Blinds Installation Cost Breakdown
The cost of installing blinds depends on the size and number of windows, labor cost in your area, the material and brand, and whether you want the contractor to remove and dispose of any old blinds.
Size of Windows
On average, blinds cost $5 to $15 per square foot, for materials only. You'll also pay $15 to $50 per window for the installation itself. Remember, too, that the more blinds you have installed at one time, the lower the cost per window. Blind contractors will often give you a better deal for bigger jobs, as the cost of transport, wear and tear on vehicles and tools, travel time, and other bits and pieces are only charged once and split across all the window treatments you're updating.
| Size of Window (Inches) | Price Range (All-In) |
|---|---|
| 24 x 36 | $45 – $140 |
| 36 x 48 | $75 – $230 |
| 36 x 72 | $110 – $320 |
| 60 x 72 | $170 – $500 |
Number of Windows
Just how many windows you’re looking to add blinds to will affect your budget in a major way. It can cost as little as $60 for a single window. However, if you have new blinds in your whole home, which usually totals eight windows, then you'll pay around $730.
Type of Blinds
Blinds may range from $20 for basic mini-blinds to over $600 for motorized or electrical blinds with smart home functionality. You may consider vertical blinds, which cost $65 to $350, for large windows or sliding doors, or you can find bay blinds for $165 to $550. Roller blinds, good for darkening a bedroom when you need some shut-eye, are another popular option and cost $25 to $350.
Material of Blinds
There are many different types of window blinds and shades out there. Which material you go for is one of the biggest cost factors. Vinyl, plastic, and synthetic blinds cost the least, while wood and leather are the most expensive.
| Material | Price Range (All-In) |
|---|---|
| Synthetic | $40 – $140 |
| Plastic | $35 – $150 |
| Aluminum | $40 – $180 |
| Bamboo | $45 – $200 |
| Faux Wood | $45 – $250 |
| Vinyl | $26 – $300 |
| Fabric | $65 – $250 |
| Wood | $45 – $350 |
| Leather | $90 – $350 |
Brand of Blinds
Homeowners shopping for blinds sometimes browse by brand. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated cost of new blinds according to popular blind brands:
| Blind Brands | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hunter Douglas | $200 – $500 |
| Levolor | $60 – $200 |
| Graber | $130 – $600 |
| Blinds To Go® | $30 – $80 |
| Budget Blinds | $200 – $1,000 |
| Bali® | $20 – $60 |
| Bella View | $30 – $90 |
| Hampton Bay | $10 – $75 |
| Achim | $10 – $80 |
| Chicology | $15 – $170 |
| Home Decorators Collection | $25 – $100 |
Cost of Labor
On average, homeowners pay between $140 and $400 for the labor needed to install new blinds in an entire home. This works out to $15 to $50 per window. Of course, if the job is larger than average, or the blinds are custom ones that require more time and care, that price could rise. Always communicate with your window pros about your expectations and budget.
Removal and Disposal of Old Blinds
While many window treatment pros include the cost of removal and disposal in with the price of installation, not all do, so be sure to check before you agree to a contract. If it's not included in the standard service, expect to pay an additional $10 to $30 for your pro to remove and dispose of your old window treatments.
How Much Do Blinds Cost by Type?
How much money you’ll spend on this project largely depends on the type of blinds you want for your living space makeover. Mini blinds and basic roller blinds are the most budget-friendly option, but if you're looking to splurge on your window treatments, then motorized and custom blinds are the most costly.
| Blind Type | Average Cost (All-In) |
|---|---|
| Mini | $20 – $140 |
| Cordless | $30 – $330 |
| Roller | $25 – $350 |
| Solar | $45 – $350 |
| Vertical | $65 – $350 |
| Venetian | $26 – $400 |
| Cellular | $65 – $380 |
| Roman | $65 – $400 |
| Customized | $65 – $650 |
| Motorized or electric | $400 – $600 |
| Bay | $165 – $550 |
| Vertical, Sliding Glass Door | $135 – $650 |
Mini Blinds
These blinds look just like their Venetian cousins. The only difference? They have a 1-inch-slat instead of 2-inch-slats. These typically cost between $20 and $140.
Cordless Blinds
Cordless blinds are a good choice for safety-conscious homeowners, as there's no cord or chain to pose a strangulation or trip hazard. Instead, you operate the blinds using a remote control or by physically lifting or pushing the slats. Expect to pay $30 to $330 per window.
Roller Blinds
This classic fixture wraps fabric around a plastic or metal tube. You can draw the blind by slowly pulling it down and then retract it with a brisk, firm tug. Expect to spend between $25 and $350.
Solar Blinds
Solar blinds help to block UV rays while still letting soft, diffused light through. This helps to optimize energy efficiency and is a good option for homes in hotter climates. You'll spend around $45 to $350 per window to install solar blinds.
Vertical
These blinds are the industry standard. You can buy replacement louvers in small packs as needed to replace broken vertical blind slats. Basic kits tend to have a metal headrail, plastic valence, and PVC louvers. They cost between $65 and $350.
Venetian Blinds
These blinds have wide 2-inch slats that pull open and closed using a handy chain or cord. They will typically run you about $26 to $400.
Cellular Blinds
Cellular blinds boost your home's energy efficiency by trapping air inside their honeycomb-like pockets. This helps to regulate your home's internal temperature, preventing heat or cooling loss. These blinds will set you back between $65 and $280 each, installed.
Roman Blinds
These aren’t so different from roller blinds, but instead of rolling up, the slats stack on top of each other when the blinds are drawn. These usually cost between $65 and $400.
Custom Blinds
These blinds can be any size or shape and made out of any material, though hardwood, leather, and faux-wood materials are very popular choices for those purchasing custom blinds. These run about $65 to $650 apiece.
Motorized Blinds
Most of these window coverings have a remote-controlled motor that rolls them up and down. These motorized blinds will run between $400 and $600.
Bay Window Blinds
The higher price point is due to the extra material needed for these larger windows. Expect to spend between $165 and $550.
Vertical Blinds, Sliding Glass Door
Vertical blinds for a sliding glass door are usually 80-inches tall and between 60-inches to 72-inches wide to cover the door fully. They cost between $140 and $650.
Additional Costs to Consider
A few other considerations can impact the price of installing blinds. For example, you may need waterproof blinds in bathrooms, pool houses, and outdoors. If you want your blinds to be part of your smart home system, you'll need compatible smart blinds, and for sensitive sleepers, or for music studios, you'll want to consider soundproof blinds. And there's the ongoing cost of cleaning your new blinds.
Outdoor Blinds
For decks, patios, and porches, outdoor blinds give you privacy and, if combined with a roof or awning, let you continue to enjoy your outdoor space, even if it rains. You'll need blinds able to withstand constant exposure to the elements. Outdoor blinds cost between $90 and $300, installed.
Waterproof Blinds
Waterproof blinds are a good choice for bathrooms, wetrooms, and pool enclosures. Made of moisture-resistant material like aluminum and vinyl, these blinds don't absorb water and are resistant to mold and mildew. Waterproof blinds cost between $45 and $100 each, all in.
Smart Blinds
Smart blinds are motorized blinds with a wireless connection, so they can be joined to your smart home network and operated remotely via your smartphone or smart home device. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $550 per smart blind.
Soundproof Blinds
Soundproof blinds aren't completely soundproof, but they do deaden a fairly large percentage of noise. These blinds are useful if you live in a busy or noisy area and have little ones with an early bedtime or you're a light or sensitive sleeper. Soundproof blinds cost between $50 and $200 each.
Prefabricated vs. Customized Blinds
Customized window treatments cost more than prefabricated options. Custom blinds may cost around $50 to $225 per window, compared to prefabricated options that cost $10 to $185 per window. Many windows are made to match a set of standard sizes, which makes buying prefabricated options easier. But if you have windows that don’t fit these typical sizes, you may not have much choice—you’ll need to get customized blinds to fit.
Cost to Clean Blinds
Cleaning blinds costs between $100 and $200 for a full house clean. A local blind cleaning company can perform a deep clean of all parts of your blinds and can advise of any early signs of damage or performance issues. Alternatively, you can clean them yourself with a duster, a cloth, and a cleaner that's appropriate for the blind you're cleaning.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Blinds Yourself?
Though installing blinds and shades doesn’t require a lot of heavy-duty tools, it is still a job for the pros. A local window blind installer knows how to place them perfectly the first time, saving you time and trouble. Plus, can’t you think of a million better ways to spend your Saturday afternoon? Pros can also repair or replace damaged windows or doors in the process of completing your project. All you have to do to make a total room transformation happen is ask them to include the door and window replacement costs in the estimate.
If you still want to install blinds yourself, what you’ll pay comes down to the cost of the treatments you selected and how many tools you have at home. At a minimum, you’ll need a ladder, a level, and a measuring tape. If you don’t have these items, expect to tack on an additional materials fee in your budget of no less than $150.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You’ll save about $15 to $50 per window if you do DIY blind installation. While in theory, it's pretty easy to install blinds, you're still probably better off hiring a window pro. An experienced blind installer will give you a perfect fit and finish with secure, level mounting points and flawless, smooth blind operation. They'll also repair any damage they do during the installation, such as touching up paintwork or filling screw holes.
3 Tips to Save on Blinds Installation Costs
While installing blinds in one or two bedroom windows may not break the bank, putting new blinds throughout the home can really add up in costs. If you’re looking to save money on blind installation costs, here are a few ways to lower your bill.
Consider Types and Materials
Blind costs can differ based on the materials and the type of blinds. So unless you have a specific look or function in mind for your windows, keep an open mind when deciding on blinds. Mini blinds or roller blinds and blinds made from materials like vinyl or plastic tend to cost less than Venetian blinds or motorized blinds and blinds made from more expensive materials, like wood.
Skip Customizations and Add-Ons
Customized blinds, blinds with motors and remote controls or smartphone connectivity, soundproofing blinds—all of these blinds with extra features and functions can be more convenient, but convenience often comes with a higher price tag. If you’re looking to stick to a budget, buy prefabricated blinds over customized options. If you don’t mind getting up to pull the blinds open or shut rather than controlling them with a remote or your phone, skip these add-ons to save more money.
Remove Old Window Treatments Yourself
Even if you’re opting for professional blinds installation, you can still save on installation costs by removing old blinds, shades, shutters, or other window treatments yourself. You may save $10 to $30 per window just by taking out the old treatments and donating, recycling, or disposing of them rather than having the pro handle them.
Katy Willis contributed to this piece.
