How Much Does Blinds Installation Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]
In San Francisco, homeowners pay around $260 to install blinds, with most projects falling within the range of $80 to $455. Your final cost will depend on the number of windows you're outfitting, the type of blinds you select, and the complexity of the installation.
San Francisco’s microclimates make light-, heat-, and airflow-controlling blinds a must.
Historic Bay City homes often need custom blinds and specialized installation.
With living costs 65% above the national average, local home projects come at a premium.
Window blinds installation in San Francisco costs an average of $260, with most homeowners spending between $80 and $455. Your total depends on how many windows you cover, the style of blinds you select, and project complexity, which can vary widely in the city’s mix of historic Victorians and modern condos.
With San Francisco’s fickle microclimates, high-performing blinds aren’t a luxury; they’re a practical upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.
Blinds Installation Cost Factors
San Francisco has cool, foggy air and a salty coastal breeze, so it pays to go for blinds that block UV rays, control light, and add insulation. In a city full of bay windows and quirky architecture, custom sizing is often essential, especially in historic homes where no two windows are alike.
Window Size and Style
Many traditional homes have standard-size windows, but if you live in a historic Queen Anne-style home in Haight-Ashbury or a Mission Revival in the Mission District, you may need custom sizing.
Think tall, narrow frames, bay windows, and arched transoms—beautiful, but rarely standard. While custom blinds may cost more, they highlight your home’s character and fit your windows perfectly.
| Window Size in Inches | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 24 x 36 | $45–$140 |
| 24 x 48 | $55–$170 |
| 36 x 48 | $75–$230 |
| 36 x 72 | $110–$320 |
| 60 x 72 | $170–$500 |
Type of Blinds
The type of blinds you choose impacts your dwelling's looks, functionality, and, of course, your wallet.
Custom-fit Roman shades, starting at $65, are a popular choice for period homes. Their soft, tailored look pairs beautifully with original woodwork and tall ceilings, while thermal linings add insulation without compromising style.
If your abode includes kids or pets, cordless blinds eliminate tangling hazards while keeping your windows clean and uncluttered. For those who live in a newer build or renovated loft in neighborhoods like SoMa or Dogpatch, motorized blinds offer sleek automation and smart-home compatibility that fits right in.
| Blinds Type | Top Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | Narrow slats | $20–$140 |
| Cordless | Tangle-free, safer | $30–$330 |
| Roller | Simple, space-saving | $25–$350 |
| Vertical | Ideal for tall windows | $65–$350 |
| Venetian | Classic light control | $26–$400 |
| Cellular | Energy-efficient design | $65–$380 |
| Roman | Soft, elegant folds | $65–$400 |
| Custom | Made-to-fit | $65–$650 |
| Motorized or electric | Remote or smart control | $400–$600 |
| Bay | Fits angled bay windows | $165–$550 |
| Vertical, Sliding Glass Door | Covers wide openings | $135–$650 |
Material
Fabric blinds starting at $65 are a natural fit for San Francisco's Victorian homes. From breezy linen to cozy velvet, their soft folds and customizable materials add insulation and elegance.
Wooden blinds offer timeless appeal with adjustable slats that suit ornate and minimalist spaces. If you're concerned about humidity and moisture, which can cause wood to warp, opt for faux wood.
For a look that spans mid-century to contemporary, bonded polyester offers a clean look while providing insulation and filtering light. If you’re looking for a natural texture, bamboo blinds add an organic touch that complements the Bay Area’s coastal vibe, allowing those cool breezes to flow right in.
| Material | Features | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bonded polyester | Insulates, saves energy | $60–$380 |
| Plastic | Moisture-resistant | $35–$150 |
| Faux wood | Moisture-resistant | $45–$250 |
| Aluminum | Durable, reflects heat | $40–$180 |
| Bamboo | Sustainable, eco-friendly | $45–$200 |
| Fabric | Aesthetic, insulates | $65–$250 |
| Vinyl | Affordable, durable | $26–$300 |
| Leather | Elegant, some insulation | $90–$350 |
| Wood | Eco-friendly, moisture-prone | $45–$350 |
Blinds Installation Pro Costs
Professional blinds installation costs can vary based on the number of windows, their size, and the mounting surface, whether it’s old-school plaster, thick stucco, or modern drywall.
You probably won’t need a permit, but homes with deep sills, ornate trim, or windows that defy standard sizing (looking at you, Queen Annes) may require extra time, tools, and custom cuts, adding to the final bill.
If you're unsure what works best for your home, a blinds installer in San Francisco can guide you through all the options, helping you find the perfect fit for your space, style, and budget.
Labor
San Francisco’s cost of living is around 65% higher than the national average, and that premium extends to home projects, too. On average, installing window blinds in the city costs around $260 per shade, including labor and materials. Custom work and tricky window setups can drive that price even higher, up to $1,000 each.
Frequency
San Francisco’s weather takes a toll on blinds. Routine wipe-downs, proper ventilation, and basic upkeep, such as drying slats or oiling cords, can extend their life. Remember, moisture warps wood, mold clings to fabric, and salty air corrodes metal. Even on foggy days, UV rays can fade and crack materials, causing blinds to wear out faster than expected.
You’ll know it’s time for new blinds when you notice:
Bent, broken, or sun-damaged slats
Trouble raising or lowering them smoothly
Grime that won’t budge, no matter how you clean
Chilly drafts or heat sneaking in with closed blinds
Taxes
Residents of The City by the Bay can expect to pay 8.66% sales tax on the cost of blinds.
Installation labor, however, is generally not taxable in California. When working with a professional, request an itemized estimate to ensure the materials and labor are separated, so you are taxed on the blinds only.
Tipping
Tipping a blinds installer is a great way to acknowledge careful work and professionalism. If the job is done right and you’re pleased with the result, consider adding 10% to 20% of the project cost as a gesture of appreciation.
Does Installing Window Blinds Increase Home Value?
New blinds won’t skyrocket your home’s value, but they do make a difference. Firstly, they enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency. Second, if you're looking to sell, new blinds can make a strong first impression on home buyers, making an abode feel more move-in ready.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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