You’re standing in your living room, squinting at that window that lets in way too much afternoon sun. Time for new blinds. But here’s the question that stumps everyone: should you go custom or just grab something ready-made from the store? The answer depends on your windows, your budget, and how long you’re planning to stick around. Let’s break this down so you can actually make a decision.
The Price Tag Reality
Ready-made blinds are cheaper. No surprise there. You can walk into any home improvement store and walk out with blinds for under $50 per window. Sometimes way under. Custom blinds? You’re looking at several hundred dollars per window, easily.
But here’s what that extra money gets you. Perfect fit. Better materials. Longer warranty. And installation that doesn’t make you want to throw your drill across the room.
When Your Windows Are Being Difficult
Got standard-sized windows? Lucky you. Ready-made might work just fine.
But if your windows are:
- Oddly shaped or oversized
- Historical or vintage dimensions
- Bay or bow windows
- Arched or angled
You’ll need custom. There’s just no way around it. Ready-made blinds come in standard sizes, and trying to make them fit a non-standard window is like wearing shoes two sizes too small. Technically possible, but why would you?
The Quality Difference You Can Actually See
Ready-made blinds do the job. They block light, provide privacy, and hang there doing blind things. Custom blinds do all that too, but better.
The materials are higher grade. The mechanisms work smoothly. The cords don’t tangle into impossible knots after three weeks. You get more choices in fabrics, colors, and opacity levels. And they actually look like they belong in your home instead of looking like you grabbed whatever was on sale at Target. Plus, going custom opens up options like custom blinds, shades and interior shutters that aren’t even available in ready-made versions.
Installation: The Real Pain Point
Ready-made blinds come with mounting hardware and instructions that may or may not make sense. You’ll probably spend your Saturday afternoon measuring, drilling, cursing, and remeasuring. And if you mess up? You own it.
Custom blinds usually include professional installation. Someone shows up, does the thing correctly, and leaves. Your Saturday remains intact. This matters more than you think.
Longevity And Your Future Self
Here’s something people don’t think about enough. Ready-made blinds might last three to five years before they start looking sad. Custom blinds can last ten to twenty years with proper care.
Do the math. If you’re planning to stay in your home for a while, custom blinds might actually cost less per year of use. Plus, you won’t have to redo this whole project every few years.
So, Which One Should You Pick?
Go ready-made if you’re renting, working with standard windows, or on a seriously tight budget. They’re fine for temporary situations or rooms you don’t use much
Choose custom if you’re staying put, your windows are weird, or you care about your home looking polished. Also, choose custom for high-traffic rooms like living areas and primary bedrooms where you’ll see them every single day.
Your windows aren’t going anywhere. Make a choice you won’t regret every time you adjust those blinds.
