HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSTALL WINDOW BLINDS?

Window blinds are a type of window covering that allows you to control the light coming in through windows, as well as visibility both inside and out. They not only add privacy and decorative appeal, but also help insulate windows, resulting in higher home energy efficiency. Installing blinds can be a DIY project, but if you don’t have the skills, it’s recommended to hire professionals. In this guide, we examine the average cost of installing blinds on standard 27-inch windows, which averages $650 for faux wood slat blinds on 8 windows.

Blinds vs. Shades

Thanks to their design of adjustable slats, blinds allow for more control over how much light and air can be let in through the windows. You can have the blinds pulled all the way down and still enjoy a view, along with plenty of light and air. Since shades are typically solid, the only way to control the light, air, and view they permit is to pull them closed, open, or partially open. Fabric is often used for shades, adding insulation value.

Slat blind: also known as Persian or Venetian blinds, these are the most common types of blinds you’ll find. They have horizontal rows of slats that can be tilted at angles to let in more light. The entire body of the blinds can be lifted up as well.

Vertical blinds: vertical blinds have large vertical slats that reach from the floor to the top of the window/door. The slats can be tilted like horizontal slat blinds, and can be pulled back to uncover the window/door.

Roller blinds: roller blinds most closely resemble standard window shades. They usually don’t have slats, instead featuring a material made to lay flat, like woven bamboo or fabric.

Cordless blinds: cordless blinds work best for rooms where privacy and light-control are top priorities. So TV rooms, offices, bedrooms, and bathrooms are ideal. Homes with pets and/or children also benefit from the added safety of cordless blinds, since the cords on normal blinds are known to be strangulation hazards. Cordless blinds can be adjusted easily by lifting them up or pulling them down. Some models are adjusted by remote controls. This type of blind can be more expensive than other designs, but the cost varies depending on material.

LABOR

Prior to installation, you should determine whether you want to hang your blinds on the inside or outside of your window casings. This is important for establishing how you should make your measurements. Measurements should be made prior to purchasing your blinds so that you can have a perfect fit.

Outside mounts 2: Hanging your blinds outside the casing can make both the blinds and your window look larger. For outer hangings, you should measure from the outer edges of the casing. If your window has a sill, measure from the outer top edge of the casing to the sill.

Inside mounts 2: Hanging your blinds inside can give them and the entire room a tidier appearance. They also allow for more light to come through. For inner hangings, measure the edges of the window glass where it meets the casing.

Professionals usually charge $10-$20 per standard window to install blinds. For a one-story house with 8 windows of 27-inches as we described above, the labor cost would be $80 – $160.

Installation materials like mounting brackets 2, screws and power drills are usually provided by the professional installation team. Many will also measure your windows for you.