Window treatments, Drapes, Blinds - what's the average cost?

What is the average cost for window treatments & draperies?

Many of my interior design clients recognize that window treatments, whether functional blinds, drapes,  or valances (those are the decorative fabric window treatments that go on the top of your windows), add so much to their rooms esthetic, but wonder what the ball park costs are.

This post will provide you with average costs, so you know which ones, might work best for you.  Of course costs will vary, but this will provide a great starting point.

Sheer Drapery

Drapery, sheer shades, Interior design by Jil Sonia McDonald of Jil Sonia Interior Designs

1.  Let's start with drapery, some folks call them curtains, which is fine with me!

Let's remember to include the rod, brackets, hooks, carriers & finials, along with the cost of the fabric, lining, labour & shipping fees.  Everything can and does add up.

I'd estimate for a pair of drapes & rod to be approximately $2,000 for 2 panels, along with an 8' rod.  Of course, if we go with sheer fabric, as shown at the top of this post, the pricing will be lower.  If we go with a high end fabric of course the price will be higher. The ones shown above are in a mid range fabric.

2. Sheer shades, shown above, some people call them by the brand name Silhouettes, by Hunter Douglas, are a gorgeous shade, offering glare & UV protection, privacy and light filtering are beautiful. In fact, I used them for my own home.
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In general, I'd estimate $1,000 per window, of course depending upon the size.  This is my price for a 5' x 5' window.
A fabric blind, or hard window shutter would be approximately the same cost.
​These beautiful sheer shades above are by Graber.

Hard faux wood window shades / blinds by Graber. Design by Jil Sonia Interiors

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3.  Hard blinds, which are the old horizontal blinds most of us grew up with are the lesser priced option.  They come in real wood, or faux wood (we don't often see vinyl or aluminum blinds anymore. 
Remember real wood blinds are very heavy to lift up, faux wood is lighter, but it still leaves a bunched area at the bottom or top area, which shuts out the light. I don't specify them too often.  Their price ranges from $350 - $700 per 5' x 5' sized window.

Sheer draperies and gorgeous marble flooring photo by Glen Ardi

Installation may or may not be included, depending upon the supplier.

I hope this helps give a basic guideline for window treatments. 

​Which ones are you loving?