Drapery typically costs $100-$2,500 per window, with many homeowners paying about $600 for fabric, hardware, and installation. The final price depends mainly on window size, fabric quality, custom work, lining, and the number of panels and rods.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-made drapery | $50 | $175 | $500 | Per window, panels only |
| Custom drapery | $300 | $900 | $2,000 | Per window, fabric and sewing |
| Hardware | $30 | $125 | $400 | Per window, rod or track |
| Professional installation | $75 | $175 | $400 | Per window, standard access |
| Complete installed project | $150 | $600 | $2,500 | Per window; custom materials raise totals |
Typical drapery prices by window and panel count
For one standard window around 36-60 inches wide, ready-made panels with a basic rod often total $150-$500 installed. Custom drapery for the same opening commonly runs $500-$1,500, while oversized or premium-fabric treatments can exceed $2,000. These ranges assume two panels and a single rod or track.
A practical budget for midrange custom drapery is $700-$1,200 per standard window. This usually covers measured, sewn panels, basic lining, hardware, and professional installation, but not unusual access or extensive wall repairs.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. suburban labor rates, standard window access, two panels, and no motorized hardware.
What fabric, lining, rods, and labor add to the quote
Quotes may list fabric and fabrication together or separate them. The table gives common per-window ranges; fabric costs depend on the amount required, pattern repeat, and whether the drapery is custom sewn.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric and sewing | $200 | $600 | $1,500 | Two custom panels |
| Lining or blackout layer | $50 | $175 | $450 | Per window, depending on fabric |
| Rod, track, and brackets | $30 | $125 | $400 | Per window, basic to decorative |
| Measurement and installation | $75 | $175 | $400 | Per window, standard mounting |
| Removal or disposal | $0 | $40 | $125 | Existing treatments, if included |
Fabrication and fabric are usually the largest share of a custom drapery quote. Confirm whether the quote includes measuring, steaming, hardware, delivery, and installation before comparing totals.
How window width, ceiling height, and fabric change pricing
More fabric means higher material and sewing charges. A window wider than 72 inches may need extra-wide panels, additional fullness, or a center support; these changes can add $150-$600. Drapery reaching a 9- or 10-foot ceiling typically costs more than standard 84-inch panels because it uses longer fabric and may require a ladder or special hardware.
Fabric grade also matters. Basic polyester or cotton blends can keep custom panels near $200-$500 per window, while linen, velvet, silk, or designer patterns may push fabric and fabrication to $800-$1,500 or more. Blackout lining often adds $50-$250 per window; interlining or thermal layers can add $150-$450.
Width, finished length, and fabric choice should be specified in the estimate. Pattern matching, pleated headings, and extra fullness can increase yardage and sewing time, so a price per window is more useful when the window dimensions are documented.
How long measuring and drapery installation takes
A measuring visit often takes 30-60 minutes, and installing one or two standard windows usually takes 1-3 hours. Installers commonly charge $75-$125 per hour or $75-$400 per window, depending on minimum fees, mounting difficulty, and whether old hardware must be removed. Custom fabrication can take 3-8 weeks, which is usually production time rather than on-site labor.
For example, two hours of installation at $90-$125 per hour equals $180-$250 in labor. A multiwindow order may lower the labor cost per window if the crew can complete all openings in one visit.
Custom panels versus ready-made drapery for the same room
Ready-made panels are generally the least expensive choice, especially for standard windows that fit common lengths. Two basic panels may cost $50-$250, with $30-$150 for a rod and $75-$175 for installation. If the panels need hemming or the window is unusually wide, alterations can add $30-$150.
Custom drapery can fit taller windows, coordinate exact colors, and accommodate special headings or linings. For a room with four standard windows, a ready-made project may total $600-$1,600 installed, compared with roughly $2,000-$6,000 for custom work. Measure the finished panel length and full rod width before deciding that ready-made panels will fit.
Why drapery quotes vary between U.S. regions
Labor, showroom overhead, and delivery distances affect local pricing. Custom projects in major coastal metros can run about 15%-35% above typical national ranges, while smaller markets may be 5%-20% below them. High-cost neighborhoods may also have higher measuring and installation minimums, even when the fabric price is unchanged.
Large projects can reduce per-window labor charges, but premium fabric and specialty work remain costly in every region. Request itemized quotes from at least two providers using the same measurements, fabric grade, lining, fullness, and hardware specifications. Comparing equivalent scopes is more reliable than comparing a single per-window figure.
Which drapery choices can lower the final bill
Choose standard panel lengths and a readily available fabric when the window allows; custom widths, pattern matching, and specialty colors can increase both yardage and lead time. Use decorative hardware only where it will be visible, and consider a basic track for concealed mounting. For windows needing privacy but not full darkness, a standard lining may be less expensive than blackout or interlining.
Install several windows during one appointment to reduce repeated trip or minimum charges. Keep existing rods if they are secure and compatible, and remove old panels before the installer arrives if disposal is billed separately. Ask each provider to separate fabric, lining, hardware, sewing, delivery, and labor so optional upgrades are easy to identify.