How Much Do Blinds Cost to Install?

• Typical Range: $210 to $1,226
• National Average: $706

Window blinds just might be the unsung heroes of a house. They serve several practical purposes like adjusting natural light levels, controlling privacy and visibility, and helping with energy efficiency. It’s easy to want to spend your hard-earned money in another direction, but installing blinds on your windows is a solid investment. How much do blinds cost? The answer includes many factors, but a typical price range is $210 to $1,226, with an average of $706. The cost of installing blinds not only comprises labor and materials, but also the number, size, and type of blinds. You may prefer automated blinds, fabric blinds, or traditional vinyl vertical blinds. Read on to find out more about how much blinds cost to install.

Factors in Calculating Blinds Installation Cost  

Installing blinds can be done in a matter of hours in most homes. When you’re ready to purchase or replace your blinds, you’ll need to have a blind installer come and take measurements of each window and help you order the blinds. After the blinds arrive, it’s just a matter of installing them and disposing of any old blinds. The number of blinds you purchase and their size will affect the total price. Here are the top factors to consider for blinds installation cost.

Labor and Installation

It takes a bit of time to get blinds installed and operating correctly, especially when there are lots of windows in the house. That’s why labor makes up a fair portion of the cost. Labor can run between $35 and $100 per hour. A complete house installation often costs between $140 and $440 for labor or around $50 per window. Most homes have eight windows that need blinds, and installation usually takes about 4 hours to complete.

Removal and Disposal of Old Blinds

Window blind pros usually include the cost of disposal in their quote when you’re replacing old blinds, but you’ll probably pay $100 to $200 for the time and effort to remove them. If the disposal fee is not included, the cost is usually an extra $20 to $30.

Size and Type of Windows or Blinds

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, yet there’s a standard of sizing for most windows. Sliding glass doors are usually 80 inches tall and 60 to 72 inches wide. Depending on the material you choose, vertical blinds for doors of that size cost between $50 and $200. You’ll pay more for larger or custom-shaped windows, high-end materials, or automation. Motorized blinds for indoors usually cost $400 to $600 each, but traditional Venetian blinds may only cost $25 to $140 each, depending on the material.

Blinds Material 

As with any product, the material you choose affects your total price. Blinds come in many materials: vinyl, metal, wood, leather, faux leather, fabric, plastic, aluminum, synthetic, bamboo, and PVC. The cheapest option is vinyl, which starts at $6 each for small blinds. Real wood blinds go up to $200 each.

Geographic Location

Blind installation costs vary across the country. One metropolitan area may have higher average prices than another. Some materials may be more accessible and cheaper in certain areas, too. Talking with a local blind installer is the best way to determine the average cost of blinds in your city.

Provider or Brand

Several blind manufacturers provide traditional or custom blind options for homeowners at a variety of prices. You’ll likely pay more for some of the more prominent name brands. Other brands like Blinds To Go or Budget Blinds offer quality blinds at lower prices.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Beyond the basics of blinds, there are other options for more customization or stylization. Some homeowners choose to install automated blinds throughout their house or in one specific room. They may also want to install outdoor or waterproof blinds for a patio or deck. Any outdoor, automated, or custom blind will cost more.

Automation or Motorization

Automated or motorized blinds are a luxury convenience that quickly make up for their cost. Each blind comes with its own motor to operate the blind without manual assistance. It’s usually controlled with a remote control, but if you prefer even more convenience, you can choose a high-end option that can be programmed to open or close at set times. Traditional motorized blinds for indoors cost $400 to $600 each, while outdoor motorized blinds cost $1,000. Smart blinds that you can control with your phone usually cost $400 to $500 per blind.

Micro Blinds or Mini Blinds

Smaller windows don’t need enormous slats for privacy or light control. Micro blinds or mini blinds are better alternatives with much smaller slats to allow better light filtration in a shallower space. The slats could be as small as ½ inch. The cost of a mini blind ranges between $6 and $90, depending on the material you choose.

Outdoor Blinds

While awnings can work well for certain angles of the sun, they don’t necessarily provide great coverage or privacy. Instead, you can install outdoor blinds around your patio, deck, or porch. These outdoor blinds are made to withstand weather and sun while offering protection from the glaring sun and nosy neighbors. The basic price for patio blinds is $125 to $250, but adding automation or using high-quality materials will increase the price.

Waterproof Blinds

Persistent moisture is the precursor to mold, which can be harmful to humans and pets. In areas that have more moisture or humidity—like in a bathroom or near a hot tub—it’s worth installing waterproof blinds. They are made with moisture-resistant materials to inhibit mold and bacterial growth.

Prefabricated vs. Customized Blinds

Most windows are built as one of several standard window sizes. This standardization makes it easier to find prefabricated blinds that will fit your window. It’s the most common option for most homeowners since you can choose a standard material and blind style as well. Custom blinds can be built to fit any non-standard windows you may have in your house. Expect to pay around $150 to $200 each for custom blinds.

Blinds vs. Shades

As you consider what style of window covering to install, you’ll want to know whether you prefer blinds or shades. Blinds are best known for filtering light since they are made with slats that can be tilted at several angles. You’re able to control the amount of light that streams into the window or shut out light almost entirely. They also work well when you want privacy since you can’t see a shadow illuminated through solid materials like wood or vinyl.

On the other hand, shades are usually made of a solid piece of fabric or similar material. Since the fabric can’t be adjusted except by raising and lowering it, you can’t change the amount of filtered light. This may be the preference of many homeowners who like to have shades that offer privacy and some light but don’t need to be adjusted constantly. Fabric shades like pleated or cellular shades also offer better insulation than most slat blinds.

How Much Do Blinds Cost? Types of Blinds

There are plenty of options when considering getting new blinds installed. From horizontal or Venetian to Roman or pleated blinds, here are the types of blinds available and their associated costs.

Horizontal Blinds

The majority of blinds are designed with horizontal slats of some kind. They typically stack against each other at the top when open and drop down when the cord is released. The slats are placed horizontally and can be tilted to close or open for filtered light.

Motorized or Electric Blinds

Motors can be added to many types of blinds, but each blind requires its own motor. One benefit of this type is that there aren’t any cords that can pose a risk to small children or pets. They’re controlled remotely, but you can also upgrade to a smart blind or a programmable blind that operates on a schedule.

Venetian Blinds

The most common kind of blind is the Venetian blind. The traditional 2-inch slat blind uses a cord or small chain to pull the blind up or down. You can tilt the angle of the slats to filter light or shut it out. They provide good privacy at night as well. These typically cost $25 to $140 each.

Mini Blinds

Mini blinds are best for small or shallow windows that don’t have much space for large blind slats or panels. These usually have smaller slats that are between ½-inch to 1-inch wide. Standard material options are vinyl or aluminum, but you may want to consider a waterproof option if it’s planned for a bathroom. Mini blinds cost between $6 and $90.

Roman Blinds

If you prefer a fabric style, then opt for Roman blinds. They’re made from one piece of fabric that folds up on itself when pulled by a cord. There are no pleats, so it makes an attractive option for some homes. You’ll pay between $30 and $120 for each Roman blind.

Roller Blinds

For a simpler style of window covering, you can try a roller blind. A long metal tube is installed at the top of the window, and a flexible material is rolled around it (usually vinyl or fabric). Pulling on the circular chain will raise or lower the material with a weighted stick or rod at the bottom to keep it in place. Roller blinds cost $8 to $190, depending on the material you choose.

Cordless Blinds

With small children in the house, you may prefer a safer style of blinds. Cordless blinds are made to be lifted and lowered without using cords that can pose a safety risk. You simply grab the lower part of the blind and push or pull firmly until it’s reached the position you want. The slats can still be tilted using the wand for privacy and light control. Expect to pay $12 to $135 for a cordless blind.

Solar Blinds

If you live in a region with plenty of sunshine, you might like the option of using your blinds to collect a little free energy. Solar blinds are made with fabric sheets designed to collect the sun’s rays like a solar panel. Not only do they block the sun during the hottest part of the day to keep the house cool, but they help power your house so you can enjoy all your other modern conveniences. Solar blinds usually cost $30 to $120.

Shoji Blinds

Originating from Japan, Shoji blinds are gaining popularity here in the U.S. for their versatility in light management. They’re made of rice paper that can block out the sharp glare of the sun while still allowing natural light to filter through. For an average price of $35 to $60 each, you can enjoy these light and airy blinds.

Pleated Window Blinds

For a louver style of window blind, you can opt to install pleated window blinds or shades. These are made of a solid piece of fabric that is pleated on both sides and folds up on itself when raised. They offer a little more style and dimension than standard slat blinds, which is why they are another popular option. Pleated window blinds typically cost $50 to $125 each.

Cellular Blinds

Cellular blinds are similar to pleated blinds in that they are also a continuous piece of fabric. When the blind is opened, it creates a honeycomb pattern that traps air between the fabric, creating an extra layer of insulation against heat and cold. They’re priced between $50 and $110 each, and you can choose from several color options.

Panel Blinds

Panel blinds are a vertical option that’s usually used for sliding glass doors. These blinds slide along a horizontal bar to provide privacy or filtered light on wider spaces than traditional windows; however, they can be used for wide windows as well. You’ll pay $120 to $300 for panel blinds.

Custom Blinds

Homes with oversize floor-to-ceiling windows, long narrow windows, circular windows, or any other custom window size will likely need custom blinds installed. It’s easy to mass-produce standard blinds, but customizing blinds to fit a specific space is more costly. Custom blinds usually cost $150 to $200 each.

Do I Need New Blinds?

Blinds wear out just like nearly any other frequently used items, and sometimes they’re on the receiving end of careless treatment. If your blinds look like they’ve seen better days or they’re not functioning like they used to, then it’s time to start shopping for new blinds.

Warping and Bending

Not all materials work well in every region. Wood or faux wood blinds are prone to warping or bending in extreme heat, direct sunlight, or humidity. Some vinyl or aluminum blinds can also bend or fold with some force. In any case, the blinds won’t fold up properly when some slats are warped or bent. You may be able to replace a couple of individual slats, but significant damage requires total replacement.

Discoloration

Our ever-shining sun gives life, but it also has a way of destroying some materials. Many older blinds are not as UV resistant as newer blinds, so they may have faded or discolored. At this point, the material’s integrity is in question as well, so it’s essential to get new ones installed.

Frayed Edges and Cords

If the edges of your fabric shades are fraying, that means they weren’t properly sized for the window, so they’ve been rubbing against the wall repeatedly. They’ll continue to fray and may even begin to damage your wall. The cords can also start to fray if the internal mechanisms are damaged or worn out. When this happens, your blinds are compromised and can fall in a heap at any time, potentially injuring someone. For everyone’s safety, don’t disregard a frayed cord.

Child Safety

If you have small children in your house, you might need to replace traditional corded blinds with cordless blinds. Cords are a strangulation hazard for small children, so installing blinds or shades that do not have a cord is a safer option.

Outdated Style

A quick way to freshen up the interior of your house is to install new blinds. If your current blinds are more than a decade old, chances are they’re out of style and could use an update. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to sell your house. A drab set of discolored or outdated window treatments make an unappealing visual for prospective home buyers.

They Don’t Work as They Should

Blinds have lots of small moving parts that wear out over time. Some signs of worn-out blinds include slats that won’t close all the way or blinds that are hard to lift and lower. You may be able to replace a part, but more often than not, it’s more effective in the long run to simply replace the blind.

New Windows

If you’ve just built a house or you’ve remodeled and added some new windows, now’s your chance to get some new blinds installed. You’ll feel more comfortable in your room when you can control the amount of sunlight or privacy you have.

Benefits of Getting New Blinds

As you weigh the benefits of buying blinds against the pressing question of how much do blinds cost, it’s easy to see that your money is well spent. You’ll have an appealing window treatment that’s functional and ensures privacy. Plus, you may even save on energy costs.

Aesthetics

Blinds don’t have to be boring, thin vinyl slats that feel more functional than intentional. Homeowners have many options to choose from so that their blinds look like a specific design element that works with the home’s style. Some colors can make a bold splash, while neutral shades blend seamlessly with surrounding colors. And the type of blind you choose can blend with minimalist designs or classic looks. Blinds with a classic look last longer no matter what styles are currently trending.

Better Light Control

Without some kind of window covering, you’re at the mercy of how much sun is currently shining in your window. You could opt for curtains or shades, but blinds give you the most control over how much light comes through the window.

Better Privacy

Window blinds with slats offer a lot in the way of privacy. You can tilt them in two directions to prevent people from seeing into the room. And since the slats are made of solid materials, you won’t create an illuminated shadow against the blind.

Less Dust

If dust and allergens are a never-ending challenge, blinds are a better choice than fabric shades or curtains. Any fabric material is prone to collecting dust, which wafts into the air every time it’s touched. Blinds made of vinyl, wood, or other solid materials resist collecting dust.

Money and Energy Savings

Homeowners have found they can save money on energy costs by investing in a set of blinds that help insulate the house better from the outside temperatures. If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures of either kind, ask a local blind installer about the best options that can help reduce your energy consumption.

How Much Do Blinds Cost? DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Hanging window blinds seems like a simple process: Screw some hardware into place and snap the blinds in. There are certainly many experienced DIY enthusiasts who try to install their own blinds, which is why you can find blinds at most home improvement stores. However, since there are some tricks to correctly hanging blinds, an expert is best qualified to handle this job.

Measuring for blinds is a painstaking process that must be exact to ensure the correct-sized blinds are ordered. It’s possible to adjust blinds in some ways if they don’t exactly fit, but not always. Blinds can be installed inside the window frame or above it, so you’ll need to make sure the installer knows your preference as it will completely change the measurements. Installing the hardware is also a precise job that ensures the blinds are level when hung. An installer will also know how to make sure the cords and mechanisms are all operating normally so that the weight of the blind is evenly distributed to avoid putting stress on one cord. It can take several hours to install blinds in a whole house, so having them installed by a professional company lets you work on other tasks while leaving this job in their capable hands.

How to Save Money on Blinds Installation

When you have several blinds you need to install, the cost of blinds can quickly add up. Here are several ways you can save money on getting window blinds installed.

• Take time to decide which style is best for your house and budget. Avoid the most expensive option, and ask about alternatives that look similar.
• Opt for prefabricated blinds when possible. If you’re building a house, make sure your contractor is installing standard-size windows so you can purchase prefabricated blinds.
• Have several pros come to your house for a free installation assessment and estimate.
• If you’re replacing old blinds, remove the old ones yourself to save on removal and disposal fees.
• Ask about any military discounts or those for seniors, first responders, or teachers.
• Compare prices at local home improvement stores like The Home Depot or Lowe’s. They could have discounts on materials or installation.

Questions to Ask About the Cost of Blinds Installation

Deciding which window blinds are best for you can be tricky as you narrow down the color, style, and aesthetic you want. It helps to have a great installer that you trust to guide the process. Use any of the following questions to help understand the process.

• Do you have references?
• Do you have a wide variety of designs to choose from?
• May I see a full price list of all your available options?
• Are you able to accommodate custom windows?
• Do you offer a free home consultation and estimate?
• When do you measure my windows?
• What style is best if I’m interested in energy savings?
• What colors are available in the style I like?
• What’s the most affordable yet stylish blind available?
• Can I order my own blinds from a home improvement store at a discount and have you install them?
• Who will do the actual installation?
• What do you charge to remove old blinds?
• What if the blinds do not fit my window perfectly when they arrive?
• How long will it take to install them?
• What should I do to keep the blinds in good condition?
• If a blind breaks, do you have a warranty or maintenance program to help repair them?

FAQs

Knowing how much blinds cost will help in the budgeting process, but you may also want to know more about the blinds you’re investing in. Check out these answers to commonly asked questions about blinds.

Q. How long do blinds last?

Depending on how frequently they’re used, you can expect your blinds to last at least 7 to 10 years. Many parts come with a warranty for a portion of that time to help prolong the life of the blind with repairs.

Q. How much do blinds cost per window?

The average cost per window is $50. This price is dependent on the material and size of blinds that are chosen. Mini blinds can cost as little as $6, but custom, motorized, or high-end materials can push the price to more than $100 each.

Q. Is it hard to install blinds on my own?

While it is possible to install blinds on your own, it’s not recommended. The windows must be perfectly measured to match the size and style of blind you’re planning to purchase. And if the blind is hung even slightly out of balance, it can wear out part of the mechanisms or cord more quickly.