Blinds Direct
Blinds Direct is a South African e-commerce retailer of made-to-measure and ready-made blinds, shutters, curtains, outdoor shades and motorized automation, selling factory-direct to consumers nationwide through its online storefront with instant quoting and DIY or professional installation.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersCape Town, South Africa
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Blinds Direct does
Blinds Direct, trading as Savings Direct cc, is a South African e-commerce retailer of made-to-measure and ready-made window treatments, founded in 2013 and headquartered at 52 Kings Way, Parrow, Cape Town. The company operates an exclusively online storefront at blindsdirect.co.za where customers enter window measurements to generate instant quotes for custom-fitted products shipped directly from the factory. The catalogue spans venetian blinds (Plaswood, Basswood, Aluminium, Aluwood, Polyester, Bamboo), roller, vertical, roman, honeycomb, panel and printed blinds, indoor and outdoor shutters (PVC wood-look, aluminium security and lockable), outdoor roller blinds and shade sails, ready-made and custom curtains, and motorized automation systems (Alpha motors for roller, venetian and curtain automation).
The underlying technology is an integrated measurement and instant-quote engine paired with a made-to-measure manufacturing workflow. Distribution is supported by professional installation contractor coverage in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and select regional areas, by an affiliate programme for marketing partners, and by supplier-channel onboarding for blind manufacturers. The company serves primarily South African residential homeowners and DIY customers who self-measure and self-install, with a secondary commercial segment for branded and security window coverings (e.g., printed blinds for retail branding, aluminium security shutters). Revenue is generated through one-time sales of custom and ready-made products on per-square-meter pricing with volume discounts, plus accessories and replacement parts, sold via the owned e-commerce site, PriceCheck.co.za marketplace listings, SEO/content marketing, and social channels including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Houzz.
Blinds Direct firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blinds Direct
- Legal name
- Savings Direct cc
- Website
- https://blindsdirect.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Blinds Direct is a South African e-commerce retailer of made-to-measure and ready-made blinds, shutters, curtains, outdoor shades and motorized automation, selling factory-direct to consumers nationwide through its online storefront with instant quoting and DIY or professional installation.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Blinds Direct industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Window Coverings & Home Furnishings
- NAICS
- Window Treatment Retailers (449122)
- SIC
- Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Custom Window Blinds Retail (Wood, Faux Wood, Aluminum, Vertical) (CRAIAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Custom Drapery & Made-to-Measure Window Coverings Retail (CRAIAKAD), Shutters Retail (Plantation, Interior/Exterior) (CRAIAKAE), Motorized Shades, Blinds & Curtain Automation (HSAHADAD), Curtains & Drapery Panels Retail (Textile Window Coverings) (CRAIALAD)
Keywords
Where Blinds Direct is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cape Town
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
Blinds Direct business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Blinds and Shutters Sales: One-time purchase of made-to-measure or ready-made blinds, shutters, and curtains. Products ship direct from factory to customer. Includes DIY kits and professional installation options.
- Curtain and Accessories Sales: Sale of curtains, ready-made curtains, and blind accessories including replacement parts, brackets, and chains.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Per square meter pricing with volume discounts |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Blinds Direct product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blinds Direct sells made-to-measure and ready-made window coverings — including venetian, roller, vertical, roman, bamboo, honeycomb, panel and polyester blinds; PVC and aluminium shutters; outdoor blinds and shade sails; curtains; and motorised automation — through its own e-commerce site with an integrated online measurement and instant-quote calculator. Products ship direct from the company's factory to customers across South Africa, with optional professional installation in major centres.
Product overview
Blinds Direct is South Africa's first made-to-measure online blind store, operating since 2013. The company offers an e-commerce platform where customers can enter measurements and receive instant quotes for customized window treatments. Their product portfolio spans multiple blind types (Plaswood, Basswood, Aluminium, Vertical, Roller, Bamboo, Roman, Honeycomb, Panel, Aluwood, Polyester), window shutters (PVC Indoor, Aluminium Security, Aluminium Lockable), outdoor solutions (Outdoor Roller Blinds, Shade Sails), curtains (Ready Made and Custom Made), and automation systems (Roller, Venetian, Curtain Automation). The company differentiates through direct-from-factory pricing, nationwide delivery, professional installation services in major centers, and a 2-year factory guarantee. Their online platform enables customers to configure, measure, and purchase custom window coverings without intermediaries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Plaswood Blinds Faux wood venetian blinds made from composite plastic and wood material. Resistant to warping and fading, suited to high-heat and humid rooms, cheaper than real-wood Basswood, sold made-to-measure by square meter.
- Basswood Blinds Real-wood venetian blinds made from Basswood, a strong, lightweight hardwood that can be stained and sanded to a smooth finish. Sold made-to-measure online with size and finish options.
- Aluminium Blinds Lightweight aluminium venetian blinds resistant to moisture with a sleek modern appearance. Available in 25mm and 50mm slat sizes and multiple finishes including perforated, hammered and brushed.
- Roller Blinds Fabric roller shades in blockout, light filtering, sheerweave, designer, printed and outdoor variants. Operate via a ratchet and spring mechanism and are sold in made-to-measure sizes online.
- Vertical Blinds Vertical blinds with 90mm and 127mm slat widths, including printed vertical options and Curti Voile fabric, sold made-to-measure online.
- Roman Blinds Elegant fabric blinds that fold into pleats when raised, available in classic, premium and ultimate ranges with blockout lining options, sold made-to-measure online.
- Bamboo Blinds Natural bamboo roller and venetian blinds, with bamboo venetian featuring a unique natural texture and bamboo rollers available in spray-finished custom water-based paint colours.
- Honeycomb Blinds Cellular shades made from 100% nonwoven polyester with pleated compartments that trap air for insulation, available in cordless configurations, sold made-to-measure online.
- Aluwood Blinds Aluminium-wood composite venetian blinds in 25mm and 50mm slat sizes combining aluminium durability with a wood appearance.
- Polyester Blinds 50mm polyester venetian blinds marketed as a budget-friendly venetian blind option, sold online.
- Panel Blinds Wide panel blinds in classic, stylish and premium weave ranges, suitable for large windows and sliding doors, sold online.
- Instant Paper Blinds Redi Shade temporary paper blinds that install in under a minute without drills, screws or brackets; fit virtually any window and are aimed at renters or urgent needs.
- PVC Indoor Shutters Indoor wood-look PVC shutters — hard-wearing material resistant to cracking, splitting, fading, water, fire and heat.
- Aluminium Security Shutters Aluminium security shutters providing an extra level of security for homes, commercial or retail spaces without compromising aesthetics.
- Aluminium Lockable Shutters Indoor and outdoor aluminium lockable shutters offering strength and a lockable security feature for residential and commercial premises.
- Outdoor Roller Blinds Outdoor roller blinds for patios, braai areas, decks, carports, pools, courtyards and kids' play areas. Available in PVC, Ripstop canvas, sheer and bamboo variants.
- Shade Sails Outdoor shade sails providing UV protection for outdoor entertainment spaces, including Coolaroo Extreme Shade Sails and ready-to-hang options.
- Ready Made Curtains Ready-made curtains in various styles including sheer, lined and unlined options, including the Stuart Graham fabric collection and Skyline sheer range.
- Custom Made Curtains Custom made-to-measure curtains where customers specify colour, length, design, material and shading preferences via the online configurator.
- Printed Blinds Custom printed roller and vertical blinds on white PVC material with seamless finish. Customers can supply their own artwork or images for branding or personalisation, available in semi-blockout variants.
- Alpha Roller Automation System Exclusively supplied Alpha motorised automation system for roller blinds featuring 2N.m battery operation, RF remotes, outdoor mains-connected motor option, and app control via the Alpha home hub.
- Venetian Automation Motorised venetian blind automation allowing remote tilt control via phone for residential and commercial customers.
- Curtain Automation Motorised curtain automation system for automated opening and closing of curtains.
- Double Roller / Zebra Blinds Tandem dual roller blinds combining two roller blinds — perforated and blockout — in one window treatment, with Venice and Florence variants added to the range in 2015.
- Blinds Accessories Replacement parts and accessories for blinds and shutters, including valance pelmet clips, vertical blind weights, chains, brackets, controllers and spring pins.
- Professional Installation Service Professional installation service provided by contracted installers for customers in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and surrounding regions who prefer expert fitting of purchased blinds, shutters and curtains.
Quantifiable outcome
- Save up to 50% compared to traditional retailers
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Blinds Direct
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Blinds Direct technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Blinds Direct partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- PriceCheckminorListed on PriceCheck.co.za, South Africa's leading price comparison platform. Allows price-conscious consumers to compare Blinds Direct prices against competitors and build trust through visibility on a recognized platform.
- MobiCredminorFinancing partner enabling customers to pay for purchases in installments through the MobiCred platform. Displayed on website to offer flexible payment options.
- Stuart GrahamminorSupplier of high-quality curtain fabrics. Stuart Graham is a recognized fabric brand with long history in South Africa. Blinds Direct is one of few online stores offering Stuart Graham ready-made curtains.
- Home Fabrics (Skyline Range)minorSupplier of ready-made sheer curtains using Home Fabrics Skyline range. Offered in 7 color options to match decor needs.
- CoolaroominorCoolaroo Extreme Shade Sails brand for outdoor shading products. Part of outdoor blinds and shades category.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Blinds Direct competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SelectBlinds: US-based direct-to-consumer online retailer of custom blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery with online measurement tools and free samples. Highly comparable business model and product breadth to Blinds Direct.
- Blinds To Go: North American retailer specializing in custom window coverings with showrooms and direct manufacturing. Comparable product range (blinds, shades, shutters, drapery) and made-to-measure value proposition, though with physical retail rather than online-only.
- 123 Blinds: Australian online retailer of custom-made blinds, curtains, shutters, and outdoor shading. Direct comparable in business model (online made-to-measure, nationwide delivery) and product breadth across window treatments.
- Blinds.com: US-based online made-to-measure blinds retailer (subsidiary of The Home Depot) selling custom blinds, shades, and shutters online with measurement tools and home consultation options. Closest direct international comparable to Blinds Direct's online made-to-measure model.
- Just Blinds: South African online blinds and shutters retailer offering made-to-measure window coverings with nationwide delivery. Direct local competitor to Blinds Direct in the same product category and South African market.
- Hillarys: UK-based leading direct-to-consumer blinds, curtains, and shutters retailer with in-home consultation plus online ordering. Comparable custom-made window coverings business model with strong brand and broad product range.
Others
- Coolaroo: Manufacturer and brand of outdoor shade sails and exterior sun protection products. Connected to Blinds Direct as a current supplier of Coolaroo Extreme Shade Sails sold on its platform; relevant ecosystem participant in outdoor shading category.
- PriceCheck: South Africa's leading price comparison marketplace. Connected to Blinds Direct as an active channel/marketplace partner driving customer acquisition; relevant ecosystem participant in the SA e-commerce landscape where Blinds Direct competes for visibility.
Broad incumbents
- Budget Blinds: Large North American franchise network for blinds, shades, shutters, and window film with in-home consultation. Broader incumbent with established brand offering custom window coverings, comparable in product category though different channel structure.
- Swish (Epwin Group): UK-based manufacturer and supplier of window blinds, curtain poles, and tracks primarily B2B to retailers and installers. Broader incumbent in window coverings category with adjacent supply-chain overlap to Blinds Direct's made-to-measure blinds line.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses3 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Blinds Direct social profiles
Digital presenceBlinds Direct financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blinds Direct leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Blinds Direct funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blinds Direct M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Blinds Direct
What does Blinds Direct do?
Blinds Direct sells made-to-measure and ready-made window coverings — including venetian, roller, vertical, roman, bamboo, honeycomb, panel and polyester blinds; PVC and aluminium shutters; outdoor blinds and shade sails; curtains; and motorised automation — through its own e-commerce site with an integrated online measurement and instant-quote calculator. Products ship direct from the company's factory to customers across South Africa, with optional professional installation in major centres.
Is Blinds Direct a public or private company?
Blinds Direct is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Blinds Direct founded?
Blinds Direct was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Blinds Direct based?
Blinds Direct is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Blinds Direct make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Blinds and Shutters Sales are the primary driver. The others are curtain and Accessories Sales.
Who are Blinds Direct's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SelectBlinds, Blinds To Go, 123 Blinds, Blinds.com, Just Blinds and Hillarys. Others are Coolaroo and PriceCheck. Broad incumbents are Budget Blinds and Swish (Epwin Group).
Does Blinds Direct have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blinds Direct.
What industry is Blinds Direct in?
Blinds Direct's product category is Window Coverings & Home Furnishings. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAIAKAA, Custom Window Blinds Retail (Wood, Faux Wood, Aluminum, Vertical), with a secondary code of CRAIAKAD, Custom Drapery & Made-to-Measure Window Coverings Retail. Its NAICS code is 449122 and its SIC code is 5700.