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Window Blinds Cost
National average
$650
(faux wood slat blinds on 8 windows of 27-inches)
Low:
$200
(vinyl slat blinds on 8 windows)
High:
$4,950
(motorized wood slat blinds on 8 windows)
Cost to install window blinds varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from window treatment specialists in your city.
The average cost of installing window blinds is $650.
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.
The average cost to install window blinds ranges from $400-$1,000, with the average homeowner spending around $650 to install faux wood slat blinds on 8 windows of 27-inches.
Window Blinds Installation
| Window blinds installation costs | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $650 |
| Average range | $400 - $1,000 |
| Minimum cost | $200 |
| Maximum cost | $4,950 |
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
There are many differents types of blinds to choose from. You can see the differences and select which best suits on your needs.
| Types | Best for | Cost per Window |
|---|---|---|
Slat blinds
| Most windows | $11 - $215 |
Vertical blinds
| Sliding doors & large windows | $50 - $115 |
| 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
There are several differences between prefabricated and custom blinds. Look at the following information to decide which one you need.
| 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 2 | Many feature higher quality materials |
| Usually do not come with warranties and guarantees | Usually do come with warranties and guarantees |
Materials
Window blinds can be made of different materials, which have several pros and cons. Some materials are advised for certain kinds of blinds. For example, slat blinds are usually made of aluminum, vinyl, faux wood and wood. On the other side, vertical blinds are often made of fabric, and roller blinds may be made of other materials, such as bamboo. The following table may help you choose.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Aluminum $20 - $70 | Inexpensive | Can be easily bent/ damaged |
Fabric $50 - $100 | Aesthetic appeal Sheer fabrics allow light to come through | Can be stained or acquire mold |
$11 - $120 | Most affordable | Low durability |
Bamboo $30 - $80 | Aesthetic appeal Eco-friendly | Natural visual variation Can warp or fade |
Faux wood $30 - $95 | Aesthetic appeal Durability | Affordable alternative to wood Easier to maintain |
Wood $30 - $215 | 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 4: 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 5, measure from the outer top edge of the casing to the sill 5.
- Inside mounts 4: 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 4, 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 2; the cost of professionally installing the motors with remote is $50-$100 per motor.
Motorized blinds operate without cords, which is a major benefit for homes with small children. Depending on the features included, the blinds may even be programmed to open and close at set times throughout the day. They are also a good option for windows that aren’t easy to reach. Top brands of motorized blinds include:
Somfy blinds are controlled through remotes or wall switches. Each window treatment from Somfy costs upwards of $220, including installation
EzWand is a motorized option that you can add to existing blinds. Control blinds through the use of a remote with a battery-operated motor. Kits by EzWand start as low as $100 per blind installed.
Simu motors add extra features to current blinds. The motors rely on wireless technology and can be controlled through remotes and smartphones. Simu motor systems for blinds start at $380 per window treatment, with professional installation.
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 6. It’s possible to recycle blinds if they are made of aluminum. You will need to remove all strings 7 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 2 ($16-$115), power drill with drill bits ($25-$115), screwdriver ($1-$35), bracket 6 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 2.
- 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.
- Blinds for skylights. Blinds for skylights are a special order item from window treatment specialists. Due to the unique size and shape of skylights, these blinds are custom made. Since skylights are not easily accessible, motorized blinds are typically preferred for remote operation. Expect to pay upwards of $200 each for blinds for your skylights. Most skylight blinds are cellular blinds with light-filtering features.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to have someone install blinds?
Professional installation can average between $10 and $20 per window for standard horizontal wood and vinyl 3 blinds. Installers are usually hired to put up blinds for multiple windows simultaneously. To install blinds on eight windows, you can expect to pay around $100.
- How much does window treatment cost?
Single window treatments can start at $20 for low-cost materials like aluminum and as much as $200 for treatments made from luxury materials like wood.
- How much does it cost to have vertical blinds installed?
Vertical blind installers may charge by the hour at a rate of $40 to $50, with a total cost of $500 for approximately 10 blinds.
- How do you install window blinds?
Horizontal and vertical window blinds are installed using different methods. However, both involve installing a bracket 6 to mount 4 the blinds. Horizontal blinds are secured at each end of the mount 4 while each blind for the vertical style must be mounted 4 separately.
- How far should window blinds be from the window?
For most blinds, you need to leave at least 2.5 inches of space for mounting 4 purposes.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Roller blinds: A window blind, mounted on a wooden or metal roller, that rolls up and out of the way when not in use
2 Levels: The process of evening out the ground's surface, making it either flat or sloped.
3 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
4 Mounting brackets: (Also known as Mounts) A support on which something is attached or hung
5 Sill: The lowest horizontal support of a building, typically made of wood, placed on the foundation, on the ground, or below ground level to protect the building slab and secure framing
6 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
7 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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Methodology and sources
