How Much Do Blackout Blinds Cost in Australia?
Blackout blinds are one of the most popular window coverings in Australian homes, and for good reason. They block light, reduce heat, and help you sleep better regardless of the time of day. But if you have been researching your options, you have probably noticed prices vary wildly, from under $40 at Bunnings to over $500 for a professional custom installation.
This guide breaks down exactly how much blackout blinds cost across every option available in Australia in 2026, including off-the-shelf, DIY custom, portable, and professionally installed. We will also cover what drives the price differences so you can find the best value for your home and budget.
Quick Answer: Blackout Blind Prices at a Glance
If you are in a hurry, here is the short version. A basic off-the-shelf blackout roller blind from Bunnings or Spotlight starts at around $30 to $60 per window. Custom DIY blinds where you choose the fabric, size, and colour run $100 to $200. Portable blackout blinds (no tools, suction cup or velcro installation) sit in the $49 to $129 range. And if you want a professional to measure, supply, and install custom blinds, expect to pay $200 to $500 or more per window depending on materials.
Read on for the full breakdown of each option, including the trade-offs between price, durability, and light-blocking performance.
What Affects the Cost of Blackout Blinds?
Before comparing specific products, it helps to understand the three main factors that push the price of blackout blinds up or down.
Window Size and Shape
The size and shape of your window is the biggest single factor. Standard rectangular windows up to about 180cm wide can usually be covered with off-the-shelf or portable options. If you have arched windows, bay windows, skylights, or oversized frames, you will likely need custom-made blinds or professional installation, which adds cost. Odd shapes can also mean more material waste during manufacturing, which gets passed on in the price.
Material and Light-Blocking Performance
Not all blackout fabrics are created equal. The cheapest options use a single-layer coated polyester that blocks most light initially but can degrade within 12 to 18 months of direct sun exposure. Mid-range blinds use multi-layer fabrics with a separate backing designed to reflect UV rays and insulate against heat. Premium options add thermal lining, which helps regulate room temperature and can noticeably reduce energy bills, especially in west-facing rooms.
Roller blinds make up roughly 80% of window coverings sold in Australia, so there is no shortage of choice. Common fabric ranges include PVC-free coated polyester (budget), woven blockout fabrics (mid-range), and thermal-backed or double-sided options (premium).
Installation Method
How you install your blinds also affects the total cost. Self-installed blinds (whether off-the-shelf or custom ordered) save you the labour component entirely. Suction cup or velcro-mounted portable blinds require no tools at all, making them ideal for renters or anyone who wants a non-permanent solution. Professional installation typically adds $50 to $150 per window on top of the product cost, depending on the complexity of the job and your location.
Off-the-Shelf Blackout Blinds ($30 to $60)
The cheapest way to get blackout blinds is to walk into Bunnings, Spotlight, or IKEA and pick up a pre-made roller blind. Prices start around $30 for a basic white blockout roller in standard widths (60cm to 210cm). Most come with a simple bracket mount that you can install yourself with a drill and two screws.
The trade-off is durability and fit. Pre-made blinds come in fixed sizes, so if your window is between standard widths you will need to cut the blind down or accept a gap on one side. The fabric is typically single-layer coated polyester, which is functional when new but tends to deteriorate faster than custom alternatives. The chain mechanism on budget blinds can also feel flimsy compared to higher-end options.
DIY Custom Blackout Blinds ($100 to $200)
If you want better quality and a custom fit without paying for professional installation, online made-to-measure blinds are the sweet spot. You measure your window, choose the fabric and colour, place the order, and install it yourself when it arrives. Retailers like DIY Blinds, Blinds Online, and others offer this model in Australia.
At the $100 to $200 price point, you get a wider range of fabrics (including thermal-backed and multi-layer blockout options), precise sizing to the millimetre, and generally a much sturdier chain or spring mechanism than off-the-shelf alternatives. The installation still requires a drill and basic DIY skills, but most suppliers include clear instructions and video guides.
Portable Blackout Blinds ($49 to $129)
Portable blackout blinds are a newer category that has grown quickly in Australia, especially among renters, parents with young children, and shift workers. These blinds attach to the window using suction cups or velcro strips rather than screws, so there is no drilling, no tools, and no wall damage. They can be taken down in seconds and packed into a travel bag.
Prices typically range from $49 for a single-window kit to $129 for a family pack covering multiple windows. Despite the lower price, good portable blinds use multi-layer blockout fabric that blocks 100% of light. The suction cup and velcro mounting system is surprisingly strong and does not fall down, even in humid conditions like bathrooms.
The main advantages over traditional blinds are flexibility and ease of use. You can move them between rooms, take them when you travel, and install them in a rental property without risking your bond. For shift workers who need to sleep during the day, or parents trying to darken a nursery for daytime naps, they are a practical and affordable solution.
The My Blackout Portable Window Blind fits standard Australian windows up to 200cm wide and 121cm tall, and ships free Australia-wide.
"Was skeptical that it would be a cheap waste of money but it's been a life saver for our home. It's dropped our power bill when using the aircon and helped our sleeps when one of us is between night shifts. Will definitely get more for the rest of our place."
Professionally Installed Blackout Blinds ($200 to $500+)
At the top end, you can have a blinds company come to your home, measure your windows, help you choose materials, manufacture the blinds to spec, and install them. This is the hands-off option and the one that delivers the most polished result, but it comes at a price.
Expect to pay $200 to $350 per window for standard roller blockout blinds including installation. If you upgrade to premium materials like real timber venetians, honeycomb cellular blinds, or motorised options, the cost can exceed $500 per window. A full house with 10 to 15 windows can easily reach $3,000 to $7,000 depending on your choices.
One important note: do not commit to real wood blinds without understanding the full cost. Timber venetian blinds can run $400 to $600 per window before installation, and they do not provide the same level of light blocking as dedicated blockout roller blinds.
Blackout Blind Cost Comparison
| Option | Price/Window | Installation | Light Blocking | Durability | Renter Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-the-shelf | $30 - $60 | DIY (drill) | Good | 1-2 years | No |
| DIY custom | $100 - $200 | DIY (drill) | Very good | 3-5+ years | No |
| Portable | $49 - $129 | No tools | Excellent | 2-4 years | Yes |
| Professional | $200 - $500+ | Included | Very good | 5-10+ years | No |
How Much Does It Cost to Install Blackout Blinds?
If you are getting blinds professionally installed, the labour cost is typically $50 to $150 per window, depending on the complexity and your city. Most blind suppliers include installation in their quoted price, so make sure you ask whether the price you have been given is supply-only or supply-and-install.
For DIY installation of off-the-shelf or custom blinds, you will need a drill, a level, a pencil, and about 15 to 20 minutes per window. Portable blackout blinds skip this entirely since they mount with suction cups or adhesive velcro, which means zero installation cost and no tools required.
If you are renting, it is worth checking your lease before drilling into window frames. Many landlords do not allow modifications, which makes portable or suction cup options the safest choice for protecting your bond. Learn more about renter friendly blackout blinds.
Are Blackout Blinds Worth the Investment?
For most Australians, yes. Blackout blinds pay for themselves in a few ways. Better sleep quality is the most obvious benefit, particularly for shift workers, light-sensitive sleepers, and parents of young children. But they also reduce heat gain in summer (especially on north and west-facing windows), which can lower your air conditioning bills noticeably.
The right choice depends on your situation. If you own your home and plan to stay, custom or professionally installed blinds offer the best long-term value. If you are renting, moving frequently, or need a quick solution for a specific room (like a nursery), portable blackout blinds deliver excellent light blocking at a fraction of the cost without any permanent installation.
"Instead of buying expensive new blinds and risk damaging the walls installing them, I went with these, and it was one of the best decisions I've made. Super easy, no marks and keeps light out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Blackout blinds in Australia range from about $30 per window for a basic off-the-shelf roller blind up to $500 or more for a professionally installed, custom-made option. The most common mid-range choice is a DIY custom blind at $100 to $200. Portable blackout blinds, which attach with suction cups and require no tools, typically cost $49 to $129 and are a popular budget-friendly alternative.
Slightly, yes. Blackout blinds use a denser or multi-layer fabric that blocks 100% of light, which costs a bit more to manufacture than standard light-filtering fabrics. At the off-the-shelf level, the difference is usually only $5 to $15 per blind. At the custom end, the price gap can be $20 to $50 per window. For most people, the sleep and comfort benefits more than justify the small premium.
The cheapest option is an off-the-shelf blockout roller blind from Bunnings or Spotlight, starting at around $30. However, these come in fixed sizes and may not cover your window perfectly. Portable blackout blinds ($49 to $129) are often a better value because they cut to fit any window width up to 200cm, block 100% of light, and do not require any drilling or tools.
Professional installation typically costs $50 to $150 per window for labour, on top of the blind itself. Many blind companies include installation in their package price, so always confirm whether a quote is supply-only or supply-and-install. For a typical three-bedroom home with 8 to 10 windows, total installed cost usually runs $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the materials you choose.
Absolutely. Off-the-shelf and custom DIY blinds come with brackets, screws, and instructions. You will need a drill and about 15 to 20 minutes per window. Portable blackout blinds are even simpler since they use suction cups or velcro strips, so no tools are required at all. Going the DIY or portable route can save you $50 to $150 per window in installation fees.
Traditional blinds that require drilling into window frames are generally not renter-friendly, as they can damage surfaces and cost you your bond. Portable blackout blinds are designed specifically for this situation. They attach with suction cups or adhesive velcro strips, leave no marks, and can be taken down and moved when you leave.
Yes. Blackout blinds, especially those with thermal backing, create an insulating barrier at the window. In summer, they reflect heat and UV rays, reducing the load on your air conditioning. In winter, they help retain warmth. Several customer reviews report noticeably lower power bills after installing blackout blinds on west-facing windows.
It depends on the quality. Budget off-the-shelf blinds typically last one to two years before the coating starts to degrade. Custom-made blinds generally last three to five years or more. Professionally installed premium blinds can last a decade or longer with proper care. Portable blackout blinds sit in the two to four year range depending on how frequently they are installed and removed.
Ready to Block Out the Light?
The My Blackout Portable Window Blind blocks 100% of light, installs in under 60 seconds with no tools, and works on any window up to 200cm wide. Perfect for renters, shift workers, parents, and anyone who wants better sleep without a complicated installation.
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