How Much Do Blinds Cost

Whether you fancy soaking up the sun or prefer a dimmer, more secluded feel, blinds give you the luxury to decide. So, if you’ve already decided to install blinds on your windows, then you’re on the right track.

The only problem is that pricing isn’t exactly easy to pin down as there are a lot of factors that can affect the cost. You’ll need to take into account the material, size, design, and even brand reputation. And if you’re not a DIY expert, then you’d also have to factor in labour costs for installation.

But don’t worry. By the end of this cost guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for and how much you need to set aside for this home improvement essential.

Factors Influencing Blind Costs

With four different factors that influence its costs, it can be difficult to determine the total price of blinds:

Material

Blinds can be made out of various materials each with a different set of costs, both in the procurement and fabrication process.

As an example, blinds made from materials like vinyl, PVC, and aluminium often cost less compared to authentic wood blinds. This is primarily due to the cost of the raw materials and the additional labour that goes into crafting wood blinds.

Size

This one’s pretty simple: The bigger the blinds, the more expensive they are. Bigger blinds just take more materials to produce, driving their market price up.

Style

There are three general styles that you can get when it comes to blinds – Venetian, Rollers, or Vertical. There will be slight variations in pricing between them but, in general, you can expect to pay more for vertical blinds than rollers and even more for Venetian blinds compared to both of them.

Brand

Like many consumer products, the brand also plays a huge role in determining the final cost. Some brands, like Hunter Douglas, are well known and have a reputation for being high quality. Others are not as well-known but can still make an excellent product. So while you may be able to get cheaper blinds from a brand that’s not as popular, it’s important to consider the quality of the blinds before making your decision.

Types of Blinds and Their Cost Ranges

Homeowners typically spend between $700 on installation projects for the whole house, including labour and materials. But this figure can go up depending on the factors discussed above. The final project price also depends heavily on the type of blind you’ve chosen for your home. The pricing for all three is affected significantly by the materials.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are a type of window treatment that is composed of numerous horizontal slats. These slats may simultaneously be set at several angles, thereby allowing for the regulation of the amount of light that is permitted to enter the room.

Materials and size are the most influential factors that determine prices for Venetian blinds. For instance, aluminium or vinyl blinds might be less expensive than wood or faux wood blinds. The size of the blinds set on the other hand, can substantially impact the price as larger blinds require more material and hence cost more.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds, also known as roller shades, are a type of window covering that consists of a single piece of material, typically fabric, attached to a roller mechanism. When the blinds are closed, the material unfurls to cover the window, and when they are opened, the material rolls onto the roller at the top of the window.

Roller blinds provide a modern, minimalist, and elegant style that complements clean and subtle designs in both residential and commercial spaces. They offer various levels of light control and privacy, depending on the material and features chosen.

Like Venetian blinds, the size and materials are the primary factors affecting its final price.

Vertical Blinds

These types of blinds utilise vertical slats or strips, typically made from stiff cloth or plastic, arranged in a certain fashion. These strips can be adjusted, permitting a change in the amount of light the blinds allow into a space. They often run along a track system, offering the functionality to tilt the blinds open and closed or move them from side to side.

Not only are vertical blinds an excellent solution for controlling sunlight and providing privacy, but they are also ideally suited for larger windows and sliding doors due to their vertical orientation. Depending on the material and overall model, they can also provide UV protection and contribute to thermal insulation.

In general, only the materials have a significant effect on the final project price, as standard off-the-shelf vertical blinds can typically fit most doors and windows.

Additional Costs to Consider

When buying blinds, especially motorised blinds, it is essential to keep in mind additional costs that you may incur beyond the straightforward price of the unit themselves. These expenses include:

1. Motorised Mechanism: Motorised blinds are generally more expensive compared to their manual counterparts. In addition to the increased initial cost, they could incur higher maintenance costs over time. Motorised systems can vary in complexity and price, depending on whether they are battery-operated, plug-in, or hardwired. The price also depends on the technical capabilities of your selected motor, affecting factors like speed and noise level.

2. Labour and Installation: While some individuals choose do-it-yourself (DIY) methods, professional installation is a key cost to consider. Professional installation can cost anywhere from $35 to $75 per unit. The complexity of the installation (e.g., ease of access to the installation site and whether electrical installations are required for motorised blinds) can also increase labour costs.

3. Extra Features: Additional features like smart controls and automated systems that allow you to operate your blinds remotely from your smartphone or a central home automation system can also contribute to the overall price.

Remember, while these costs may add up, many homeowners consider blinds – especially motorised ones – an investment in their property’s long-term value, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Comparing Blinds Prices

The gap between prices from one unit to another can be immense depending on the various considerations. However, if you know how to compare prices, then you’d be better equipped to get the best deal for your money. Here are some of the things you should consider:

Do your research

You’ve got to do your research before you buy anything. Just as you wouldn’t buy the first car you take for a test drive, don’t go with the first set of blinds you come across.

Learn the basics

Next up, know that cost isn’t the only thing you should think about when comparing. Sure, one might be cheaper, but is the other better quality, or does it offer more features that add value to the deal? Your decision shouldn’t just be about numbers but about the overall quality you’re getting for your hard-earned dollars.

Compare Apples with Apples

Remember, when you are comparing, make sure you are comparing similar products. No use comparing a luxury brand to a budget brand – it’s like comparing apples to oranges! They might seem similar, but they’re very different critters when you get down to brass tacks.

Read the Fine Print

Don’t forget to consider the hidden costs when comparing prices. Things like delivery and installation costs, any extra features like motorised functions, they can all add up pretty quickly! Make sure you take them all into account when you’re weighing up your options.

Choosing the Right Ones

Buying blinds can be confusing. From the different types of blinds to the different materials, there are many things to consider.

But don’t worry! If you know what you’re looking for, you can boil down your decision to just a few factors. Whether your primary consideration is the brand, materials, or size, you can use this guide to help you make the best choice for your home.