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Furnishings guide

Curtains, blinds & shades: how to choose

This category covers curtains, drapes, blinds, shades, shutters, motorization, light control, privacy, and window fit.

Lifespan, DIY and permitsDIY: moderate - standard rods and premade bli11 brands8 cost linesUpdated Nov 2026

Decide these first

  1. How much light, privacy, or room darkening do you need?
  2. Should the treatment mount inside or outside the window frame?
  3. Are the windows unusually shaped, high, or difficult to reach?
  4. Do children or pets make cordless operation important?
  5. Do you want manual controls, motorization, or smart-home integration?

Specs that actually matter

TermWhat it meansLook for
Mount and measurementMount type and exact window dimensions determine fit, coverage, and clearance.Measure every opening and confirm depth, trim, handles, and mount requirements.
Light and privacyOpacity and fabric choices control daylight, outside view, privacy, and room darkening.Choose samples in the room and confirm the lining and light-control description.
Cellular shadeA honeycomb-shaped shade can trap air and provide insulation at the window.Compare cell style, fit, light control, operating system, and installed price.
Cord safetyAccessible window-covering cords can pose a strangulation hazard to children.Choose cordless products where children are present; CPSC says cordless eliminates the hazard.

Good, better, best

Good

Basic premade blinds or curtains cover standard windows; confirm measurements, mounting hardware, and light control.

$30-$200 per window for basic horizontal blinds, installed (HomeGuide 2025).

Better

Cellular or tailored treatments offer more choices in fabric, insulation, and privacy; compare installation details.

$70-$350 per window for cellular shades, installed (HomeGuide 2025).

Best

Custom or motorized treatments suit exact sizes and connected controls; confirm power, programming, and service support.

$350-$1,000 per window for motorized shades, installed (HomeGuide 2025).

What it costs

ItemUnitTypical US rangeSource
Basic horizontal blinds
Materials and installation per window.		window$30 to $200HomeGuide
Cordless blinds
Materials and installation per window.		window$30 to $300HomeGuide
Premade curtains
Materials and installation per window.		window$50 to $500HomeGuide
Custom curtains
Materials and installation per window; fabric and size affect the range.		window$300 to $4,000HomeGuide
Cellular shades
Materials and installation per window.		window$70 to $350HomeGuide
Motorized shades
Materials and installation per window; motor and control options vary.		window$350 to $1,000HomeGuide
Custom shades
Materials and installation per window; unusual sizes may require custom work.		window$250 to $2,600HomeGuide
Plantation shutters
Interior shutters, materials and installation per window.		window$150 to $800HomeGuide

Calculators

Curtain size calculator

Rod length, panel count and panel length.

Results

Curtain size calculator

Major brands and where to buy

Links go to each manufacturer. Tier is a rough price position, not a quality score.

IKEAReady-made curtains and blindsValueBaliCustom blinds, shades, and shuttersValueLEVOLORCustom blinds and cellular shadesValueGraberBlinds, shades, shutters, and smart optionsMidNormanCustom blinds, shades, and shuttersMid3 Day BlindsCustom window treatments and in-home designMidKirschDrapery hardware and custom coveringsMidThe Shade StoreHandmade custom shades and draperyPremiumHunter DouglasCustom shades, blinds, and shuttersPremiumLutronMotorized shades and lighting controlsPremiumSomfyMotors and controls for window coveringsPremium

Retailers

The Home DepotLowe'sBlinds.comWayfairIKEA

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Using one measurement for windows that are slightly different sizes.
  • Choosing a treatment before checking mount depth, trim, handles, or door clearance.
  • Leaving accessible looped cords near children instead of choosing cordless products.
  • Assuming light-filtering fabric provides blackout or full privacy at night.
  • Forgetting motor power, controls, old-treatment removal, or installation in the quote.

Questions to ask a pro

  1. Will you measure each window and confirm inside- or outside-mount requirements?
  2. Which option gives the light control and privacy I need in this room?
  3. Does the quote include motorization, controls, installation, and old-treatment removal?
  4. What warranty and repair service apply to the mechanism and fabric?

How long it lasts

Often replaced after a few years; care, sun exposure, fading, damage, and mechanism performance affect timing.

Can you DIY it?

moderate - standard rods and premade blinds are manageable; custom or motorized treatments need precise measuring

Permits

Rarely needed; use an installer for high, specialty-shaped, or motorized treatments when safe access or wiring is difficult.

Ready to hire?

Get up to 3 quotes from licensed, insured local pros.

Trusted resources

From the Journal

Sources

  1. https://homeguide.com/costs/window-treatment-cost
  2. https://www.cpsc.gov/gocordless
  3. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/25-home-design-trends-defining-how-well-live-in-2026-stsetivw-vs~183837788

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