Table of Contents
- Can You Return Custom Made Blinds?
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Bespoke Goods
- What Counts as Faulty Custom Blinds and Your Rights
- How to Measure Windows for Blinds and Avoid Return Issues
- Return Policies for Made-to-Measure Blinds
- Step-by-Step: How to Initiate a Return or Claim
- Made-to-Measure vs Standard Products: Return Differences
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Can You Return Custom Made Blinds?
The short answer: it depends. Most made-to-measure blinds fall outside standard consumer return policies because they're manufactured specifically to your window specifications. However, you have legal protections if the blinds are faulty, damaged in transit, or manufactured incorrectly. Understanding the difference between what you can return and what counts as a legitimate claim is crucial before ordering.
When you order custom-made blinds, you're commissioning a product built to your exact measurements. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 treats bespoke goods differently from standard products, which affects your return rights significantly (legislation.gov.uk). But that doesn't mean you're unprotected. Faulty goods, manufacturing defects, and delivery damage all give you grounds for a claim or replacement, even with made-to-measure items.
At Just Blinds, we manufacture made-to-measure blinds in our UK factory to fit your exact window dimensions. Understanding your rights and our return policies helps you make confident purchasing decisions. Below, we'll walk you through your consumer rights, what counts as faulty, how to avoid measurement issues, and the step-by-step process for initiating a return or claim.
Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Bespoke Goods
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 governs what you can and cannot return. For bespoke or made-to-measure goods, the rules differ from standard items.
Bespoke goods have limited return rights. Once a made-to-measure product has been manufactured to your specification, you generally cannot return it simply because you've changed your mind. The law recognises that custom manufacturing involves significant cost and time investment.
However, bespoke exemptions only apply when goods are genuinely made to your specification and you've had a reasonable opportunity to inspect them. If the blinds arrive faulty, damaged, or incorrectly manufactured, you retain full statutory rights to a refund, replacement, or repair.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that goods must be:
- Of satisfactory quality
- Fit for purpose
- As described in the product listing
- Safe and durable for a reasonable period
These standards apply to made-to-measure blinds just as they do to any other product. If your custom blinds fail to meet these standards, the bespoke exemption doesn't protect the seller.
What Counts as Faulty Custom Blinds and Your Rights
A faulty blind is one that doesn't meet the quality standards required by law, not one that simply doesn't match your personal preference.
Damage in Transit
Blinds arriving damaged is one of the most common issues. Bent slats, torn fabric, cracked rails, or broken mechanisms are legitimate claims. Damage in transit is the seller's responsibility because they're liable for goods until they reach you safely.
Document the damage immediately with clear photographs from multiple angles. Contact the supplier within 14 days of delivery, ideally within 7 days. Most suppliers, including Just Blinds, will arrange a replacement or repair without argument for transit damage.
Some damage isn't immediately visible. If you notice operational issues within the first 30 days, report them. You're entitled to remedy, repair, replacement, or refund for goods that don't function properly.
Manufacturing Defects
Manufacturing defects are flaws in how the blinds were made. These might include incorrect measurements applied, loose stitching, faulty mechanisms, misaligned slats, or broken hardware.
If you provided correct measurements and the blinds don't fit, that's a manufacturing defect. If your measurements were wrong, that's a different issue. For manufacturing defects, you're entitled to remedy. Most suppliers will repair or replace the blinds at no cost if the fault is theirs. You must report the defect within a reasonable period, typically within 30 days of delivery for obvious faults, or within 6 months if you can prove the fault existed at purchase (citizensadvice.org.uk).
How to Measure Windows for Blinds and Avoid Return Issues
Incorrect measurements are the single biggest cause of problems with made-to-measure blinds. Unlike faulty goods, measurement errors are typically your responsibility, not the manufacturer's.
Measuring windows for made-to-measure blinds requires precision. Small errors compound across the width and drop of your window.
The correct method depends on your blind type and where you're fitting them:
For blinds fitted inside the window recess: Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement. Measure the drop from the top of the recess to the sill at three points. Use the smallest measurement. This accounts for windows that aren't perfectly square.
For blinds fitted above the window (outside the recess): Measure the full width of the area you want to cover, typically the window width plus 5-10cm on each side for overlap. Measure the drop from where you'll fit the bracket to where you want the blind to end.
For bay windows: Measure each section separately if you're fitting individual blinds per window.
Common measurement mistakes include measuring only at one point, forgetting to account for existing brackets, confusing width and drop measurements, rounding measurements, and not accounting for the blind's operating mechanism. made to measure guarantees.
If you measure incorrectly and the blinds don't fit, this is typically not grounds for return under consumer law. However, some suppliers offer measurement guarantees or will remake blinds at a reduced cost if you've made an error. Check the terms before ordering.
Return Policies for Made-to-Measure Blinds
Return policies for made-to-measure blinds are stricter than for standard products because of the bespoke manufacturing involved.
Cooling-Off Period and Cancellation Rights
The Consumer Contracts Regulations give you a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you receive your order (legislation.gov.uk). However, the cooling-off period does not apply to goods made to your specification. Once a made-to-measure blind has been manufactured, you cannot cancel the order and demand a refund simply because you've changed your mind.
This means you need to be certain about your order before you confirm it. Check measurements twice. Confirm fabric colours match your expectations. Verify the blind type and mechanism suit your needs. Some suppliers offer a grace period, typically 24-48 hours, during which you can cancel without penalty.
Non-Refundable Items and Exceptions
Most made-to-measure blinds are non-refundable once manufactured, provided they meet the specification you provided and are free from defects.
However, you do have rights if the blinds are faulty or damaged, don't match the description provided, or the manufacturer made an error in manufacturing to your specification. In these cases, you're entitled to remedy, repair, replacement, or refund. Most reputable suppliers will offer replacement or repair as the first option.
Some suppliers offer a "satisfaction guarantee" or "fit guarantee" that extends your protection beyond statutory rights. Exceptions to return policies typically include blinds that don't fit because of incorrect measurements, blinds that have been fitted or used, custom fabrics that cannot be resold, and orders placed during sales or clearance events.
Step-by-Step: How to Initiate a Return or Claim
If your made-to-measure blinds arrive faulty, damaged, or incorrectly manufactured, here's exactly how to proceed.
Step 1: Document the issue immediately. Inspect the blinds thoroughly upon unboxing. Take clear photographs of any damage, misalignment, or visible defects from multiple angles. Keep the packaging and delivery note.
Step 2: Check the product against your order. Verify that the blinds match the specification you ordered. Check measurements, fabric colour, and mechanism type.
Step 3: Contact the supplier within 14 days. Contact customer service with your order number, photographs, and a clear description of the problem. Be specific about what's wrong.
Step 4: Propose a solution or request one. For damage or manufacturing defects, request either a replacement or repair. Most suppliers will offer replacement for genuine defects at no cost.
Step 5: Arrange return or collection if necessary. If the supplier agrees to a replacement or refund, they'll typically arrange collection or provide a return label. Don't pay for return postage unless the fault is yours.
Step 6: Keep all documentation. Save emails, photographs, delivery notes, and any correspondence with the supplier. Keep the original packaging if possible.
Step 7: Escalate if necessary. If the supplier refuses to help and you believe you have a legitimate claim, escalate to their complaints procedure. If that doesn't resolve it, you can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service or pursue a claim through the small claims court.
Made-to-Measure vs Standard Products: Return Differences
The distinction between made-to-measure and standard blinds affects your return rights significantly.
Standard blinds are manufactured in fixed sizes and held in stock. You can return them within 14 days if you change your mind (subject to condition), and you have 6 months to report faults.
Made-to-measure blinds are manufactured after you order, to your exact specifications. Once manufacturing begins, you cannot cancel and demand a refund simply because you've changed your mind. However, you retain full statutory rights if the blinds are faulty or don't match the specification you provided.
With standard blinds, the seller bears the risk of you changing your mind. With made-to-measure blinds, you bear that risk, but the seller bears the risk of manufacturing defects or damage. This is why measurement accuracy is critical. You're responsible for providing correct specifications. The manufacturer is responsible for building to those specifications without defects.
Understanding your rights with made-to-measure blinds protects you before and after purchase. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 provides strong protections for faulty or damaged goods, even when they're bespoke. The key is knowing the difference between what's a legitimate claim and what's your responsibility. Document everything, measure carefully, and contact the supplier promptly if something goes wrong. Most reputable suppliers, including Just Blinds, will work with you to resolve genuine issues through replacement or repair.
Shop Now for high-quality, made-to-measure blinds, including our popular White Replacement Vertical Blind Slats 89mm and Medina Breva prestige Cream replacement louvres /slats for vertical blinds 3.5" (89mm).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are made-to-measure blinds exempt from the Consumer Rights Act?
No. Although bespoke goods have limited return rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, they are not exempt from protection. If your custom made blinds arrive faulty, damaged, or do not match the specification you agreed to, you retain statutory rights to a remedy. The exemption applies only to your right to return them simply because you changed your mind, not to defects or breaches of contract.
What happens if I measure my windows incorrectly for custom blinds?
If the blinds do not fit because of measurement errors you made, the retailer is not obliged to accept a return or offer a refund. However, you may be entitled to claim if the retailer failed to provide clear measuring guidance. Always request written confirmation of measurements before production begins.
How long do I have to report faulty custom blinds?
You must report faults within a reasonable time of delivery. For obvious defects like damage in transit or manufacturing errors, notify the retailer immediately, within days rather than weeks. The law recognises a 30-day window as the benchmark for identifying faults, though you may have grounds to claim beyond this if the defect was not reasonably discoverable sooner. Keep all delivery documentation and take photos of any damage.
Can I cancel my order for custom made blinds before they are manufactured?
Yes, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you place your order, provided the blinds have not already begun production. Once manufacturing starts, your right to cancel is lost. Contact the retailer immediately if you wish to cancel, do not wait. Some retailers may charge for materials or work already completed, so check their terms carefully. After the cooling-off period ends, cancellation is at the retailer's discretion.
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