How Much Do Electric Blinds Cost?

Average Cost to Install Electric Blinds

Electric Blinds Prices

You can expect to pay around $280 to $500 per window for materials. You can break down the costs of electric blinds materials into two subcategories: the motor and the shades. Remember that these costs are for a standard 36-by-48-inch window.

Motor

You'll need a motor to power the blinds, which might be the most expensive part. You can expect to pay approximately $250 to $300 for a basic motor, and it may cost more if you want a hardwired version instead of battery-powered.

Shades

Shades are probably the most variable part of the price, as there’s a wide selection to choose from. There are Roman shades, solar shades, aluminum mini-blinds, wood blinds, and many others. Some are as inexpensive as $25, while other window shades cost close to $500 per shade.

Electric Blinds Installation Cost

It'll cost you around $35 to $75, with an average of $50, for a pro to install electric blinds. However, electric blinds installation costs are a small portion of the overall budget, and prices can quickly add up when you're talking about covering multiple windows. 

Smart Blinds Installation Cost by Size

Smart blinds cost between $25 and $84 per square foot, including materials and labor. While all smart blinds are electric blinds, not all electric blinds are smart. Expect to pay toward the higher end of the price range for smart blinds, particularly if you think you'll need help setting up the wireless connection or connecting your blinds to an app.

To determine how much you'll pay per window, measure the length and width of your window in feet, then multiply those figures to get the square footage of the window. Repeat the process with all the windows you plan to install smart blinds on for the total square footage. Note that you may get a better price per square foot if you simultaneously install blinds on multiple windows. 

Take a look below for standard window sizes and the prices you can expect to pay for blind installation on each.

Electric Blinds Cost Factors

Many factors go into the cost of installing electric blinds. For example, different types of blinds will have wide-ranging price tags. It's helpful to know the main cost factors that go into putting in electric blinds because then you can spot opportunities to save money. Here are some of the main ones.

Window Size

The size of your window impacts the overall cost. While the installation cost likely won't increase dramatically, the materials cost will. On average, expect to pay between $25 and $84 per square foot. 

While taking approximate measurements yourself is a good way to get rough size and price estimates, it's better to let a local window blinds installer take accurate measurements when they come to give you your quote. 

Number of Windows

The more blinds you have, the more you'll pay in total, but the lower the cost per square foot. Often, blinds dealers can give you a better price per unit when you buy in bulk. 

Similarly, you may get a better price per window for installation costs when you're having blinds put up on multiple windows. This is because the installer is already at your property, so the minimum callout fee, travel time, fuel, and other travel expenses will be spread across all the blinds, thus lowering the cost per window.

Type of Shade

The type of shade can have a significant impact on costs. Basic shades can start at $25, but high-end models can run as high as $500. Budget-friendly fabrics tend to be fairly thin, plain, and offer shade only. Higher-priced fabrics are usually thicker, come in a wider range of materials, styles, prints, and textures, and offer additional features. 

For example, some shades may have thermal or insulating qualities to block or retain heat. Others use blackout fabric to help ensure daylight doesn't seep through, which is a great option for children who go to bed before it's dark or for light sleepers who are regularly disturbed by early morning light seeping through.

Labor Costs

Labor costs differ depending on how challenging the project is and labor rates in your area. You could save money by installing the electric blinds yourself. 

However, unless you have experience installing motorized blinds, it's best to let a handyperson or window specialist take this task off your hands and ensure it's done correctly the first time.

Power Source

Battery-powered blinds are the least costly when it comes to electric blinds since they don't require electrical installation, although they’re slightly less convenient because of the need to replace batteries or recharge the battery pack. 

Plug-in models are mid-priced options. These are more convenient than battery-powered blinds but still don't require additional installation time for the electrical components. 

Conversely, hardwired models cost the most in terms of installation because they're convenient, don't have a visible plug stuck in the wall, and require additional labor time for the wiring. 

Smart Home Integration

If you've already got a smart home system or are budgeting for the cost of home automation, then which blinds you choose is an important consideration. While all smart blinds can integrate with some smart home systems, they can't integrate with all of them, even via third-party apps or extra products. 

Whichever blinds you choose, make sure they're compatible with your smart home system. For example, many smart blinds are compatible with Google Nest and Savant but may not integrate with Samsung, Philips, Sonos, or vice-versa.

Cost to Install Smart Curtains Yourself

You can save approximately $35 to $75 per window by installing smart curtains yourself, which is the typical labor cost for electric blind installation. The savings may feel small to some homeowners inexperienced with this process, particularly in comparison to how much time it can take to measure, order, and install the blinds accurately. 

DIY vs. Hire an Electric Blinds Pro

If you're dealing with a battery-powered system, this is a project even a novice can figure out. Unlike many projects that typically require a contractor, this one is straightforward and not dangerous. A simple plug-and-play motor is easy to install, as you'll only need to snap it into the spring box. Then you'll need to drill brackets into your window frame and hang the blinds. After that, all that's left is to set up the remote or smartphone app. 

However, a hardwired system will require much more expertise and may be where you want to hire a professional. Hiring a handyperson near you has three clear benefits:

• It ensures the job is done right.

• You won’t waste your free time on manual labor.

• It’s affordable to hire one to take care of the job.