How Much Do Automatic Shades and Blinds Cost?

Not so long ago, the idea of controlling your blinds with voice commands was the stuff of science fiction. While not all motorized blinds and shades have voice command capability, adding automatic models to your home can make controlling light, privacy and heat more convenient.

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How Do Automatic or Motorized Blinds and Shades Work?

Motorized blinds or shades operate using a small motor. When you press the controls, the motor turns a bar that opens and shuts the blinds. Some motorized shade systems connect to your home's power supply, while others require rechargeable batteries.

Basic, non-smart motorized blinds come with wall switches or remote controls, allowing you to control your blinds from inside your home. More technologically advanced systems have integrated Wi-Fi, connecting them with smart home hubs or a smartphone app. You can control these systems remotely, making them a great option if you want to open and shut your smart blinds while you're out of town. Some products also allow you to set timers to open and shut your blinds automatically at certain times of the day.

What Are the Different Types of Motorized Shades?

Motorized blinds come in a range of styles and colors similar to their nonmotorized counterparts. Popular options include:

Motorized Venetian Blinds

Motorized Venetian blinds have horizontal slats that open and shut automatically. When you lower the blinds, you can tilt the slats to adjust visibility from the street and the amount of light entering your room. Venetian blinds could be a practical option if you want to allow natural daylight inside your room while ensuring privacy.

Motorized Roman Blinds

Roman blinds comprise fabric pleats. The pleats gather at the top of the blind when opened and extend when closed, creating a softer look similar to curtains. You can choose from a wide range of materials, including insulated and blackout fabrics, to suit the purpose of each room.

Motorized Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are long sheets of fabric that roll around a tube. When you close the blinds, the fabric unrolls to cover the window. They're a popular choice because they're easy to operate and maintain, and they come in a broad variety of fabric types. For example, you can purchase waterproof roller blinds for damp environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

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How Much Do Automatic Blinds and Shades Cost?

According to HomeGuide, installing motorized blinds or shades costs between $300 and $1,000 (CAD 431 and CAD 1,437) per window. For comparison, installing traditional, nonmotorized blinds typically costs $170 to $400 (CAD 245 to CAD 577) less. Factors that could impact your project costs include:

Size

The larger your blinds, the more you'll pay for installation. For example, installing a small, 24-inch by 36-inch motorized blind costs $250 to $450 (CAD 359 to CAD 647) on average, while an extra-large 72-inch by 84-inch model could cost as much as $1,200 (CAD 1,725).

Blind Style

Motorized roller blinds are often the cheapest option at $300 to $550 (CAD 431 to CAD 791) per window, including the cost of materials and installation labor. Venetian blinds typically cost between $300 and $800 (CAD 431 and CAD 1,150), while Roman blinds range between $350 and $700 (CAD 503 and CAD 1,006). Wooden blinds tend to be the most expensive, with most homeowners spending between $500 and $1,000 (CAD 719 and CAD 1,437) per window.

Power Supply

The power source used to operate your automatic blinds can impact the installation process. Battery-operated models are usually the cheapest to install because they don't require hardwiring. Installing a hardwired blind is more complex because it involves connecting your blind to your home's electrical system. Expect to pay an electrician around $50 to $200 (CAD 72 to CAD 289) per hour to hardwire your new blinds.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.