How Much Do Blinds Cost In Australia? [2024]

Blinds are a common fixture in Aussie homes. But they’re often seen as a basic item rather than something to really invest in. 

If you’re looking to buy new blinds, cost is a major factor. But you should make sure to consider your options so you can get something that really improves your home. 

Popular types of blinds in Australia

Obviously we’ve all seen blinds, but not everyone knows the types of blinds available. The most common are: 

• Plantation shutters
• Roller blinds
• Roman blinds
• Venetian blinds
• Vertical blinds

Some newer types of blinds include honeycomb blinds, matchstick blinds and sunscreen blinds. Each style has their unique advantages, but how much should you be paying?

How much does a set of blinds cost?

Each type of blind design has its own price range. As a general rule, you can look at costs of between $20 to $400 for a standard window. Factors like size, material and style all play a part in the price.

A full range of blinds costs can be seen in the table below. 

Type of blinds	Approximate cost
Matchstick blinds	$25-$30
Plantation shutters	$240-$400
Roller blinds	$20-$300
Roman blinds	$55-$180
Venetian blinds (aluminium)	$20-$60
Venetian blinds (PVC)	$25-$80
Venetian blinds (faux wood)	$45-$150
Venetian blinds (wood)	$60-$190
Vertical blinds	$50-$130

 

*Costs may vary depending on supplier, location and other factors. 

Some blind types have a wide price range. Usually price variations tend to be markers of quality and special features. Roller blinds at the top end of the scale, for example, tend to be blackout blinds which are heavily favoured by shift workers and expecting parents. 

If you’re looking for something fancier, you may be wondering how much custom blinds cost? Designer, custom blinds can be much more expensive than ordinary blinds. Designer blinds often come in photorealistic patterns and can cost approximately $285 for custom printed looks. While these cost more than ordinary blinds, they have the benefit of elevating your house aesthetic and adding that extra bit of pizzazz.

Cost of blackout blinds and other designs

If you want a more specific type of blind – such as blackout, skylight or patio – then the prices change quite a bit. 

These are approximate prices and the cost will be higher for larger blinds of any type. For example, blackout roller blinds in a white colour might cost:

• $63 for 400mm X 600mm blinds
• $68 for 600mm X 800mm blinds
• $80 for 800mm X 1200mm blinds

Another similar option is day and night blinds, which have both sheer and blockout backings. Day and night blinds start at around $200 and go up to $245, depending on the size:

• $200 for 400mm X 600mm blinds
• $205 for 600mm X 800mm blinds
• $245 for 800mm X 1200mm blinds

Day and night blinds are more expensive than ordinary roller blinds, but can be ideal in some situations because you can let light in or use the blackout in the bedroom or living room if you wish. Day and night blinds are stylish, too, and can be perfect for many rooms in the house.

You’ll find that all blinds have similar differences in price. The costs also depend on the quality of the blinds, with plain blinds costing less than designer blinds. 

If you want to splash out, honeycomb blinds are expensive because they are made in a special pattern with air pockets to help insulate a house. Some prices for honeycomb blinds might be:

• $95 for 500mm X 800mm honeycomb blinds
• $105 for 600mm X 800mm honeycomb blinds
• $150 for 800mm X 1200mm honeycomb blinds

Because of their smaller size, skylight blinds may have to be custom made, which adds to the cost. A good rule of thumb for the cost of skylight blinds is paying between $150 to $175 for manual blackout blinds, and more for honeycomb, venetian or solar. 

With patio blinds, there’s a lot more variation in cost because of the different sizes you might need. There are other things to think about too, like the level of privacy you want. As a guideline, expect the cost of patio blinds to start at $400 and go up to $1,000. Depending on your set up, you may need more than one. 

How much does it cost to get blinds installed?

While it may be tempting to DIY your blind installation job, it can be a better idea to hire a professional tradie who can fit them perfectly to your home. 

A good rule of thumb for professional blind installation is $50/hour, but prices do change depending on where you are in the country. 

Some companies will sell and install blinds for you, which means that while the upfront costs may be slightly higher for the blinds, it will allow you to save money overall. 

How much do curtains cost?

For some, the look of blinds just doesn’t cut it. When this is the case, curtains are another great choice for those looking to shade their rooms from the sun. 

Curtains come in many styles and the cost difference between one style and another can be high. Plain curtains might cost around $75 (depending on their size) and designer curtains might cost $500 or more. Some typical prices for curtains are:

• $75 for neutral curtains
• $84 for white curtains
• $92 for patterned curtains
• $580 for large designer curtains

Curtains also vary in price depending on the pleat. Some costs for 800mm by 1800mm curtains may be:

• $185 for a pencil pleat
• $193 for an eyelet pleat
• $200 for a double pinch pleat

The material and finish of curtains can also have an impact on the price. For a larger 800mm by 1800mm option, basic options may be $190 while linen curtains may be more than $265: 

• $190 to $210 for light filtering curtains with a pattern
• $215 to $235 for coloured curtains
• $220 to $240 for sheer curtains
• $244 to $266 for linen curtains

The prices above are just approximations and will vary depending on the manufacturer and the size of the curtains you end up choosing. One manufacturer may charge more and another less. The best way to find out how much your curtains are going to cost is to choose your preferences in terms of pattern, pleats and sizing. This should be enough information for your curtain provider to give you a close estimate of how much your new set of shades are going to cost you. 

 

Drapes as an alternative to blinds

Drapes are curtains with one key difference - they usually have a lining that can block out light. 

Drapes cost more than curtains because of the lining but can be ideal in some situations. They can be used in the bedroom or living room to block out external light and drapes can be more elegant than curtains, but it will depend on the style.

Are blinds more expensive than curtains?

In short - no. Blinds are often cheaper than curtains and if you buy one of the standard types of blinds, you’ll find it costs less than most types of curtain. 

However, if you buy a more upmarket type of blind that could put you over the price of a curtain. The same goes for curtains too – if you want a fancier style then you’re going to pay more. 

When you have unusually shaped or sized windows, it may actually be cheaper to buy curtains. Custom made blinds take a lot more work to create than bespoke curtains, so bear this in mind if you can’t find anything in the right dimensions.

The best way to understand whether blinds or curtains are cheaper is to get quotes from multiple businesses. This way, they can assess your unique requirements and provide you with an accurate cost estimate. To get into contact with reputable blind suppliers, our get quotes functionality at hipages can give you up to 3 free quotes. 

Choosing between blinds, curtains and drapes

In most cases, unless you’re doing a major overhaul, people usually buy replacements for what they already have. It’s usually easier to replace old blinds with new blinds, and same with curtains. 

But you don't need to stick with what you’ve already got and you don’t even need to choose just one option. A mix of curtains, drapes and blinds may suit your home well. 

Curtains or drapes may be ideal in the living room or bedroom, but blinds may be preferable in the laundry room, the bathroom or even the bedroom. Rather than look for curtains or blinds, get quotes for both and compare them. You may be surprised by how stylish some types of blinds can be and may wish to add them to your decor. 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.