Made to Measure vs. Ready Made Blinds – A Truthful Comparison

Last Updated: May 2026 | Originally Published: April 2026

Choose ready made blinds if your window is exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches and you are on a tight budget. Choose made to measure blinds for any other size (most homes), for blackout needs, or if you want zero light gaps.

Here is what I learned testing both:

• Ready made 36-inch blinds on my 34.5-inch windows left 1.5 inches of total light gap per window.
• Made to measure blinds at exactly 34.5 inches had zero gaps.
• Price difference: $40perwindow(readymade)vs\mathrm{.}$40perwindow(readymade)vs.149 per window (made to measure).
• For my living room (3 windows), the difference was $327. Worth it for perfect fit.

Who this guide is for: Homeowners deciding between cheaper ready made blinds and more expensive custom blinds.

Who this guide is NOT for: People with exactly standard windows (24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches) – ready made is fine for you.

Made to Measure vs. Ready Made Blinds – A Truthful Comparison (No Marketing Fluff)

Here is a truth most blind companies will not tell you: The right choice depends entirely on your window size.

I see so many guides that say “custom blinds are always better” or “ready made blinds are all you need.” Both are wrong.

The honest answer is more nuanced.

I have tested both. I bought ready made blinds first. They looked terrible on my non-standard windows. I returned them. I bought made to measure blinds. They fit perfectly. I also installed ready made blinds on a friend’s standard windows. They worked great.

This guide tells you exactly which one to choose based on your situation – no marketing fluff, no bias, just the truth.

Let us get into it.

Need to measure your windows first? See my How to Measure for Made to Measure Blinds guide.

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The Honest Comparison Table

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	Good only if your window is exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches	Perfect for any size
Light gaps	0.25-0.75 inches on each side (0.5-1.5 inches total)	None (if measured correctly)
Color options	5-10 (white, off-white, beige, gray)	100-500+
Cordless options	Limited (only on higher-end models)	Available on all models
Motorized options	Rare	Widely available
Return policy	Easy returns to store (30-90 days)	Final sale – measure carefully
Lead time	Same day (in-store pickup)	7-21 days
Installation time	15 minutes	15-30 minutes
Best for	Standard windows, tight budgets, rentals	Non-standard windows, homeowners, blackout needs

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The Real-World Test – My 34.5-Inch Windows

Let me show you exactly what happened when I tested both on my living room windows.

The Window

Property	Measurement
Width	34.5 inches
Height	48 inches
Standard size?	No (standard sizes are 24, 36, 48, 60, 72)

Test 1: Ready Made Blinds (36 inches)

Metric	Result
Blind size ordered	36 inches wide
Gap on each side	0.75 inches
Total light gap per window	1.5 inches
Light gap across 3 windows	4.5 inches
Appearance	Blinds look visibly too wide for frames
Privacy	Compromised – daylight visible through gaps
Energy efficiency	Poor – cold air leaked through gaps

My reaction: It looked terrible. My wife made me return them.

Test 2: Made to Measure Blinds (34.5 inches)

Metric	Result
Blind size ordered	Exactly 34.5 inches wide
Gap on each side	Zero
Total light gap per window	None
Appearance	Perfect fit – looks professional
Privacy	Complete
Energy efficiency	No air leaks

My reaction: Perfect. Exactly what I wanted. Worth every extra dollar.

The Price Difference

Cost Category	Ready Made	Made to Measure	Difference
Cost per blind	$40	$149	+$109
Cost for 3 windows	$120	$447	+$327

Was the extra $327 worth it? Yes. For me, perfect fit and zero light gaps were worth the premium.

Would it be worth it for you? That depends on your windows. Read on.

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When to Choose Ready Made Blinds

Ready made blinds are the right choice in these situations.

1. Your Window Is Exactly a Standard Size

Standard Width	Standard Height (Common)
24 inches	36 inches
36 inches	48 inches
48 inches	60 inches
60 inches	72 inches
72 inches	84 inches

How to check: Measure your window width. If it matches one of these numbers exactly (to the 1/8 inch), ready made will fit well.

Real example: My friend’s apartment has 36-inch windows. Ready made 36-inch blinds fit perfectly. Light gaps were minimal (0.125 inches on each side). He saved money and was happy.

2. You Are on a Tight Budget

Budget	Recommendation
Under $50 per window	Ready made is your only option
$50-$50−100 per window	Ready made fits budget. Made to measure starts at $80+
$100+ per window	Both are possible

Real numbers: My made to measure roller blinds cost $149perwindow\mathrm{.}Ifyourbudgetisunder$149perwindow.Ifyourbudgetisunder100 per window, ready made is the practical choice.

3. You Are Renting (Short-Term)

Rental Situation	Recommendation
Staying less than 1 year	Ready made (cheaper, acceptable)
Staying 1-2 years	Either (but check lease about drilling)
Staying 2+ years	Consider made to measure if windows are non-standard

Warning: If you drill holes for made to measure blinds, you may lose your security deposit. No-drill options exist but are limited.

4. You Do Not Care About Small Light Gaps

Some people genuinely do not notice or care about 0.25-inch light gaps on each side. If that is you, save your money and buy ready made.

5. You Need Blinds Today

Need	Solution
Need blinds same day	Ready made from Home Depot or Lowe’s
Can wait 7-21 days	Made to measure is possible

Real example: I needed temporary privacy while waiting for my made to measure blinds. I bought cheap ready made blinds ($15 each) as a stopgap. They worked fine for 2 weeks.

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When to Choose Made to Measure Blinds

Made to measure blinds are worth the extra cost in these situations.

1. Your Window Is Not a Standard Size (Most Homes)

This is the #1 reason to choose custom blinds.

Window Width	Standard Size	Gap if You Buy Standard	Verdict
31.5 inches	36 inches	2.25 inches each side	❌ Unusable
34.5 inches	36 inches	0.75 inches each side	❌ Noticeable gap
43.5 inches	48 inches	2.25 inches each side	❌ Unusable
28.5 inches	24 or 36 inches	2.25 or 3.75 inches each side	❌ No good option
71.5 inches	72 inches	0.25 inches each side	⚠️ Acceptable for some

The truth: Most American homes built before 2000 have non-standard windows. My 1998 house has zero standard-size windows. If your home is older, custom blinds are likely necessary.

2. You Want Zero Light Gaps (Blackout)

Need	Recommendation
Complete darkness for sleep	Made to measure with outside mount + side channels
Room darkening (80-95%)	Ready made with outside mount may work
Light filtering (50-70%)	Either works

Real example: My nursery needed 100% blackout for naps. Ready made could not achieve this due to side gaps. Made to measure with side channels achieved complete darkness.

3. You Want Cordless or Motorized Options

Feature	Ready Made Availability	Made to Measure Availability
Cordless	Limited (higher-end models only)	Available on all models
Motorized	Rare	Widely available

Real example: I wanted cordless blinds for child safety. Ready made cordless options were limited and expensive. Made to measure cordless was available on every blind type.

4. You Want Specific Colors or Materials

Need	Ready Made	Made to Measure
White, off-white, beige, gray	✅ Available	✅ Available
Any other color	❌ Limited	✅ Hundreds of options
Specific fabric (linen, velvet, etc.)	❌ Limited	✅ Available

Real example: I wanted light gray roller blinds to match my living room paint. Ready made had “gray” – but it was dark charcoal. Made to measure had 12 shades of gray to choose from.

5. You Are a Homeowner (Long-Term Investment)

Time Horizon	Recommendation
Staying 1-2 years	Ready made may be fine
Staying 3-5 years	Consider made to measure
Staying 5+ years	Made to measure is worth it

Real estate agents told me: Quality custom blinds add $500-$500−2,000 in perceived home value. Buyers notice perfect-fit window treatments.

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Cost Comparison – Real Numbers

Here is what I actually paid for both options.

Living Room (3 windows at 34.5 inches wide)

Option	Cost per Window	Total Cost	Fit Quality
Ready made (36″ blinds)	$40	$120	Poor – 1.5-inch total light gap per window
Made to measure (34.5″ blinds)	$149	$447	Perfect – zero gaps

Difference: +$327 for perfect fit

Master Bedroom (1 window at 34.5 inches wide)

Option	Cost	Fit Quality
Ready made (36″ blackout)	$50	Poor – gaps on sides
Made to measure (cellular, blackout)	$249	Perfect – also saved $47 on heating bill

Difference: +$199 for perfect fit + energy savings

Bathroom (1 window at 28.5 inches wide)

Option	Cost	Fit Quality
Ready made (24″ blinds – too narrow, or 36″ – too wide)	$40 (but does not fit)	❌ Does not fit at all
Made to measure (faux wood)	$179	Perfect

Difference: Made to measure was the only option that actually fit.

Sliding Door (71.5 inches wide)

Option	Cost	Fit Quality
Ready made (72″ vertical blinds)	$80	Acceptable – 0.25-inch gaps each side
Made to measure (71.5″ vertical blinds)	$199	Perfect – zero gaps

Difference: +$119 for perfect fit (but ready made was acceptable)

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Side-by-Side Comparison by Blind Type

Roller Blinds

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Price	$20-$20−60	$80-$80−200
Fit	Good only for 24, 36, 48, 60, 72″ windows	Perfect for any size
Colors	5-10	100+
Blackout	Available, but gaps remain	Available, zero gaps with outside mount
My recommendation	If your window is standard size	For all other windows

Roman Shades

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Price	$30-$30−80	$120-$120−400
Fit	Good only for standard sizes	Perfect for any size
Fabric options	10-20	100-500+
My recommendation	Hard to find in stores	Much better selection and fit

Cellular Shades

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Price	$30-$30−70	$150-$150−350
Fit	Good only for standard sizes	Perfect for any size
Energy savings	Still good	Maximized by perfect fit
My recommendation	Can work for standard windows	Worth the upgrade for energy savings

Faux Wood Blinds

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Price	$25-$25−60	$100-$100−250
Fit	Good only for standard sizes	Perfect for any size
Moisture resistance	Same	Same
My recommendation	Fine for standard windows	Necessary for non-standard

Vertical Blinds

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Price	$50-$50−100	$100-$100−250
Fit	72″ only (most common)	Any size
My recommendation	If your door is exactly 72″ wide	For all other door sizes

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Quality Comparison – What You Actually Get

Material Quality

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Fabric thickness	Thinner, less durable	Thicker, more durable
Hardware	Plastic components	Metal components
Bracket quality	Basic	Heavy-duty
Warranty	1 year typical	1-5 years, some lifetime

My observation: The made to measure blinds I ordered felt significantly more substantial than ready made options. The fabric was thicker. The brackets were metal, not plastic. The difference was noticeable.

Installation Experience

Aspect	Ready Made	Made to Measure
Instructions	Basic	Detailed
Bracket quality	Basic plastic or thin metal	Heavy-duty metal
Hardware included	Basic screws	Quality screws + drywall anchors
My experience	Easy, but brackets felt cheap	Easy, brackets felt secure

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The Hidden Costs No One Mentions

Ready Made Hidden Costs

Hidden Cost	Explanation
No returns on cut-to-size	Some stores cut blinds to width. Those are final sale.
Cordless models cost more	The price you see is often for corded. Cordless is +$20-$20−50.
Blackout is extra	“Room darkening” is not blackout. True blackout costs more.

Made to Measure Hidden Costs

Hidden Cost	Explanation
Cordless upgrade	+$20-$20−50 (but available on all models)
Blackout fabric	+$20-$20−50
Side channels (true blackout)	+$40-$40−80
Motorization	+$100-$100−500
Professional measuring	$35-$35−50 (optional but recommended if unsure)

My advice: When comparing prices, compare final cart totals with the same upgrades, not base prices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

A: It depends on your windows. If your windows are exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches, ready made is fine. For any other size (most homes), made to measure is worth it. I proved this on my 34.5-inch windows – ready made left 1.5 inches of light gap per window. Made to measure had zero gaps.

Q: How much more expensive are custom blinds?

A: For my living room (3 windows), ready made would have been $40each($40each(120 total). Made to measure cost $149each($149each(447 total). Difference: $327. For me, perfect fit was worth it. For you? If your windows are standard, save your money.

Q: Can you return made to measure blinds if they don’t fit?

A: Most companies do not accept returns on custom orders. I learned this the hard way – my $500 mistake. However, Blinds.com has a “Perfect Fit Guarantee” and Blindster has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Read return policies before ordering.

Q: Do ready made blinds come in enough sizes?

A: Only five widths: 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 inches. If your window is 34.5 inches (like mine), you are out of luck. If your window is exactly 36 inches, ready made will work well.

Q: Which is easier to install?

A: Both are easy. Ready made took me 15 minutes. Made to measure took 18 minutes (first time) then 12 minutes after practice. The process is nearly identical.

Q: Do ready made blinds look cheap?

A: Not necessarily. On standard windows with the right size, they look fine. The problem is when you buy 36-inch blinds for 34.5-inch windows – they look too wide and leave ugly gaps. Get the right size for your window.

Q: What about light gaps?

A: Ready made always have small gaps (0.25-0.75 inches on each side). Made to measure have zero gaps if measured correctly. For bedrooms where you need darkness, made to measure is better.

Q: Can I get blackout with ready made blinds?

A: You can buy blackout fabric, but light will still leak around the edges. Ready made cannot achieve 100% blackout due to side gaps. For true darkness, you need made to measure with outside mount and side channels.

Q: Which is better for rentals?

A: If you are staying less than a year, buy cheap ready made blinds. If you are staying longer and your windows are non-standard, consider no-drill made to measure options (tension rods or adhesive mounts).

Q: What is the lifespan of each?

A: Ready made: 2-5 years (plastic components wear out). Made to measure: 5-15 years (metal components, better materials). I have had my made to measure blinds for 2+ years. They still look new.

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Your Decision Guide

Answer these questions to decide which is right for you.

Question 1: What is your window width?

Your Answer	Recommendation
Exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches	Ready made will work well
Any other size	Made to measure is the only option

Question 2: What is your budget per window?

Your Answer	Recommendation
Under $50	Ready made
$50-$50−100	Ready made (made to measure starts at $80+)
$100-$100−150	Either – depends on your windows
$150+	Made to measure is affordable

Question 3: How long will you stay in your home?

Your Answer	Recommendation
Less than 1 year	Ready made
1-3 years	Either – depends on windows
3+ years	Made to measure (long-term investment)

Question 4: Do you need complete blackout?

Your Answer	Recommendation
Yes (nursery, shift work, home theater)	Made to measure with outside mount + side channels
No (light filtering is fine)	Either

Question 5: Do you own or rent?

Your Answer	Recommendation
Own	Made to measure (investment in your property)
Rent	Ready made (or no-drill made to measure)

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Your Action Plan

Step 1: Measure your window width exactly. Use my measuring guide.

Step 2: Check if your window is a standard size (24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches).

Step 3: If yes, buy ready made blinds from Home Depot or Lowe’s. Test them. If gaps are acceptable, keep them. If not, return them and go custom.

Step 4: If your window is not standard, order made to measure blinds. Get quotes from Blindster, SelectBlinds, and Blinds.com.

Step 5: Wait for a holiday sale (20-40% off). Order during the sale.

Step 6: Install yourself (save $100-$100−150 per window).

Internal link: Ready to order? See my Made to Measure Blinds Buying Guide for recommendations.

[Get a Quote from Blindster →]

[Shop Ready Made Blinds at Home Depot →]

[Compare Custom Blinds at Blinds.com →]