0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Citi Strata℠ Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Budget for Custom Motorized Shades

How to · Home

How to Budget for Custom Motorized Shades

Get your bedroom blackout setup for $100 a month by timing your purchase with January sales.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $100.00/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Waking up in a pitch-black room is a game changer for your sleep quality. Motorized shades take the effort out of your morning and evening routine, and installing them is a one-day project that makes your space feel finished.

Wait until January to order, when window treatment companies run their biggest annual sales. You will save a chunk of change by timing your purchase with these seasonal discounts.

Remember that the 0% period is a deadline, not a break from paying. If you still have a balance on the card after the 18 months are up, you will start paying interest on whatever is left, which gets expensive quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Contact three local window treatment installers to get apples-to-apples estimates. Prices vary widely based on the fabric and motor brand, so do not settle for the first number you see. Ask each pro if they offer a discount for ordering during the January sale period.

  2. 02

    Finalize your measurements

    If you are installing these yourself to save on labor, measure your windows at the top, middle, and bottom. If you are hiring a pro, have them handle the measurements to ensure the fit is perfect. A custom shade that does not fit is a waste of money.

  3. 03

    Use your card window

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to pay for the $1800 order. You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you pay off the balance over time without paying interest.

  4. 04

    Set up auto-pay

    Divide your total cost by 18 to get a payment of $100.00 per month. Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your credit card for this exact amount. This ensures you stay on track to clear the debt before the promo period ends.

  5. 05

    Schedule the install

    Once the shades are ordered, work with the vendor to lock in your installation date. Clear the area around your windows before the crew arrives so they can work quickly. Test the motors and remote controls before the team leaves your house.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I choose battery or hardwired motors?

Battery motors are easier to install since you do not need an electrician. Hardwired shades are more expensive upfront but save you from ever having to climb a ladder to swap out batteries.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% offer early and trigger late fees. Keep your payments on time to protect the interest-free window.

Can I install these myself?

You can, provided you are comfortable with a drill and a level. If you are not confident, pay for the professional install to avoid damaging your walls or the shades.

Are motorized shades worth the extra cost?

They are a luxury, but they last much longer than cheap plastic versions. Because you aren't pulling on them by hand, the fabric stays cleaner and the mounting hardware stays secure.