Is Budget Blinds more expensive than big box stores?

Ever since I started as a Budget Blinds franchise owner, I took for granted that Budget Blinds is probably a little, if not a lot more expensive than big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe's and Menard's.  A quick search on the internet is filled with stories of how custom window treatment cost $1,000s, if not $10,000s to cover your windows.  And there is some truth to this.

It makes sense - we are a one-stop shop and we start by really understanding customer's home and true window-covering needs.  We make sure we address any concerns with light coming in through the day, or provide adequate insulation to keep energy bills down.  We immaculately measure each window with precision while taking into consideration any obstruction, and provide recommendations on products and fabric that is suited functionally, but also aesthetically pleasing.  We then come out and install to perfection, check that they work in front of the home owner, and make sure they are happy before we leave. 

You'd think blinds are one of the simplest home furnishing, yet there is surprising amount of complexity.  All this service costs money.

But I had not seen a head-to-head cost comparison of cost, so I decided to check.  

To compare, I selected the most basic faux wood blind available from those big-box stores - because we look to those as the staple for basic window covering.  We measured for a small window of 22" x 22".  Price is current at December 2024.

Lowe's

Levelor Custom Classic Value Cordless Faux Wood Horizontal Blinds

MSRP $76.97

Menard's

Decor Elements 2" Venetian Cordless Fauxwood Blinds - could not create a blind with 22" length, their minimum was 48".

MSRP $55.99

Home Depot 

Home Decorators Collection White Cordless Faux Wood Blinds for Windows with 2 in. Slats - could not creat a blind with 22" length and minimum was 36". 

MSRP $23.98

Budget Blinds

Norman San Clemente 2" Faux Wood Blinds

MSRP $86.00

So yes, we were the most expensive.  But, Home Depot and Menards could not supply a blind that fit our window, and Lowe's that could came within $10 difference.  Budget Blinds' offers Norman brand shades, one of the world's premier blinds manufacturer renowned for innovation at this price point.  If you take a look at this product, although it is made from composite material, the surface when touched provides a smooth wood-like feel and texture.  To me, and trying not to be biased, which one I would pick would be a no-brainer - the Norman offered by Budget Blinds.

Some Budget Blinds locations runs promotions from time to time, so the verdict is that there is not a significant difference in cost especially depending on the products you choose.  For example, Budget Blinds of Central Indianapolis is now running a new location sale offering 30% off on all products.

Budget Blinds carries products from more than 20 leading manufacturers, and we all stock well over 1,000 variations of fabric in each vehicle when we are out on the road promoting the best product for each customer, so we can guarantee we will have something for everyone.

So is it worth the difference in price?  You be the judge!  Book a free in-home consultation above.