Less Expensive Shade Option for Large Window

Window coverings can be costly so here is a less expensive shade option for a large window.

Have you checked out the price on window shades lately?  Wowzers!

Due to the size of this window 94 1/2 X 47, the store advised we would have to custom order blinds.  Do you know what we hear when we hear custom? Money, money, money….money!

This particular window brings in a ton of light, as you can tell from the picture.  We were looking for blinds that would have the privacy element or light blocking.

The price range was around $500 and we would need ones to match the other two windows.  The estimated cost would be about $1000 for all three windows! 😲

SHADE OPTIONS

Since this is a budget makeover, and we are on a budget, we needed more options!

Our choices were:

• CUSTOM… chaaaaching
• NO BLINDS…not an option.
• ALUMINUM FOIL..kidding or are we??
• USED…e tried that and no luck!
• VERTICAL… didn’t care for that look.
• MULITPLE BLINDS

OUR SHADE CHOICE & INSTALLATION

And the winner is multiple blinds.

The window is in three parts visually.  We decided to follow those lines and install three panels.

We purchased two small Levolor shades for the ends and one larger one for the middle.  The blinds were cut at the store to fit each window.

The two side windows were measured from the casing to the middle of the stationary (middle) window.

The stationary window was measured from the middle of each trim.

We mounted the shades on the outside rather than inside the window so we would not block our pretty view.

*Please contact your store’s blind department to get exact instructions on how to measure so the blinds completely cover the window.

FINAL SHADE COSTS

Remember the original custom estimate was $1000. 

Here is how the multiple shade option broke down for us:

COST

TWO REGULAR WINDOWS – $80 x 2 = $160

LARGE WINDOW – $40X2=$80 (side windows) and $60 (middle window)

TOTAL COST – $300 for all three windows

This is really more than we wanted to spend, however, it is everything we needed.

• Keeps out the light so it could be used as a guest room.
• Reduce sun damage

MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY DIY POSTS

Here are a few more projects to give your home a makeover on a budget:

• Under $500 Thrifty Kitchen Makeover
• Cheap Flooring Options
• Dining Room Makeover -On a Budget

Thanks for stopping by today.  Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life.  If you enjoyed this less expensive shade option for a large window, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.