How Much Does It Cost To Install Blinds? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range: $109 – $198
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Blind installation costs homeowners an average of $109–$198 per window. See which factors will impact your total cost.
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The average cost of blind installation is $109–$198, though you may end up paying significantly more or less based on your windows’ requirements and your purchasing choices. Obvious factors, such as the number of windows you buy, impact your total expense, but the material, size, and style also play a big role.
Our cost guide includes how each of these factors influences blind installation cost, as well as how to save money when choosing and installing blinds.
*Cost data in this article sourced from Fixr.
Key Takeaways
- Blind material and window size have the biggest impact on blind installation costs.
- The blinds that are cheapest up-front may not make the most financial sense long-term.
- The most affordable blind materials are aluminum and vinyl, while the cheapest blind type is vertical.
What Affects the Cost of Installing Blinds?
While the average cost to install blinds is $109–$198, several factors can cause you to end up with a total cost outside this range.
Window Size
Your window size is often the biggest cost factor when installing blinds. Larger windows mean larger blinds and more material. Most residential windows measure between 14 and 20 square feet, so you’re likely looking at $175–$275 on average. There’s a good chance you have some windows in your home outside the typical size, so here’s a look at what blinds cost by size as well as average installation costs.
| Window Size | Square Footage | Avg. Blind Cost | Avg. Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24” x 24” | 4 sq. ft. | $29–$52 | $26–$47 |
| 24” x 36” | 6 sq. ft. | $43–$78 | $39–$71 |
| 24” x 48” | 8 sq. ft. | $57–$104 | $52–$95 |
| 36” x 48” | 12 sq. ft. | $86–$156 | $78–$142 |
| 36” x 72” | 18 sq. ft. | $128–$234 | $177–$213 |
| 48” x 72” | 24 sq. ft. | $171–$311 | $157–$285 |
| 60” x 72” | 30 sq. ft. | $214–$389 | $196–$356 |
Blind Material
Material is the second biggest cost factor. Common blind materials include wood, faux wood, vinyl, fabric, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and aluminum.
PVC and aluminum are your more budget-friendly options, but with some downsides. While they do keep light out, as well as standard versions of more expensive materials, they’re nowhere near as energy-efficient. They also won’t last as long.
Fabric blinds have a more midrange cost. You’ll often see fabric used for cellular and Roman blinds, as well as some vertical slat blinds. Fabric is a great insulator, making it more energy-efficient than PVC or aluminum. Thicker fabrics can also serve as blackout shades. One reason some people choose fabric is because of how decorative it is. You can find it in just about any color or pattern.
Wood blinds are the most expensive material option, most notably ash, bamboo, and basswood. Even faux wood blinds can be pricey, though they offer many of the same benefits as high-quality blinds. Wood blinds have a higher return on investment (ROI) due to their energy efficiency, however, so you may find the long-term energy savings worth the higher up-front cost. They insulate better than other materials, helping keep warmth inside during winter and the sun’s heat out during summer. They’re also highly durable and long-lasting.
Blind Type
Blind styles fall into four categories: cellular blinds, horizontal blinds, Roman blinds, and vertical blinds. Any of these blind types can be motorized, so you can open and close them using a remote control even from across the room. This typically adds a couple hundred dollars to the price.
Window Blind Brand
As with anything you buy, the brand you choose impacts cost. A well-established and reputable brand may charge more for its products than a lesser-known or poorly reviewed brand. The good news is that, in most cases, higher pricing equals better quality materials, customizable options, and exclusive designs.
Window Blind Installation Labor
Don’t forget to budget in labor costs if you’re hiring a professional blind installer. Installers also charge varying prices based on their experience and credentials, but the biggest determiner of cost is the size and type of blind you need to install. Your geographic location can also vary installation pricing, as most service costs are higher in more populated areas. See the table above for average blind installation prices.
When Should You Install New Blinds?
What’s the Difference Between Blinds vs. Window Shades?
Although used interchangeably, blinds and shades are not the same type of window covering. Blinds offer the following:
- Adjustable slats for light and privacy control
- Easy maintenance and cleaning
- Wide variety of materials and styles
In comparison, window shades offer:
- One-piece fabric construction
- More design options as far as color and pattern
- Various opacity levels
Whichever you choose depends on your desired light control and privacy level, as well as aesthetics and how much maintenance you want to take on. For example, blinds offer more control, while installing shades allows you to add more personality to your interiors.
Can You Install Window Blinds Yourself?
While you can save money by installing your new blinds on your own, you may want to hire a pro for a few reasons. We cover the pros and cons of each route below.
How To Save on Window Blind Installation
You can stay in a more budget-friendly price range with these tips:
- Opt for lower-priced, simpler styles instead of custom blinds.
- Reach out to several blind companies to learn more about their products and services and get quotes from at least three to compare.
- Try to time your project to seasonal sales or promotions.
- When updating existing blinds, reuse the hardware.
Quick Tip
- If you’re installing new blinds throughout your whole house, the project can get expensive enough to consider financing. Some professional installers offer in-house financing options. You can also speak with your bank about a personal or home equity loan.
Is Window Blind Installation Worth It?
Installing a couple of new blind treatments isn’t a huge expense, but updating your entire home with new blinds could cost a few thousand dollars if you have a lot of windows and get professional installation. If you’re concerned about the cost, you can stay on the lower end by going with a more cost-effective material, such as aluminum or vinyl, and carefully measuring your windows so you don’t spend the money on a bigger blind size than you need.
The best way to see what your blind installation will cost is to narrow down the blind types and companies you’re interested in and get a few quotes to compare pricing. See our list of the best blinds to get started.
FAQs About Blinds Installation
How long do blinds last?
The average life span of window blinds is seven to eight years. Wood and faux wood blinds last longer than vinyl or fabric blinds, though maintenance and proper care can delay wear and tear for any material.
Is it less expensive to install blinds or curtains?
Installing blinds is usually less expensive than curtains, assuming they’re a basic style and standard size. High-end blinds, including custom-made options, can cost more than standard curtains. If you’re on a budget, focus on material costs rather than the type of window treatment.
Should I get blinds or shutters?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when you’re deciding between shutters and blinds. Shutters are typically durable and easy to clean, but blinds are more budget-friendly and versatile.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
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