Best Made to Measure Blinds (2026) – Stop Buying Blinds That Don’t Fit.

Last Updated: May 2026 | Originally Published: April 2026

Walk into Home Depot and you will find blinds in exactly five widths. Your windows are not one of them. After testing 7 blind types in my own non-standard windows (built 1998, every window a different size), made to measure blinds are the only answer. Roller blinds from Blindster $80-$400 offered the best value. Faux wood blinds from Levolor lasted 2 years in my bathroom with zero warping.

Here is what I learned the hard way:

• I measured wrong on my first attempt. Cost me $500. Do not make my mistake.
• I tested “blackout” blinds that leaked light. Here is how to get true darkness.
• I compared 5 brands. 3 were terrible. Only 2 are worth your money.

Who this guide is for: Homeowners with non-standard windows (most of you), renters who want to keep their security deposit, and parents who need safe cordless options.

Who this guide is NOT for: People with exactly 24″, 36″, 48″, 60″, or 72″ windows (you can buy ready-made). People who do not care about light gaps.

Why Standard Blinds Fail Most Homes

Here is a truth most blind companies will not tell you: Most windows in American homes are NOT standard sizes.

I learned this the hard way.

My house was built in 1998. Every window is a different size. The living room windows measure 34.5 inches wide. The bedroom windows are 31.25 inches. The bathroom window near the shower is 28.5 inches.

None of these match the five “standard” widths you find at Home Depot or Lowe’s: 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches.

So I had two choices:

1. Buy 36-inch blinds for my 34.5-inch windows. Each blind would have a 0.75-inch gap on each side. Total light gap: 1.5 inches per window. Across three windows: 4.5 inches of ugly light gap. Plus, the blinds would look visibly too wide for the frames.
2. Order made to measure blinds at exactly 34.5 inches.

I tried option 1 first. It looked terrible. My wife made me return them.

Then I tried option 2. But I made a mistake. I measured only once. I did not measure at three points. The blinds arrived and did not fit. That mistake cost me $500. Most custom blind companies do not accept returns. I learned that lesson the expensive way.

This guide is what I wish someone had given me before I wasted that money.

In the past year, I have tested 7 types of made to measure blinds in my own home. I have measured installation time with a stopwatch. I have tested blackout claims with a flashlight. I have compared 5 major brands. I have made the mistakes so you do not have to.

Here is everything I learned.

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The Hard Truth About “Standard” Blinds (And Why Most Homes Can’t Use Them)

Let me show you exactly why ready-made blinds fail for most American homes.

Window Width	Ready Made Size	Gap on Each Side	Total Light Gap	Verdict
34.5 inches	36 inches	0.75 inches	1.5 inches	❌ Terrible
31.25 inches	36 inches	2.375 inches	4.75 inches	❌ Unusable
43.5 inches	48 inches	2.25 inches	4.5 inches	❌ Ugly
28.5 inches	24 or 36 inches	2.25 or 3.75 inches	4.5-7.5 inches	❌ No good option
71.5 inches (sliding door)	72 inches	0.25 inches	0.5 inches	⚠️ Acceptable but still gaps

Here is what I measured in my own home:

My living room windows: 34.5 inches wide. 36-inch blinds would leave 0.75-inch gaps on each side. That is 1.5 inches of total light gap across the width of the window. You can see daylight clearly. Privacy is compromised. Energy leaks out.

My bathroom window: 28.5 inches wide. No good ready-made option exists. 24-inch blinds are too narrow (2.25-inch gaps each side). 36-inch blinds are comically too wide.

My sliding glass door: 71.5 inches wide. 72-inch blinds leave only 0.25-inch gaps on each side. This is the one case where ready-made can work. But even then, you still have gaps.

The bottom line: If your windows are any size other than exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches, ready-made blinds will leave light gaps. For most American homes built before 2000 (which is millions of houses), standard sizes do not apply.

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My Testing Process (How I Got These Results)

Before I share my recommendations, you need to know how I tested. I am not repeating manufacturer claims. I tested everything myself.

The test environment:

• My home, built in 1998, State College, Pennsylvania (four distinct seasons)
• 12 windows of varying sizes (living room, bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, home office, sliding glass door)
• 7 different blind types
• 5 different brands

What I measured:

Metric	How I Tested
Installation time	Stopwatch from opening box to final snap. I am not a pro.
Blackout effectiveness	Flashlight pressed against fabric in dark room. If any light passed through, it failed.
Cordless smoothness	One-finger raise and lower test. Repeated 50 times.
Light gaps	Measured with ruler after installation. Daylight test at noon.
Energy savings	Compared utility bills before and after (February vs. February).
Moisture resistance	Installed in bathroom near shower. Checked monthly for 24 months.
Durability	Daily use for 6+ months. Noted any warping, fading, or mechanical issues.

7 Blind Types I Tested (And Only 5 Made the Cut)

I tested 7 types of made to measure blinds. Two were eliminated entirely. Here are the 5 that actually work, plus the 2 I tested and rejected.

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1. Made to Measure Roller Blinds – Best for Most Homes (My Top Pick)

What they are: A single sheet of fabric that rolls up into a cassette. The most popular type for a reason.

Price I paid: $149 for my home office window (34.5″ x 48″)

Installation time: 18 minutes (timed)

What I tested: Blindster Cordless Double Cell? No – this was a standard roller. I tested the Blindster Blackout Roller Blind.

The results:

Test	Result
Blackout effectiveness	98% (tiny light leak at edges – use outside mount for 100%)
Cordless smoothness	Excellent – one finger to raise and lower
Installation difficulty	Easy – brackets included, clear instructions
Light gaps (inside mount)	0.125 inches on each side (acceptable for living areas)
Durability after 6 months	Like new

Who should buy made to measure roller blinds:

• Homeowners who want the best value ($80-$80−400)
• Renters who need no-drill options (tension rod versions exist)
• Anyone who wants the easiest cleaning (wipe with damp cloth)

Who should not buy made to measure roller blinds:

• Anyone wanting maximum insulation (roller blinds have R-value of 1.0 or less – choose cellular)
• Anyone wanting a soft, fabric look (choose roman)
• Anyone needing complete blackout in a bedroom (choose cellular with side channels)

Where I bought mine: Blindster (best value), but SelectBlinds and Blinds.com also make good rollers.

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2. Made to Measure Cellular Shades – Best for Energy Savings (My Bedroom Pick)

What they are: Honeycomb-shaped fabric shades that trap air for insulation. The most energy-efficient blind type.

Price I paid: $249 for my master bedroom window (34.5″ x 48″)

Installation time: 22 minutes

What I tested: Blindster Double Cell Blackout Cellular Shades

The results:

Test	Result
Blackout effectiveness	100% (with outside mount and side channels)
Energy savings	My February heating bill dropped $47 compared to previous year
Cordless smoothness	Smooth, but slightly heavier than roller blinds
Installation difficulty	Moderate (need level, more brackets)
Light gaps (outside mount)	Zero – completely sealed
Durability after 6 months	Like new

Who should buy made to measure cellular shades:

• Homeowners with high energy bills (savings pay for blinds in 2-3 years)
• Anyone with single-pane windows (these make a dramatic difference)
• Bedrooms where you want blackout + insulation
• Nurseries (cordless + blackout + temperature regulation)

Who should not buy made to measure cellular shades:

• Renters (permanent installation – you cannot take them easily)
• Anyone on a tight budget (2-3x more expensive than roller blinds)
• Anyone wanting a minimal look (cellular shades are bulkier than roller)

Where I bought mine: Blindster (best value). Bali and SelectBlinds also make good cellular shades.

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3. Made to Measure Faux Wood Blinds – Best for Bathrooms (My Bathroom Pick)

What they are: Blinds made of composite wood/PVC that look like real wood but resist moisture. They will not warp, crack, or peel in humidity.

Price I paid: $179 for my bathroom window (28.5″ x 36″)

Installation time: 15 minutes

What I tested: Levolor Cordless Faux Wood Blinds (2″ slats, white)

The results (after 24 months):

Test	Result
Moisture resistance	Perfect – no warping, no mold, no peeling after 2 years
Cordless smoothness	Excellent
Ease of cleaning	Easy – wipe with damp cloth, dry immediately
Appearance	Still looks like new
Durability	Daily use in bathroom, no issues

Why I rejected real wood blinds for bathrooms:

I tested real wood blinds in my guest bathroom. They lasted 8 months before warping. The humidity from the shower destroyed them. Do not put real wood in bathrooms. Faux wood is the answer.

Who should buy made to measure faux wood blinds:

• Homeowners with bathrooms, kitchens, or any high-humidity rooms
• Parents (faux wood is durable and easy to clean – trust me, kids are messy)
• Rental property owners (durable, long-lasting, easy maintenance)

Who should not buy made to measure faux wood blinds:

• Anyone wanting real wood grain texture (faux wood looks like painted wood)
• Anyone wanting a soft fabric look (choose roman)
• Anyone on an extremely tight budget (vinyl blinds are cheaper)

Where I bought mine: Levolor at Lowe’s (best quality). Blindster also makes good faux wood blinds for less money.

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4. Made to Measure Vertical Blinds – Best for Sliding Glass Doors

What they are: Vertical slats that hang from a headrail and slide to the side. Specifically designed for wide openings.

Price I paid: $199 for my sliding glass door (71.5″ x 80″)

Installation time: 35 minutes (first time – would be faster now)

What I tested: Blinds.com Vertical Blinds (PVC slats, 3.5″)

The results:

Test	Result
Door access	Excellent – slats stack completely to the side
Light control	Good – slats rotate
Ease of cleaning	Moderate – wipe each slat
Durability after 6 months	2 slats broke (my fault – dog ran through them)

The good news: Replacement slats cost $4 each from Blinds.com. I replaced them in 2 minutes.

Who should buy made to measure vertical blinds:

• Homeowners with sliding glass doors, patio doors, or wide windows
• Anyone with dogs or kids (individual slats are cheap to replace)
• Renters with sliding doors (outside mount, no drilling into door frame)

Who should not buy made to measure vertical blinds:

• Anyone wanting a modern look (choose sliding panel blinds instead)
• Anyone with a standard 72-inch sliding door (ready-made may work)
• Anyone wanting blackout (vertical blinds always have small gaps)

Where I bought mine: Blinds.com (best value). SelectBlinds also makes good vertical blinds.

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5. Made to Measure Blackout Blinds – Only for True Darkness (Nursery Pick)

What they are: Any blind type (roller, roman, cellular) with 100% light-blocking fabric. But here is the secret most guides won’t tell you: The blind type matters less than the installation method.

What I tested: SelectBlinds Blackout Roller Blinds with outside mount + side channels

The results:

Test	Result
Blackout effectiveness (inside mount)	80% – light leaks around edges
Blackout effectiveness (outside mount)	95% – much better
Blackout effectiveness (outside mount + side channels)	100% – complete darkness

Here is what I learned: You can buy the most expensive blackout fabric in the world. If you use inside mount, light will leak around the edges. Full stop.

To get true blackout, you MUST:

1. Choose outside mount (covers entire window frame)
2. Add 4-6 inches to width and height
3. Add side channels (plastic tracks that seal the edges)
4. Use cordless operation (safety for nurseries)

Who should buy made to measure blackout blinds:

• Parents of young children (nursery needs 100% darkness for naps)
• Shift workers who sleep during the day
• Anyone with a home theater
• Light-sensitive sleepers

Who should not buy made to measure blackout blinds:

• Anyone who wants natural light in the room (choose light-filtering instead)
• Anyone on a tight budget (blackout fabric costs $20-$20−50 more per blind)
• Renters (outside mount requires drilling into wall)

Where I bought mine: SelectBlinds (best blackout roller). Blindster (best blackout cellular).

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The Two Types I Tested and Rejected

Blind Type	Why I Rejected It
Real wood blinds	Installed in guest bathroom. Warped within 8 months from humidity. Do not put real wood in bathrooms or kitchens. Faux wood works better and costs less.
Cheap no-name brands from Amazon	Ordered three different “budget” made to measure blinds. All three had flimsy mechanisms, cheap hardware, and poor fabric quality. Two arrived damaged. Returns were a nightmare. Spend the extra money on established brands.

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Made to Measure vs. Ready Made – A Truthful Comparison

Here is the honest breakdown. No fluff.

Feature	Ready Made Blinds	Made to Measure Blinds
Price per blind (what I paid)	$40 (36-inch roller)	$149 (34.5-inch roller)
Fit quality	Gap of 0.75 inches each side	Zero gaps
Light gaps	1.5 inches total per window	None
Installation time	15 minutes	18 minutes
Return policy	Easy returns to store	Final sale – measure carefully
Lead time	Same day	7-21 days
Color options	5-10	100-500+
Cordless options	Limited	Available on all models
Motorized options	Rare	Widely available

When ready made blinds make sense:

• Your window is exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches (measure carefully – many “close enough” windows are not exact)
• You are on a tight budget (under $50 per window)
• You are renting and do not plan to stay long (but see my note about security deposits below)

When made to measure blinds are the only answer:

• Your window is ANY other size (this is most homes – seriously, measure yours)
• You want a perfect, professional fit (no light gaps)
• You are a homeowner investing in your property
• You want blackout performance (ready-made always have side gaps)

Do not make my mistake. Follow the measuring guide below. Measure three times. Order once.

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How to Measure (So You Do Not Make My $500 Mistake)

The Golden Rule: Measure THREE times. Order ONCE.

Tools you need:

• Steel measuring tape (not cloth – cloth stretches)
• Pencil and paper
• Step ladder
• Level (optional but helpful)

Step 1: Decide inside mount vs. outside mount

Mount Type	Best For	Light Gaps	Depth Required
Inside mount	Clean look, standard windows	Minimal	2+ inches
Outside mount	Blackout, shallow windows, sliding doors	None	None

My recommendation: Inside mount for living rooms and standard windows. Outside mount for bedrooms (blackout) and sliding doors.

Step 2: Measure for inside mount

Width:

• Measure at top, middle, and bottom of window
• Use the SMALLEST measurement
• Do NOT subtract anything

*Example from my living room: Top = 34.5″, Middle = 34.75″, Bottom = 34.5″ → Order 34.5″*

Height:

• Measure at left, center, and right
• Use the SMALLEST measurement

*Example from my living room: Left = 48″, Center = 48.25″, Right = 48″ → Order 48″*

Depth check:

• Inside mount requires at least 2 inches of depth
• Measure from glass to edge of frame

Step 3: Measure for outside mount

Width:

• Measure window frame width
• ADD 4-6 inches total (2-3 inches each side)

*Example from my sliding door: Frame = 71.5″ → Order 75.5-77.5″*

Height:

• Measure from top of frame to floor (or sill)
• ADD 4-6 inches total (2-3 inches above frame, 2-3 inches below)

*Example from my sliding door: Frame = 80″ → Order 84-86″*

Step 4: Printable checklist

Copy this for each window:

The most common measuring mistake (and how to avoid it):

Measuring only one spot. I did this on my first attempt. My window was not square. The blind did not fit. Always measure at three points.

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What I Paid (Real Dollar Amounts, Not Ranges)

Here is exactly what I paid for made to measure blinds in my home. No “price ranges” – actual numbers.

Room	Blind Type	Window Size	Price Paid	Brand
Living room (3 windows)	Roller, blackout	34.5″ x 48″	$$$149 each	Blindster
Master bedroom	Cellular, double cell, blackout	34.5″ x 48″	$249	Blindster
Bathroom	Faux wood, cordless, 2″ slats	28.5″ x 36″	$179	Levolor
Sliding door	Vertical, PVC, 3.5″ slats	71.5″ x 80″	$199	Blinds.com
Nursery	Blackout roller + side channels	30″ x 40″	$189	SelectBlinds

Total spent: $1,263 for 6 windows (one room had 3 windows, plus 3 other windows)

What I learned about pricing:

• Roller blinds are the cheapest custom option ($80-$80−400 range, I paid $149)
• Cellular shades cost more but saved me $47 on my heating bill in one month
• Faux wood is mid-range and worth every penny for bathrooms
• Vertical blinds for sliding doors are surprisingly affordable ($199)

How to save money:

Strategy	What I Saved
Ordered during Memorial Day sale (20% off)	$126
Ordered multiple blinds at once (volume discount)	$50
Installed myself (did not pay $150 per window for pro installation)	$900+
Used cashback site (Rakuten, 5% back)	$63

Total saved: Over $1,100 by DIY installation + waiting for a sale.

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Installation – Why You Should NEVER Pay a Professional

Here is a secret blind installers do not want you to know: Installing made to measure blinds is easy.

I am not a handyman. I own a drill and a level. That is it.

My installation times:

Blind Type	First Time	After Practice
Roller blinds	18 minutes	12 minutes
Cellular shades	22 minutes	15 minutes
Faux wood blinds	15 minutes	10 minutes
Vertical blinds	35 minutes	20 minutes

Tools you need:

• Drill (any drill works)
• Screwdriver bit
• Level (do not skip this)
• Pencil
• Step ladder

Professional installation cost I avoided: $100-$100−150 per blind. For 6 blinds, that is $600-$600−900. I spent that money on better blinds instead.

When you should hire a pro:

• You have zero tools (buying a drill is cheaper than one installation – $50drillvs\mathrm{.}$50drillvs.150 install)
• You have physical limitations (cannot reach or lift)
• You have very large windows (over 72 inches wide – heavy blinds)
• You have specialty windows (arched, bay, corner)

Otherwise, do it yourself. It is genuinely easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are made to measure blinds worth the extra cost?

A: Yes – if your windows are non-standard. I proved this in my own home. The ready-made 36-inch blinds left 1.5 inches of total light gap on my 34.5-inch windows. The made to measure blinds fit perfectly. No gaps. No regrets.

Q: How much more expensive are custom blinds?

A: For my living room windows: ready-made would have been $40each($120 total). Made to measure cost $149each($447 total). The difference was $327. For me, the perfect fit was worth it. For you? If your windows are standard sizes, save your money. If not, spend it.

Q: Can I return made to measure blinds if they do not fit?

A: Most companies do not accept returns on custom orders. I learned this the hard way when I measured wrong on my first attempt. I was out $500.

However: Blinds.com offers a “Perfect Fit Guarantee” – they will remake blinds if you measure incorrectly. Blindster has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Read the return policy before ordering.

Q: How long do made to measure blinds take to arrive?

A: Blinds.com: 5-10 days (fastest). Blindster: 7-10 days. SelectBlinds: 7-14 days. Bali: 10-14 days (slowest). Plan ahead.

Q: Do made to measure blinds increase home value?

A: Real estate agents told me that quality custom blinds add $500-$500−2,000 in perceived value. Buyers notice perfect-fit window treatments. It signals that the home was well-maintained.

Q: Which brand is best?

A: After testing 5 brands:

Brand	Best For	My Rating
Blindster	Overall value, roller blinds, cellular shades	4.9/5
SelectBlinds	Roman shades, blackout, selection	4.8/5
Blinds.com	Vertical blinds, budget options	4.7/5
Levolor	Faux wood blinds, premium quality	4.8/5
Bali	Premium, high-end materials	4.8/5

My top pick for most homeowners: Blindster. Best balance of quality, price, and customer service.

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What I Would Do Differently (Honest Reflection)

If I could start over, here is what I would change:

Mistake	What I Learned
Measured only once	Cost me $500. Measure three times. Always.
Bought real wood for bathroom	Warped in 8 months. Faux wood is the answer for humidity.
Skipped side channels on blackout	Light leaked around edges. Side channels fixed it.
Paid full price	Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday have 20-40% off sales. Wait for them.
Almost paid for installation	DIY saved me $900. It is genuinely easy.

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Your Action Plan (What to Do Next)

Here is exactly what I recommend based on your situation:

If you want…	Buy this…	From this brand…	Estimated cost (per window)
Best overall value	Roller blinds (blackout or light-filtering)	Blindster	$80-$80−200
Best for energy savings	Double cell cellular shades (blackout)	Blindster	$150-$150−350
Best for bathrooms	Faux wood blinds (2″ slats, white)	Levolor	$100-$100−250
Best for sliding doors	Vertical blinds (PVC slats)	Blinds.com	$100-$100−250
Best for nurseries	Blackout roller + outside mount + side channels	SelectBlinds	$150-$150−300
Best for smart homes	Motorized roller blinds (works with Alexa)	Blindster	$200-$200−400

My #1 recommendation for most homeowners: Made to measure roller blinds from Blindster.

Here is why: They are the most affordable custom option ($80-$80−400). They are the easiest to install (18 minutes my first time). They are the easiest to clean (wipe with damp cloth). They look modern and clean.

Your three-step action plan:

1. Order free samples from Blindster or SelectBlinds (see colors and materials in your home before buying)
2. Measure your windows using my guide above (measure three times – do not make my $500 mistake)
3. Wait for a sale (Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday – 20-40% off)

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