Best Custom Blinds & Shades Suppliers in South Africa: Honest Comparison 2025

Choosing the right window coverings or outdoor shade solutions can completely change how your home or business looks and feels. Style, privacy and protection from harsh weather all matter. Whether you want something modern and sleek or need durability for strong sun and coastal winds, there are solid options for every space. From smart features and custom fittings to local expertise and online convenience, this guide compares leading suppliers so you can decide who fits your needs best.

Table of Contents

• Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings
• Blinds Direct
• The Blinds Factory
• Blinds Online
• George Blinds
• Custom Blinds and Shades Comparison
• Enhance Your Home Office with Custom Window Shades
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recommended Reading

Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings

At a Glance

Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is a Garden Route based specialist delivering custom-made blinds, shutters, awnings, shadeports, sails and security screens since 2010. The main site and online store work together as a comprehensive portal that showcases products, shares expert advice and supports both virtual and in-person consultations for homeowners and businesses across South Africa.

If you want weather resistant, made-to-measure shading and security solutions with professional installation on the Garden Route and nationwide delivery, this is one of the most dependable, experience-led options available.

Core Features

• Full range of indoor blinds: roller, duo / zebra, honeycomb, aluminium, plaswood, bamboo and more.
• Outdoor solutions: patio blinds, automatic outdoor blinds, louvred and retractable awnings, shadeports and shade sails.
• Security and airflow: Corner Star flyscreens and security screens, safety bars and LockLatch ventilation latches.
• Design and installation: on-site design consults along the Garden Route plus guided remote support for national clients.
• Online ecosystem: info site, insights blog, AI assistant and e-commerce store that support quotes and online ordering.

Pros

• Wide product range: Indoor blinds, shutters, outdoor blinds, awnings, shadeports, sails and security screens under one roof, so you can plan whole-home solutions instead of mixing suppliers.
• Tailored solutions with expert guidance: Every project starts with practical design advice, precise measuring and product selection aligned to light, privacy, climate and budget.
• Nationwide delivery plus local installation: Professional installation for Garden Route clients, guided DIY or installer support nationally, with clear timelines and aftercare.
• Climate-tested durability: Products are specified and installed for South African conditions, especially coastal humidity, UV and wind exposure.
• Established reputation: 15+ years of daily installations across Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, Mossel Bay and beyond.

Digital Tools, Calculators & Specialist Partnerships

Where Custom Blinds really separates itself from typical online-only retailers is the combination of daily on-site work and an increasingly powerful digital toolkit:

• Melvin AI assistant and store calculators: Customers can get guided, semi-instant quote ranges for many indoor blinds using Melvin at
  customblindsai.online and the in-store calculators on
  customblinds.co.za/shop. These tools speed up budgeting, especially for standard roller, duo roller and venetian blinds.
• Human quoting for complex products: Outdoor blinds, shutters and security products are still quoted by an experienced team so details like wind load, fixing points and site access are handled correctly.
• Somfy automation experts: As accredited Somfy specialists, they design and install motorised blinds, curtains and awnings that integrate with smart home systems, schedules and scenes.
• LockLatch partner: A formal partnership with LockLatch gives clients secure ventilation hardware that pairs naturally with blinds, shutters and security screens for safer airflow.
• Corner Star Garden Route representative: As a long-standing Corner Star partner in the Garden Route, they supply and install flyscreens and security screens designed specifically for South African homes.

Who It’s For

This service is ideal for homeowners, interior designers, architects and business owners who want durable, custom-fitted window treatments and outdoor shading that perform in South African conditions. It is especially suitable if you:

• Live in coastal or high-exposure areas where material resilience is critical.
• Prefer in-person or virtual guidance from a team that installs every day, not just sells online.
• Want to coordinate indoor blinds, outdoor blinds, awnings and security screens in one design.

Unique Value Proposition

Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings stands out by combining a broad, made-to-measure product set with local manufacturing know-how, AI-assisted quoting and hands-on installation services. Unlike generic online stores, they:

• Install blinds, shutters and awnings daily across the Garden Route.
• Offer national online ordering with guidance rooted in real project experience.
• Represent premium partners such as Somfy, LockLatch and Corner Star with dedicated partner pages and local expertise.

In short, you are dealing with a team that both runs an online store and works on ladders every week, so recommendations are grounded in what actually lasts in South African homes.

Real World Use Case

A homeowner in Knysna transforms a windy patio into a year-round entertaining space with clear drop-down outdoor blinds and a louvred awning. The Custom Blinds team proposes the right fabric weight, corrosion-resistant hardware and fixing points for coastal weather, then fits the blinds and awning so they seal neatly in bad weather and stack away cleanly on calm days.

Pricing

Quote-based. Pricing depends on product type, size, fabric choice, hardware, installation complexity and location. Expect basic indoor blinds to start in the mid-range compared with DIY options, with outdoor blinds, shutters and automation moving into a higher investment bracket aligned with long-term durability and property value.

Website: https://customblinds.co.za

Blinds Direct

At a Glance

Blinds Direct is a straightforward, value-driven option for homeowners and designers who need reliable, tailored window coverings without visiting a showroom. Operating since 2013, the company combines factory-direct pricing with an online blinds builder that delivers instant quotes and nationwide delivery. If you want a fast, affordable route to made-to-measure or ready-made blinds, this is a strong contender, though some technical details are less visible online.

Core Features

• Made-to-measure and ready-made blinds across multiple styles: wooden, venetian, roller, vertical, Roman and more.
• Online blinds builder for measurement input and instant quoting.
• Factory-direct shipping to keep prices competitive.

Pros

• Straightforward online purchasing: The blinds builder simplifies measurement and quote generation.
• Wide selection of styles: Suitable for most interior décor schemes.
• Factory-direct pricing: Competitive pricing for budget-conscious projects.
• Nationwide delivery: Useful for customers outside major metros.
• Ready-made options: Good for quick replacements and simple upgrades.

Cons

• Limited detail on long-term durability, components and warranty on the public pages.
• No prominent showroom listed, so you may not be able to handle fabrics before ordering.
• Customisation options beyond fabrics and basic choices can be less transparent.

Who It’s For

Ideal for homeowners, interior designers and developers who value affordability, speed and an online-first buying process. If you are comfortable measuring your own windows and want a wide range of fabrics for standard applications, Blinds Direct fits well.

Unique Value Proposition

Blinds Direct’s advantage is the combination of an online configurator and factory-direct pricing. This mix reduces friction and lead times for common window sizes and standard residential applications.

Real World Use Case

A homeowner renovating a lounge uses the online builder to capture measurements, compare fabrics for a roller blind, receive an instant quote, pay online and have the blinds delivered to their door without needing a site visit.

Pricing

Quote-based. Pricing is pitched as competitive, with specific costs generated per size and product through the online builder.

The Blinds Factory

At a Glance

The Blinds Factory is a well-established South African manufacturer that combines local craftsmanship with international fabric and component supply. They manufacture custom interior blinds and offer repair, cleaning and installation services in selected areas. Expect practical advice and support but plan to speak directly with a representative for bespoke orders and to confirm service coverage in your region.

Core Features

• Manufacture of custom interior blinds in a range of fabrics and finishes.
• Installation services in specified geographic areas.
• Repair and cleaning services for selected blind types.
• Free quotes in certain regions.
• Material sourcing from both local and international suppliers.

Pros

• Broad material choice: Multiple fabrics and finishes for different interiors.
• Customisation: Blinds are made to order for specific openings.
• Lifecycle support: Manufacture, repair and cleaning from one provider.
• Established supplier network: The mix of local and international inputs keeps ranges current.
• Experienced team: Practical, fabric-led advice and guided installation (where offered).

Cons

• Installation and onsite services are only offered in select regions.
• Cleaning and repair carry extra costs and can be material dependent.
• Order process often requires consultation and back-and-forth.

Who It’s For

Good for homeowners and businesses who prefer dealing directly with a manufacturer and want local support where services are available. Particularly suited to clients near their main service areas who want ongoing maintenance options.

Unique Value Proposition

The Blinds Factory blends South African manufacturing with global fabric sourcing and supports customers across manufacture, installation in certain areas, repairs and cleaning. That full-lifecycle approach can be attractive if you want one provider to manage your blinds beyond the initial sale.

Real World Use Case

A homeowner in Stilbaai orders a custom venetian blind. The Blinds Factory measures, manufactures and (where available) installs it, then offers cleaning or repair services over time.

Pricing

Quote-based. Costs vary according to blind type, size, material and the services chosen (installation, repair or cleaning).

Blinds Online

At a Glance

Blinds Online is a South African factory-direct store focused on custom-made window blinds. It offers a broad selection from venetian and wood to roller, bamboo and outdoor blinds, all priced competitively with instant online quotes and fast delivery.

Core Features

• Custom-made blinds supplied directly from the factory.
• Instant online quotes once type, colour and dimensions are entered.
• Free standard shipping above a specified order value and paid express options.
• Range includes venetian, wood, vertical, roller, bamboo and some outdoor blinds.
• Guarantees around product quality and right-fit for peace of mind.

Pros

• Wide product range: Multiple blind styles for different rooms and patio areas.
• Competitive pricing: Factory-direct model keeps costs lower than many retail alternatives.
• Fast, transparent delivery: Clear delivery thresholds and timeframes.
• Instant online quotes: Useful for quick budget checks and comparisons.
• Established operations: Years of order volume indicate a tested process.

Cons

• Online-only approach means limited opportunity to see fabrics in person.
• Smaller orders incur delivery fees, and express shipping costs extra.
• Customer reviews and case studies are less visible on product pages.

Who It’s For

Well suited to homeowners, decorators and office managers who are comfortable measuring and installing blinds themselves or working with a local handyman. If you want competitive pricing, a broad selection and a fast, digital ordering process, this provider fits that profile.

Unique Value Proposition

The combination of factory-direct supply and instant quotes simplifies the journey from idea to order. You can compare several blind types and fabrics quickly, then order what fits your budget and timeline.

Real World Use Case

You measure your living room windows using the online guide, request quotes for both wood and roller blinds, choose the finish that matches your flooring, then receive the custom order within roughly a week and install with basic tools.

Pricing

Quote-based, with free standard delivery above a defined order value and a flat fee for smaller orders. Express delivery options cost more but shorten lead times.

George Blinds

At a Glance

George Blinds delivers locally focused, custom window shading for the George and broader Eden markets, emphasising quality at competitive prices. They pair a wide product range with motorised and voice-control options plus on-site installation in George, Mossel Bay and Hartenbos. The business positions itself as a value- and service-driven local supplier with ambition to grow its regional footprint.

Core Features

• Custom roller, venetian, zebra, honeycomb and other blind types.
• Awnings and related outdoor shading for patios and balconies.
• Motorised and voice-controlled options for smart homes.
• Local, in-person design and budget consultations.
• Professional installation across key Garden Route centres.

Pros

• Wide custom range: Multiple blind types and fabrics for different rooms and projects.
• Competitive pricing: Aims to serve a range of budgets with basic through premium options.
• Local installation: Site visits and fittings in George, Mossel Bay and nearby areas.
• Smart-home ready: Motorisation and voice control options for tech-forward homes.
• Hands-on service: Emphasis on personalised advice and local relationships.

Cons

• Limited online detail about product specifications and full pricing.
• Fewer digital tools for instant quotes compared with some national online players.
• Service is strongest in local areas, so national clients may find less support.

Who It’s For

George Blinds suits homeowners, designers and property managers who prefer face-to-face guidance and local installers. If you live in or near George, Mossel Bay or Hartenbos and want a locally anchored supplier with modern options, this is a logical choice to include in your quotes.

Unique Value Proposition

Their key advantage is a strong local presence: site visits, advice, measurement and installation in a defined region, backed by custom-made products and modern automation options.

Real World Use Case

A family in George is upgrading to motorised blinds throughout their open-plan living area. George Blinds visits on-site, advises on fabrics, light control and motor choices, measures every opening and completes the installation, giving the client a single point of contact.

Pricing

From entry-level price points for basic fabrics and manual blinds through to higher bracket prices for large, motorised or designer options. Exact figures are quote-based and depend on size, fabric and automation level.

Website: https://georgeblinds.co.za

Custom Blinds and Shades Comparison

This table gives a quick side-by-side view of the main providers, focusing on features, strengths, limitations and how pricing works.

Enhance Your Home Office with Custom Window Shades Designed for South African Climates

Working from home in South Africa often means managing glare on your screen, afternoon heat build-up and the need for quiet focus. The right window shades can reduce eye strain, improve temperature control and keep your workspace private without turning it into a dark cave.

If you want solutions that perform against strong sun, coastal humidity or dry inland heat while still looking professional on camera, it is worth choosing custom-made blinds designed for local conditions rather than generic imports.

Discover practical ideas in

7 Smart Home Office Blinds Ideas for South Africans
, then explore bespoke options at
customblinds.co.za and the online store at
customblinds.co.za/shop.

Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings combines on-site Garden Route expertise with national online delivery, so you can get measured advice, AI-assisted quotes and professional-grade blinds for your home office, wherever you work from.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best types of window shades for a home office?

For most home offices, roller blinds, honeycomb / cellular blinds and quality venetian or wood blinds work well. They offer controllable light, good glare reduction and a tidy look behind your desk or screen.

How can window shades improve productivity in a home office?

By cutting glare on screens, reducing harsh temperature swings and improving privacy. When you are not constantly adjusting curtains or squinting at reflections, it is easier to concentrate and stay comfortable through longer work sessions.

What factors should I consider when selecting window shades for my office space?

Look at light direction, heat, privacy needs, screen position, whether your office is coastal or inland and how often you open windows. Then match materials and opacity (sheer, light-filtering, blockout) to those needs.

How do I measure my windows for custom window shades?

Measure the width and height in millimetres at three points (top, middle, bottom for width, and left, centre, right for drop). For recess-fit blinds, use the smallest measurements. If you are unsure, follow a step-by-step guide or request a professional measure-up.

What is the average cost range for home office window shades?

Costs vary widely. Simple ready-made roller blinds can start relatively low, while fully custom, motorised or designer-fabric blinds can run into several thousand rand per window. The main drivers are size, fabric, hardware and whether you include automation.

How often should I clean my window shades to maintain their appearance?

Light dusting every few weeks is usually enough for rollers, venetians and many honeycomb blinds. Deeper cleaning can be done every few months or as needed. Fabric Roman blinds often benefit from gentler, professional cleaning.

Recommended

• Guide To Choosing Indoor Blinds Archives | Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings | Official
• Why Choose Custom Blinds | Independent South African Expertise Since 2010
• Finding The Perfect Window Coverings For Your South African Home
• Custom Web Design vs. Templates: What to Choose
• How to Build a Wine Cellar in South Africa