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Are you considering ready-made curtains or blinds for your home?
We get it. Ready-made curtains and blinds seem like the logical choice. You can grab them from the shop or buy them online, they're clearly priced, and you'll have them up by the weekend. But here's what many New Zealand homeowners don't realise: that "quick fix" often turns into a frustrating compromise that costs more in the long run.
What's the real difference between ready-made and custom anyway?
It's not just about price. Ready-made options are:
- Manufactured to standard sizes - one size may not fit all! This can leave unsightly gaps for peering eyes or sunlight to disrupt your sleep
- Using generic fabrics - you will have to choose from what is available vs what will work with your decor
- Usually ‘generic’ fabric that isn’t made for NZ’s harsh UV and may not comply with standards related to harmful chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- You can usually only choose from a limited range of pleat options (how it’s gathered at the top) vs a wide range of pleat styles that suit your home or existing curtains
- Basic hardware that fixes it to the wall
- You will need to install them yourself and make sure you adhere to child safety standards with drawstrings
Custom window treatments, on the other hand, are built specifically for your windows, your home's orientation, and your lifestyle needs. We're talking about:
- Exact measurements for a perfect fit
- Tailored fabric choices to fit your homes decor and the style you want
- Fabrics and linings made for New Zealand's harsh UV and comply with harmful chemicals and VOC standards
- Professional-grade hardware that looks great and continues to work for years to come
- You get a professional install
- You will be supporting a local Kiwi family owned businesses
Image alt text: Woman having problems with ready made blinds
What are the biggest pitfalls with ready-made window treatments?
Let's be honest about what you're likely to encounter. That "perfect" blind you spotted in-store? There's a good chance it won't fit your windows properly, leaving annoying light gaps that turn into a sunrise wake-up call.
Curtains might hang too short or too long and puddle awkwardly. This can result in return trips to the store, alteration hassles, or finding your existing curtain tracks or rods won't work with your new purchase. As for quality – it’s like Russian roulette with some options looking shabby within months.
Image alt text: Harrisons window treatment specialist comes to your home
Why should you consider custom-made curtains & blinds instead?
Custom-made curtains & blinds takes away all of those headaches. When experts measure your windows properly, you get treatments that fit like they were always meant to be there – because they were. You'll have better light control, improved insulation for those chilly winters or sweltering summers. Plus, the fabric is chosen specifically for each room and is backed by warranty protection and after-sale support.
Why choose Harrisons Curtains & Blinds?
After an exhausting working week, going curtain and blind shopping to multiple stores around town, battling traffic for hours and driving from one end of town to the other sounds about as appealing as poking yourself in the eye. For those in more rural areas, this can easily be a day-long chore!
Or you can talk to Harrison Curtains & Blinds who bring 1000+ fabric samples to your door. You'll see exactly how different fabrics look in your actual home, get expert advice on the spot, and have precise measurements taken by professionals who know what they're doing. As a trusted New Zealand company, Harrisons Curtains & Blinds offer quick turnaround times and consistently receives rave reviews from locals. Check out how curtains and blinds are made here.
Ready to skip the ready-made regrets?
Book your free in-home consultation with Harrisons Curtains & Blinds today and discover why custom-made might be the smartest investment you’ve made.
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