The short answer: the cost of custom blinds depends on five things: the size and number of windows, the product and material, the lift and control system, upgrades like motorization, and installation. Because every product is made to order for your exact windows, the only accurate price is an itemized quote based on real measurements, which we provide free.
That is not a dodge. Two homes with the same number of windows can have very different projects. Here is what actually moves the number, so you can plan with confidence.
1. Window size and count
Larger windows need more material, and most products are priced by size. A home with many standard windows can be very manageable; a two-story wall of glass or a set of sliding doors is a bigger line item. Specialty shapes such as arches and angles add cost because they require special fabrication.
2. Product type and material
Each category has its own range:
- Blinds: aluminum is typically the most economical; faux wood is the durable workhorse; real hardwood costs more.
- Shades: roller and cellular shades span a wide range depending on fabric. Designer shadings such as Silhouette®, Pirouette®, and Vignette® sit at the upper end.
- Shutters: the most permanent window investment. Composite shutters are our most popular; real wood is available on request.
3. Lift and control system
Standard cordless lifts are common today and are the safer choice for homes with children and pets. Specialty systems such as top-down/bottom-up add flexibility and some cost.
4. Motorization
Motorization is the single biggest upgrade. Our motorized systems are built into the product from day one rather than retrofitted, and include app and remote control and scheduling. Motors carry a 5-year manufacturer warranty. Many homeowners motorize only the hardest-to-reach windows to balance budget and convenience.
5. Installation
Professional installation protects the investment: a product mounted out of level or at the wrong depth will never operate or look right. At Blinds Plus, installation is free on orders over $500, performed by our own full-time, insured installers rather than subcontractors.
What you are paying for beyond the product
- 92 years of serving the community. We have helped Greater Cincinnati homeowners dress their windows for 92 years, and we are still here after the install for service, repairs, and questions.
- A precise fit. We measure with digital laser tools to the 1/8 inch, and to the 1/16 inch for shutters.
- Warranty and service. Products carry manufacturer warranties, and we add a 2-year in-home service warranty with free pickup and reinstall for products we install.
- Repairability. Quality custom products can be repaired, and we are an Authorized Regional Repair Center for Hunter Douglas® and Alta Window Fashions. Most big-box products are disposable when they break.
How to get the most from your budget
- Prioritize rooms. Start with bedrooms and the rooms you use most, then phase in the rest.
- Mix products by room. Use shutters where they make the biggest impression and faux wood blinds or roller shades elsewhere.
- Motorize selectively. Put motors where they solve a real problem, like tall or hard-to-reach windows.
- Ask about current offers. We regularly run promotions and offer financing with approved credit. Your consultant will walk through what is available.
Frequently asked questions
Why are custom blinds more expensive than store-bought blinds?
Custom blinds are built for your exact window, use better components, carry stronger warranties, and can be repaired. Store-bought blinds come in standard sizes and are usually replaced rather than fixed.
Is a quote really free?
Yes. Our in-home consultation and itemized written estimate are free within our service area, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, financing is available with approved credit. Ask your consultant about current terms and promotions, which cannot be combined.
Are shutters worth the higher cost?
For many homeowners, yes. Shutters are durable, timeless, and often seen as a permanent upgrade to the home itself.
The fastest way to a real number is a real measurement. Get your free, itemized quote.