From keeping your home shady and cool to making a visual statement, your home window blinds can have a huge effect on your home’s interior. However, if you tend to choose windows that are shaped irregularly, or opt for quality replacement windows that require a bit of special attention, you might find it a challenge to get your hands on window blinds that fit your specific needs. Never fear: When it comes to keeping your windows shaded and protected, there are a number of custom and standard options that you can choose from to get just the right fit. Whether you’re looking for slatted blinds, mounted window treatments, or options for highly unconventional window styles, knowing more about what you’re looking for will help narrow down your search. When it comes to choosing custom vs. standard blinds, here are a few things to keep in mind before you make a decision:

Standard Blinds Can Have a Lot of Range

If you’re a homeowner who doesn’t want to have to settle for anything normal or average, you might assume that standard blinds are average and cookie-cutter. But don’t write them off so easily. Even though standard blinds are made to fit a variety of average-sized and shaped windows, they actually have a lot of versatility and variety, especially if you’re trying to find blinds that don’t just serve a decorative purpose. From traditional mounted slat blinds to hanging bamboo blinds or blackout blinds, you can find a lot of variety when it comes to length, width, and lining style. The catch is, if you don’t have a window that’s built in line with the average proportions for double-hung, picture, or sliding windows, you might have to search a bit harder. You’ll also want to make sure that your blinds are optimized for energy efficiency, especially if your window is in a room that gets a ton of direct light.

Custom Blinds are Better for Irregular Windows

If your home is older and you had a hand in designing it, you’re likely to be dealing with a number of differently-sized windows. Since standard blinds come ready-made, they’re less likely to be a good fit for irregular or custom window styles such as porthole windows or gables. There’s no reason to sacrifice your window’s style just because it doesn’t fit the standard measurements. Buying custom-made blinds will give you a lot more control when it comes to finding the right lining and the right hang. You’ll also be able to add a more personal touch with a custom set of blinds. Think of it as a way to exercise your creativity when designing your space.

Slat Size and Material is Important

Whether you’ve chosen classic hanging blinds, rolling blinds, or Venetian blinds, you’ll want to make sure your choice is doing more than just looking stylish. Keeping energy efficiency in mind is a great way to cut down costs and create a cozier, more temperature-controlled space. For instance, if you like the look of wooden slatted blinds but want to protect your window from air leaks, there are a number of sturdier materials, such as bamboo or dense fiber that can mimic the rustic feel of wood without creating huge, airy gaps. If you’re looking for a set of blackout blinds that isn’t too heavy, opt for a lighter material with high insulation properties so you can get the best of both worlds. If you want a customized blind but don’t want to have to pay high prices, check at your local hardware store to see if you can find a merchant who will complete the job within your budget. For most custom blind jobs, the price of home installation will be included, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

The Right Lining and Length Will Help Protect Your Window

When choosing between custom and standard blinds, think about your home’s climate through the year. Do you live in a wet, muggy area? Do you get a lot of hot, dry sun? Does your house deal with a lot of hard winters and mild summers? Even if you have other concerns, your home’s climate should at least in part guide your decision. Picking the wrong material and creating a stuffy, muggy atmosphere in your home can mean a ton of high A/C costs, and choosing an unlined, standard material for your blinds can also decrease insulation during the winter, leading to a ton of unnecessary heat loss. If you’re trying to make a purchase that will last and help you keep your home cool, dry, and temperature-controlled, choose the standard blinds that you know will work for you year-round. If you’re living in a volatile climate, getting different sets of custom blinds for the winter and summer months might be your best bet.