Why So Many Shades End Up Crooked or Too Short
You measured. You ordered. You installed it. But now your pleated shades don’t hang right—or worse, they don’t fit at all.
That’s frustrating, and it happens more often than you’d think. If you’re a homeowner trying to save time, a designer juggling details, or a property manager swapping out old blinds, one wrong number can throw off the entire project.
Before you break out the drill or call for a return, here’s what usually goes wrong—and how to get it right the first time.
Skipping Exact Measurements
One of the most common slip-ups? Rushing through measurements or guessing based on looks.
It doesn’t matter how new or uniform the windows seem. Slight differences between the top and bottom of the frame can cause a tight squeeze—or an awkward gap.
Here’s where people go wrong:
- Rounding to the nearest inch
- Assuming all windows in one room are the same size
- Using flexible tape measures instead of metal ones
For inside mounts, the width needs to be exact. If it’s even a quarter inch too wide, the shade may not fit. Too narrow, and light leaks in.
Not sure your tape measure is giving you the right numbers? Let pros handle the measuring for custom pleated blinds that fit just right.
Confusing Mounting Styles
Mounting style changes everything. Inside mounts give a tidy, recessed look. Outside mounts can block more light and hide trim. Some people even mount shades on the ceiling for tall windows.
Where people go wrong:
- Measuring for an inside mount, then ordering outside
- Forgetting to allow extra width for light coverage on outside mounts
- Not accounting for overlapping with existing trim
Before you measure, decide exactly how you want the shades to sit—and where.
Trying to figure out the best mount for each room? Custom-fit help with pleated shade blinds takes out the guesswork.
Not Checking Frame Depth or Obstructions
Pleated shades don’t need much space—but they still need some.
If the window frame is shallow, or if there are cranks or locks in the way, it changes how the shade hangs.
Common issues:
- Inside mount hardware bumping into window handles
- Not enough depth for brackets to sit flat
- Forgetting how far shades extend when fully raised
Make sure there’s enough room not just for the shade itself, but for it to move freely.
Worried your frame might be too shallow? Let someone who knows how to install window pleated shades help plan the right setup.
Wrong Screws, Wobbly Brackets
Even perfect measurements can fall apart if you don’t install them with the right tools.
Some common mistakes:
- Using drywall anchors in wood
- Skipping pilot holes
- Assuming existing holes will work with new hardware
- Not using a level, so the shade tilts slightly
It may seem small, but one crooked bracket can throw the whole thing off—especially for accordion shades with tight pleats.
Want the shades to look as clean as they do in photos? Ask for expert installation when ordering your accordion shade for a smoother finish.
Fun Fact Break
- Cleopatra is said to have bathed in sour milk to soften her skin—a very early form of chemical exfoliation.
- In ancient Greece, crushed berries were used to tint lips and cheeks, long before lipstick ever existed.
Overlooking Light Gaps
Pleated shades block most light, but not all of it—especially with inside mounts. Some people don’t realize light can sneak in through the sides, or that the fabric might not give full privacy after dark.
Before buying, think about:
- Which way the window faces
- Whether glare will hit screens or TVs
- If the room needs to be dark enough for sleep
For bedrooms or media rooms, you may need a different mount—or side channels—to really darken the space.
Need better light control? Ask about pleated room darkening shades that are measured and installed to stop light leaks.
Last Thing Before You Order
Getting pleated shades to look good isn’t hard—but getting them to fit takes more care than most people expect.
Whether you’re finishing a remodel, updating a rental, or just tired of old blinds, accurate measuring and smart installation make all the difference.
If you’re choosing custom pleated shades, pleated room darkening shades, or pleated shade blinds, skip the stress—get a pro to measure, order, and install them right.
