Made to Measure Blinds FAQ – 50+ Common Questions (Answered by Real Experience)

Last Updated: May 2026 | Originally Published: April 2026

Made to measure blinds are custom-made to your exact window dimensions. They cost $80-$80−700 per window depending on type. Roller blinds are the cheapest ($80-$80−200). Cellular shades are best for energy savings ($150-$150−350). Faux wood is best for bathrooms ($100-$100−250). Measure three times before ordering. Installation takes 15-30 minutes per window. Most companies do not accept returns on custom orders – measure carefully.

Here are the 5 questions I get asked most:

1. Are made to measure blinds worth it? Yes – for non-standard windows.
2. How much do they cost? $80-$80−700 per window. I paid $1,263 for 6 windows.
3. How do I measure? Measure width at top, middle, bottom – use smallest.
4. Can I install them myself? Yes – save $100-$100−150 per window.
5. What is the best brand? Blindster for value, SelectBlinds for selection.

Who this guide is for: Anyone considering made to measure blinds who wants honest answers.

Who this guide is NOT for: People who want marketing fluff – these answers are based on real experience.

Made to Measure Blinds FAQ – 50+ Common Questions (Answered by Real Experience)

Here is a truth most blind companies will not tell you: The questions you have are the same questions I had.

When I started shopping for made to measure blinds, I could not find straight answers. Every website gave me marketing fluff. No one told me about hidden costs. No one warned me about measuring mistakes.

So I learned the hard way. I spent $500 on blinds that didn’t fit. I ruined $250 cellular shades with water. I also installed real wood blinds in a bathroom—they warped within 8 months.

This FAQ answers every question I wish I had asked before I started. I have organized them by topic so you can find what you need quickly.

Let us get into it.

New to made to measure blinds? Start with my Made to Measure Blinds Buying Guide.

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General Questions

Q1: What are made to measure blinds?

Made to measure blinds are custom-manufactured window coverings built specifically for your window’s exact dimensions. Unlike ready-made blinds that come in standard sizes (24, 36, 48, 60, 72 inches), made to measure blinds are cut to your precise width (to the 1/8th inch) and made for your exact drop length.

Q2: Are made to measure blinds worth the extra cost?

Yes – if your windows are non-standard. I proved this in my own home. 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 had zero gaps. The extra $327 for my living room was worth every penny.

If your window is exactly 24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 inches, ready-made is fine.

Q3: How much do made to measure blinds cost?

$80-$80−700 per window depending on type. Here is what I paid:

Blind Type	What I Paid	Typical Range
Roller blinds	$149	$80-$80−200
Cellular shades	$249	$150-$150−350
Faux wood blinds	$179	$100-$100−250
Vertical blinds	$199	$100-$100−250
Blackout roller	$189	$100-$100−250

Total for 6 windows in my home: $1,263(average$1,263(average210 per window)

Q4: How long do made to measure blinds take to arrive?

Company	Lead Time
Blinds.com	5-10 days (fastest)
Blindster	7-10 days
SelectBlinds	7-14 days
Bali	10-14 days

Plan ahead. Custom manufacturing takes time.

Q5: Can I return made to measure blinds if they don’t fit?

Most companies do not accept returns on custom orders. I learned this the hard way – my $500 mistake.

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

Q6: How long do made to measure blinds last?

Blind Type	Expected Lifespan
Roller blinds	5-10 years
Cellular shades	10-15 years
Faux wood blinds	10-15 years
Vertical blinds	5-10 years
Real wood blinds	10-15 years (not in humidity)

My 2+ year old blinds still look and work like new.

Q7: Do made to measure blinds increase home value?

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

Q8: What is the difference between made to measure and custom blinds?

Nothing. They are the same thing. Both terms mean blinds manufactured to your exact window measurements.

Q9: Can I get made to measure blinds for any window?

Yes. Any window size, shape, or type can be accommodated. Arched windows, bay windows, corner windows, sliding doors – all can be made to measure.

Q10: What is the most popular type of made to measure blinds?

Roller blinds are the most popular overall (sleek, affordable, easy to clean). Cellular shades are the most popular for energy efficiency. Roman shades are the most popular for decorative purposes.

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Measuring Questions

Q11: How do I measure for made to measure blinds?

Inside mount width: Measure at top, middle, and bottom of window. Use the smallest measurement. Do NOT subtract anything.

Inside mount height: Measure at left, center, and right. Use the smallest measurement.

Outside mount width: Measure window frame width. ADD 4-6 inches total (2-3 inches each side).

Outside mount height: Measure frame height. ADD 4-6 inches total.

See my full How to Measure for Made to Measure Blinds guide with printable checklist.

Q12: What is the difference between inside mount and 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

Q13: What is the most common measuring mistake?

Measuring only one spot. Windows are rarely perfectly square. Measure at three points (top, middle, bottom) and use the smallest measurement. I made this mistake. It cost me $500.

Q14: Do I need to measure every window separately?

Yes. Even if your windows look the same size, measure each one individually. Construction variance of 1/4 to 1/2 inch is common.

Q15: Should I measure in inches or centimeters?

Always measure in inches. All major blind companies (Blindster, SelectBlinds, Blinds.com, Lowe’s, Home Depot) use inches for their order forms.

Q16: Can I measure for blinds myself or need a professional?

You can absolutely measure yourself. Thousands of homeowners do it successfully every day. Follow the steps in my measuring guide, measure three times, and double-check your numbers.

If you are unsure, professional measuring costs $35-$35−50 – cheap insurance against a $500 mistake.

Q17: What if my window is not square?

This is common in older homes. Use the smallest width and smallest height measurements from your three measuring points. This ensures the blind will fit even if the window is slightly out of square.

Q18: How do I measure for blinds on a sliding glass door?

Use outside mount. Measure the width of the door frame. Add 4-6 inches (2-3 inches each side). Measure from the top of the door frame to the floor. Add 2-4 inches above the frame. The blind should hang to within 1/2 inch of the floor.

Q19: How do I measure for blinds on a French door?

Measure each door panel separately. Use inside mount if the panel has depth (at least 2 inches). Use outside mount if the panel is shallow. Ensure the blind does not block the door handle.

Q20: What is the depth requirement for inside mount?

Most blinds require at least 2 inches of depth. Roller blinds can work with 1.5 inches. Vertical blinds need 3 inches for headrail clearance. Measure from the glass to the edge of the frame.

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Cost Questions

Q21: How much should I budget for made to measure blinds?

Room	Typical Number of Windows	Blind Type	Estimated Cost
Living room	2-4	Roller	$300-$300−1,200
Bedroom	1-3	Cellular	$200-$200−1,050
Bathroom	1-2	Faux wood	$150-$150−500
Kitchen	1-2	Roller	$120-$120−400
Nursery	1	Blackout roller	$180-$180−250
Sliding door	1	Vertical	$150-$150−250

My total for 6 windows: $1,263(average$1,263(average210 per window)

Q22: What is the cheapest made to measure blind type?

Roller blinds. My roller blinds cost $149perwindow\mathrm{.}Cellularshadescost$149perwindow.Cellularshadescost249. Faux wood cost $179. If budget is your main concern, start with roller blinds.

Q23: What is the most expensive made to measure blind type?

Motorized blinds ($200-$200−800+ per window) and premium cellular shades ($350-$350−700). I have not bought motorized blinds, but quotes I received started around $300 per window.

Q24: Are cellular shades worth the higher cost?

For energy savings, yes. My cellular shades saved me $47 on my February heating bill. Over 2-3 winters, they will pay for themselves. For a bedroom you use every night, they are worth the premium.

Q25: How can I save money on made to measure blinds?

Strategy	What I Saved
DIY installation	$900(6windows\times$900(6windows×150)
Memorial Day sale (20% off)	$126
Volume discount	$50
Cashback site (5%)	$63
Total saved	$1,139

Q26: Do made to measure blinds go on sale?

Yes. Major holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) have 20-40% off sales. I saved $126 by waiting for Memorial Day.

Q27: What hidden costs should I watch for?

Hidden Cost	Typical Amount
Cordless upgrade	+$20-$20−50
Blackout fabric	+$20-$20−50
Side channels (true blackout)	+$40-$40−80
Motorization	+$100-$100−500
Rush orders	+$50-$50−150
Professional installation	$100-$100−150 per blind

Q28: How much does professional installation cost?

$100-$100−150 per blind. I saved $900 by installing 6 blinds myself. DIY is easy – see my installation guide.

Q29: Does Blindster offer free shipping?

Yes. Free shipping on orders over $99. Most of their orders qualify.

Q30: Are made to measure blinds tax deductible?

For a personal home, no. For a home office used exclusively for business, potentially yes. Consult a tax professional.

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Material Questions

Q31: What is the best material for made to measure blinds?

Room	Best Material	Why
Living room	Polyester (roller)	Easy clean, affordable
Bedroom	Cellular fabric	Insulation, blackout
Bathroom	Faux wood or vinyl	Moisture resistant
Kitchen	Polyester (roller)	Easy clean, grease resistant
Nursery	Polyester blackout	Complete darkness

See my full Made to Measure Blinds Materials Guide.

Q32: Is faux wood better than real wood?

For bathrooms and kitchens, yes. Faux wood is 100% moisture resistant. Real wood warps in humidity. I tested both – real wood warped in 8 months. Faux wood still looks new after 2+ years.

For living rooms with low humidity, real wood is beautiful. But it is expensive and high-maintenance.

Q33: Can I put real wood blinds in a bathroom?

No. Do not do this. I made this mistake. Real wood warped within 8 months from shower humidity. Use faux wood instead.

Q34: Can I put cellular shades in a bathroom?

No. Water destroys the honeycomb cells. I ruined my first set of cellular shades by spraying water on them. Use faux wood or vinyl in bathrooms.

Q35: What is the most durable blind material?

Faux wood. It resists moisture, does not warp, does not crack, and is easy to clean. My faux wood blinds have lasted 2+ years in a bathroom with daily showers.

Q36: What is the easiest blind material to clean?

Polyester roller blinds and faux wood. Both wipe clean with a damp cloth. Fabric blinds (roman, cellular) require vacuuming – no water.

Q37: What is the best material for blackout?

Polyester blackout fabric (roller blinds) or blackout cellular fabric. Both block 99-100% of light. For true blackout in a nursery, add side channels to eliminate edge light gaps.

Q38: Does blind material affect insulation?

Yes. Cellular fabric has the highest insulation (R-3.0 to R-5.0). Polyester and vinyl have minimal insulation (R-1.0 or less). Faux wood has fair insulation (R-1.5 to R-2.5).

Q39: What material is best for sliding glass doors?

PVC (vertical blinds). PVC is durable, easy to clean, and affordable. Individual slats can be replaced if damaged.

Q40: What material should I avoid?

Material	Where to Avoid	Why
Real wood	Bathrooms, kitchens	Warps from humidity
Cellular fabric	Bathrooms	Water destroys cells
Cheap no-name polyester	Anywhere	Flimsy mechanisms, poor quality

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Installation Questions

Q41: Can I install made to measure blinds myself?

Yes. I am not a handyman. I own a drill and a level. My first blind took 18 minutes. By the sixth blind, I was down to 12 minutes.

See my full How to Install Made to Measure Blinds guide.

Q42: What tools do I need to install blinds?

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

Q43: How long does installation take?

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

Q44: When should I hire a professional installer?

• You have zero tools
• You have physical limitations
• You have very large windows (over 72 inches wide)
• You have specialty windows (arched, bay, corner)
• You are installing motorized blinds with hardwiring

Q45: What is the most common installation mistake?

Not using a level. Crooked brackets = crooked blinds. The blind will not operate smoothly and will look terrible. Use the level.

Q46: Can I install blinds without drilling?

For renters, yes. No-drill blinds use tension rods, adhesive, or magnets. See my No-Drill Blinds Guide for options.

Q47: Do blinds come with installation instructions?

Yes. Basic instructions are included. But my installation guide is more detailed.

Q48: What if my brackets are not level after installation?

Remove the blind, loosen the screws on the crooked bracket, re-level, tighten screws, reinstall the blind.

Q49: Can one person install vertical blinds?

Yes, but the headrail is long and heavy. Get help lifting it into place if possible.

Q50: Do I need to pre-drill holes?

Yes – prevents wood from splitting, especially in old window frames. Use a 1/16 inch drill bit.

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Brand Questions

Q51: What is the best made to measure blind brand?

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	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.

See my full Blindster review.

Q52: Is Blindster a good brand?

Yes. I have owned their blinds for 2+ years. Both still look and work like new. They offer the best value in custom blinds.

Q53: Is SelectBlinds a good brand?

Yes. They have the widest selection (over 400 styles). I used them for my nursery blackout blinds with side channels.

Q54: Is Blinds.com a good brand?

Yes. They are owned by Home Depot. They have good prices and fast shipping. I used them for my vertical blinds.

Q55: Is Levolor a good brand?

Yes. They are the industry leader in cordless technology. I used them for my bathroom faux wood blinds.

Q56: Does Blindster offer free samples?

Yes. Free samples arrive in 3-5 days. This is one of the best things about Blindster.

Q57: Which brand has the fastest shipping?

Blinds.com: 5-10 days. Blindster: 7-10 days. SelectBlinds: 7-14 days. Bali: 10-14 days.

Q58: Which brand has the best warranty?

Blindster has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Blinds.com has a “Perfect Fit Guarantee.” Bali and Levolor have limited lifetime warranties on some products.

Q59: Does Blindster offer motorized blinds?

Yes. Motorized blinds start around $199-$199−299.

Q60: Which brand is best for blackout blinds?

SelectBlinds for true blackout with side channels. Blindster for blackout roller and cellular.

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Care and Maintenance Questions

Q61: How do I clean made to measure blinds?

Blind Type	Cleaning Method
Roller blinds	Wipe with damp cloth
Cellular shades	Vacuum with brush attachment (no water)
Faux wood blinds	Wipe with damp cloth, dry immediately
Vertical blinds	Wipe each slat, bathtub soak for deep clean
Roman shades	Vacuum only – professional dry cleaning

See my full How to Clean Made to Measure Blinds guide.

Q62: How often should I clean my blinds?

Dust weekly. Deep clean every 3-6 months depending on the room. Kitchens and bathrooms need more frequent cleaning (every 3 months).

Q63: Can I use water on cellular shades?

No. Never. Water destroys the honeycomb cells. I ruined my first set of cellular shades by spraying water on them. Vacuum only.

Q64: How do I remove mold from bathroom blinds?

For faux wood or vinyl: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Wipe affected areas. Dry thoroughly. Improve bathroom ventilation to prevent recurrence.

For fabric or cellular blinds with mold: Professional cleaning or replace.

Q65: How do I fix blinds that won’t stay up?

For roller blinds: Spring tension is too loose. Remove the blind, roll it up by hand, pull the pinion out, rotate clockwise 1-2 turns, push back in, reinstall.

Q66: How do I fix blinds that won’t go down?

For roller blinds: Spring tension is too tight. Remove the blind, unroll it completely, pull the pinion out, rotate counter-clockwise 1-2 turns, push back in, reinstall.

Q67: How do I replace a broken vertical blind slat?

Remove the broken slat by sliding it up and out of the headrail. Order replacement slats from Blinds.com or Amazon ($4 each). Slide the new slat into the headrail. Attach the bottom weight chain.

Q68: Can I paint made to measure blinds?

Painting is not recommended for most blind types. Paint can clog mechanisms, make fabric stiff, and void warranties. If you must, use spray paint designed for fabric or plastic – but I recommend buying the correct color instead.

Q69: How do I prevent dust buildup on blinds?

Dust weekly. Use a vacuum with brush attachment. In high-dust rooms, consider an air purifier.

Q70: My white blinds look yellow. How do I fix that?

Yellowing is usually caused by sun damage or nicotine. For vinyl/faux wood, try mild soap and water. For fabric, professional cleaning may help. Prevention is best – UV-protective films on windows can reduce yellowing.

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Troubleshooting Questions

Q71: My blinds are crooked. How do I fix it?

Brackets were not installed level. Remove the blind, re-level the brackets, reinstall.

Q72: My blinds won’t roll up smoothly. What is wrong?

Dirt in the mechanism, tangled cord, or bent bracket. Vacuum the mechanism, check for tangles, ensure brackets are not bent.

Q73: My cellular shades won’t raise. What do I do?

For corded: Check for tangled cord. Ensure cord is seated in cord lock properly. For cordless: Check for obstructions in headrail. Ensure shade is not twisted.

If still stuck, do not force it. Contact the manufacturer.

Q74: My valance won’t stay on. How do I fix it?

Broken clips or bent brackets. Inspect clips – if broken, order replacements. If brackets are bent, gently bend back with pliers.

Q75: My blinds make noise when operating. What is wrong?

Dry mechanism, dust buildup, or loose parts. Vacuum the headrail, tighten loose screws, apply silicone spray lubricant (not WD-40).

Q76: My motorized blinds are not working. What do I do?

Replace batteries (most common fix). Ensure remote is paired. Restart hub if applicable. If still not working, contact manufacturer.

Q77: There are light gaps on the sides of my blinds. How do I fix it?

Inside mount always has small gaps. If you need complete blackout, switch to outside mount with side channels.

Q78: My blinds were damaged during shipping. What do I do?

Take photos immediately. Contact the company within 48 hours. Most will send replacements.

Q79: My blinds arrived and do not fit. What do I do?

If you measured incorrectly, most companies do not accept returns on custom orders. However, Blinds.com has a “Perfect Fit Guarantee” and Blindster has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them immediately.

Q80: My blinds are under warranty. How do I file a claim?

Contact the manufacturer directly. Have your order number and photos of the issue ready.

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Final Questions

Q81: Where can I buy made to measure blinds?

Retailer	Best For
Blindster	Overall value
SelectBlinds	Selection
Blinds.com	Budget, vertical blinds
Lowe’s	In-person shopping
Home Depot	In-person shopping
Levolor	Faux wood, cordless

Q82: Should I buy made to measure blinds online or in-store?

Online is cheaper and has more selection. In-store (Lowe’s, Home Depot) lets you see samples in person. I recommend ordering free samples online, then buying online during a sale.

Q83: When is the best time to buy made to measure blinds?

Sale	Typical Discount
Memorial Day (May)	20-30% off
Labor Day (September)	20-30% off
Black Friday (November)	25-40% off
Cyber Monday (November)	25-40% off

Q84: How many made to measure blinds do I need for a bay window?

Individual blinds in each panel of the bay window. Do not try to cover the entire bay window with one blind – it will not work.

Q85: Should I buy the same blind type for every room?

You can, but you will get better results optimizing per room. Roller blinds work everywhere except bathrooms (faux wood is better) and nurseries (need true blackout).

Q86: What is the difference between blackout and room darkening?

Type	Light Blockage	Best For
Light filtering	50-70%	Living rooms, daytime privacy
Room darkening	80-95%	Bedrooms, TV rooms
Blackout	99-100%	Nurseries, shift workers, home theaters

Q87: What is the difference between cordless and motorized?

Feature	Cordless	Motorized
Price	$80-$80−400	$200-$200−800+
Operation	Push/pull	Remote/app/voice
Batteries	None	Yes (6-12 months)
Best for	Most homes	Hard-to-reach windows

Q88: What is the most energy efficient blind type?

Cellular shades (honeycomb shades). Double cell has R-3.0 to R-4.0. Triple cell has R-4.5 to R-5.0. My cellular shades saved me $47 on my February heating bill.

Q89: What is the best blind for a sliding glass door?

Vertical blinds. They are designed for wide openings. Slats slide completely to the side for door access. Replacement slats are cheap ($4 each).

Q90: What is the best blind for a rental apartment?

No-drill roller blinds with tension rods or adhesive mounts. They do not damage walls. You will get your security deposit back.

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Your Action Plan

Step 1: Read the questions relevant to your situation.

Step 2: If you have a question not answered here, contact me – I will answer it.

Step 3: Measure your windows using my measuring guide.

Step 4: Order free samples from Blindster or SelectBlinds.

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

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

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

[Get Free Samples from Blindster →]

[Get a Quote from SelectBlinds →]

[Compare Prices at Blinds.com →]