The Awkward Window Fix: Finding 45 Inch Window Shades That Actually Fit

by Yuvien Royer on Mar 04 2026
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    I remember staring at the window in my first 'adult' apartment. It wasn't a standard 36 or a grand 72. It was a stubborn, middle-of-the-road 45 inches. I tried to make do with curtains that didn't quite cover the edges, and for six months, I woke up to a sliver of streetlamp light hitting me right in the eye at 3 AM. Finding the right 45 inch window shades isn't just about aesthetics; it's about reclaiming your sleep and your sanity.

    • Avoid 'cut-to-size' store options; the frayed edges and broken springs aren't worth the small savings.
    • For inside mounts, always subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the narrowest width measurement to prevent scraping.
    • One single 45-inch shade looks significantly more modern than two smaller ones side-by-side.
    • Lightweight materials like aluminum or cellular fabrics prevent the center from bowing over time.

    The In-Between Width: Why 45-Inch Windows Are So Hard to Dress

    45-inch windows are the teenagers of the architectural world—awkward, in-between, and refusing to fit into standard boxes. Most off-the-shelf 45 inch blinds are actually 44.5 inches to allow for mounting, but if your frame is exactly 45 inches, a generic 'blind 45' from a warehouse store often leaves massive light gaps. I see this a lot in 1940s bungalows and modern condos where the architect wanted just enough light to feel airy but not enough to justify a massive picture window.

    When you are hunting for 45 in blinds, you quickly realize that the 'standard' sizes usually jump from 36 to 48 inches. This leaves you in a no-man's-land where you're either dealing with too much fabric or not enough coverage. Finding a true blind 45 inch wide feels like a scavenger hunt, but it is the difference between a room that looks intentional and one that looks like a temporary rental fix. Using 45 in wide blinds ensures the slats or fabric reach the edge of the glass without the clutter of excess material.

    Why I Refuse to Shave Down Store-Bought Blinds

    I have seen the DIY videos, and I am here to tell you: do not buy a 48-inch shade and try to trim it at home. I’ve seen the aftermath—frayed polyester edges that look like a cat used the shade as a scratching post and internal springs that snap because they weren't balanced for a narrower width. When you buy 45 inch wide window blinds built to spec, the internal tension is calibrated for that specific weight, ensuring the lift stays smooth for years.

    This is especially true for modern tech. Take the Canisteo Motorized Dual Roller Shades Cordless Custom Double Roller Blinds, for example. The motor is housed precisely within the tube to ensure a whisper-quiet lift. If you start hacking away at the ends of a stock shade, you're literally cutting into the mechanics. Ordering 45 inch wide window shades directly from a manufacturer ensures the structural integrity stays intact, which is non-negotiable for high-traffic areas like a kitchen or living room.

    The Exact Mount Math for 45-Inch Openings

    Let's talk math, because a 1/4 inch is the difference between a 'built-in' look and a total disaster. If you're going for an inside mount, measure the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Use the narrowest number. If you have 45 1/2 inch wide blinds, they need to be ordered with a tiny bit of breathing room so they don't screech against the paint every time you lower them. I usually recommend a small deduction for a smooth glide.

    For an outside mount, the rules change. You want to overlap the frame to kill that annoying light halo. If your opening is 45 inches, I usually order 49-inch wide blinds to give two inches of coverage on each side. This is crucial if you're installing 45 in window blinds in a bedroom where privacy and light blockage are the whole point. Make sure your mounting brackets have at least 2 inches of flat surface on the wall or trim to bite into, otherwise, the weight of a 45-inch span might pull the screws loose over time.

    To Split or Not to Split? Handling the 45-Inch Span

    At this width, you might be tempted to put two 22-inch shades side-by-side. Resist that urge. A 45 wide blinds setup should be one continuous piece of fabric or slat. It keeps the lines of the room long and clean. Splitting the window creates a vertical line right down the center of your view, which is fine for massive 100-inch picture windows, but on a mid-sized frame, it just looks cluttered. It’s better to have one solid 45" blinds unit than a pair of narrow ones that never hang quite straight.

    As I mentioned in my guide on why Your Split Blinds Are Ruining the View: Get a 72 Inch Wide Roller Shade, the goal is to frame the outdoors, not chop it into pieces. A single 45 inch window blinds unit is light enough to operate easily but wide enough to feel substantial. It bridges the gap between 'small window' and 'feature window' perfectly without the need for extra hardware that just collects dust. Whether you're looking for window blinds 45 wide or a sleek roller, keep it as a single span.

    My Favorite Styles for 45 x 64 Openings

    For a standard 45 x 64 opening, material choice is everything. Heavy faux wood slats can start to bow in the middle over time at this width if they aren't supported perfectly. This is why I often steer my clients toward the 2 In 1 Shade. It provides a lightweight, sleek profile that spans 45 inches without any mid-span sag. It gives you that soft, light-filtering glow that makes a morning coffee feel like a scene from a movie.

    If you're outfitting a bedroom, I always suggest Day Night Shades. You get the sheer look for the afternoon and a blackout layer for the night, all within that 45-inch footprint. Even 45 inch mini blinds have made a comeback in brushed brass or matte black finishes. If you choose 45 x 64 mini blinds in a high-quality aluminum, they look incredibly sharp in a home office. Just stay away from the flimsy plastic versions—they yellow in the sun and look cheap compared to 45" wide mini blinds or custom 45 inch wide mini blinds. For those with taller windows, mini blinds 45 x 64 offer the perfect balance of privacy and light control.

    Can I use 44-inch blinds for a 45-inch window?

    Only if you're okay with a half-inch gap on both sides. For privacy or light blocking, it's a nightmare. It will look like you bought the wrong size at a garage sale. Stick to exact 45 inch mini blinds or 45 wide mini blinds for a professional fit.

    Are 45 inch window shades heavy to lift?

    At 45 inches, a cordless lift is still very easy to manage. However, if you go with heavy real-wood slats, you'll feel the weight. I prefer honeycombs or roller shades for this width to keep the operation effortless and prevent the dreaded center-dip.

    What if my window is exactly 45 1/2 inches?

    Order 45 1/2 inch wide blinds with the standard factory deduction. Most manufacturers will take off about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch so the blind fits inside the casing without rubbing the sides. I once mismeasured a 45 x 45 blinds order for a bathroom, forgetting to account for the tile trim. The shade sat crooked for a year until I finally replaced it. Measure twice, order once.