Off-the-shelf window treatments almost never fit perfectly - they either leave light gaps on the sides or hang awkwardly below the sill. Custom window treatments solve that at a price point that has dropped significantly as online-direct brands have grown. Whether you’re outfitting a single room or an entire home, getting exact measurements filled means a dramatically cleaner finished look.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| SelectBlinds Custom Cellular Shades | Energy efficiency and custom sizing | Honeycomb cell insulation, wide color range |
| The Shade Store Roman Shades | Premium fabric custom treatments | Designer fabrics, white-glove service |
| Blinds.com Custom Roller Shades | Clean modern minimalist look | Tight roll profile, sunscreen or blackout |
| Smith & Noble Soft Roman Shades | Interior design flexibility | Folds with fabric weight, tailored finish |
| Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shades | Light diffusion with custom mount | S-shaped vane design, precise light control |
SelectBlinds Custom Cellular Shades
SelectBlinds built its reputation on making custom sizing accessible without the decorator markup. Their cellular shades ship in single-cell, double-cell, and triple-cell configurations - the more cells, the better the insulation. The ordering process guides you through measuring with clear instructions, and the turnaround time is competitive at roughly one to two weeks. Color and opacity options are extensive.
Pros: Excellent value, energy-efficient options, straightforward DIY ordering and installation Cons: Less premium feel than designer alternatives, limited high-end fabric options
The Shade Store Roman Shades
The Shade Store occupies the premium end of the custom window treatment market. Their Roman shades are sewn in over 500 fabric options sourced from design houses, and every order comes with a free swatch service so you can see the actual material before committing. The white-glove installation service is available in most major cities. This is the pick for buyers who want something that looks like it belongs in an Architectural Digest spread.
Pros: Designer fabric selection, premium construction, professional installation option Cons: Significantly higher price, longer lead time, overkill for functional rooms like garages or laundry rooms
Blinds.com Custom Roller Shades
Blinds.com custom roller shades are the clean, modern solution for open-plan spaces and contemporary interiors. The tight roll profile means minimal visual bulk at the top of the window. You can choose from solar screen fabrics that preserve the outdoor view while blocking glare, or blackout fabrics for bedrooms and media rooms. The no-drill mounting hardware makes rental-friendly installation possible.
Pros: Sleek profile, blackout and sunscreen fabric options, no-drill hardware available Cons: Less warmth and texture than fabric shades, limited decorative appeal in traditional interiors
Smith & Noble Soft Roman Shades
Smith & Noble’s soft Roman shades fall in graceful horizontal folds when lowered, creating the kind of tailored, layered look that designers favor for living rooms and bedrooms. The fabric weight determines how cleanly the folds stack, and Smith & Noble offers a curated fabric program with hundreds of options organized by opacity and texture. Their in-home consultation program helps you nail the fabric and finish combination before ordering.
Pros: Elegant stacked-fold look, wide fabric program, helpful design consultation service Cons: Higher price than direct-to-consumer options, requires more careful measuring for best fold appearance
Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shades
Hunter Douglas Silhouette shades use a signature S-shaped fabric vane suspended between two sheer panels to deliver precise, diffused light control without sacrificing the view. When the vanes are open, you see outside clearly with soft filtered light. When closed, they provide near-full privacy. The PowerView motorization option integrates with smart home systems including Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa.
Pros: Unique vane design for soft light control, smart home integration, exceptional build quality Cons: Most expensive option in this list, professional installation recommended, not appropriate for budget remodels
What to Look For
Opacity level: Sheer, light-filtering, and blackout are the three main categories. Bedrooms and media rooms need blackout. Living rooms typically benefit from light-filtering. Kitchens can go sheer.
Motorization: Battery-powered and hardwired motorization options have become mainstream. If your windows are hard to reach or you have many windows in one room, motorization is worth the cost increase.
Fabric durability: UV-rated fabrics resist fading in south and west-facing windows. Rooms with high humidity like bathrooms need moisture-resistant materials.
Cordless vs. corded: Cordless mechanisms are safer for households with children and pets and look cleaner. Most custom brands now default to cordless for standard residential sizes.
Fabrication time: Custom shades typically take one to three weeks from order to ship. Plan around any moves, renovations, or events.
Final Thoughts
SelectBlinds is the best starting point for buyers who want precise custom sizing without overpaying - the cellular shade selection is deep and the ordering process is clear. The Shade Store is the right call when aesthetics are the priority and budget is flexible. Blinds.com roller shades win on modern minimalism and ease of installation. Smith & Noble delivers the most tailored Roman shade experience for design-forward rooms. Hunter Douglas Silhouette shades are the premium choice for buyers who want the finest light management technology available.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between inside mount and outside mount for custom window treatments?+
Inside mount installs within the window frame for a clean, built-in look. Outside mount attaches to the wall above the window, which is better for blocking more light and making windows appear larger. Custom shades can be ordered for either mounting type - measure accordingly, as inside mount requires precise deductions from your measurements.
How do I measure for custom blinds or shades?+
For inside mount, measure the window opening width at the top, middle, and bottom - use the narrowest measurement. Measure height at left, center, and right - use the longest. Most custom shade retailers automatically deduct fabrication allowance, but confirm their policy. For outside mount, measure the area you want the shade to cover and add 1.5-3 inches on each side.
Are cellular shades worth the extra cost over standard roller shades?+
Cellular (honeycomb) shades create insulating air pockets that reduce heat transfer through windows. In climates with extreme summers or winters, the energy savings can partially offset the higher upfront cost over several years. They also provide a softer, diffused light quality that roller shades don't replicate. For non-climate-sensitive rooms, roller shades are a practical and stylish alternative.