6 Custom RV Window Blinds For Odd Shapes That Nomads Swear By

That weirdly angled window over the dinette or the arched one in the bedroom door looks great until you try to cover it. Standard rectangular blinds leave awkward, light-leaking gaps that ruin your privacy and sleep. Finding the right solution for these odd shapes is a classic RV challenge, but it’s one that seasoned nomads have solved in a half-dozen different ways.

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Why Standard Blinds Fail Odd-Shaped RV Windows

Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole is the perfect analogy for using standard blinds on custom RV windows. Manufacturers use trapezoids, arches, and other odd shapes to follow the contours of the vehicle, but this creates a massive headache for privacy and light control. A rectangular blind will inevitably leave triangular gaps that let in the morning sun or the glare from a campground security light right when you’re trying to sleep.

These gaps aren’t just an annoyance; they’re a major source of energy loss. Windows are the weakest point in your RV’s insulation, and any uncovered glass becomes a thermal bridge, letting heat escape in the winter and pour in during the summer. This forces your heater or AC to work harder, draining your batteries and propane.

Furthermore, ill-fitting blinds are just plain clumsy. They rarely hang correctly, often rattling and swinging as you move around or drive. This constant noise and movement can be incredibly distracting in a small space. A proper window covering isn’t a luxury; it’s a core component of making your rig comfortable, efficient, and private.

Blinds.com Cellulars for Angled Windows

When you need a professional, polished look that functions perfectly, custom-ordered cellular shades are the gold standard. Companies like Blinds.com have specific product lines designed for "angle top" or trapezoid windows. You provide precise measurements, and they build a shade that fits your window’s exact contours, eliminating all light gaps.

The real magic of cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, is their insulating power. The honeycomb-shaped air pockets trap air, creating a significant thermal barrier. This is a game-changer for RVs, especially for large windows in the living area or cab-over bunk. Choosing a double-cell or blackout option can dramatically increase your R-value, keeping your space noticeably cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

The tradeoff, of course, is cost and permanence. These are a significant investment, and you have to get the measurements exactly right. Most angled cellular shades are also fixed in place—they cover the window but cannot be raised or lowered. You’re trading adjustability for a perfect, insulated fit.

SelectBlinds Custom Arched & Trapezoid Shades

Similar to other online retailers, SelectBlinds offers a robust selection of specialty shapes, including perfect arches, half-arches, and trapezoids. They often provide a slightly more accessible price point and a wide variety of fabrics and colors, allowing you to match your interior decor precisely. This is the route to take when the aesthetic is just as important as the function.

One key consideration with these custom-shaped shades is their operation. Most arched shades are stationary "fan-style" installations that remain fixed in the window. For trapezoids, some can be raised and lowered, but only up to the point where the angle begins. It’s crucial to read the product specifications carefully to understand exactly how the blind will function in your specific window.

This is a solution for those who want a clean, integrated look without the hassle of a DIY project. You’re paying for the convenience and the precision fit. For a front A-frame window on a travel trailer or a curved window in a Class C, a custom-made shade is often the only way to get a truly professional result.

Redi Shade Original Arch: A No-Tools Solution

For a fast, affordable, and surprisingly effective fix, the Redi Shade is a nomad favorite. These are essentially stiff, pleated paper shades that you can trim to size with a utility knife. The arch version is designed to be cut into a perfect half-circle, but with a little creativity, you can adapt it to fit other gentle curves and angles.

The best part is the installation: it’s a simple peel-and-stick adhesive strip. There are no tools, no drilling, and no permanent modifications to your RV, which is a huge plus for those who are hesitant to put holes in their walls. You can have a window covered in under ten minutes.

This is not a forever solution. The paper material can be damaged by moisture and will eventually fade or tear with heavy use. But for the price and convenience, it’s an unbeatable option for solving an immediate problem or for use in a window you rarely need to uncover. It’s the definition of a "good enough" solution that gets the job done.

The IKEA Schottis Pleated Shade: A DIY Favorite

The IKEA Schottis is the ultimate blank canvas for DIY window coverings. It’s a simple, 3-foot by 6-foot pleated shade that costs less than a fancy cup of coffee. Because it’s so inexpensive and easy to cut, it has become the go-to material for nomads creating their own custom-shaped coverings.

The process is straightforward: make a cardboard template of your odd-shaped window, trace it onto the Schottis, and cut it out. Instead of using the included adhesive strip, most RVers attach the shade using small velcro dots or neodymium magnets glued to the shade and the window frame. This allows you to easily remove and replace the covering as needed.

This method gives you complete control over the shape and fit for a fraction of the cost of a custom order. The downside is that it definitely looks like a DIY project, and the thin material offers minimal insulation. However, for blackout and privacy on a budget, the Schottis provides unmatched flexibility and value for anyone comfortable with a bit of hands-on work.

EZ Snap Exterior Shades for Total Blackout

Sometimes, the best solution is on the outside. EZ Snap and similar brands make exterior window shades from a heavy-duty, UV-resistant mesh fabric. You install snaps around the perimeter of your window frame and snap the custom-cut shade into place. This approach has a few massive advantages over interior blinds.

First, it blocks solar heat before it even hits your window glass, making it far more effective at keeping your RV cool than any interior shade. Second, the mesh material provides excellent daytime privacy—you can see out, but people can’t easily see in. At night, the effect reverses, but when paired with a light interior curtain, it’s a powerful combination.

The main tradeoff is the installation, which requires drilling into your RV’s exterior to mount the snaps. It also changes the look of your rig from the outside. But for full-timers in hot climates like the desert Southwest, the superior thermal performance of an exterior shade is often worth the installation effort. It’s a functional upgrade that pays dividends in comfort and reduced AC usage.

DIY Reflectix Covers for Maximum Insulation

When your top priorities are insulation and total blackout, nothing beats a DIY cover made from Reflectix. This foil-faced bubble insulation is cheap, lightweight, and incredibly easy to work with. The goal isn’t to create a pretty blind but a functional thermal barrier that you can pop in and out of the window frame as needed.

The best method is to create a precise template of your window using cardboard. Trace this template onto a roll of Reflectix and cut it out with scissors or a utility knife. If you cut it just slightly larger than the window frame, the tension will hold it in place without any need for fasteners. For a cleaner look, you can bind the edges with fabric or gaffer’s tape.

These covers are the top choice for stealth camping, as they provide a 100% blackout. They are also the single best thing you can do to insulate your windows for extreme heat or cold. The obvious downside is that they have zero aesthetic appeal and you have to store the bulky panels somewhere when they’re not in use. It’s pure function over form.

Measuring and Installing Your Custom Blinds

The success of any custom window treatment hinges on accurate measurements. The old carpenter’s adage, "measure twice, cut once," is absolutely critical here. Forgetting this simple rule can lead to a costly, non-refundable mistake.

When dealing with odd shapes, you can’t just measure the height and width. For a trapezoid, you need to measure all four sides and, ideally, both diagonals. For an arch, you need the width at the base and the height at the tallest point of the curve. Many online retailers provide detailed worksheets to guide you through this process.

The most foolproof method is to create a template. Get a large piece of cardboard and trim it until it fits perfectly inside your window frame. You can then measure the template itself or, in some cases, mail the physical template to the manufacturer for a guaranteed perfect fit. This extra step takes time, but it eliminates all guesswork and ensures your investment pays off.

Whether you choose a high-end custom cellular, a clever DIY hack, or a purely functional exterior shade, the right window covering transforms an odd-shaped window from a problem into a feature. By weighing the tradeoffs between cost, aesthetics, and insulation, you can find the perfect solution that makes your small space more comfortable and private on the road.