How to Become a Blinds & Shutters Installer in the UK: Your Complete Guide

Thinking of a hands-on trade that combines craftsmanship with that interior design flair? Becoming a blinds and shutters installer could be your perfect fit. Here’s what you need to know—from the perks and pay, to training options under big brands or going solo. Plus, find out how SMB Booster can get your new business seen online with a fully managed, lead-generating website.

🌟 Why Install Blinds & Shutters? The Benefits

• Strong Demand: Homeowners and businesses always need window coverings—new builds, refurbishments, rentals, offices.

• Good Margins: Typical installation fees range from £150–£500 per window, depending on product and complexity.

• Creative Work: Combine practical skills with design flair—colour matching, measuring, and custom fitting.

• Flexible Hours: Choose your own schedule, take on projects around family life or other commitments.

• Scalable: Start solo, then grow into a team or take on a showroom.

📜 Qualifications & Training Options

⚙️ Independent Training

• City & Guilds Level 2 in Window Coverings: Covers measuring, fitting, basic repair.

• On-the-job Apprenticeship: Learn directly under an experienced installer.

• DIY Courses & Manufacturer Workshops: Many blind manufacturers run short fit-and-install courses.

🏢 Corporate & Franchise Training

• Hillarys Academy: One of the UK’s largest, offers hands-on training, branded leads—but comes with franchise fees and restricted territories.

• Velux, Luxaflex, Somfy & Others: Brands often train installers on proprietary systems. Great for specialist products, but you’re tied to their range and pricing.

• Pros & Cons:

  • Pro: Instant brand recognition, ongoing support, marketing materials

  • Con: Upfront franchise or territory fees, less product freedom, commission structures

Choosing corporate training can speed your launch—but going independent gives you full product range choice and higher profit per sale.

📈 Market Size & Growth

• UK Window Coverings Market: Estimated at over £1.2 billion per year, with custom blinds and shutters commanding premium prices.

• Green & Smart Trends: Demand for blackout, thermal and automated (motorised/IoT) solutions is rising, opening up higher-value niche installs.

• Refurb & Rental Boom: With rising rents and holiday lets, landlords regularly upgrade blinds and shutters.

🛠️ Standard Equipment & Setup

• Measuring Tools: Laser measure, tape, spirit level

• Power Tools: Cordless drill, driver, jigsaw or multi-tool

• Hand Tools: Screwdrivers, pliers, stud finder

• Installation Kits: Brackets, screws, wall anchors, cable ties

• Safety Gear: Goggles, gloves, kneepads

• Transport: Van or estate car with roof rack for longer shutters

• Optional: Mobile point-of-sale (tablet + card machine) to take deposits on site

🏡 Services You Can Offer

• Made-to-measure Roller, Venetian & Roman Blinds

• Plantation Shutters & External Awnings

• Motorised & Smart Home Integration (Somfy, Lutron)

• Blackout & Thermal Lining Upgrades

• Repair & Maintenance: Slat replacement, cord repair, re-sizing

• Commercial Fitouts: Offices, hospitality, healthcare

• Design Consultations & In-home Measuring

Package discounts—like “bedroom suite” bundles—and maintenance contracts can boost recurring revenue.

🌐 Grow Your Blinds & Shutters Business Online with SMB Booster

You’re an expert installer—let us handle the online side. SMB Booster builds fully managed, mobile-optimised, lead-generating websites tailored to blinds and shutter companies. Check out our blinds and shutters website here.

For just £79/month (no contracts), you get:

• SEO-optimised service & location pages (so local customers find you)

• Live chat widget & instant quote forms (capture leads on the spot)

• Tap-to-call buttons and Google Review integration (show off your 5⭐️ feedback)

• Automated follow-ups and CRM integrations (keep enquiries warm)

• Ongoing updates & support—no tech headaches

Whether you’re fresh from franchise training or ready to fly solo, our websites help you look professional, rank higher, and win more jobs.

🚀 Ready to Launch Your Blinds & Shutters Business?

Stop waiting for customers to call—get found, get booked, and grow faster.
👉 Visit smbbooster.co.uk to request a free website mock up and see exactly how your new site could look.

Let’s make your blinds business be seen online, so you can focus on crafting perfect blinds and shutters in the real world.