Everything you need to know before buying window treatments — measuring, choosing, and installing safely.
Getting measurements right is the difference between a perfect fit and a costly mistake.
Inside Mount: The shade fits inside the window frame. Cleaner, more built-in look. Requires adequate frame depth.
Outside Mount: The shade mounts on the wall or trim above the window. Better light blocking, easier to install, required for some window types.
Even in the same room, windows can vary by 1/4" or more. Always measure each window individually — never assume two windows are the same size. Order each shade separately with its own measurements.
No batteries, no WiFi, no hub, no electronics to fail. Works forever without any setup.
Complete automation, app control, voice control, scheduling. No physical operating mechanism = maximum safety.
Motorized shades work with your existing smart home ecosystem. Here's what you need to know.
Most motorized shades work with Alexa through the manufacturer's app or a smart home hub. Look for "Works with Alexa" in the product listing.
Google Home integration works similarly — set up via manufacturer app first, then link to Google Home for voice control.
HomeKit requires specific compatibility. Look for "Works with HomeKit" or "HomeKit Ready" — not all motorized shades support it.
Even without smart home integration, most motorized shades come with a dedicated remote control and smartphone app for direct control.
Some motorized shades require a dedicated hub or bridge (sold separately). For example, Lutron Serena shades need the Lutron Smart Bridge. Other shades connect directly via WiFi without a hub. Check the product listing before buying — budget for the hub if needed.
| Window Width | Cordless Option | Motorized Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30") | $35–$65 | $100–$180 | Small windows are the most affordable. Cellular and roller shades work well. |
| Standard (30"–48") | $50–$110 | $150–$280 | Most common window size. Wide range of options in both categories. |
| Wide (48"–72") | $80–$160 | $200–$400 | Wide windows may need multiple shades or specialty wide-format shades. |
| Extra Wide (over 72") | $120–$250+ | $300–$600+ | Consider multiple linked shades or custom sizing for best results. |
Not included: Professional installation (if needed), smart home hub/bridge, solar panel accessory.
Measuring wrong is the #1 reason for returns. Measure multiple times, in multiple spots, and always use the smallest width / tallest height rule.
Inside vs. outside mount changes everything — dimensions, look, and light blocking. Decide this before you measure.
Inside mount requires adequate frame depth (usually 2" minimum for cellular shades). If your frame is shallow, go outside mount.
If children under 6 will be in the room, only cordless or motorized is acceptable. No exceptions. Budget for safety.
Shades need clearance to operate. Inside mount shades that are too deep in the window frame can hit the sill when lowered. Leave 1/4" clearance.
Moisture and humidity will warp real wood blinds. Use faux wood in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-humidity spaces.
If you need dark conditions for sleep (nurseries, bedrooms), make sure you buy blackout fabric — light-filtering won't be dark enough.
Some wood blinds with "cordless" lift still use a wand for tilt. Make sure the wand length is appropriate for your window height.
Motorized shades that require a hub add $50–$150 to the total cost. Factor this in before you buy.
Never assume. Older homes in particular can have significant size variations between windows in the same room. Always measure each individually.