option is good and the other is bad.
It’s about being honest.
So you can make the right decision for your home with all the facts.
Because the right answer isn’t choosing for you.
It’s giving you the choice.
FAQs: Wooden & Faux Wood Venetian Blinds
What is the difference between made-to-measure and trim-to-fit wooden blinds?
Made-to-measure blinds are built from scratch to fit your exact window size, with all components positioned specifically for that measurement.
Trim-to-fit blinds are made in standard sizes, usually overseas, and then cut down to fit your window after production.
Are most wooden or fauxwood blinds in the UK made to measure?
No. Around 97% of wooden and faux wood Venetian blinds installed in the UK are trim-to-fit rather than made to measure.
Are trim-to-fit blinds lower quality?
Not necessarily but they are different.
Trim-to-fit blinds are mass produced and designed to be adjusted after manufacturing, which can lead to slight variations in alignment or symmetry.
Made-to-measure blinds are built specifically for your window, so everything is positioned consistently from the start.
How can I tell if my fauxwood blinds are trim-to-fit or made to measure?
Measure from the wall to the tilt cords on each blind.
- If the measurement is different across each of your blinds, they are likely trim-to-fit
- If the cords line up in exactly the same position on every blind, they are made to measure
Why are trim-to-fit wooden blinds so popular?
Mainly because they are cheaper to produce and import.
Many companies prioritise price to stay competitive, and trim-to-fit blinds allow them to offer lower-cost options.
Do made-to-measure wooden blinds look better?
In some cases, yes.
Bay windows are usually where things are most noticeable as you have multiple blinds side by side.
Made-to-measure blinds tend to have more consistent spacing, alignment, and overall symmetry across a room.
Are made-to-measure blinds worth the extra cost?
It depends on your priorities.
If budget is your main concern, trim-to-fit blinds can be a practical option.
If you want a more precise, consistent finish tailored to your home, made-to-measure blinds are often worth the investment.
Do all blind companies offer made-to-measure wooden blinds?
No. Many companies only offer trim-to-fit options, which is why this difference is rarely explained during the buying process.
Why don’t companies explain the difference?
In many cases, it’s simply because:
- They only offer one option (usually trim-to-fit)
- Or the salesperson isn’t aware of how the blinds are manufactured
Which is better: trim-to-fit or made-to-measure venetian blinds?
Neither is universally “better” they serve different needs.
- Choose trim-to-fit if you want a more budget-friendly solution
- Choose made-to-measure if you want a blind built specifically for your windows with consistent alignment
Can you get both options from the same company?
Some companies offer both trim to fit wooden blinds and made to measure but many do not.
If having a choice matters to you, it’s worth asking the question before you buy.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
