Office blinds might seem like a small detail, but they can make a huge difference to how your workspace looks, feels, and performs. The right blinds help control light, improve comfort, boost productivity, and even lower energy bills. The wrong ones, on the other hand, can leave your office too bright, too hot, or just plain uncomfortable.
If you’re fitting out a new workspace or updating an existing one, here are five common mistakes businesses make when choosing office blinds, and how to avoid them.
Quick Summary:
| Mistake | What Goes Wrong | How to Avoid It |
| 1. Poor sizing | Blinds don’t fit properly, leaving gaps or overhangs | Measure precisely or get a professional survey |
| 2. Wrong fabric choice | Too much glare, fading, or difficult cleaning | Match materials to light, moisture, and use |
| 3. Ignoring energy efficiency | Higher heating/cooling bills, poor insulation | Choose thermal or reflective fabrics |
| 4. Overlooking glare and screen issues | Staff struggle with bright light on monitors | Use screen fabrics with 3–5% openness |
| 5. Forgetting maintenance | Blinds wear quickly or look dirty | Pick durable, easy-clean materials and plan regular upkeep |
1. Getting the Sizing Wrong
This is the number one mistake when ordering office blinds. It’s easy to underestimate how precise those measurements need to be but a few millimetres can make all the difference between a perfect fit and a frustrating one.
Poorly fitted blinds let in light at the edges, look unprofessional, and can even damage walls or sills if mounted incorrectly. In commercial buildings with large window runs, a small measurement error can multiply across dozens of blinds.
How to get it right
- Measure in three places for both width and height , as windows aren’t always perfectly square.
- Decide early whether you want inside or outside mounts. Inside mounts look neater but require absolute precision.
- Avoid assumptions, even “identical” windows often vary slightly in size.
- Hire a professional fitter for large installations or shaped windows.
Accurate measuring might feel like a small detail, but it’s the difference between a tidy, uniform finish and a costly refit.
2. Choosing the Wrong Fabric or Material
When choosing office blinds, many businesses focus only on colour or cost. But the fabric type is what really affects comfort, maintenance, and longevity.
A material that looks great in a catalogue can fade, warp, or trap dust once exposed to real office conditions.
How to get it right
- Match fabric to function. South-facing offices need UV-resistant fabrics. Meeting rooms often need blackout or dim-out options.
- Balance privacy and light. Screen fabrics let in daylight while keeping a degree of privacy, which is ideal for open-plan layouts.
- Watch humidity. Kitchens and bathrooms need moisture-resistant or wipe-clean blinds.
- Coordinate materials. You can mix roller and vertical blinds across zones while keeping the same colour palette for a professional look.
Tip: Always ask for fabric swatches and hold them against your window during the brightest part of the day. You’ll instantly see how they handle light.
3. Ignoring Energy Efficiency
Blinds can do more than manage light, they can make your office more energy efficient.
Windows are one of the main culprits for energy loss. Without the right blinds, offices often overheat in summer and lose warmth in winter, driving up energy costs and reducing comfort.
How to get it right
- Look for thermal or reflective coatings. They bounce sunlight in summer and insulate in colder months.
- Consider automated systems. Motorised blinds that adjust throughout the day reduce HVAC strain and save electricity.
- Choose sustainable materials. Recycled or low-VOC fabrics can support BREEAM or LEED certification if sustainability is part of your goals.
- Pair with smart lighting. Blinds and light sensors can work together to create a naturally balanced workspace.
Energy-efficient blinds might cost a little more upfront but can pay for themselves through lower bills and a more comfortable working environment.
4. Forgetting About Glare and Screen Reflection
Natural light is essential for wellbeing, but too much direct sunlight can cause glare on monitors and eye strain. This is one of the most common issues in modern open-plan offices.
Glare leads to headaches, fatigue, and reduced productivity, small problems that quickly add up across a team.
How to get it right
- Use glare-control fabrics. Roller blinds with a 3–5% openness factor allow enough daylight while cutting out harsh reflections.
- Try dual blinds. A transparent daytime blind and a blackout blind give flexibility for presentations or video calls.
- Position desks wisely. The right layout complements your blinds to reduce direct sunlight on screens.
- Test before you buy. Hang sample fabrics for a few days to see how they perform in changing light.
Comfortable lighting equals more focused employees, an overall worthwhile investment.
5. Neglecting Maintenance and Longevity
Once blinds are installed, they’re often forgotten about, until they look dusty or stop working properly. Maintenance is key to keeping them in good shape and extending their lifespan.
Dirty or broken blinds can make even a well-designed office look tired. They can also become a hygiene issue in busy environments.
How to get it right
- Ask about cleaning before you order. Some fabrics are machine-washable or wipe-clean, while others require specialist care.
- Choose durable materials. Aluminium or faux-wood slats are long-lasting and ideal for high-traffic spaces.
- Avoid over-complicated systems. Simpler roller or vertical blinds are easier to maintain than heavily motorised options.
- Create a maintenance schedule. Dust blinds monthly and deep-clean twice a year to keep them fresh.
Spending a little more on quality materials upfront often means far fewer replacements later.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Design and Wellbeing
Blinds are functional, but they’re also part of your office design. The right colours and textures can help create a more positive, productive atmosphere.
- Match your brand palette. Subtle colour coordination gives your workspace a cohesive feel.
- Use lighter tones to make small rooms feel larger and brighter.
- Add warmth with natural finishes like woodgrain or fabric textures.
- Consider acoustics. Some fabric blinds also help absorb sound, improving comfort in busy open spaces.
Choose Office Blinds That Work Hard for Your Space. Get a free quote from Artistic Blinds
Choosing blinds might seem minor, but it directly affects how your office performs day to day.
If you’d like expert help choosing blinds that truly fit your office, get in touch with Artistic Blinds. Our team can guide you through fabric options, sizing, and installation to make sure your blinds look great, perform well, and last for years.
