Window Treatment Average Costs? (Hunter: house, buy, living)

[mrk321]

So, I've been in my place for two years now with only sheers on the windows. I've got two big double windows (bedroom and living room) and four big single windows (kitchen, bedroom, office w/2). I was just quoted $1800 for 2 1/2 white wood blinds (Hunter Douglas) installed. It averages out to about $225 a window which I don't think is awful individually, but ****, it sure adds up. When did window treatments become so expensive? I'm just curious as to what others have found. For what it's worth, I'm not installing them myself, I just don't have the skills for it and my super is unreliable when it comes to stuff like this, so the convenience is a huge plus for me. But hot damn, is that expensive or am I just out of the loop? Thoughts?

[BrightRabbit]

Last year, some friends paid $300 per bedroom window for custom rollershades, all installed. They chose a middle quality. In their living room they had a big picture window divided into thirds, so they used 3 separate shades coming to $600 there. They have good chains to raise and lower each window separately. It's a good clean look, without fabric that their cat would shred.

To save money I'm thinking of getting two dowels installed, one inner, one outer. Then hang ready-made sheers that have a pocket hem above, making the layer against the window that allows daytime sun but scrambles the view (first floor). For the other dowel, I'd buy some opaque fabric-by-the-yard to make a flat row of curtains, only for nighttime privacy. I *think* that'll save money, but it's a lot of hand-hemming. I suppose I could bring the sewing to a local tailor, as many dry cleaners offer simple sewing. But I haven't quite decided yet, because curtains are rather dated and my friends' place looks so nice. It took them no time, really, except to be home for the company to come twice - to measure/provide cost estimate, and then to install.

[mrk321]

Thanks for the reply! I feel a little better. When I think of price per window, it's not so bad. Hunter Douglas and a lifetime warranty also makes me feel better. I'll probably bite the bullet. He also said he's install curtain hardware for me and I could pay him "whatever I think is fair". Plus, a little cash discount if I so choose. It just sucks that when you sell a place, the window treatments essentially become worthless unless you can take them with you. Not that I plan on leaving anytime soon, but it's still a tough check to write out.

[Kefir King]

I'm just curious as to what others have found. For what it's worth, I'm not
installing them myself

Prices stike me as outrageous and thus I am living with white sheers in the LR and heavy brocade curtains in the BR (blocks all light)

I don't hate the LR though. THe sheers block the direct sunlight (ESE) but let enough in to keep it bright all day long. Perfect for my orchids.

DIY window treatments is a lot of work. I may put up Dollar store junky Venetian blinds in the bedroom to add another layer of DARK.

[workaholick]

The total cost of your window treatment depends on various features including, the quality of work done, the number of windows to be treated, and the professional you choose for doing it. You will get a number of reasonable options here. But, putting cost over quality will not be a good decision!

[beakers91]

I just bought faux wood blinds from jc Penney for around $25 each on sale. We've bought these blinds before for my parents house and installation was simple and they block light nicely. Obviously they aren't going to last forever, but they get the job done.