As winter begins to loosen its grip, many people start thinking about how their home or business will feel once spring arrives. The days get longer, sunlight becomes stronger, and rooms that felt cosy in January can suddenly feel bright, glary or uncomfortable by March.

This is exactly why late winter is one of the smartest times to plan and order blinds, shutters or awnings — even though spring hasn’t officially arrived yet.

For homeowners and businesses across Oxfordshire, ordering early isn’t about rushing. It’s about making better decisions, avoiding delays, and being ready before conditions change.

Spring arrives earlier than most people expect

Meteorological spring begins on 1 March, not later in the month as many assume. From that point onwards, daylight increases quickly and the sun sits higher in the sky, meaning more direct sunlight enters homes, offices and commercial spaces.

This shift often catches people out. Rooms that needed every bit of winter sun suddenly suffer from glare, uneven temperatures or fading furnishings. Outdoor areas, meanwhile, start to feel usable again — but only if they’re properly sheltered.

Planning shading solutions before this change happens means you’re prepared, rather than reacting once discomfort sets in.

Made-to-measure solutions take time (https://heyfordinstallations.co.uk/Blinds/)

Blinds, shutters and awnings supplied by specialists like Heyford Installations aren’t off-the-shelf products. They are made to measure, specified carefully, and installed to suit the building, orientation and how the space is actually used.

That process includes:

Surveying and measuring Choosing fabrics, finishes and control options Manufacturing lead times Scheduling professional installation

Leaving decisions until spring often means longer waits, limited installation slots, and compromises driven by urgency rather than suitability.

Ordering earlier allows time to think properly about what will work best — not just for spring, but for the whole year ahead.

Avoiding the seasonal rush

Spring and early summer are traditionally the busiest periods for window shading and outdoor living products. As soon as brighter weather arrives, demand rises sharply.

By ordering in late winter:

Installations can be booked at convenient times Decisions are calmer and better informed Projects are completed before peak sunlight arrives

For commercial clients, this is particularly important. Businesses relying on comfortable indoor environments or usable outdoor seating can’t afford last-minute delays once customer numbers increase.

External shading benefits from early planning - https://heyfordinstallations.co.uk/Awnings/

Awnings, pergolas and external solar shading are rarely impulse purchases — and they shouldn’t be. These systems often integrate lighting, heating, motorisation and sometimes wind or sun sensors.

Planning early allows:

Correct specification for spring, summer and shoulder seasons Coordination with outdoor layouts and furniture Installation before outdoor areas become busy

For cafés, pubs, restaurants and hospitality venues across Oxfordshire, having outdoor spaces ready early can make a measurable difference to revenue and customer experience.

Smart control works best when planned, not rushed - (https://heyfordinstallations.co.uk/Motorisation/)

Motorised blinds and awnings are increasingly popular because they allow shading to adapt automatically to changing conditions. In spring, this is especially useful, as light and temperature can vary dramatically between morning, midday and evening.

Smart control systems can be set up to:

Reduce glare as the sun strengthens Help manage heat gain naturally Prepare buildings for longer daylight hours

These systems work best when designed properly, not added as an afterthought. Early planning makes that possible.

A smoother transition into warmer months

Spring in the UK is unpredictable. Bright sunshine can be followed by cold evenings, sudden showers or strong winds. The right shading solutions help spaces adapt to these changes without constant adjustment.

By ordering before spring:

Homes stay comfortable as light levels increase Commercial spaces remain usable and welcoming Outdoor areas are protected and flexible

Instead of scrambling to fix problems once they appear, everything is already in place, quietly doing its job.

Thinking ahead pays off

Ordering blinds, shutters or awnings before spring isn’t about being early for the sake of it. It’s about making thoughtful, well-timed decisions that improve comfort, efficiency and usability throughout the year.

Late winter offers the breathing space to plan properly — and the reward is a smoother, more comfortable transition into the brighter months ahead.