Question 1

What areas do you cover in Suffolk?

Accepted Answer

We cover Ipswich and across Suffolk including Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Hadleigh, Manningtree, Aldeburgh, Framlingham, and the surrounding villages. If you're not sure whether your home is in our area, give us a call on 01473 487711 and we'll let you know.

Question 2

Are you a local family business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smart Design Blinds was founded in 2025 by Dan Crooks and is run as a small, family-led team based in Ipswich. We focus on the Suffolk countryside and the surrounding towns, which means you get a personal service from people who know the local area.

Question 3

Who carries out the installation?

Accepted Answer

Dan, or one of two colleagues he has personally trained. Every survey, measurement and fit is handled by our small in-house team to the same standards. Wherever possible the person who measures your windows is the one who returns to fit them, so nothing gets lost between visits.

Question 4

Do you have a showroom?

Accepted Answer

We bring the showroom to you. We arrive with a wide range of fabric, finish, and style samples so you can see them in your own light, against your own walls, on your own windows. Most people find this is a much better way to choose than a high street showroom.

Question 5

Do you charge for a quote or home visit?

Accepted Answer

No. Every consultation, measurement, and written quote is free with no obligation to buy. We'd rather give you our honest advice and let you take your time, to help make an informed decision.

Question 6

What's the difference between blinds and shutters?

Accepted Answer

Blinds are typically a fabric or aluminium product fitted inside or just outside the window recess and operated by a chain, cord, or motor. Shutters are solid panels of timber or composite that hinge open and close, fitted permanently to the window. Shutters generally cost more, last longer (often 20 years or more), and add value to your home. Blinds are more affordable, quicker to install, and offer a much wider choice of fabrics and patterns. We'll talk through which suits each room during your survey.

Question 7

Are your blinds and shutters child-safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our blinds comply with current UK child safety regulations (BS EN 13120). We offer cordless, spring-loaded, and motorised options on most blind types, which remove the risk of dangling cords entirely. Plantation shutters are inherently child-safe as they have no cords or chains. If you have small children or pets, mention it during your survey and we'll recommend the safest options for each room.

Question 8

What fabric and finish options are available?

Accepted Answer

Hundreds. Our fabric and finish ranges cover everything from natural linens and weaves, through bold patterns and prints, to functional fabrics like blackout, thermal, and moisture resistant. Plantation shutters come in painted finishes, natural wood stains, and a wide range of louvre sizes. Awning fabrics are UV stable and water repellent, available in plain colours and stripes. We bring physical samples to your survey so you can see and feel the materials in your own home.

Question 9

Do you offer motorised blinds and awnings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on most products. Motorised blinds and awnings can be controlled by remote, wall switch, smartphone app, or voice through Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. Battery, mains, and solar powered options are available depending on the product. They're particularly popular for high windows, large patio doors, conservatory roofs, and anywhere convenience matters.

Question 10

Are your blinds and shutters energy efficient?

Accepted Answer

Honeycomb (cellular) blinds offer the best thermal performance because they trap a layer of air against the window, which can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Plantation shutters and lined Roman blinds also help insulate windows. If energy efficiency is a priority, mention it during your survey and we'll recommend the best option for each room.

Question 11

How do I clean and care for my blinds and shutters?

Accepted Answer

Most products just need an occasional wipe with a soft cloth or duster. Wood and faux wood venetian blinds and plantation shutters benefit from a damp cloth with mild soapy water, then dried off. Fabric blinds can usually be vacuumed gently with a soft brush attachment. We'll give you a care card with specific instructions for your products on installation day.

Question 12

How much do made-to-measure blinds and shutters cost?

Accepted Answer

Every quote is bespoke. Pricing depends on the product, the size of your windows, the fabric or material, the finish, and any extras like motorisation, blackout linings, or specialist colours. Rather than guess from a price list that won't apply to your home, we visit you for a free survey, take precise measurements, walk through samples in your own light, and then send a fixed, written quote within a few days. There's no charge for the visit and no obligation to buy. Call us on 01473 487711 or book your free survey through the contact page.

Question 13

How long does it take from quote to installation?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the product. Roller, venetian, vertical, and pleated blinds are typically ready in 2 to 3 weeks. Roman and honeycomb blinds in 3 to 4 weeks. Plantation shutters take longer, usually 6 to 10 weeks, because each panel is made bespoke from solid hardwood or MDF. Awnings are typically 2 to 4 weeks for standard models. We confirm an exact lead time in your written quote.

Question 14

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because every product is made to measure, we take a deposit when you confirm the order to cover bespoke manufacturing, with the balance payable on the day of installation. The exact split is confirmed in your written quote after your free home survey. We accept bank transfer, Visa, and Mastercard.

Question 15

Is everything you sell made to measure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every blind, shutter, and awning we supply is made specifically for your windows. We don't sell off the shelf sizes. Made to measure costs slightly more than standard, but the fit is exact, the finish is cleaner, and the product lasts longer.

Question 16

How long does installation take on the day?

Accepted Answer

Most blind installations are completed in a few hours. A full house of plantation shutters can take a day or two depending on the number of windows. Awning installations are usually a single day. We'll give you a clear timing in your quote and confirm again the week before, so you can plan around it. We always tidy up before we leave.

Question 17

What warranty do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide a 5 year warranty on most products covering manufacturing defects, and a 12 month warranty on installation workmanship. Plantation shutters typically carry a longer warranty (often 10 years or more). Specific terms are written into your quote. If anything goes wrong within the warranty period, just call us and we'll come and put it right. (Verify warranty terms.)

Question 18

Do you offer repairs or replacements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a cord breaks, a slat is damaged, or a motor stops working, give us a call. We can usually repair or replace components, often without needing to swap the whole blind. We also service products we didn't originally fit, though we'll need to assess them first.

Question 19

Do you fit shutters in period properties or listed buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we do this often. Suffolk has a lot of period homes with sash windows, leaded glass, deep recesses, and listed status. Our team is experienced in measuring and installing shutters that respect period proportions and original features. For listed buildings, you may need listed building consent before we install. We'll talk you through what's typically allowed during your survey.

Question 20

Do you work in conservation areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Conservation area rules generally apply to the external appearance of your home and don't usually affect interior window dressings like blinds and shutters. For external awnings, planning permission may be required depending on your area. We can advise during your survey and point you towards your local planning team if needed.

Question 21

Can you fit blinds and awnings to conservatories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Conservatories are one of our most common projects. For roof panels we fit pleated blinds with thermal fabric to control heat and glare. For side windows and doors we fit perfect fit blinds, vertical blinds, or roller blinds depending on the layout and your preferences. External awnings or pergola covers can also help shade a conservatory from the outside.

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