Vertical Blind headrail

Becles

Bit of an odd query!

I took my vertical blinds down as the window was being replaced and I dropped the header rail. The end with the controls on shattered along with some of the hooks the slats hang on. I can't remember the original company I bought them from.

I had a look around online and discovered I could buy just the header rail so I measured up and ordered one. On the order form I was asked for the window dimensions, slat width, where I want the controls and where I want the slats to bunch on opening. There was no mention of the number of slats.

After a delay because they lost the order, the new rail has arrived. However it's been made with hooks for 38 slats but I only have 36 slats on the existing blind.

I've been touch with the company who said they have made what I ordered and it's not their fault that it's got more hooks on it as that's what they put on for that width.

Their only solution was to send them a photograph of my blinds and they will sell me two slats in the nearest colour they have.

They said I can't return it as it was made to order and they have made it to my order.

Is there anything I can do or am I stuck with a header rail that is of no use to me?

[Deleted User]

I think the company are being very helpful by offering two extra slats in the nearest colour. They could just state that they won't refund as it is a bespoke item.

You knew from the outset that this header was not from the original manufacturer, so it was always a risk that it wouldn't be fully compatible with the existing blind.

Why not just buy the extra slats? The alternative is purchasing a whole new blind....

societys_child

It's not useless, I'm looking at the blinds on my patio doors as I type.

It wasn't made to measure but luckily the header rail was exactly the correct length when I bought it, but due to handles and the thickness of the patio window frame + doors, the two end slats are not required (in fact they got in way and caught on the handles)

So I removed 1 slat from each end and it looks and works fine. I never notice and had forgotten until I read your post

Would that not work?

Becles

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Why not just buy the extra slats? The alternative is purchasing a whole new blind....

They're made in a different material.

I have PVC slats but they only supply fabric ones. It will look really odd!

Becles

societys_child wrote: »

It's not useless, I'm looking at the blinds on my patio doors as I type.

It wasn't made to measure but luckily the header rail was exactly the correct length when I bought it, but due to handles and the thickness of the patio window frame + doors, the two end slats are not required (in fact they got in way and caught on the handles)

So I removed 1 slat from each end and it looks and works fine. I never notice and had forgotten until I read your post

Would that not work?

No it's for a picture window. I've laid the new rail on the windowsill to check and there will be a gap at either side of the window if I put it up

It's just not suitable for the purpose that I bought it for. As I've given them the correct measurements for the blind I already have, it's fair to assume that the number of hooks would be the same. There's nothing on their website to alert you that a new rail might have more hooks.

I've emailed them again asking if they alter the current rail, but they haven't replied.

agrinnall

Find either the original maker or someone else who can supply you with 2 slats in the correct material and colour. My headers have the manufacturer's name on them, have you looked to make sure it's not on yours? Have you checked back though your bank statements / credit card bills?

[Deleted User]

Becles wrote: »

I've emailed them again asking if they alter the current rail, but they haven't replied.

You knew from the outset that this header was not from the original manufacturer, so it was always a risk that it wouldn't be fully compatible with the existing blind.

ARandomMiser

It sounds to me like the blind company have delivered what was ordered and are going that little bit further to try to resolve your problem. One possibility is to NOT try to match the existing colour but instead pick a contrasting colour and then position these at the 1/3rd and 2/3rd positions - may be effective and become a talking point.

The only problem is that they may find it difficult to match the exact height of the other slats so the new ones may be a few mm taller or shorter.

Valli

Another option would be to buy all new slats to go with the new header rail

[Deleted User]

Valli wrote: »

Another option would be to buy all new slats to go with the new header rail

That would probably cost the same (or more) as purchasing an entirely new blind!

Valli

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

That would probably cost the same (or more) as purchasing an entirely new blind!

Quite possibly, but it's a solution, albeit not MSE