Blinds are widely used in many homes and most workplaces to give the place privacy and insulation. Unlike curtains, the amount of light that can enter can be regulated if you've put blinds on your windows.

Most of you think that installation is the issue with getting blinds. Maybe it's real. But don’t ignore the fact that before buying blinds, there are also other items to consider such as style and colour.

Are there bare windows waiting to be styled with Roman blinds in your home? Stop shopping and do your window therapy yourself!

Made to measure Roman blinds give you better options than others.

If you look online, numerous shops sell excellent Roman blinds.

We've gathered the best tips to make your window blinds look smart, each with expert-level information.

Any or all of these window blinds tips could work for you, depending on your willingness to allot time and learn.

How can you make your window blinds look smart?

1. Consider your budget

Are you fitting out a single window or the whole house? On some windows, you can consider spending more and cutting back on others.

Window blinds are priced by size, so expect it to cost more for larger sizes. The additional cost also applies to custom sizes and speciality materials, designs, and features.

2. Control light and privacy

Decide if you want a bright, cosy, or airy room. Tilt the blinds to allow or block natural light. Blinds come with various fabrics that are light-filtering and room-darkening, giving you the ability to control light.

Blinds have to be pulled up to let light in or down to stop nosy neighbours unless you go for the sheerest.

3. Have regular maintenance

Take note that dust can accumulate in blinds over time but you don’t have to do professional cleaning to maintain them. Shades cover soil better in textured fabrics and weaves, but cleaning them is more difficult.

Vacuum and spot cleaning is great but certain dirt is best left to professionals.

4. Choose the right colour

Is it relaxed or formal, comfortable, or stylish? Bold colours can be dramatic or fun. For a room furnished in neutral, earthy shades, subtle hues are fine.

Do you prefer corded or streamlined cordless models?

5. Get the accurate measurement

Getting the sizes of your windows you want to protect can help you choose the right piece, especially if you’re into made to measure Roman blinds.

If an inside-mount blind ends at the door, the measuring tape should stop as well. Include the window frame in the measurements for outside-mounted designs.

Consider contacting the customer service representative of the shop while ordering online to ensure that you’ve calculated right.

6. Use proper fabric

Made to measure Roman blinds come in a selection of designs and colours. Bold designs and stripes that are accentuated by the pleats work well with Roman blinds.

Cotton and linen fabrics make excellent Roman blinds. Thicker fabrics are also fantastic even though the pleats won't be as crisp.

High-quality fabrics such as silk look amazing but these delicate materials are vulnerable to sun fading and damage, so artificial material like polyester is a great alternative.

7. Attach linings

Roman blinds are lined most of the time, which enhances the way the pleats fall. Lining not only helps to block out light but also prevents the tapes and cords from appearing on the blind's right side.

If the blind is for a bedroom, choose blackout lining.

Thermal lining tends to hold the heat in and the cold out. This additional sheet, inserted between the material and lining for warmth, will offer a more lavish look to the blinds.

With so many types of shades and blinds to choose from, it’s not always an easy decision to find the perfect one for your needs.

If you're looking for privacy, design, or both, choosing window treatments can be a challenging job.

Will you go to a local home centre, speciality blind store, or online shop? How formal are you supposed to be, or how plain? And how do your neighbours seem to pick the right blinds?

The decision lies in your hand and these tips can help you get hold of the best window treatment.

Guest Contributor: Jenny Marks