The cost of a made-to-measure blind depends mainly on six things: the type of blind, its size, the fabric or material, the mechanism and controls, any specialist system such as a cassette or frame, and how difficult the window is to fit. Two blinds for windows of the same size can be priced very differently because of these choices. This guide explains what drives the price, so you can decide where it is worth spending and where it is not.
1. The type of blind
Different blind types use different amounts of material and different mechanisms. A simple roller blind is generally less complex to make than a Roman blind, which is sewn and has more components; wooden Venetian blinds and shutters involve more material again. But there is a wide range within every type, so one category is not always cheaper than another.
2. Width and drop
Larger blinds use more material, may need stronger components and can take longer to make and fit. Very wide or very tall blinds may also need a heavier-duty mechanism or motor, which adds to the cost. Sometimes splitting a large window into two or more blinds is both more practical and better value.
3. Fabric or material
Fabric choice makes a big difference. Plain fabrics, patterns, textures, blackout, moisture-resistant and solar-control fabrics all vary. For Venetian blinds, real wood, faux wood and aluminium differ, as do slat widths and finishes. For Roman blinds and curtains, the lining — standard, blackout or interlined — also affects cost. See Curtain Linings Explained.
4. Mechanism and controls
- Manual controls — chain, cord or wand, with the required child-safety devices.
- Cordless or spring systems — no loose cords, available on selected ranges.
- Motorisation — a motor, a control, and possibly a hub for app or smart-home control. Battery and wired options differ. See Motorised Blinds Guide.
5. Specialist systems
Some windows need more than a standard blind:
- Cassettes and side channels for enhanced room darkening. See Blackout Blinds Explained.
- Frame-fitted systems such as Perfect Fit or FITtoFRAME blinds, where each pane has its own framed blind.
- Tensioned or guided systems for roof windows, roof lanterns and conservatories.
- Shaped blinds for angled, arched or gable windows.
These can cost more than a conventional blind for the same window, but they often solve a problem a conventional blind cannot.
6. Fitting and access
A standard window at a comfortable height is straightforward. Costs can rise where access is difficult — a high landing window, a roof lantern, a window above a staircase — or where the fixing surface needs extra work, such as tiles, very hard masonry or plasterboard that needs specialist fixings. The number of blinds matters too: fitting several blinds in one visit is more efficient than one at a time.
7. Quantity and matching
If several windows are being done together, it can be easier to keep fabrics and mechanisms consistent and to plan the fitting efficiently. It is worth thinking about the whole room or house rather than one window at a time.
Where it is worth spending
- On the mechanism for large or heavy blinds — an under-specified mechanism is one of the main reasons blinds fail early. See Why Do Blinds Fail Early?
- On the right material for the room — a cheaper fabric that cannot cope with humidity is a false economy.
- On specialist systems where the problem demands it — for example, a nursery that genuinely needs to be dark.
Where you might save
- A simpler blind type where the window does not need anything more.
- Plain fabrics rather than patterned ones, where the look allows.
- Manual or cordless controls on easy-to-reach windows, rather than motorising everything.
- Choosing where to use a specialist system, rather than using it everywhere.
Why we do not publish “from” prices
Because so much depends on the window and the specification, a single “from” price can be misleading. We would rather measure the window, talk through what you need and give you a quotation for your windows. That happens on a free home survey. Our guide to questions to ask before ordering will help you compare quotes fairly.
Frequently asked questions
Are made-to-measure blinds worth the extra cost?
They are made for the exact opening and specified for the room, which usually means a better fit, better operation and fewer problems. See Made-to-Measure vs Ready-Made Blinds.
Do motorised blinds cost more?
Yes, because they include a motor and controls. How much more depends on the system and the number of blinds.
Why are two quotes for the same window so different?
Often because the specification differs — fabric, mechanism, fitting position or included services. Ask what each quote includes.
Is fitting included?
Ask each supplier. We survey, supply and fit, and we will explain what the quotation covers.