Custom Shades: What You Need to Know At Mill End Shops, our custom shades are more than window coverings — they’re tailored solutions for style, comfort, and functionality. With over 80 years of experience serving homeowners and designers in Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia, we provide expert design consultations, precise measurements, premium materials, and professional installation — all in-house. Why Choose Custom Shades? Custom window shades offer unmatched flexibility and personalization. Whether you want room-darkening, glare reduction, privacy, insulation, or simply a designer look — our team helps you select the perfect solution. Every shade is made-to-order to match your window dimensions, décor preferences, and light control needs. Our Custom Shade Styles Include: We offer a full range of premium window shades, including: 1) Roller Shades – Sleek and modern with clean lines and fabric variety 2) Solar Shades – Block heat and glare while preserving your view 3) Classic Roman Shades – Soft, cascading folds for a timeless aesthetic 4) Tailored Roman Shades – Structured, flat design for a contemporary finish 5) Cellular Shades – Energy-efficient honeycomb design for insulation 6) Woven Wood Shades – Natural textures from bamboo, reeds, and grasses 7) Sheer Shades – Combine soft fabric with tilt functionality 8) Exterior Solar Shades – Built for patios, porches, and outdoor windows 9) Layered Shades – Alternating sheer and solid bands for stylish control Each style is fully customizable — you choose your fabric, color, opacity, lift style (cordless, continuous loop, motorized), and optional valances or trims. Authorized Dealer of Premium Brands As a trusted dealer of Graber®, Hunter Douglas®, and Norman®, we provide access to the latest innovations in fabric design, motorized control, and energy efficiency. Our customers enjoy exclusive selections and professional-grade quality only available through premium retailers. How the Process Works 1) Free Design Consultation Meet in your home or one of our showrooms. We’ll walk you through options that suit your space, light needs, and budget. 2) Precise Measuring Our team takes exact measurements for a flawless fit — no gaps, no guesswork. 3) Custom Fabrication Shades are handcrafted to your specs using your chosen fabrics, linings, and mechanisms. 4) Professional Installation Our in-house installers ensure your new shades operate beautifully and look perfect. We Serve Local Homes & Designers From downtown DC condos to Bethesda brownstones and Annapolis waterfront homes, we’ve worked in nearly every setting. We also collaborate closely with interior designers on both residential and commercial shade projects. Looking for smart home integration? We can motorize your shades and pair them with systems like Somfy, Hunter Douglas PowerView®, and more. Shade Care & Maintenance Many shades are low-maintenance and easy to clean. Solar and roller shades can often be wiped down with a damp cloth, while roman and cellular shades benefit from gentle vacuuming or spot treatment. We’ll guide you on the best care based on your fabric selection. Whether you’re updating one window or your entire home, Mill End Shops makes custom shades effortless — and beautiful.