When considering new shades, cost can be a significant consideration. This article will provide price examples from several manufacturers, and then discuss the surcharges associated with customizations.
What is a Roller Shade?
A roller shade is timeless and uncomplicated. Occasionally referred to as a roller blind, this fabric covering can provide light control along with a noticeable reduction in sun heat. It comes off a roll from the top of the window and hangs flat, creating a sleek, modern appearance. These shades are known for smooth, simple operation, and they are the most popular window coverings used in automation. For those windows with a view, roller shades take up little space when raised, and offer some fabrics with excellent view-through properties.
How Much Money Will I Spend?
Below, we provide approximate price ranges for roller shades from reputable brands: Horizons, Hunter Douglas, Alta, and Norman Window Fashions, known for their quality products:
Horizons: Shades of EleganceTM Roller Shades (Base Model with Cord Loop):
- Single Window (36x60): Price range of $200 - $400
- Double Window (72x60): Price range of $350 - $750
Hunter Douglas: Designer Roller Shades (Base Model with Cord Loop):
- Single Window (36x60): Price range of $300 - $600
- Double Window (72x60): Price range of $500 - $1,150
Alta: Roller Shades (Base Model with Cord Loop):
- Single Window (36x60): Price range of $200 - $550
- Double Window (72x60): Price range of $400 - $1,000
Norman: SolunaTM Roller Shades (Base Model with Cord Loop):
- Single Window (36x60): Price range of $300 - $400
- Double Window (72x60): Price range of $450 - $700
- Cordless option available for no extra charge
How Can I Upgrade My Roller Shades?
The extent of customization influences the cost of roller shades. Some factors to consider include:
Material: The way the fabric filters light affects the mood of your space. The textile options are diverse, ranging from faux bamboo to patterns, blackout capabilities, privacy, light filtering, and more, making it easy to find a fabric that compliments your curtains. These options form the base price ranges listed above. All manufacturers list their base pricing in terms of fabric pricing groups. Some manufacturers, like Norman Window Fashions, offer a dual roller shade, which is two shades mounted together on one window. This allows for independent adjustment of each layer, doubling your light control options. A dual shade is priced as two separate shades.
Valance/Fascia/Cassette: On roller shades you can add a valance to conceal the roll at the top. The additional cost depends on the width of the shade. Prices vary from company to company, with a range of about $100 - $350 for the valance alone. The alternative is to leave the roll at the top of the shade unhidden. This reduced price option is called “open roll.”
Cordless Lift: Cordless lift systems are effortless to operate, and lend themselves to a more streamlined look. Companies’ base model pricing may include cordless, or you may be charged extra for the feature. Surcharges for this mechanism span from $100-$150 per window.
Motorization: Motorized options, such as remote control and motorized wand, offer convenience and ease by eliminating the need for adjustment by hand. Brands like Hunter Douglas go further, offering an app for automated scheduling based on your preferences - or even the sunrise. Between manufacturers and technologies the motorization surcharge fluctuates from around $200 - $1050 per window. Most homeowners opt for the system we call “internal rechargeable battery motor,” which ranges in price from $300 - $850.
In conclusion, roller shades offer ease of operation and a modern appearance. They are an ideal choice for many homeowners, offering more nuance in lighting and style than the average window blind. Custom window treatments like those mentioned above are higher quality than those available on blinds.com or similar sites. Our prices reflect this. Your window treatments should meet and exceed your expectations. When selecting custom roller shades, you will be balancing the priorities of cost, quality, and beauty. We hope this article has opened the door to making informed decisions as you decide on what’s right for your home.