Custom Cellular Shades: How to Measure and Order the Perfect Fit

Measuring and ordering custom cellular shades might seem challenging at first glance, but with the right approach, you’ll achieve window coverings that fit perfectly and function beautifully. 

Honeycomb cellular shades combine energy efficiency, light control, and modern style, making them one of the most popular window treatments for homeowners across the globe. Getting the measurements right is crucial for maximizing these benefits.

What Are Cellular Shades?

Cellular shades (often called honeycomb shades) feature a distinctive hexagonal structure that creates air pockets between layers of fabric. This innovative design isn’t just visually appealing – it’s highly functional. The cells trap air, forming a natural thermal barrier that helps keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Unlike traditional window coverings, custom cellular blinds offer:

• – Superior insulation that reduces energy costs
• – Excellent sound absorption for quieter interiors
• – Clean, streamlined appearance when mounted
• – Various light-filtering options from sheer to complete blackout
• – Minimal stack-up when fully raised for maximum view

These unique benefits explain why cellular shades continue growing in popularity among homeowners looking for both style and function.

Why Choose Custom-Made Cellular Shades?

While standard-sized window treatments might work for some homes, custom size cellular shades offer advantages that make them worth the investment:

Perfect Fit Benefits

Windows often vary by fractions of inches, even in newer homes. Custom cellular shades online ordering allows you to get precisely measured treatments that:

• – Eliminate light gaps along edges
• – Provide proper operation without binding
• – Create cleaner visual lines without excess fabric
• – Maximize energy efficiency with proper coverage

When shades fit correctly, they simply look and function better in your space.

Energy Efficiency Advantages

The insulating properties of honeycomb cellular shades work best when properly fitted to your window dimensions. Studies show well-fitted cellular shades can reduce heat transfer through windows by up to 74%, making them one of the most energy-efficient window treatments available.

With rising energy costs, the initial investment in custom sizing quickly pays for itself through reduced heating and cooling expenses. Many homeowners notice the difference in comfort immediately, especially in rooms with large windows or exposure to direct sunlight.

Premium Customization Options

Beyond size, ordering custom cellular shades allows you to tailor nearly every aspect of your window treatments:

• – Cell size (standard 3/8″ or larger 3/4″ for different looks)
• – Fabric opacity (sheer, light-filtering, room-darkening, or blackout)
• – Top-down/bottom-up functionality for privacy with light
• – Cordless or motorized operation
• – Specialized shapes for unique windows

These options ensure your window treatments address your specific needs rather than forcing you to compromise with off-the-shelf products.

Essential Tools for Measuring Custom Cellular Shades

Before you start measuring for custom cellular blinds, gather these tools:

• – Metal measuring tape (not cloth or plastic)
• – Pencil for marking measurements
• – Paper to record measurements
• – Step ladder for tall windows
• – Helper for larger windows (optional but helpful)

Using proper tools prevents the common errors that lead to ill-fitting window treatments.

Measuring Guide for Inside Mount Cellular Shades

Inside mounted cellular shades sit within your window frame, creating a clean, built-in look. This mounting style showcases window trim and molding. For successful inside mounts, you’ll need adequate depth (typically 1.5-2 inches minimum).

Checking Window Depth

First, measure the depth of your window frame to ensure you have enough space for inside mounting. Different cellular shades require different minimum depths, so check product specifications before proceeding.

Width Measurements

For inside mount width:

1. 1. Measure the exact width of the window opening in three places: top, middle, and bottom
2. 2. Record all three measurements
3. 3. Use the narrowest measurement for ordering
4. 4. Do not make any deductions – the factory will adjust as needed

Using the narrowest measurement ensures your shade will operate properly without binding against the window frame.

Height Measurements

For inside mount height:

1. 1. Measure the exact height from the top inside edge to the window sill in three places: left, center, and right
2. 2. Record all three measurements
3. 3. Use the longest measurement for ordering
4. 4. Do not make any deductions – the factory will adjust as needed

The longest height measurement ensures coverage across the entire opening, preventing light gaps.

Measuring Guide for Outside Mount Cellular Shades

Outside mounted custom cellular shades attach to the wall surrounding your window, covering the entire window and frame. This mounting style works well for windows with minimal depth, out-of-square windows, or when you want to make windows appear larger.

Width Measurements

For outside mount width:

1. 1. Measure the width of the area you want to cover
2. 2. Add 3-4 inches total (1.5-2 inches per side) for optimal light blockage
3. 3. Record this final measurement for ordering

The additional width ensures proper light blockage and provides mounting space for brackets.

Height Measurements

For outside mount height:

1. 1. Determine where you want the top of your shade positioned
2. 2. Measure from this point down to where you want the shade to end
3. 3. Add 3-4 inches to the height for optimal coverage
4. 4. Record this final measurement for ordering

The extra height allows proper mounting while ensuring complete window coverage.

Special Window Considerations

Measuring for Angled or Specialty Windows

Custom cellular shades can accommodate unique window shapes, but require special measurement approaches:

• – For arched windows: Provide width at the widest point and height at the tallest point
• – For angled windows: Measure the rectangular portion and note the angle dimensions separately
• – For bay windows: Measure each section individually as separate shades

When ordering specialty shapes, consider requesting a measuring template from the manufacturer for best results.

Measuring for Multiple Windows

When ordering custom cellular blinds for multiple windows that will be viewed together:

1. 1. Measure each window individually using the methods above
2. 2. Note any minor variances between windows
3. 3. Consider whether to standardize sizes for visual consistency

For adjacent windows, you might choose to standardize on the smaller width to ensure uniformity in appearance.

Understanding Light Control Options

Custom cellular shades come in various opacity options to meet different light control needs:

Light Filtering Cellular Shades

Light filtering options allow natural light to enter while providing daytime privacy. These shades diffuse sunlight, creating a soft glow without harsh brightness or glare. They’re perfect for living areas, kitchens, and any space where you want natural illumination without sacrificing privacy.

The Blindsgalore Gallery Cellular Shades with Light Filtering offer beautiful light diffusion while maintaining daytime privacy, with a wide range of colors to complement any decor.

Room-Darkening Cellular Shades

Room-darkening fabrics provide greater privacy and light control, blocking most light while still allowing a subtle glow around edges. These work well in living rooms, home offices, and areas where TV viewing requires glare reduction.

Blackout Cellular Shades

For maximum light blockage, blackout honeycomb cellular shades feature special linings that prevent light penetration. They’re ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, and anywhere complete darkness is desired.

The Blindsgalore Essential Blackout Single Cellular Shade provides excellent room darkening while maintaining the energy efficiency cellular shades are known for.

Lift Options for Custom Cellular Shades

How you operate your shades impacts both functionality and safety. Common options include:

Standard Cordless Operation

Cordless designs eliminate dangerous hanging cords, making them safer for homes with children and pets. Simply push up or pull down on the bottom rail to adjust these shades. This clean, modern option has become the standard for many homeowners.

Top-Down/Bottom-Up Functionality

This versatile option allows you to lower shades from the top, raise them from the bottom, or both simultaneously. It provides ultimate flexibility for balancing privacy and natural light – perfect for street-level windows or bathrooms.

The Blindsgalore Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shade offers this innovative functionality with easy cordless operation.

Continuous Loop Control

Using a continuous loop mechanism, these shades operate with a single cord loop kept taut by a tension device. While technically corded, these meet child safety standards when properly installed.

Motorized Operation

Motorized custom cellular shades offer ultimate convenience, especially for hard-to-reach windows. Control options include remote controls, wall switches, or smart home integration. While more expensive initially, many homeowners find the convenience worth the investment.

Color and Design Selection

When selecting colors for your custom cellular shades, consider:

Room Aesthetics

• – Match trim color for a seamless look
• – Choose contrasting colors to make windows a focal point
• – Select neutrals for versatility with changing decor

Light Reflection

• – Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, maximizing brightness
• – Darker colors absorb light, providing better glare control
• – White or off-white facing the exterior improves energy efficiency

Popular Brands and Color Options

Levolor Cellular Shades colors tend to feature contemporary neutrals and on-trend accents, while Bali Cellular Shades offer an extensive palette including vibrant options. Both brands, along with Blindsgalore’s own collections, provide quality products with diverse style options.

Installation Essentials for Custom Cellular Shades

Installing custom cellular shades is typically straightforward with the right approach:

Inside Mount Installation

1. 1. Mark bracket locations with a pencil and pre-drill holes
2. 2. Screw through the top hole of each bracket to mount to the window frame
3. 3. Hold the headrail of the shades up to the brackets with the front facing you
4. 4. Insert the front of the headrail into the brackets and rock it backwards until it clicks
5. 5. Ensure that the fabric isn’t pinched between brackets and headrail

Outside Mount Installation

1. 1. Mark bracket locations with a pencil and pre-drill holes
2. 2. Screw through the back holes of each bracket to mount to the wall
3. 3. Hold the headrail up to the brackets with the front facing you
4. 4. Insert the front of the headrail into the brackets and rock it backwards until it clicks
5. 5. Ensure proper alignment and that fabric isn’t pinched

Basic tools needed typically include a screwdriver, drill, pencil, and level. Most installations take under an hour to complete with clear instructions provided by manufacturers.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your custom cellular shades looking new:

• – Dust regularly using a vacuum brush attachment
• – For stains, spot clean gently with mild soap and water
• – Avoid excessive moisture which can damage the honeycomb structure
• – Never immerse cellular fabric in water
• – Keep shades extended occasionally to prevent compression

With proper care, quality cellular shades can maintain their appearance and functionality for many years.

Comparing Cellular Shades to Other Window Treatments

While custom cellular shades offer numerous benefits, comparing them to alternatives helps ensure they’re right for your specific needs:

Feature	Cellular Shades	Roller Shades	Venetian Blinds
Insulation	Excellent	Fair	Poor to Fair
Light Control	Good to Excellent	Good	Excellent
Privacy	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Durability	Good	Very Good	Very Good
Cleaning Ease	Moderate	Easy	Moderate
Style Options	Many	Many	Many
Cost	Moderate to High	Low to Moderate	Low to High

This comparison highlights the energy efficiency advantage of honeycomb cellular shades while acknowledging their moderate cleaning requirements compared to some alternatives.

Making Your Final Decision

Selecting the perfect custom cellular shades involves balancing aesthetic preferences with practical considerations:

For maximum energy efficiency: Choose double-cell construction with blackout fabric
For budget-conscious options: Consider the Blindsgalore Essential Blackout Single Cellular Shade
For versatile light control: The Blindsgalore Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shade offers ultimate flexibility
For style options: Browse Blindsgalore Gallery Cellular Shades with Light Filtering for a wide array of colors and textures

Remember that proper measurements form the foundation of your satisfaction with custom cellular shades. Take the time to measure carefully using the guidelines above, and don’t hesitate to contact window treatment experts if you have questions about your specific windows.

With accurate measurements, thoughtful customization choices, and quality products, your new custom cellular shades will provide years of beautiful functionality while enhancing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Ordering Process and What to Expect

When ordering custom cellular shades online:

1. 1. Enter precise measurements as guided above
2. 2. Select fabric opacity, color, and cell size
3. 3. Choose your preferred lift system
4. 4. Specify inside or outside mounting
5. 5. Review all details before finalizing order

At Blindsgalore, we handcraft your custom cellular blinds to your exact specifications. Custom shades typically ship within 5–7 business days, with free shipping throughout the continental U.S. All our Blindsgalore products include a free 3-year warranty, with an optional upgrade to a 5-year warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions