Which Is Cheaper, Shades or Blinds? A Cost Breakdown by Type

National cost guides put the average blinds project at about $700. The average shades project runs closer to $1,600. Both numbers include buying and installing, so shades can cost about twice as much.

But averages don't tell the whole story. Some shades cost less than some blinds. And the lowest price today is not always the lowest cost over the years you own them.

This guide breaks down blinds vs shades cost by type. You'll see where each one saves you money and where a cheap pick can cost you more later.

Keep in mind that window size and custom sizing have a big effect on your total. Custom blinds often cost at least double the price of ready-made ones. That's why the numbers below are a starting point, not a final price.

Which Is Cheaper, Shades or Blinds?

Blinds are usually cheaper than shades. Basic vinyl and aluminum blinds are some of the lowest-cost window coverings you can buy. Most fabric shades cost more per window. National cost guides put the average blinds project at about $700, compared to about $1,600 for shades.

The two do overlap, though. A simple roller shade can cost less than real wood blinds. Motorized and custom options raise the price of both.

What sets your final price:

• Material: vinyl and aluminum cost less than wood or specialty fabric
• Window size: large and odd-shaped windows cost more
• Stock vs. custom: custom sizing costs more
• Lift system: motorized options add cost
• Installation: professional measuring and mounting

Blinds vs. Shades: What You're Actually Paying For

Blinds and shades cover the same window, but they're built in different ways. Blinds use hard slats made of vinyl, aluminum, or wood. You tilt the slats to let light in or block it. Shades use a single piece of fabric that rolls up, folds, or stacks when you raise it.

That difference in build explains much of the price gap. Slats are simple to make, which is why entry-level blinds cost so little. Many shades have more built into them, such as honeycomb cells or linings. Those features add to the price.

Here's a quick side-by-side:

Blinds

• Material: vinyl, aluminum, faux wood, or real wood
• How they work: slats tilt open and closed, then lift
• Price tier: lowest entry price; real wood sits near the top

Shades

• Material: fabric, cellular honeycomb, or woven fibers
• How they work: fabric rolls, folds, or stacks
• Price tier: higher entry price for most styles; custom shades run highest

Both blinds and shades come in stock and custom versions. Stock sizes cost less, but they may not fit your window well. Custom sizing is where prices jump for both. If you want to see which styles homeowners are choosing this year, check out the most popular blinds right now.

How Much Do Blinds Cost per Window?

Now that you know why the prices differ, here's what each type of blind costs. National cost data puts most blinds at about $55 to $170 per window, installed. Where you land in that range depends on the material and window size.

Here's what ready-made blinds cost per window, before installation:

Vinyl and aluminum blinds

• Price range: about $11 to $120 for vinyl and $25 to $75 for aluminum
• Best for: rentals and covering many windows on a tight budget
• Example: installing aluminum blinds on eight windows runs about $345 to $750

Faux wood blinds

• Price range: about $30 to $125
• Best for: kitchens and bathrooms, since they handle moisture better than real wood

Real wood blinds

• Price range: about $30 to $225, or $60 to $300 for custom
• Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, and offices where you want a warm, natural look

Vertical blinds

• Price range: from about $50 ready-made, or $100 to $300 for custom
• Best for: sliding glass doors and extra-wide windows

If you like the look of natural grain, go with wood blind styles. For vertical, blackout, and custom options, browse more in our blinds shop page.

Installation labor often adds about $15 to $50 per window. The good news is that per-window labor cost tends to drop as you add more windows. Doing the whole house at once usually costs less per window than one room at a time.

How Much Do Shades Cost per Window?

Shades cover a wider price range than blinds. Standard shades run about $60 to $600 per window. Custom shades can climb from about $250 to $2,650 per window. The fabric, the build, and the size of your window set where you land.

Here's how shade types compare per window:

Roller shades

• Price range: about $70 to $450
• Best for: clean, simple coverage on a budget
• A single piece of fabric that rolls up into a tube at the top

Solar shades

• Price range: about $60 to $520
• Best for: cutting glare while keeping your view
• Open-weave fabric blocks UV rays and softens bright light

Cellular shades

• Price range: about $70 to $350
• Best for: bedrooms and drafty windows
• Honeycomb cells trap air, which helps keep heat inside during cold Spokane winters

Roman shades

• Price range: about $100 to $600
• Best for: living rooms and dining rooms where you want a soft, tailored look

Roller shades are one of the simplest, lowest-cost shades to start with. See the styles and fabrics we offer on our roller shades page.

When Shades Cost Less Than Blinds

Those price ranges make blinds look like the clear winner. But that's not always the case. Blinds and shades overlap, and the cheapest choice depends on which styles you compare.

A basic roller shade can cost less than real wood blinds on the same window. At the entry level, the two are close in price. The gap grows as you move up to better materials and custom features.

Same window, three budgets

• Budget: vinyl or aluminum blinds vs. a basic roller shade. Prices are close at the low end, so pick the look you like best.
• Mid-range: faux wood blinds vs. a cellular or solar shade. Price ranges overlap, so the right pick comes down to the room.
• High-end: real wood blinds vs. Roman or custom shades. This is where shades often cost more.

How you cover your home also changes the total. Using one type in every room keeps things simple. Mixing types by room can save money. For example, you might put faux wood blinds in the bathroom and roller shades in the living room.

Want to compare both in person? See our full line of window treatments and schedule a time to view blinds and shades side by side.

What Drives the Price of Blinds and Shades

Two quotes for the "same" blinds can come back very different. That's because several factors shape the final price. Here's what moves your number up or down, with a rough tag for how much each one adds.

• Window size and shape ($ to $$$): Blinds for a small 24 x 36 inch window run about $45 to $140, installed. A large 60 x 72 inch window runs about $170 to $500.
• Stock vs. custom sizing ($$): Stock sizes cost less but may leave gaps. Custom blinds fit your window exactly and often cost at least double.
• Lift system ($ to $$$): Cordless and wand-operated lifts are now the standard. Motorized lifts add the most, often $150 to $300 per motor.
• Light control ($ to $$): Blackout and room-darkening linings are an upgrade on many shades. They're worth it in bedrooms and media rooms.
• Mount and installation ($ to $$): Inside mounts sit within the window frame. Outside mounts cover the frame and may need more material. Removing old blinds can add $10 to $30 per window.

Corded styles are being phased out under newer safety standards. Check out our blinds safety guide to learn more about blinds safety. If you want an exact fit, our custom blinds are measured and mounted for your windows.

Is the Cheaper Option the Better Value?

Upfront price is only half the story. Here's what happens after install. The right choice depends on how long a product lasts, how easy it is to care for, and what it does for your home.

Cellular shades cost more than basic blinds, but they insulate better. The U.S. Department of Energy says windows can cause 30 to 40 percent of a home's winter heat loss. Its lab studies found cellular shades can cut heating energy needs by almost 25 percent. In cold Spokane winters, that adds up.

Care matters too. Blinds are easy to clean with a quick dusting or a damp cloth. Fabric shades need more careful cleaning, and stains may need a professional.

Lifespan also varies. Most blinds last about 6 to 12 years. Blinds you open and close several times a day may last closer to 6 to 8 years. Wood blinds can last up to 20 years with good care. So compare cost per year, not just the price on the quote.

Room-by-room picks

• Bedroom: cellular or blackout shades for privacy, darkness, and warmth
• Kitchen: faux wood blinds that wipe clean and handle moisture
• Bathroom: faux wood or vinyl blinds that resist moisture
• Living room: wood blinds, Roman shades, or solar shades for style and glare control
• Sliding door: vertical blinds or wide roller shades

A good rule of thumb is to save in low-use rooms and spend more where you open and close coverings every day. Coverings in busy rooms wear out fastest. That's where a cheaper product is most likely to need replacing first.

Getting an Accurate Window Treatment Quote in Spokane Valley

National averages give you a starting point, but they can't price your home. Every window is a little different. A real quote needs real measurements, and that's where we come in.

At Pro Floors and Blinds, your free consultation covers the details that set your price:

• Measuring: we measure each window so your quote reflects the true size and shape
• Samples: we bring samples to your home, so you see fabrics, slats, and colors in your own light
• Side-by-side options: we show you blinds and shades together, so you can compare price and look

Measuring often changes the picture. Window size alone can more than triple the cost of covering one window. A home with mixed needs can also save by pairing blinds in kitchens and baths with shades in bedrooms.

What to bring to your consultation

• Rough window sizes, if you have them
• Photos of each window and the room around it
• A list of the rooms you want to cover
• Your budget range and must-have features, such as blackout or motorized

Ready for real numbers? Call us at (509) 866-6776 or contact us through our online form and get a free window treatment estimate.