How much do curtains cost?
How much do curtains cost?
$50 – $500 cost per window (standard)
$300 – $4,000 cost per window (custom)
Average cost of curtains
The cost of curtains is $50 to $500 per window on average when installed by a professional. The cost of custom curtains is $300 to $4,000 per window, depending on the window size, curtain material, pattern or texture, rod type, and how sheer the curtains are.
| Factor | Average cost per window |
|---|---|
| Materials | $5 – $250 |
| Labor | $45 – $250 |
| Total cost | $50 – $500 |
Many people use "curtains" and drapes" interchangeably, but they're technically different. Drapes are floor-length curtains that are traditionally made of heavier materials like damask or velvet.
Curtains come in a greater variety of lengths and styles and are often less formal. The cost of drapes tends to be higher than lightweight curtains.
Cost of custom curtains and drapes
Custom-made curtains cost $300 to $4,000 per window, depending on the window size and materials used. This includes fabric, a curtain rod, mounting hardware, and professional installation. Custom drapes are best for large or unusually shaped windows or if you have a certain design in mind that isn't available in stores.
Cost of curtains by type
The cost of your curtains depends on the type and how sheer the material is. If you need blackout curtains in your bedroom to sleep, for example, you may pay slightly more. If you want to maximize natural light, sheer or light-filtering curtains are best.
| Curtain type | Average price per panel* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer | $5 – $130 | Provides some privacy and soft light |
| Light-filtering | $5 – $150 | Adds more privacy and diffuses light |
| Room-darkening | $5 – $200 | Reduces light, noise, and glare |
| Blackout | $10 – $250 | Blocks 95% to 100% of light and reduces noise |
*Materials only
Many homeowners have both sheer and darkening curtain panels on the same window, which they adjust to let light into the room without sacrificing privacy.
Curtains cost factors
Curtains and drapes are easy to use and can be more aesthetically pleasing than blinds. The overall cost of curtains depends on several factors:
Number of windows: Buying multiple sets of drapery costs more, especially when you have to buy several different sizes and types.
Material quality: Higher-quality fabrics like linen or damask cost more than lower-quality materials like acrylic or polyester. Heavier, more expensive fabrics may require liners to protect them from the sun. Soundproofing curtains costs $20 to $400 each for materials alone.
Installation: Professional curtain installation costs $45 to $250, depending on the type of mounting hardware. Installing a pulley system costs more than a simple curtain rod.
Automation: Motorized curtains cost $300 to $2,500 per window with installation, depending on the material and window size. Some systems allow you to pre-program the curtains to open at set times during the day or control them with an app or remote.
Pattern: Florals, stripes, geometrical patterns, or textures could add to the cost. Plain, single-colored curtains tend to cost less.
Curtain rods: In order to hang curtains, you'll need to have a rod to support their weight. Curtain rods cost $3 to $40+ each on average, depending on the length, material, and finish. Other hardware like rings, clips, brackets, or tie backs add to the overall price.
Hanging type: The curtain price may vary depending on whether it uses grommets, a rod pocket, tab tops, pinch pleats, or back tabs to attach to the curtain rod.
Curtain length
Valence and café curtains often cost less because they're shorter and only cover part of the window. Many people install a valence panel at the top of a kitchen window and café curtains below it. Longer styles include:
| Curtain type | Average length (inches) |
|---|---|
| Sill length | 48" – 64" |
| Apron length | 64" – 74" |
| Floor length | 84" – 94" |
| Puddle length | 94" – 120" |
Where to buy curtains
You can buy drapery at a number of different websites and retail stores:
Target
Home Depot
Lowe's
Amazon
Walmart
IKEA
Wayfair
Half Price Drapes
Curtain Factory Outlet
Curtains vs. other window treatments
Window treatments cost $30 to $600 per window on average with installation, depending on the type and style. Some homeowners prefer curtains for the variety of colors and patterns, while others prefer the simplicity of blinds or shades.
| Window treatment type | Average cost per window installed |
|---|---|
| Curtains | $50 – $500 |
| Shades cost | $60 – $600 |
| Blinds cost | $30 – $600 |
| Motorized blinds cost | $300 – $1,000 |
FAQs about curtains
Should curtains touch the floor?
Whether your curtains touch the floor depends entirely on your taste and preferences. Most interior designers suggest having curtains that either lightly touch the floor or hover 1 to 2 inches above it. However, some people prefer shorter curtains that end near the windowsill.
How long does it take to install curtains?
Professional curtain installation takes 30 minutes to 2 hours per window, depending on the curtain rod type, window size, and whether you opt for a pulley or motorized system.
How wide should curtains be?
Curtain panels can measure anywhere from 30" to 84" wide, or 15" to 124" wide for custom curtains. Most windows require two panels, one on each side, although narrow windows or custom curtains may only use one panel.
Where do you hang curtain rods?
Curtain rods traditionally hang halfway between the ceiling and the top of the window. However, some designers recommend hanging curtain rods close to the ceiling if you want to make the room feel taller.
To make your windows appear larger, you can also extend the curtain and rod around 12 inches to the left and right of the window frame.
Getting estimates from curtain installers
When getting estimates from drapery and curtain installers, remember to consider the material quality, workmanship, and customer service instead of just price. Follow these suggestions to find the right installer:
Take precise window measurements to get an accurate quote.
Get quotes from 3+ installers to compare.
Pick an installer with positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask which material and styles fit within your budget.
Get an itemized estimate that includes materials, labor, and other fees.
Ask about warranty coverage for materials and labor.
Ask if they have any promotions or discounts available.
Questions to ask your curtain installer
Ask your curtain installer these questions to ensure you're getting quality installation and products:
Is your business licensed and insured?
Can you provide any references or testimonials from recent customers?
What brands and types of curtains do you normally install?
Do you install curtain or drape liners?
Do you make custom curtains? How much would that cost?
How long will the installation take?
Will you remove the old window treatments? Is that included in this estimate?
What does the warranty cover?
What's your policy on repairs or damage?
What curtain rod material do you recommend?
How far above the window will you install the rod?
Do you install motorized curtain systems? How much does that cost?
Do you have any blackout curtains that could help reduce my utility bills?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.