Should I Fit My Own Blinds, or Hire a Professional?

Blinds can make a big difference to the feel of a room. They help you control light, add privacy, or create a clean, architectural look. But all of that depends on how well they’re fitted. It’s easy to overlook until something goes wrong: gaps at the edges, crooked lines, or loose fixings.

If you’re planning to install blinds as part of a home or garden project, it’s worth asking: can I do this myself? Or should I hire a professional?

1. How straightforward are your windows?

Some windows are simple: square, accessible, and set in solid walls. If that sounds like yours, DIY installation could work. Roller and Venetian blinds, for example, are relatively easy to fit with the right tools and a careful approach.

But windows with quirks, such as shallow recesses, bay shapes, sloping ceilings, uneven plaster, tend to need a more tailored solution. Professional fitters can make adjustments so the blinds sit neatly and operate smoothly.

Working with local specialists, such as those at Express Blinds, means your blinds are installed by people who do this every day. They’re used to handling different fabrics, weights, and styles, so they can make the small tweaks that make a difference once the blinds are up.

2. Are you choosing ready-made or bespoke?

Ready-made blinds often come in standard sizes, which may need trimming or adjusting to fit your space. That adds complexity, and small errors can affect how they look and function.

Custom-made blinds are built to your measurements, but still rely on accurate installation. A poorly fitted bespoke blind can look just as awkward as a cut-down standard one.

3. Do you have the right tools and confidence?

Installing blinds usually involves:

• Drilling into walls or window frames
• Fitting brackets level and securely
• Adjusting fixings for cords or chain systems
• Cleaning up and patching after installation

If you’re confident with a drill, spirit level, and wall plugs, and you’ve measured carefully, you may be fine doing it yourself. But if you’re unsure about damaging walls or working around wiring, a professional is likely the safer choice.

4. Safety matters

Many blinds now include safety features like breakaway cords or cord tidies. These are essential in homes with young children. A professional installer will make sure they’re fitted correctly and can recommend cordless or motorised alternatives if needed.

5. What value do you place on the finish?

Blinds might seem straightforward, but the difference between a decent job and a great one is often in the small details. Professionally installed blinds sit flush, move smoothly, and feel part of the room.

A good installer will check the alignment from every angle, secure the fixings properly, and make adjustments that elevate the overall finish.

When professional installation makes sense

Even if you’re relatively handy, it’s worth considering a professional in these situations:

• You’ve ordered made-to-measure blinds and want a flawless finish
• Your windows are awkwardly shaped or difficult to access
• You’re short on time or not confident using power tools
• You’re fitting blinds throughout the house
• You’d like advice on styles and materials for your space

Many local blind fitters offer both supply and installation, or will fit blinds you’ve already purchased. If you’re investing in good quality blinds, having them installed properly ensures they look and work exactly as they should.