(vinyl slat blinds on 8 windows)
(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.
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.
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 | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
Wood blinds ($30-$250) are the most eco-friendly because they use replenishable materials. Some brands use wood from sustainable sources.
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.
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.
In case you want to make this a DIY project, these are the materials that you will need:
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.
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%.
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.
Cost to install window blinds varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.