Installing Blinds Cost Guide 2026

How Much Does Installing Blinds Cost?

So, what is the cost of installing blinds in a house?

The cost of installing window coverings, including blinds, would depend primarily on the size and type. We’re basing the following prices on blinds with dimensions of about 0.6 metres x 1.6 metres.

For blinds with dimensions of 1.2m x 1.2m, you can expect the cost to be close to twice that of the above prices. Free measuring is a service that ensures the perfect fit for blinds, emphasising the convenience and reliability of having professionals measure for customers. Aside from the size and type of blinds, the cost would be affected by the size and state of the work area and ease of access.

The cost of labour, in particular, would also be impacted by where you live since tradesperson prices differ throughout the UK.

Blinds Prices

Supply Only Costs

The cost of supplying blinds will probably make up most of your bill. The material costs are separate from the labour expenses. The following price figures would be particularly relevant to know if you want to undertake the DIY work since this would be your approximate overall bill.

Otherwise, the cost of supplies would likely account for somewhere within 30% to 70% of the total.

The Cost of Blind Materials:

• Hardwood Blinds - £50 to £110
• PVC Venetian Blinds - £30 to £80
• Aluminium Venetian Blinds - £30 to £80
• Fabric Blinds - £15 to £35
• Skylight Blinds - £40 to £90
• Faux Wood - £25 to £50
• Roman Blinds - £30 to £40
• Roller Blinds - £5 to £15
• Vertical Blinds - £15 to £25
• Electric Blinds - £60 to £140
• Bamboo - £10 to £35
• Pleated Blinds - £10 to £50

For the same size window, the cost of curtains (nylon material) is typically £70 to £165, while most blinds range from £15 to £140.

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Labour Costs and Timescales

The price of labour looks just at the cost of the blind installation work itself when hiring a professional. This excludes the supply cost.

Regardless of the type of blinds being installed, you’d be looking at a labour cost of £20 to £30. Likewise, the price would be in and around this figure for most window sizes. For a particularly large window, however, it may bring the labour cost to around £40 to £60.

The hourly cost of hiring a contractor for a blind installation is approximately £20 to £30 per hour; thus, as you can see, as the average cost infers, the work is likely to take no more than an hour.

Usually, the differences will not be sufficient to bring the cost up to two hours of labour. One labour cost factor that is more influential, though, is your location. More on that in the next section.

In fact, having blinds installed may take just half an hour for a simpler installation, although a one-hour charge would still probably apply.

The timeframe could vary depending on the size and type of blinds being installed, ease of access to the work area and the type of window you have. Anything that can affect the duration of this work could, in turn, impact the labour cost.

Conservatory blinds, known for their functionality and style, can enhance privacy and light control in different types of spaces.

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Cost Factors of Installing Blinds

As mentioned already, various cost factors could shape your overall bill when it comes to blinds prices for a new installation. Let’s have a look at some common examples:

Type of Blinds

Costs can differ greatly depending on the type of blinds fitted. This is mostly down to the materials used, although some may also come with a more expensive design/construction process, which could also play a role in how expensive they are to purchase.

On one end of the scale, vertical blinds cost just £15 to £25, and roller blinds tend to have a supply price of between £5 and £15.

On the other end of the cost spectrum, electric blinds usually cost around £60 to £140 to buy from a retailer. Harwood blinds are also relatively costly. Further, the standalone cost of blinds can vary depending on the brand's quality and product.

Size of the Installation Area

How much an installation area is being covered is also relevant to the total cost. Of course, this could be seen as another way of considering different types of blinds, but instead, it could be seen as looking at the size of the blinds.

Either way, the larger the installation area/blinds, the more it will likely cost. This would primarily affect the supply cost, but there is a small chance it could influence the labour price too.

For example, conservatory blinds would potentially cost more due to the number of windows that need to be covered and the type of blinds you would need to cover a glass roof.

Location of Your Property

Labour prices, in general, differ from region to region. The price of hiring a contractor in northern England would generally be lower than in the southeast. Further, contractor prices in Scotland and Northern Ireland are usually below the national average.

Ease of Access

The easier the installer can access the work area, and in general, the easier the installation is, the quicker it will be. Consequently, a faster instalment process may mean a lower labour bill. Of course, if an accessibility issue slowed down the process by, say, ten minutes, it would probably make no difference.

However, if any additional time pushed the work timeframe past the hour mark, whether by ten minutes or thirty minutes, it could, for instance, bring your bill up to include two hours of labour rather than one.

Benefits of Professional Blinds Installation

Fitting blinds can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. That’s why it’s essential to hire a professional blind installer to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. With a professional installation, you can enjoy numerous benefits, including:

• Accurate Measurements: A professional installer will take precise measurements of your windows to ensure a perfect fit. This eliminates the guesswork and potential errors that can occur with DIY installations.
• Proper Installation: A professional installer will ensure your blinds are installed correctly, guaranteeing they function smoothly and efficiently. This means no crooked blinds or malfunctioning mechanisms.
• Time-Saving: Let a professional handle the installation, saving you time and effort. You can sit back and relax while the experts do the work.
• Warranty and Guarantee: Reputable installers offer warranties and guarantees on their work, giving you peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, you’re covered. Most blinds would come with a warranty of around three to five years.
• Enhanced Safety: Professional installers will ensure that your blinds are installed safely and securely, reducing the risk of accidents. This is particularly important in homes with children or pets.

What's Involved in Fitting Window Blinds?

The process of fitting window blinds is generally straightforward, but requires the right tools and the correct method for the type of blinds being installed.

For the best results and to ensure your blinds are installed safely, it's recommended to hire a professional.

With MyJobQuote, you can request multiple quotes from local blind fitters. It's fast, free, and there is no obligation to go ahead.

Here is the typical process for installing blinds:

Before the Job Starts

• Choose Type and Size — The type of blinds and the required size will be considered. After taking the correct measurements, the blinds will be sourced, ensuring they're suitable for the window they're being fixed to.
• Choose Mounting Position — Most homeowners go with internally mounted blinds for aesthetic and practical reasons. If the window frame is too shallow, externally mounted blinds might be a better choice.

During the Job

• Mounting Marks for Exterior Mount — The blind will be put up so that the headrail is level and centred with the window casing. Brackets will be marked per template, centring the headrail and clearing obstructions.
• Mounting Marks for Interior Mount — The headrail will be put inside the casing and levelled. Pencil marks will be established underneath each end of the headrail.
• Brackets Positioned — The bracket door will be opened, and each end bracket will be held in position within the pencil marks. Brackets will be oriented correctly so the headrail clips and locks properly.
• Drill Holes Marked — The marks for drilling will be made. The spots where the pilot holes will go will be marked (two should be required). Two diagonal holes will be drilled into. The brackets will be removed, and a level will be used to ensure both holes are even.
• Brackets Are Mounted — For an outside mount, the brackets will be fixed to the exterior face of the window casing on each side of the window. As for an interior mount, the brackets will be placed against the inside top corner on both sides.
• Drilled and Secured — The holes needed for the screws will be drilled. For wood, a pilot hole will be drilled by matching a drill bit to the screw gauge. If it is drywall, concrete, stone, tile, brick or plaster being drilled into, suitable screws, plugs or anchors will be employed.
• Valance Clips Are Snapped — The valance clips will be snapped over the front lip of the head rail. Headrail will be attached, then valance clips and valance added.
• Head Rail Installed — The bracket doors will be wide open at this stage, allowing the head rail to be comfortably fitted into them.
• Valance Added — The valance will be placed along the head rail based on positioning. It will be placed atop the valance clips before being pressed down cautiously.

After the Job

• Blinds Tested — The blinds will be checked to ensure they open, close, and adjust smoothly without any sticking or resistance.
• Final Adjustments — Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the blinds hang level and function properly.

Can I Install Blinds Myself?

As you'd gather, it's perfectly fine to install blinds yourself. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, take your time and follow any necessary safety precautions. If in doubt, or if you have a particularly large installation to deal with, it would be best to hire a professional in those cases.

The hazards/dangers to look for when putting up blinds as a DIY installation:

• Hurting yourself while carrying heavy loads.
• Falling if reaching up to a height to hang your blinds.
• Incorrect installation, particularly if not following the instructions correctly.

There are additional safety considerations that must be taken into account, which we’ll now discuss in the following section.

Safety Standards for Installing Blinds

There is a range of safety regulations that must be adhered to when it comes to fitting new window blinds. Of course, much of this will already be covered by the design of the blinds themselves.

The manufacturer's instructions should naturally take these regulations into account, but it's good to know just in case there are aspects that the installer (particularly if you will fit it DIY) must ensure on their own accord.

The main safety hazard associated with window blinds is the blind chain. Children and animals would be most at risk of becoming accidentally entangled, which could prove very dangerous.

In fact, a study showed that between 1990 and 2015, 271 deaths (mostly children) resulted from blinds, with a further 17,000 injuries/incidents involving children. Blind safety should not be overlooked.

Safety Regulations for Installing a Window Blind:

• The product must be compliant with the child safety requirements related to BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014 (i.e., source it from a reliable and appropriate supplier).
• The chain/cord safety device has to be fitted at least 1.5m above the floor and as close to the headrail as can be achieved.
• The tensioning device must be a minimum of 1.5m above the floor.
• The breakaway device can be no less than 60cm above the floor.
• Various warning notices must be made available by the supplier, along with other rules to follow.

For more information and diagrams, check out the British Blind & Shutter Association’s surveyor and installer guide for made-to-measure blinds.

Types of Blinds

With so many types of blinds to choose from, it may be difficult to make up your mind. However, in this section, we’ll lay out the features, pros & cons and remind you of the pricing for a range of popular options.

Venetian Blinds

These classic blinds, which arguably had their cultural apex in the noir cinema of the 1940s, remain a popular choice for modern homeowners. Venetian blinds are suspended on ladder cords and feature horizontal slats that are generally made of aluminium, genuine timber or faux wood.

Not only can they be raised or lowered with ease, but they are simpler to adjust by varying amounts such that you have ample control over how much light is being allowed to enter the room. The control mechanism is found in the headrail that sits at the top of the blind.

Installing Venetian blinds means you benefit from control for raising and lowering them and another for tilting the slats. The cost of venetian blinds is usually priced between £30 and £80.

Some of the notable downsides of Venetian blinds is that, unlike other options, they are not 'blackout blinds'. One problem with these is that the fabric used is not well-suited for high-moisture locations like bathrooms or kitchens. If you want Venetian blinds for a bathroom or kitchen, find a non-taped product.

Roller Blinds

Another common selection among homeowners is roller blinds. These are fabric blinds that are available as one or two rollers, depending on what you opt for. Like a large rolled-up sheet of paper, it unfolds, gradually unveiling its full dimensions and cover. You can simply pull the blinds up or down manually to offer the level of cover you'd like.

Pricewise, roller blinds cost £5 to £15, making them the ideal option if you're on a tight budget. Even with the labour price, the cost of roller blinds should come to no more than £45 in most cases, although this would depend on where you live.

There is a very wide range of products available on the market if you're looking for a roller blind, with different designs and colours and various levels of light-blocking strengths ranging from low-level light filtration to blackout blinds. Arguably, the most versatile material for roller blinds would be PVC, which is durable, naturally fire- and water-resistant, and can be wiped with ease.

On the contrary, roller blinds simply do not offer the same degree of light control as Venetian blinds, nor are they particularly energy efficient. In addition, roller blinds have a tendency to warp over time from repeated use.

Roman Blinds

Next, for an especially luxurious option, you should consider Roman blinds. These blinds are made to pleat when raised. The construction of these blinds features slats that are mounted into the back of the fabric panel, all while being hooked up to the relevant cords. When you lift a Roman blind, the cords will pull the slats together, resulting in the blindfolding into pleats.

One point worth noting about installing Roman blinds is that they consist of a thicker fabric than roller blinds. They also feature internally sewn rods for the purpose of ensuring even folds. Roman blinds are offered in a whole host of designs, colours and fabrics. The available linings for these blinds include thermal and blackout.

But it's not all sunshine and roses (or rather the perfectly customised lack of sunshine and roses per your choosing) when it comes to Roman blinds. For starters, with a standalone cost of £30 to £40, they're not the cheapest option and are dearer than, say, roller blinds.

Another notable con of Roman blinds is that they are totally unsuitable for wet environments such as a bathroom or kitchen. If you were to do so, they would eventually develop issues such as grease, mould and odours. This includes Roman blind fabrics that are relatively easy to clean.

Vertical Blinds

Another solution to your home’s light filtration needs would be installing vertical blinds. These are essentially oriented differently, with most blinds being horizontal.

Vertical blinds are pretty much the 'vertical' version of Venetian blinds. In other non-alliterated words, it would be as if you flipped Venetian blinds 90 degrees (with the relevant components such as the cord also flipping 90 degrees).

This means that instead of moving up and down, vertical blinds can be moved from left to right while also coming with a cord allowing you to tilt the slats as you’d like, just like their Venetian counterparts.

The cost to supply vertical blinds is £15 to £25, meaning vertical blinds are one of the least expensive types on the market. They are a good option for full-size doors and windows and, unsurprisingly, come in various designs and colours.

Of course, with larger blinds comes more room for dirt and grease to accumulate, meaning that keeping them clean will be more challenging than with most options.

Also, even setting aside the fact that this would be true for any large blinds, the fact you have to clean each blind vane one at a time distinguishes it from roller blinds where you’d have one single large surface to clean.

Pleated Blinds

Some homeowners may take an interest in pleated blinds in general. In this case, the fabric used for each blind enables the individual blinds to fold open and close as desired.

Options include singular pleated fabric, cellular pleated blinds and honeycomb pleated blinds. With an estimated standalone cost of £10 to £50, pricing can vary quite a bit.

One notable benefit is that they typically use a tab instead of a cord for opening and closing. This is generally safer than having a cord, even if all the regulations and safety advice are followed. One issue is that at least certain pleated blinds will not suit any window frame. Therefore, it's important to double-check that a given product is able to be installed on your window frame before making a purchase.

Fabric Blinds

Choosing fabric blinds offers versatility when choosing a new window cover. They can come in a wide range of colours and patterns to suit your decor.

Fabric blinds also give you options of finish from vertical blinds to roller blinds and more. With an estimated standalone cost of £15 to £35, they are a popular cost effective choice.

The choice of fabric is important to consider. Thermal options can help with temperature control. This means that heated rooms stay a bit warmer for longer in winter, while you can also keep a bit more heat out when you're trying to keep the house cool in summer.

Blackout blinds can also help filter light out completely — making them a popular choice for bedrooms.

Skylight Blinds

Skylight blinds are a great choice for anyone with conservatory roof windows, Velux windows or loft skylights.

Installing skylight blinds will not only help control light in rooms that have windows overhead. They can also help regulate temperatures and add an element of privacy. These types of blinds cost between £40 to £90, so they are more expensive than other blinds on the market but are designed for a specific job.

These types of blinds can be made out of a variety of materials including fabric, metal, plastic and wood. When choosing the best material for your skylight blinds, consider the light control needed, if insulation is important, and what style best fits your room.

Bamboo Blinds

Bamboo blinds are a cost effective choice for people looking for a stylish and eco friendly window covering.

They are a much lighter weight than other options, making them easy to install and to maintain. Standard bamboo blinds will block out light glare whilst still allowing for soft, natural light to pass through.

Lined options are available if you require more privacy or insulation.

Blinds Maintenance and Repair

To ensure that your blinds continue to function smoothly and efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to help you maintain your blinds:

• Dust Regularly: Dust your blinds regularly to prevent dust buildup. Use a soft cloth or a duster to gently remove dust from the slats.
• Clean with a Soft Cloth and Mild Detergent: For a deeper clean, use a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight and Moisture: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or moisture can cause your blinds to fade or warp. Keep them in good condition by avoiding these elements.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your blinds for any signs of wear and tear. Addressing small issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line.

Cleaning Your Blinds

Taking the Blinds Down

• Check With Manufacturer — Always check with your manufacturer to ensure your blinds are suitable for this cleaning method.
• Prepare the Bath — Put them in a bath with warm water, add several squirts of washing-up liquid and a cup of baking soda. Wear rubber gloves and wash your hands with soap afterwards.
• Soak and Rinse — Leave the blinds in the bath for an hour, then rinse with warm water. Lock the bathroom door if you have curious kids or pets around.
• Dry and Reinstall — Wipe away any remaining dirt or dust, then put them back once sufficiently dry.

Leaving the Blinds Up

• Prepare Cleaning Solution — Mix a mild washing-up liquid in a basin of water.
• Clean Each Slat — Dip a soft cloth in the water, wring it out carefully, and go over each slat until clean.
• Avoid Water Damage — Ensure not too much water is left at the end to avoid water damage.

Repairing Your Blinds

If your blinds are damaged, broken or malfunctioning, our expert fitters are on hand to help repair them without the additional cost of replacement. We offer a range of repair services, including

• Blind Re-stringing: If the strings on your blinds are damaged or broken, we can re-string them to restore functionality.
• Blind Re-tensioning: Over time, blinds can lose their tension. We can re-tension them to ensure they operate smoothly.
• Blind Replacement: If your blinds are beyond repair, we offer replacement services to provide you with new, high-quality blinds.

Checklist: Hiring Contractors for Installing Blinds

Here are some key things to consider when hiring a contractor to fit blinds:

• Are they fitting blinds to BS EN 13120 child-safety requirements? Look for installers who can show they follow the relevant standards and can comply with child safety rules.
• Are they a BBSA member (British Blind and Shutter Association)? Blind installers don't have to be members, but if they are, it shows that they follow industry best practices and safety rules.
• Do they have experience? Ensure they have experience installing blinds and can provide evidence of their work.
• Are they insured? Look for public liability insurance to cover you in case something goes wrong.
• Do they offer any guarantees or warranties? Check what their guarantee/warranty covers and whether they will fix any issues that arise.
• Have you been given an itemised quote? Ask for a breakdown of the costs, so that you know what is covered and that there are no hidden fees.
• Have you obtained several quotes? With MyJobQuote you can request and compare multiple quotes from blind fitters.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read feedback on their work from other homeowners.

FAQs