How Much Do Custom Blinds Cost?

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Custom Blinds?

There isn't one standard price for a custom blind because every blind is made according to the customer's measurements and selected options. A small aluminum blind with standard features may cost considerably less than a large motorized cellular or roller shade, even though both are custom made.

When budgeting for window treatments, think of custom blinds in three general price levels:

• Budget-friendly: Aluminum mini blinds, basic faux wood blinds and some roller shades.


• Mid-range: Cellular shades, upgraded roller shades, Roman shades, woven wood shades and many premium faux wood blinds.


• Premium: Real wood blinds, designer fabrics, oversized window treatments, specialty products and motorized shades.

These categories are only a general guide. Window size and selected options can move an otherwise affordable product into a higher price range.

Custom Blinds Cost Comparison by Type

The type of window covering you select is usually one of the biggest factors affecting your budget. The table below provides a general comparison rather than a specific price quote.

Expert Tip: Don't automatically eliminate a style because it appears in a higher price category. Compare the actual products for your window dimensions. Product options and window size can sometimes make the price difference between two styles smaller than you expect.

What Determines the Cost of Custom Blinds?

After helping homeowners shop for custom window treatments for 20 years, we've found that a few factors consistently have the greatest effect on the final price.

1. Type of Blind or Shade

Product type is one of the first things that affects cost. Aluminum blinds and many faux wood blinds are relatively simple to manufacture, while products such as Roman shades, woven woods and specialty shades may require more material and construction.

2. Window Size

Larger blinds generally cost more because they require more material and may need heavier-duty components. A narrow bathroom window and a large living room window can therefore have very different prices even when you select the same product.

3. Material

Material can significantly affect price. Real wood generally costs more than faux wood, and premium fabrics typically cost more than basic fabrics. With shades, different fabrics within the same product can also have different price groups.

4. Operating System

The way a blind or shade operates can affect its price. Standard cordless operation may be included with many products, while specialty operating systems and motorization can add to the cost.

5. Motorization

Motorization is one of the most significant upgrades available for many shades. The additional cost comes from the motor, controls and power system. While it increases the initial investment, motorization can be particularly useful for tall, large or hard-to-reach windows.

6. Decorative Upgrades

Valances, decorative tapes, premium hardware, liners and other options can increase the final price. These upgrades aren't always necessary, so they are also an area where you can adjust a project to fit your budget.

7. Specialty Windows

Very large windows, skylights and unusually shaped windows may require specialized products or hardware and can cost more than treatments for standard rectangular windows.

Custom Blinds vs. Ready-Made Blinds: Is Custom Worth the Extra Cost?

Ready-made blinds are usually less expensive initially because they are mass-produced in standard sizes. Custom blinds are manufactured for the dimensions you provide and offer considerably more choice in materials, colors and options.

Custom doesn't necessarily mean luxury-priced. One of the advantages of shopping for custom blinds online is the ability to choose exactly which features matter to you rather than paying for upgrades you don't need. Related article: Made to Measure Blinds Made to Fit.

How Much Should You Budget for Blinds for an Entire House?

The easiest way to estimate a whole-house window treatment budget is to count your windows, group similar windows together and price a few representative sizes.

For example, divide the project into groups such as:

• Standard bedroom windows


• Large living room windows


• Kitchen and bathroom windows


• Sliding glass or patio doors


• Specialty or hard-to-reach windows

You don't have to use the same product throughout the entire home. Using a premium window treatment in highly visible rooms and a more economical option in secondary rooms can help control the total project cost while maintaining a coordinated appearance. Related Articles: Best Blinds for Living Rooms, Best Blinds for Kitchens and The Best Blinds for Bedrooms

How to Save Money on Custom Blinds

Buying custom window treatments doesn't mean selecting the most expensive option for every window. A few decisions can make a significant difference in the overall project budget.

• Compare multiple product types. If you're primarily looking for privacy and light control, several styles may accomplish the same goal at different price points.



• Prioritize upgrades. Spend more on features that solve an actual need rather than adding every available option.



• Use motorization strategically. Motorization may provide the greatest value on tall, large or frequently operated windows rather than every window in the house.



• Measure your own windows. Ordering custom blinds online allows homeowners to measure their windows rather than paying for an in-home measuring service.



• Install them yourself. Many blinds and shades can be installed with common household tools, eliminating professional installation charges.



• Order samples before buying. Comparing actual materials and colors before placing a custom order can help you make a more confident selection.

Where Is It Worth Spending More?

The least expensive blind isn't always the best value, and the most expensive option isn't automatically the right choice. We recommend spending more when the upgrade solves a specific problem or provides a feature you'll regularly use.

For example, an insulating cellular shade may be worth considering for a window exposed to significant heat or cold. Blackout material may provide more value in a bedroom. Motorization may make sense for a shade installed high above the floor. A moisture-resistant faux wood blind may be a better investment than real wood in a humid bathroom.

Our advice: Start with what the window needs to accomplish, then compare products that meet those requirements. This keeps you from paying for features you don't need or choosing a less expensive product that doesn't solve the original problem.

Can Buying Custom Blinds Online Save Money?

Ordering custom blinds online can reduce some of the service costs associated with traditional full-service window treatment purchasing. Instead of automatically paying for an in-home consultation, measuring appointment and professional installation, homeowners can measure and install many products themselves.

The important distinction is that you're doing some of the work—not necessarily sacrificing customization. The blinds are still manufactured according to the measurements and options you select.

Advice From Our Window Covering Experts

Blinds Chalet has been helping homeowners shop for custom window treatments online since 2006. One of the biggest mistakes we see when customers compare prices is looking only at the starting price of a blind.

Before comparing two products, configure both for the actual size of your window and include the features you need. A product with a lower advertised starting price isn't necessarily less expensive once you select a larger size, premium material or upgraded operating system.

We also recommend ordering samples before making a final decision. Colors and textures can look different on a computer screen than they do in your home, and seeing the material in your own lighting can help you make a more confident choice before ordering a made-to-measure product.

The Bottom Line: What Should Custom Blinds Cost?

There isn't a single price that defines a good custom blind. The right budget depends on the size of your windows, the style you choose and the features that matter to you.

If keeping costs low is the priority, start with aluminum blinds, faux wood blinds and simpler roller shade options. If insulation, premium materials, decorative fabrics or automated operation are more important, expect to spend more.

Most importantly, compare products based on the actual dimensions and options you need. That provides a much more realistic picture of your final cost than comparing advertised starting prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Blind Costs