Window treatments cost an average of $1,027 to install
The average cost to install window treatments is $1,027, with most homeowners spending between $169 and $1,887.
Costs vary based on the type of window treatment, material quality, window size, and the number of windows.
Simple treatments like mini blinds cost as little as $20 per window, while custom curtains can reach up to $3,000 each.
Proper window treatments enhance aesthetics, provide privacy, and improve energy efficiency, potentially lowering utility bills.
Hiring a professional is especially important when installing add-ons like shades or complex treatments like motorized blinds to ensure a perfect fit.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Window treatments cost $1,027 on average, though prices can range from $169 to $1,887 depending on the type, size, and quality of materials. Budgeting is crucial, and hiring a professional ensures optimal results.
There are a lot of factors that go into the total cost of window treatments. You can usually save money by repairing rather than replacing depending on the type of damage. For example, the cost to repair blinds is usually only around $75 to $175 versus an average of $700 to install new ones. Here are some factors that will affect the overall price.
Different window treatments have varying costs based on materials and complexity. For instance, curtains and drapes cost more than Roman shades of the same quality due to the additional fabric required. Motorized shades involve expensive hardware and are more complex to install.
The overall cost increases with the number and size of windows. Some treatments, such as shutters, are priced per square foot, while others are priced per window. Larger windows cost more due to additional materials. Contractors may also have a minimum charge for simple installations.
Materials significantly impact cost. High-end options like hardwood and silk are more expensive than budget-friendly materials like aluminum and vinyl.
Areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher labor rates. Additionally, purchasing custom window treatments from a local carpenter or tailor usually costs more than mass-produced options from a big-box retailer.
Custom window treatments often cost significantly more than premade options in standard window sizes because they take more labor to make and aren’t mass-produced.
Blinds and shutters can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,700, depending on the style—with mini blinds on the lower end and plantation shutters on the higher end.
Type | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Vertical blinds | $65–$350 |
Mini blinds | $20–$140 |
Roller blinds | $25–$350 |
The total price will vary depending on the chosen materials. The average material cost for blinds is $640 for the whole house, but high-end or custom blinds may cost more.
Vertical blinds cost $65 to $350. They use slats that can be repaired by purchasing additional louvers for as little as $10. Roman blinds cost $65 to $400. They are more similar to roller style blinds and typically use a pull cord.
Mini blinds (also called slate blinds) cost $20 to $140 per set. This type of window treatment is typically made from aluminum or vinyl and uses slats that are less than half the width of a standard Venetian blind.
Roller blinds cost $25 to $350 per set, all-in. This type of blind is made from a single piece of fabric wrapped around a casing that unrolls to cover your window.
Custom blinds, which are a great option for non-standard window sizes, can cost more depending on the materials and size of the window. Hardwood costs more than faux wood.
Most professional window contractors charge between $35 to $100 per hour to install blinds. It generally takes 30 minutes to two hours per window to install. If you’re installing blinds throughout a home, expect to pay up to $50 per window for labor.
Shades can cost between $55 and $2,600, reflecting the range from Roman shades on the lower end to motorized options on the higher end.
Type | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
---|---|
Roman shades | $65–$400 |
Roller shades | $25–$350 |
Solar shades | $45–$350 |
Cellular shades | $65–$380 |
Motorized shades | $400–$600 |
Custom shades | $65–$650 |
You can also purchase a shade installation or mounting kit online, but if you use a contractor, the cost of these basic materials should be worked into the price.
If you’re installing Roman shades across your whole home, the total cost ranges from $65 to $400 per window, depending on factors like the materials and labor required.
The total cost for roller shades ranges from $25 to $350 per window, depending on factors like size and quality.
Solar shades, which are made from tightly woven UV-resistant fabric, cost anywhere from $45 to $350 per window to install. The average homeowner spends $1,175 for their entire home.
Cellular shades look similar to blinds, but they also help insulate the home for increased energy savings. Most homeowners spend $65 to $380 per window on this project, with an average cost of around $1,370 for a full house install.
Motorized shades and electric shades work using a remote control or app that can open and close the shades across your entire home. Each shade costs between $400 to $600, and homeowners spending an average of $2,570 on this project.
Most homeowners spend $65 to $650 on custom shades, but it depends on the type. Roman shades are budget-friendly while motorized shades come with a higher price tag.
Most contractors charge $35 to $100 per hour to install shades. On average, you’re looking at $140 to $400 in installation costs. Custom shades may cost more because contractors need to create the custom fit. Solar shades, which only take about 30 minutes to install, will cost less.
The cost to install shutters is between $600 and $2,700, depending on the style, size, and quality of materials.
The price increases with the size of the window. Faux wood and composite are among the most affordable options, while hardwood and Thermalite are on the high end.
California shutters are slightly more expensive than standard estate or plantation shutters. They have smaller horizontal slats and come in hinged or fixed styles.
The cost of plantation shutters, also called estate shutters, will vary depending on your location and the design of the shutters.
Custom shutters cost more. Custom plantation shutters tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but it depends on the material and size of the window.
A contractor will charge between $35 to $100 per hour to install shutters. Each window takes about two hours, though custom installation could take longer. Some contractors charge a square foot rate and bundle the labor in with materials. In this case, it costs $20 to $45 per square foot. Removal and disposal of old shutters could add $100 to $200 to the total cost of the project.
Drapes typically extend past the windowsill and are made from a thicker material. Curtains are usually made from a lighter material, extend to the floor, and are used in combination with other window treatments like blinds or shades. Valances, drapes, and curtains cost between $50 and $3,000, including installation.
Along with the curtains and drapes themselves, you’ll also need materials like a curtain rod or curtain rings. The total cost will depend on the size of your windows and the scope of the installation.
Valances are shorter than curtains and drapes, so they’re typically more affordable. Like other window treatments, the total cost for valances depends on the size, material, and quality.
To hang curtains, you’ll need a curtain rod. Sometimes, you can purchase curtains and rods together in a kit, which usually saves some money.
While some window treatments are easier to install, such as curtains that require only basic tools, hiring a professional ensures a perfect fit and quality installation. DIY installation may save between $140 and $400 on labor, but for complex treatments, professional curtain installers near you are recommended.
While DIY may work for simple curtain installations, hiring a professional makes larger projects more manageable, especially when installing add-ons like shades or custom fittings. Hiring a professional window blind installer near you is recommended for complex treatments like custom shutters or motorized blinds, ensuring a perfect fit and offering assistance in selecting options that match your vision and budget.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real 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.
Custom window treatments average around $800 per window, ranging from $150 to $3,000 for materials alone before you factor for labor costs. Blinds are the most economical option, while custom curtains and drapes are more expensive due to intricate designs and premium materials. The final cost depends on your style preferences, material quality, and installation complexity.
Mini blinds represent the lowest cost option in window treatment types, offering efficient light control without extra expenses. Affordable roller shades and valances are available as long as you avoid picking higher-end materials. This economical choice ensures functional and stylish solutions, maintains strict budget parameters, and guarantees quality in window treatment installations.
The cost of window treatments increases based on factors like window size, material quality, and added labor due to installation complexity. High-grade materials and custom designs increase overall costs. For instance, drapes cost more than Roman shades because they require more fabric and intricate detailing, which significantly impacts how much you pay. Motorized blinds cost more to install. Quality window treatments are an investment in both aesthetics and functionality.
Motorized shades offer convenience by eliminating manual operation, providing immediate privacy, and controlling sunlight effectively. Their advanced design and remote functionality enhance home aesthetics and accessibility, especially benefiting homeowners with mobility challenges. This investment improves comfort and modernizes daily living. Versions with integrated smart home technology can be programmed to adjust automatically based on time of day or sunlight levels, reducing energy costs through better temperature regulation.
Layered window treatments enhance your home's design by combining multiple tones within a single color family, creating visual depth. They add sophistication and harmonize with various décor themes, elevating aesthetic appeal and integrating functionality with style for a refined space. Layering can also allow for more versatile lighting control, adjusting for privacy, light filtering, or complete darkness as needed. Combining textures adds dimensional interest along with energy efficiency and improved sound absorption.
Energy-efficient window treatments lower energy costs by minimizing heat transfer through advanced fabric technology and design. Window treatments block excessive sunlight while retaining consistent indoor temperature, reducing the demand on heating and cooling systems. They retain heat in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer. This proactive approach maintains year-round comfort and produces measurable savings on electric bills through superior energy management.