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How to Budget for Custom Window Blinds

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How to Budget for Custom Window Blinds

Custom blinds can transform your home, but they are expensive. Here is how to pull off a $2,000 upgrade without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $111.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,000 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.

Custom blinds completely change how a room feels, blocking out the harsh summer heat and giving you actual privacy. The job itself only takes a day, but the lead time for custom orders is usually three to four weeks. If you buy during mid-summer holiday sales, you will catch the deepest discounts of the year, but you should still get at least three different quotes before committing.

A whole house of custom blinds usually runs about $2,000. Instead of wiping out your savings, you can use a strategic card to spread the cost over a year and a half with zero interest.

Remember, a 0% interest rate is not free money; it is just a temporary grace period. If you still have a balance on your Citi Simplicity® Credit Card after those 18 months, the standard variable interest rate will kick in on whatever is left, making your custom blinds a lot more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Measure and get multiple quotes

    Do not just walk into one store. Measure your windows yourself first, then get at least three quotes from local installers and online retailers. Prices vary wildly for the exact same materials, so shopping around pays off.

  2. 02

    Time the summer sales

    Wait for the mid-summer holiday sales around the Fourth of July. Manufacturers and retailers run their biggest promotions of the season during this window. You can easily save 15% to 20% just by timing your purchase right.

  3. 03

    Secure 18 months of breathing room

    Put the purchase on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you buy the blinds now and pay them off slowly.

  4. 04

    Automate your monthly payment

    Divide your total cost by 18. If your custom blinds cost $2,000, you need to pay exactly $111.11 per month to clear the balance. Set up autopay for this amount immediately so you never miss a month.

  5. 05

    Prep your windows for install

    Clear the area around your windows before the installers arrive to save time. Remove your old blinds yourself if the quote charges an extra fee for disposal. This keeps the final bill as close to your budget as possible.

  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

Is it cheaper to install custom blinds myself?

Yes, you can save a few hundred dollars on labor. However, if you measure incorrectly, you are stuck with blinds that do not fit, since custom orders are usually non-refundable.

How long do custom blinds usually last?

High-quality custom blinds typically last about 7 to 10 years. Real wood and cellular shades tend to last the longest if they are cared for properly.

What is the best month to buy window treatments?

July and August are usually the best months. Retailers look to clear out inventory during mid-summer holiday sales, which means deeper discounts for you.

What happens if I miss a payment during the 0% period?

If you miss a payment, you might lose your promotional rate entirely. Always set up autopay to ensure you keep your 0% interest active for the full 18 months.