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Installing blinds on standard 27-inch windows averages $650 for faux wood slat blinds on 8 windows.
In this guide
Blinds vs. ShadesTypes of blinds
Prefabricated vs. Custom blinds
Materials
Labor
Enhancements
Additional Considerations
How much does it cost to install window blinds?
Window blinds are a type of window covering that allows you to control the light coming in through windows, as well as visibility both inside and out. They not only add privacy and decorative appeal, but also help insulate windows, resulting in higher home energy efficiency. Installing blinds can be a DIY project, but if you don’t have the skills, it’s recommended to hire professionals. In this guide, we examine the average cost of installing blinds on standard 27-inch windows, which averages $650 for faux wood slat blinds on 8 windows.
Blinds vs. Shades
Thanks to their design of adjustable slats, blinds allow for more control over how much light and air can be let in through the windows. You can have the blinds pulled all the way down and still enjoy a view, along with plenty of light and air. Since shades are typically solid, the only way to control the light, air, and view they permit is to pull them closed, open, or partially open. Fabric is often used for shades, adding insulation value.
Types of blinds
| Types | Best for | Cost per Window |
|---|---|---|
| Slat blinds | Most windows | $11 - $215 |
| Vertical blinds | Sliding doors & large windows | $50 - $115 |
| Roller blinds | Bedroom & office windows | $8 - $140 |
| Cordless blinds | Bedroom, bathroom & large windows | $12 - $135 |
- Slat blind: also known as Persian or Venetian blinds, these are the most common types of blinds you’ll find. They have horizontal rows of slats that can be tilted at angles to let in more light. The entire body of the blinds can be lifted up as well.
- Vertical blinds: vertical blinds have large vertical slats that reach from the floor to the top of the window/door. The slats can be tilted like horizontal slat blinds, and can be pulled back to uncover the window/door.
- Roller blinds: roller blinds most closely resemble standard window shades. They usually don’t have slats, instead featuring a material made to lay flat, like woven bamboo or fabric.
- Cordless blinds: cordless blinds work best for rooms where privacy and light-control are top priorities. So TV rooms, offices, bedrooms, and bathrooms are ideal. Homes with pets and/or children also benefit from the added safety of cordless blinds, since the cords on normal blinds are known to be strangulation hazards. Cordless blinds can be adjusted easily by lifting them up or pulling them down. Some models are adjusted by remote controls. This type of blind can be more expensive than other designs, but the cost varies depending on material.
Prefabricated vs. Custom blinds
| Prefabricated | Custom blinds |
|---|---|
| Least expensive option | More expensive than pre-fab |
| Fit standard window sizes | Can be made to fit any window size |
| Range of material quality levels | Many feature higher quality materials |
| Usually do not come with warranties & guarantees | Usually do come with warranties & guarantees |
Materials
| Material | Cost Per Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $20 - $70 | Slat blinds |
| Fabric | $50 - $100 | Vertical blinds |
| Vinyl 1 | $11 - $120 | Slat blinds |
| Bamboo | $30 - $80 | Roller blinds |
| Faux wood | $30 - $95 | Slat blinds |
| Wood | $30 - $215 | Slat blinds |
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Inexpensive | Can be easily bent/ damaged |
| Fabric | Aesthetic appeal Sheer fabrics allow light to come through | Can be stained or acquire mold |
| Vinyl 1 | Most affordable | Low durability |
| Bamboo | Aesthetic appeal eco-friendly | Natural visual variation Can warp or fade |
| Faux wood | Aesthetic appeal durability | Affordable alternative to wood Easier to maintain |
| Wood | Aesthetic appeal | Most expensive High maintenance |
Labor
Prior to installation, you should determine whether you want to hang your blinds on the inside or outside of your window casings. This is important for establishing how you should make your measurements. Measurements should be made prior to purchasing your blinds so that you can have a perfect fit.
- Outside mounts 2: Hanging your blinds outside the casing can make both the blinds and your window look larger. For outer hangings, you should measure from the outer edges of the casing. If your window has a sill, measure from the outer top edge of the casing to the sill.
- Inside mounts 2: Hanging your blinds inside can give them and the entire room a tidier appearance. They also allow for more light to come through. For inner hangings, measure the edges of the window glass where it meets the casing.
Professionals usually charge $10-$20 per standard window to install blinds. For a one-story house with 8 windows of 27-inches as we described above, the labor cost would be $80 - $160.
Installation materials like mounting brackets 2, screws and power drills are usually provided by the professional installation team. Many will also measure your windows for you.
Enhancement and improvement costs
Motorized blinds
Motors can be added to many models of blinds to make them controllable via remote. Each window will need an individual motor. Most motor rods can typically be DIY installed depending on your skill level; the labor cost of installing the motors is $30-$80 per motor.
| Brand | Cost Per Motor | Cost Per Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Somfy | $100 - $320 | $50 |
| EzWand | $80 | Included |
| Simu | $290 | $50 |
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Somfy | Highly durable Comes with warranties | Most expensive |
| EzWand | Compatible with existing blinds Easy DIY installation | Lower durability |
| Simu | High powered Special features | Expensive |
Eco-friendly window blinds
Wood blinds ($30-$250) are the most eco-friendly because they use replenishable materials. Some brands use wood from sustainable sources.
Energy efficient blinds
Blinds with thicker materials and slats that close tightly are best for insulation purposes. Wood blinds usually are best in this respect, followed by faux wood and fabric.
Additional considerations and costs
Removal and disposal of old blinds
Old blinds can be removed by unmounting them from the brackets 3. It’s possible to recycle blinds if they are made of aluminum. You will need to remove all strings 4 and non-aluminum parts before recycling.
DIY
In case you want to make this a DIY project, these are the materials that you will need:
- Measuring tape: $3-$35
- Level: $16-$115
- Power drill with drill bits: $25-$115
- Screwdriver: $1-$35
- Bracket 3 sets: $1-$5 per window
Windows in 2nd or 3rd stories
Adding blinds to each additional story of windows will increase the total cost by 100%, or less if you can get multi-window discounts. Because upper stories tend to be warmer than lower stories, you may also want to invest in energy efficient blinds for these levels.
Unusually sized or shaped windows
If you have windows of unusual shapes or sizes, you will likely need to order custom blinds. Having custom blinds made to fit the dimensions of your unique windows can increase costs by 30%-300%.
Buying in Bulk
Ask your window blind dealer about price deals for buying multiple sets of blinds. Some providers give discounts when you purchase blinds for all of the windows in your home.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others
2 Mounting brackets: (Also known as Mounts) A support on which something is attached or hung
3 Brackets: A support that projects outward from one surface to hold another surface to it, such as attaching a shelf to a wall or piece of furniture. Brackets can also be used to strengthen joins between two materials
4 Strings: An inclined structure used to support the treads and risers in a staircase
How much does it cost to install window blinds in my city?
Cost to install window blinds varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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