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Looking to buy new solar shades to filter sunlight, block heat and UV rays, reduce glare, and prevent sun damage and fading in your home? Also known as solar roller shades or sunscreens, these daylight blocking blinds are one of the high utility yet affordable window coverings, ranging in price from as little as $54 to $250, with an average cost of $153. Labor charges for measurement and installation costs are in addition to it.

The typical price range of solar mesh blinds is based on their size, quality of fabric material, openness factor (1% to 14%), and manual or automatic control. A cordless or motorized control is a kid-safe, as it fully complies with the CPSC’s New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings.

There are cost-saving options like free shipping, free samples, and sale price discounts.

Read on to learn how much you’ll actually need to spend on your sun shades from customizing and buying a product to installing it in your interior or exterior living space.

What are Solar Shades?

Solar shades are budget-friendly solar mesh blinds that offer a simple, yet sophisticated way to block the harsh sun and provide privacy and insulation without blocking your view to the outside.

Choose fade-resistant performance fabrics with rich texture to add beauty, warmth, and softness to your living space.

These shades come with different loose or tight fabric weave styles that determine the openness percentage or opacity level (99% to 86%). Different openness percentages include 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 14%.

They can be installed in both indoor and outdoor (exterior) living spaces, such as kitchen, dining area, entertainment or media room, office, patio, and porch.

Typical Price Range of Solar Blinds

• Minimum Price: $54 (for windows measuring 15 x 24” in width and height)
• Maximum Price: $250 (for windows measuring 115 x 108” in width and height)
• Average: $152

Factors in Calculating Solar Shades’ Cost

1. Openness Factor

Opacity level does affect the cost of modern ‘solars’ for patio doors and other interior or exterior spaces, with tighter weaves (lower transparencies) being more expensive than looser weaves. Based on the openness factors, the small-sized blinds range in price from $54 to $62.

2. High or Low Performance Fabric

High performance solar fabric materials are costlier than their low performance counterparts. But a premium, durable solar mesh fabric is a better option, as it will keep looking new and working better for longer, usually over two decades.

3. Size

Size is one of the biggest factors affecting the cost of UV light filtering solar shades. The value of an Elite Solar Shade 5% Openness increases from $58 to $500, as you increase the size from 15 x 24” to 115 x 108”.

4. Motorization

Can you afford $150 to $200 to enjoy opening, closing, and adjusting your sun blinds with a remote, your voice, or an app? Motorization will also allow you to program the raising and lower of your blinds in response to light and temperature.

5. Number of Products

How many sun blinds do you want to buy? As you order more sets, the price will go on multiplying. For example, you can get two large (72 x 108”) 1% openness solars at $280 (2 x 140).

6. Measurement Costs

Labor charges for measurement run between $30 to $100 per hour. You can save that amount if you are a DIYer. Just learn the how to measure guide to get started. However, be careful when recording width, height, and depth for inside and outside mounts.

7. Installation Charges

For better functionality and perfect fit, you’ll need a perfect, professional-like fit, which will incur an extra $40 to $50 per window. It means if you have 4 windows in your home, you’ll need to pay $200. A cheaper option is to go with a DIY step-by-step installation.

8. Product Brand

Brand reputation significantly affects the price of your new sun-blocking window coverings. Fortunately, there are brands like “Affordable Blinds” which offer huge discounts (up to 70%!) on their high-end window covers. Other budget-saving options include free samples, free shipping, a free lifetime warranty, and 110% best price guarantee.

Additional Cost Considerations

• Personal Touch: Custom ‘solars’ are costlier than the ready-made ones, adding about $30 to $100 to their sale price. If your budget allows, go ahead with personalizing your window treatments for color (white, ivory, silver, ecru, chocolate, charcoal), size (15 to 115”), roll style (standard, reverse), and style (modern, classic).

• Privacy Liners: Solar mesh blinds do not provide complete privacy and insulation. You will need to add a liner to increase their view-blockage and thermal regulation, which will add an extra $70 to $150 to the total cost of your solar rollers.

• Moisture-Resistance: Want to install your sun blinds in high humidity areas like a swimming pool or kitchen, choose PVC or vinyl coated sunscreen fabrics with an increase of about $20 to $50 in their price. On the other hand, an uncoated fabric will cost $2 to $3 per square foot.

Costlier Alternatives to Solar Shades

Sheer shades are a costlier alternative to sun shades, which provide a brighter, diffused light in your room along with some privacy.

Are solar shades worth the money?

Yes, solar shades are definitely worth the money! Not only do these cost-effective, child-safe window coverings protect your furniture, floors, and furnishings from fading, but also keep your home warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer.

What are the disadvantages of solar shades?

• Let sunlight in: Even if you choose expensive solar shades with tight weave and high light protection, they let some sunlight in through spaces.
• See Through at Night: Unless you layer them with another curtain, solar shades let passers-by see into your space at night when lights are on. They only provide daytime privacy.
• Prevent Airflow: Solar roll-up window coverings inhibit ventilation of your room.
• Darken Your Outdoor Space: Sun blinds with lower openness level will darken your indoor or outdoor living space.
• Less Attractive: When seen from outside, they are less attractive than Roman shades, pleated shades, mini blinds, and woven shades.

How long do solar shades last?

Low-priced solar blinds are durable window coverings, lasting 20 to 25 years. To increase their lifespan, add vinyl- or PVC-coated fabrics to recyclable and biodegradable sunscreens. It will make them less prone to abrasions, fading, sun damage, and wear and tear due to harsh weather.

Can you see through solar shades at night?

Solar shades with all openness percentages are see-through at night when lights are on in your room, unless you pair them with a fabric curtain, which will add extra $100 to $200 to their cost. However, tighter weaves are more opaque.

Need More Help?

Need expert advice on cost-effective solar shades and their measurement and installation costs, contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.

Step-by-Step Guide to Close Your Roller Blind

Looking for a safe, convenient, and cost-effective mechanism to close your roller blind? You have lots of options to choose from, such as cordless, motorized, and smart systems. An inexpensive alternative is also there, i.e., a corded lift mechanism, which is considered unsafe for homes with young children and pets. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to closing your roller shades.

Things You’ll Learn

• Introduction to roller blinds and their operation
• Steps to close a roller window treatments
• Tips and considerations for closing roller shades
• Variations in roller blind operation

1. Introduction to Roller Blinds & Their Operation

Roller blinds are popular versatile window treatments that offer functionality, style, and ease of operation. They consist of a fabric panel that can roll up and down around a cylindrical roller tube, allowing you to control the amount of light and privacy in your room. Closing a roller shade is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Understanding the basics of the operation of roller window treatments will help you effectively close and adjust them according to your preferences.

2. Easy Steps to Close a Roller Blind

You can follow these step-by-step instructions to close roller blinds in your home, office, or other building.

• Identify the Control Mechanism: Locate the working and control mechanism of your roller window treatments. It can be a cord, chain, spring-loaded system, or motorized mechanism depending on the type of roller shades you have.
• Locate the Control End of Your Blinds: Identify the end of the control system that allows you to lower or raise your blind. This end is usually equipped with a handle, cord, chain, push-button unit, or an app on your smartphone.
• Lower the Blind: Using the handle, cord, chain, button, or other control end, you can lower your window treatment in a smooth and controlled motion. This will cause the fabric panel to unroll and cover the window opening for light control, privacy, and other benefits.
• Adjust the Blind Position: Stop using the control mechanism when the desired level of window coverage is achieved. You can adjust your blind to any position between fully open and fully closed, depending on your needs for light and privacy adjustment.
• Secure Your Blind: Some roller shades have a braking system or a locking mechanism that allows you to secure the blind in the desired position. If you have a cordless, motorized, or smart lift, you won’t need to do these additional things. However, you need to ensure that your blind is securely held in place to prevent it from unintentionally rolling up.

3. Tips and Considerations for Closing Roller Blinds

Here are some helpful tips and considerations to keep in mind when closing roller blinds:

• Check for Obstacles or Obstructions: Before closing your blind, ensure that there are no objects or furniture blocking its path. Clear any obstructions for a smooth, obstacle-free operation.
• Maintain the Components: Regularly inspect and clean the parts of the control mechanism of your roller blinds to ensure smooth and effortless operation. Lubricate any moving components as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain their functionality.
• Adjust for Desired Light Control & Privacy: Roller blinds offer adjustable privacy and light control levels. You can experiment with different positions to find the right balance of privacy and natural light for your space.
• Consider Child Safety: If you have young children or pets in your home, opt for cordless or motorized roller blinds or install safety devices to keep dangling cords or chains out of reach of children. This will help you to prevent accidents or entanglement.

4. Variations in Roller Blind Operation

Roller blinds come in different types and operation methods. Here are a few variations:

4.1: Cordless Roller Blinds: These window blinds operate without cords, making them safe and easy to use. They feature a spring-loaded mechanism or a bottom-up/bottom-up design that allows you to push or pull the blind into position with your hand.

4.2: Motorized Blind Operation: Motorized roller blinds are controlled by a motorized mechanism that allows for remote or automated operation. With the touch of a button or through integration with your smart home automation system, you can effortlessly close or adjust your blinds.

4.3: Smart Blind Control: Smart roller shades can be controlled using a smartphone, voice commands, or your existing home automation systems. They offer convenience and customization, so you can schedule opening and closing times based on light, temperature, and time of the day.

Summing Up

Closing a roller window blind is a quick, straightforward process that can be accomplished by following some easy DIY steps. Whether you have traditional corded blinds or modern cordless or motorized choices, understanding the operation of your roller blinds will ensure seamless functionality and enhance your overall window covering experience.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Sheer Shades

Planning to replace your existing window treatments with sheer shades but unsure if you can afford them? Sheer shades are affordable window coverings. At a discounted rate, you can easily buy a sheer light filtering shade with zebra elegance for just around $60! but their price can vary depending on their size, type of fabric, quality, customization options, and operation mechanism. Certain additional features also affect their prices, such as shipping costs, return policies, warranty, and professional installation charges. Here is a comprehensive guide about “How much do sheer shades cost?” along with different factors affecting their price.

Things You’ll Learn

• What are sheer shades?
• The pricing range for sheer shades
• Factors influencing the cost of light-diffusing blinds

1. What Are Sheer Shades?

The word “sheer” means “thin, light, and almost transparent”. Sheer shades are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a balance between privacy, light control, and aesthetics in their window coverings. They combine the functionality of blinds with the softness of curtains. They are constructed using two layers of sheer fabric with horizontal slats or vanes in between.

This unique design allows them to provide adjustable light control and privacy while still allowing a gentle diffusion of natural light into your room. When the fabric vanes are open, the sheer fabric filters and softens the incoming natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance in your space. When the vanes are closed or lowered, the fabric offers privacy while still allowing outside views.

2. The Pricing Range for Sheer Shades

The standard rates of sheer window blinds range from $200 to $800 dollars. However, if you are able to cash in on huge discounts of up to 70% on different types of sheer shades, the price range will fall between $60 to $250! What a huge amount that you can save on your window treatment upgrade!

Various elements contribute to the pricing of your sheer shades, including construction quality, material selection, custom choices, lift mechanism, and brand reputation. Different brands and retailers may offer sheer shades at varying price points, often reflecting the level of brand positioning and market variations.

When considering sheer shades, you should conduct a price comparison among different brands and online retailers. This will allow you to evaluate the offerings, assess the quality and features, and determine the best value for your budget. Additionally, seeking out competitive pricing and exploring discounts or promotions can help make transparent shades more affordable

3. Factors Influencing the Cost of Sheer Window Treatments

Size: The size of sheer shades is a significant factor in determining their price. Larger shades require more materials and labor during manufacturing, resulting in a higher cost compared to smaller sizes.

3.1: Construction & Material Quality

The construction and material quality of sheer shades plays a significant role in determining their overall cost. High-quality fabric materials and sturdy construction ensure durability and longevity, making your window coverings a valuable investment. Manufacturers use a range of fabric options and employ various manufacturing techniques to produce sheer blinds that offer superior performance. These factors contribute to the overall pricing of sheer window treatments.

When considering sheer shades, it is essential to assess their materials and construction standards. Premium materials, such as high-grade fabrics and specialized weaves, often incur a higher price due to their improved functionality and curb appeal. Manufacturing processes that result in meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail can impact the cost.

Durability is another aspect to consider when evaluating the cost of sheer shades. Well-constructed blinds with durable materials can withstand regular wear and tear and maintain their functionality and appearance over time. Investing in sheer window treatments with excellent construction and material quality reduces the need for replacement or repairs.

3.2: Customization Options

One of the key benefits of sheer shades is the availability of customization options, allowing homeowners to tailor the shades to their specific tastes and design requirements. Custom options include selecting the desired size, style, color, design, pattern, and additional features. However, it’s important to note that customization can influence the cost of sheer shades.

Made-to-measure sheer shades, customized to fit your window frames precisely, usually come at a higher price point compared to standard-sized options. Custom sizes need additional attention and resources during the manufacturing process, contributing to their increased cost. Similarly, opting for unique patterns and colors or personalized designs may incur additional charges, reflecting the craftsmanship involved.

3.3: Lift Option

The type of lift option chosen for sheer shades can influence their cost. Different lift mechanisms, such as corded, cordless, top-down, bottom-up, motorized, or smart options, vary in cost due to the additional hardware and technology involved. Cordless options are usually safe for homes with young children and pets. Smart lifts can be integrated into the existing smart home automation systems.

3.4: Shipping Costs 

When purchasing sheer window treatments online or from distant retailers, shipping costs should be a part of your cost analysis. They can add to their overall price. The size and weight of the blinds, as well as the shipping distance, can impact the shipping fees.

3.5: Return Policies

Some manufacturers and online retailers may offer lenient return policies to allow customers to return or exchange their products if they are not satisfied. While not directly affecting the initial price, a more flexible return policy can be reflected in the overall cost to account for potential returns or exchanges.

3.6: Warranty

The inclusion of a warranty plan can affect the price of your sheer shades. A longer and more comprehensive warranty coverage might result in a slightly higher price, as it provides peace of mind to the customer regarding potential issues with the product. Online stores like Affordableblinds.com offer a free lifetime warranty, which can save you a big amount on the over cost of the shades.

3.7: Professional Installation Charges

If you don’t want to install your window treatments with easy DIY tips, you’ll need to go for professional installation services, which will incur additional charges. Professional installation ensures proper fit, working, and decorative appeal.

Considering these factors is crucial when evaluating the price of your sheer shades. Balancing your budget and requirements will help you make an informed decision and choose sheer window treatments that best suit your needs while staying within your desired affordability range. 

Summing Up

Sheer shades are affordable window coverings that offer a blend of light control, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. The cost of sheer window treatments is influenced by factors such as construction and material quality, custom options, and pricing variations among retailers and brands.

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions and choose sheer shades that precisely meet your functional and budgetary needs. With their ability to transform your space and provide a seamless blend of style and functionality, sheer window coverings are a worthy investment for enhancing the beauty and comfort of your home.

Want to spruce up your home’s interior with fresh, new 1-inch slat blinds but don’t know if you have enough budget for these durable, kid-safe beauties? Go ahead with your micro window treatments plan. They aren’t costlier!

Mini blinds, also referred to as aluminum blinds, are one of the most affordable, trendiest, and easiest to use window treatments for modern homes. These functional and attractive window covers range in price from as low as $17 to $73, with an average of $45. This typical price range is based on size, type of material, control options, and other factors.

If you add motorization when purchasing a new set of mini-slat blinds, you’ll need to pay an extra $200.

Typical Price Range of Mini Blinds

• Minimum Price: $17 (for blind measuring 18 x 24” in width and height)
• Maximum Price: $73 (for blind measuring 72 x 72” in width and height)
• Average: $45

1” slat window coverings are a solid investment. In addition to visual interest, they serve various practical purposes, like energy efficiency and regulation of light, privacy, and visibility. 

Plus they come with a kid-friendly cordless lift option, which makes these budget-friendly window covers safe for home with young children and pets.

When Do You Need to Install Mini or Micro Blinds?

Do you have smaller windows in your room? You don’t need enormous slats for light control or privacy. Choose micro blinds or mini blinds with 1” or ½” slats for better light filtration and privacy control. Plus they are a low-priced alternative to big slat blinds or fabric roller shades.

Factors in Calculating Mini Blinds Cost

1. Quality of Material

The type and quality of material you choose for your new mini blinds will affect the total price. Various material choices include vinyl, wood, faux wood, aluminum, plastic, leather, faux leather, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 

A water-resistant vinyl blind is the cheapest option, costing less than $10 for a small window. And the costliest one among them is wooden, costing $150 to $200. Similarly, for a pure, better quality material, you’ll have to pay more.

2. Size

Size is one of the biggest factors affecting the price of window shades. The cost increases from $40 to $73, as you increase the size from 30 x 48” to 72 x 72”.

3. Type of Mini Blind

Two types of mini blinds are trending on the market, 1 Inch Cordless Privacy Mini Blinds, and 1 Inch Cordless One Touch Mini Blinds. Here one touch option costs over twice as much as the simple cordless one, i.e. $38 and $17, respectively.

If you choose a cord-free option, you won’t have to pay extra to make your blinds child-safe. A cordless style is fully compliant with the CPSC’s New Federal Safety Standards for Custom Window Coverings.

4. Number of Sets

How many windows do you want to hang small-slat blinds on? The total number of blinds you buy will affect the price. As you decide to treat more windows, the cost will go on multiplying. 

If a single blind measuring 36 x 48” (w x h) costs $40, four sets will cost $160, unless you get a discount offer on multiple purchases.

5. Labor Costs

• Measurement: Can you measure for your new window coverings? Learn the how to measure guide to get started. If not, you’ll need to hire a professional to record exact values for height, width, and depth (for an inside mount). Labor charges run between $30 to $100 per hour.

• Installation: A sleek look and perfect functionality are dependent on the accurate installation and operation of your blinds. If you are a DIYer, you can follow the step-by-step installation instructions to fix the blinds inside or outside the window frame. Otherwise, you’ll need to hire a professional installer and pay around $400 for eight windows found in most homes.

6. Product Brand

Some mini blind brands like “Affordable Blinds” offer huge discounts (up to 70%!) on their premium quality products, making your favorite window covers unbelievably inexpensive. Plus, there are free offers and warranties, free samples, free shipping, a free lifetime warranty, and 110% best price guarantee.

Additional Cost Considerations

• Customization: Want to give a personal touch to your blinds? Custom window coverings are almost always costlier than the ready-made ones. Customization charges range from $20 to $100. However, at online stores like Affordableblinds.com, there are no additional charges for personalized style and color.

• Automation: Motorized battery powered blinds are much costlier than their manual counterparts. For that additional cost, you’ll enjoy opening or closing your blinds with a remote, your voice command, or a smartphone app. They can be programmed to open and close at pre-scheduled times or in response to heat or light requirements in the room.

• Liner and Layering: Modern mini blinds with strong, sturdy slats can be tightly closed to provide sufficient privacy and insulation. That privacy and temperature regulation can be improved by adding a privacy liner or pairing it with a heavy-fabric Roman shades. The second option will also create a blackout or room darkening effect. Liners and additional blinds for layering will add extra $50 to $300 to the total cost of mini blinds.

• Waterproofing: If you want to install your micro-slat blinds in high humidity areas like kitchen and bathroom, choose moisture-resistant materials, like vinyl and PVC to inhibit mold or bacterial growth. These synthetic materials are cheaper than wood.

Alternatives to Mini Blinds

• 2” Faux wood blinds
• Traditional vertical blinds
• Venetian blinds
• Woven wood bamboo shades

How much should you spend on blinds?

On average, you should spend around $60 on a standard size blind, measuring 48 x 60” in width and height and 1” in slat size. Measurement and installation costs would add about $40, taking the total cost to $100. If you have 8 windows in your home, you should expect spending approximately $800.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive blinds?

Cheaper blinds are manually operated and they are made from cheap plastic, metal, and other low quality materials which break, warp, and wear out easily when exposed to the harsh sun. In contrast, more expensive blinds are motorized and made from high-quality, durable materials, like premium fabrics, metal alloys, and hardwood. They can resist fading and wear and tear for several years.

How long do mini blinds last?

Durable mini blinds last for 4 to 6 years under optimum conditions. If you have installed in high-traffic areas like kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, where they need to be frequently adjusted for light regulation, their lifespan gets reduced to 2 to 4 years.

What type of blinds are most expensive?

Motorized or electric blinds made of wooden slats are most expensive, as both automatic control and real sustainably sourced wood contribute to their costliness. They offer more value than faux wood blinds.

Need More Help?

If you need expert advice on cost-effective mini blinds and their measurement and installation costs, contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.