When we moved into our current home, I knew I wanted bamboo shades throughout the house. I had already installed custom bamboo shades in our playroom and family room for my birthday, and I was thrilled with how they turned out. Those initial custom shades were expensive, but they added so much warmth and texture that I couldn’t imagine skipping this look in the rest of our home. However, because of their cost and the need for a more budget‑friendly option for other rooms, I began searching for alternatives that could still deliver the custom feel I loved.
Finding a More Affordable Custom Shade Option
During my search, I struggled to find bamboo blinds that were both reasonably priced and suitable for standard‑sized windows. One other challenge was that some rooms, like our dining area, have shorter windows where many standard sizes simply wouldn’t fit well. It was essential to find something that could be customized to exact dimensions without requiring a high‑end custom order. That is when I discovered Lustrowin’s offerings.
Lustrowin specializes in custom bamboo blinds that match your exact window measurements, making them an ideal choice for spaces like ours. When Lustrowin approached me about partnering together, I agreed enthusiastically. While I received product for an Instagram reel, I was not obligated to write a blog post—only a genuine interest in sharing my experience prompted me to take it further here.
Ordering Samples: What You Need to Know
Before placing my full order, I highly recommend ordering samples first. What you see online can differ from the actual product, and since I wanted something as close as possible to our playroom bamboo blinds, seeing the material in person was a crucial step. I ordered sample books to compare textures and colors, and although the final shade color didn’t match perfectly, the texture was almost identical, which was more important to me given the rooms are separate.
Installation Made Simple
The Lustrowin bamboo shades came with all necessary hardware and were very easy to install. You only need a drill, and installation is straightforward. We don’t own a drill, so my brother‑in‑law helped with the installation, and it took him about 30 minutes to hang them. Even with some conversation along the way, the process was quick and hassle‑free.
Final Look: More Than Just Window Coverings
The finished result exceeded my expectations. I chose unlined shades to allow light to filter through, creating a warm, inviting glow in the dining room. Because this room depends on natural light as its only source, I wanted the shades to enhance rather than block the light. Even though these shades are mostly decorative—since we will rarely lower them—they contribute beautiful texture and visual interest to the space.
My Specific Shade Details
For reference, the bamboo shades I ordered are the Gullfloss Flax Jute Roman Shade in the color “coffee,” configured for an inside mount with a cordless lift and no lining or binding. One of the most helpful aspects of Lustrowin’s service was their measurement guidance. They recommend measuring your windows multiple times to ensure accuracy. In fact, we measured ours at least ten times to be confident. If you use an inside mount, Lustrowin suggests subtracting 3/8 of an inch from your width measurement to ensure a proper fit. Customer service was also helpful in confirming my measurements when I had questions.
Why These Shades Work for Me
Overall, my experience with the Lustrowin bamboo shades has been positive. They offer an affordable yet customizable alternative to expensive custom blinds while preserving the aesthetic appeal I wanted. The texture and warmth they bring to a room significantly enhance the look and feel of my home, particularly in natural light.
The addition of these shades has inspired me to continue the project throughout the rest of our house. I plan to install them in our living room and staircase windows soon and eventually extend them to the bedrooms and office. The cohesive look and custom fit make this feel like a long‑term investment rather than a temporary fix.
Tips for Anyone Considering Bamboo Shades
If you are thinking about adding bamboo shades to your home, here are a few practical tips based on my experience:
- Order material samples first to see how colors and textures appear in your own lighting conditions.
- Measure windows carefully, ideally multiple times, to ensure your custom order fits perfectly.
- Choose the right configuration (lined vs. unlined, cordless vs. corded) based on your light and privacy needs.
- Seek customer support help if measuring makes you uncertain—they can offer valuable guidance.
Bamboo shades are a timeless choice that can fit many decor styles, offering natural warmth and visual depth to your living spaces. While they may not block all light like blackout options, their light‑filtering quality and organic aesthetic make them a compelling choice for most rooms.
