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| | | An alternative to traditional fabric curtains, window blinds can be made of plastic or vinyl, metal, wood, bamboo, and fabric. Window blinds come in a wide variety of styles, including traditional horizontal mini-blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb, cellular, roller, flat, Roman and inside-the-window-glass. Blinds can also be called shades. Energy efficient blinds save on heating and cooling costs by insulating windows and blocking sunlight. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Window blinds can cost from $8 -$1,000 and up per window panel. In almost all cases, one blind panel should cover one window. The wide price ranges depend on size, materials, quality, and designer brand name.
- Vertical blinds, mini-blinds, and low-end roller shades in standard sizes, such as 36 inches wide by 72 inches long can cost as little as $8 -$12 per window blind, but can be $15 -$180 for slightly better quality materials. Lowes offers budget blinds. Target has a wide selection of mid-range blinds from $20 -$150 per panel.
- Energy efficient window blinds cost $30 -$130 per panel and up, depending on brand name, style, and materials. Moderately priced energy efficient blinds are sold at Bed Bath & Beyond.
- Mass-produced custom-sized window blinds and shades cost $7 -$40 per panel for budget mini-blinds, up to $250 -$1,700 for motorized controls, high-end woods and fabrics, decorative valances and multiple-blind headrails. For $1,700, expect to receive an unusually large (more than 72 inches wide) custom-sized panel. Motorized controls should be included, and the panel should be made with the finest materials, boasting plenty of optional accents and a designer label.
- Designer custom-sized window blinds and shades cost $100 -$1,000 and up, depending on materials and size of the panel. At the lower end of this price range, expect smaller, plain panels made with mid-level wood or fabrics. For $1,000 or more per panel, big-name designers offer solid wood slats, woven silk decorative ladder tapes or a tapeless ladder system. The bigger the blind, the higher the cost. For elegant custom blinds and shades from well-known designers, try a high-end home retailer such as Smith and Noble.
What should be included: | - Window blinds should include one blind that is wide enough to cover one window, hardware to install the blind, and a cord, rod, hem-pull up, motorized system, remote control system or other item to position the blind. Custom blinds may be 'two-on-one,' that is, two blinds on a single window. Two-on-one blinds can cost more than a single wide blind, depending on the style of controls.
- Vertical window blinds include a valance or headrail from which the slats hang.
- Window treatment specialists such as 3 Day Blinds offer limited lifetime warranties for blinds.
Additional costs: | - Professional installation of window blinds can be done by home improvement stores such as Lowes and window treatment companies including 3-Day Blinds. Installation costs $118 and up, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Discounts: | - Professional installation is not required for most blinds and shades. BobVila.com hosts a number of instructional videos about installing different types of blinds and shades.
- 3-Day Blinds offers a free quote and a discount Internet coupon.
- Check home improvement store web sites for promotions, coupons, and discounts on window treatments. Lowes often has online promotions. Bed Bath & Beyond sends out 20% off coupon mailers regularly.
Shopping for window blinds: | - This Old House gives guidelines on shopping for and choosing the right blinds. Several books provide in-depth information about measuring for, choosing, purchasing, and installing blinds, including Window Treatments and Slipcovers for Dummies.
- Before comparison shopping for blinds or shades, carefully measure all windows that require new blinds. Lowes offers a video to help customers measure windows for blinds.
- Parents of small children should consider cordless blinds or use tassels or inner blind cords for safety. About.com discusses childproofing steps.
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Article updated January 2010 |
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