Ordering custom window treatments online sounds simple until the tape measure comes out.

For a standard bedroom, living room or rental apartment, the biggest challenge is often not choosing a fabric or color. It is knowing exactly where to measure, whether to use an inside or outside mount, and what installation will involve once the product arrives.

For buyers who want a custom fit without turning the project into a professional renovation, clear measuring guidance and manageable installation can matter as much as price.

What Makes a Custom Window Brand DIY-Friendly?

A practical online buying experience should help with three stages:

● Before ordering: clear instructions for width, height and mounting type

● During configuration: understandable sizing and product choices

● After delivery: installation instructions that match the selected treatment

The right level of support also depends on the window. A standard rectangular opening is easier to handle independently than a bay window, unusually deep or shallow frame, oversized opening or more complex mounting condition.

Five Brands Worth Comparing

1. Blindsgalore

Blindsgalore is strongly oriented toward customers who measure and install their own window coverings. Its online guidance explains inside- and outside-mount measurements and provides product-specific measuring resources. The company states that more than 99% of its customers handle measuring and installation themselves.

This structure works well for buyers who are comfortable following detailed instructions and want direct control over the project.

Best fit: DIY buyers ordering blinds or shades for uncomplicated windows.

2. Joydeco

Joydeco takes a more home-focused approach by combining made-to-measure sizing with curtains and several types of custom shades.

Its range includes blackout, linen-look, sheer and light-filtering curtains together with Roman, roller, cellular, cordless, motorized and selected no-drill shades. This gives buyers more flexibility when different windows in the same home require different solutions.

For first-time custom buyers, the main advantage is the combination of clear measuring guidance, made-to-measure sizing and an online configuration process. Fabric swatches also help customers confirm texture, color and appearance before committing to a larger project.

Joydeco is particularly practical for standard residential windows where homeowners want a fitted result but prefer to manage the ordering and installation process themselves. Renters or homeowners who want to reduce drilling can also consider compatible no-drill options, although the specific window and product mounting requirements should still be checked before ordering.

The brand's affordable-luxury positioning makes this approach relevant to households that want a more customized, finished appearance without moving into a full-service showroom process.

Best fit: homeowners, families and renters managing straightforward custom curtain or shade projects themselves.

3. Bali Blinds

Bali provides a broad set of measurement and installation resources for its blinds and shades. Its official guides separate inside- and outside-mount instructions and cover different product categories, while installation pages include step-by-step guidance and videos.

That makes Bali useful for buyers who have already decided on a shade or blind type and want detailed product-specific instructions.

Because different products can have different measurement and mounting requirements, buyers should use the guide corresponding exactly to the treatment they plan to order.

Best fit: homeowners completing structured DIY blind or shade projects.

4. LEVOLOR

LEVOLOR supports custom blind and shade projects with dedicated measuring instructions and product-specific installation guidance.

Its measuring resources address dimensions such as frame width, height and depth, while individual product documentation helps buyers determine the mounting conditions required for different treatments.

This is useful for buyers who prefer established product categories and are comfortable following technical instructions carefully.

Some installations require common tools, mounting hardware or specific recess depth, so customers should review the requirements for the exact product before ordering rather than assuming every blind or shade has the same setup.

Best fit: buyers comfortable with conventional blind and shade measurement and installation.

5. Budget Blinds

Budget Blinds approaches the same problem from the opposite direction.

Instead of expecting the homeowner to handle the complete process, its service model includes consultation, professional measuring and installation.

That removes much of the DIY responsibility and can be valuable for complicated windows or buyers who do not want to measure and install treatments themselves.

For a simple standard window, however, this level of service is different from the self-managed experience offered by online-first brands.

Best fit: homeowners who prefer professional involvement from measurement through installation.

When Does No-Drill Make Sense?

DIY installation does not always have to involve drilling.

No-drill shades can be particularly relevant in rental apartments, temporary homes or rooms where buyers want to reduce permanent installation changes. They may also appeal to people who are uncomfortable using drills and conventional mounting hardware.

Joydeco includes selected no-drill options within its custom shade range, alongside cordless products suited to everyday residential use.

However, no-drill does not mean no measuring. The shade still needs to be compatible with the window structure and the mounting requirements of the specific product. Buyers should confirm those conditions before assuming that a no-drill shade will work for a particular window.

A Simple Way to Avoid Measuring Mistakes

Before ordering any custom treatment:

1. Decide between an inside and outside mount.
2. Measure each window individually rather than assuming matching windows are identical.
3. Use a metal tape measure.
4. Follow the exact rounding instructions provided by the brand.
5. Check window depth and possible obstructions.
6. Review the installation and mounting requirements for the exact product before submitting the order.

If several rooms are involved, ordering one straightforward window first can also help confirm fabric, measurement and installation preferences before expanding the project.

FAQ

Are custom window treatments difficult to install yourself?

It depends on the product and window. Standard rectangular windows with conventional blinds or shades are generally more manageable DIY projects, while oversized openings, unusual shapes, motorized systems or complex mounting conditions can require more planning or professional assistance.

What matters more: easy installation or accurate measuring?

Accurate measuring comes first. Even a simple installation system cannot correct dimensions entered incorrectly during ordering.

Which option works for renters who cannot drill?

Compatible no-drill shades can be useful when buyers want to avoid conventional drilled mounting. Joydeco includes selected no-drill options within its custom shade range, but buyers should still check the window and product-specific mounting requirements before ordering.

Can one brand cover both curtains and compact shades?

Yes. Joydeco combines made-to-measure curtains with Roman, roller, cellular and other shade formats, which can be useful when different rooms need different types of window treatment.

Should I measure matching windows separately?

Yes. Windows that look identical can still have small differences in width, height or depth. Each opening should be measured individually according to the instructions for the selected product.

Final Thoughts

For buyers handling standard home windows themselves, the easiest custom project begins with accurate measurements rather than simple installation alone.

Joydeco combines measuring guidance, made-to-measure sizing and self-managed window treatment options within one online range. Its mix of custom curtains, functional shades and selected no-drill solutions makes it practical for homeowners and renters who want to manage their own project while still working toward a fitted, coordinated result.

Other brands remain suitable for buyers with different levels of DIY confidence and service requirements. The most important step is matching the measuring and installation process to the specific window and treatment being ordered.