Whether you should get blinds or shutters is a personal preference. Blinds are a budget-friendly option, while shutters are durable and offer a timeless look. Blinds pull down from the top and tuck away along the upper edge of the window frame when not in use. Most traditional and estate shutters sit on hinges that allow them to swing out of the way. Both block light and heat from flowing into the living space, though shutters are a bit more effective.
Like residential models, office window blinds cost around $5 to $15 per square foot, plus around $15 to $50 per window for installation. The total depends on the number of windows in the building and the time it takes to complete the project. While vertical blinds are standard in an office setting, solar blinds are also gaining in popularity because they let through soft, diffused light that brightens the space while blocking glare and heat.
Local window blind installers can secure the best price for window blinds by working with their dedicated suppliers. They can often get wholesale prices that aren’t available from big box stores. When looking for new blinds, it's a good idea to shop around. You should also talk to your potential contractor about the price of blinds and see if having multiple blinds installed at the same time gets you a better price per square foot.
How long blinds last depends on what they're made of and how well they're cared for. Vinyl blinds may only last three to five years, while hardwood and high-end fabric blinds can last up to 20 years with little care and maintenance. Clean your blinds regularly with a material-appropriate cleaning solution, and ensure you dust them regularly to keep them at their best. Also, repair your blinds at the first sign of problems. Repairing window blinds costs around $77 to $170.