One of the questions we get asked most often is:
“Are Hillarys blinds expensive?”
The honest answer is: it depends on what you’re comparing them to.
Some customers feel their quote is very reasonable. Others are surprised at how expensive it seems.
In fact, today alone we had two customers visit our showroom after receiving Hillarys quotes, and both said the same thing:
“It was more expensive than we expected.”
But that doesn’t necessarily mean the price is unfair.
To understand whether Hillarys blinds are expensive, you need to look at three important factors:
- The 50% off marketing offers
- The type of blinds and fabrics chosen
- The advisor or agent providing the quote
Let’s break each of these down honestly.
Are Hillarys Blinds Expensive? The Truth About the “50% Off” Offers
If you’ve seen Hillarys advertising, you’ve probably noticed the “50% off” promotions.
This is one of the main reasons people book appointments.
Naturally, many customers assume everything will be half price.
But in reality, the offer usually applies to specific ranges or selected fabrics and if you look closely at their ad in small print are the words up to.
Thinking about Hillarys blinds? We explain their pricing, 50% offers, and how they compare with other made-to-measure blind companies.
From what we’ve seen and from feedback customers give us, the special offer fabrics are often fairly limited. As soon as customers start looking at other materials or styles, the price can increase quickly.
That’s when the quote can start to feel expensive.
One customer recently told us she felt misled because she expected the 50% offer to apply to everything.
Now to be fair, this type of promotion isn’t unique to Hillarys.
Many large retailers use similar strategies.
For example, DFS is famous for its almost permanent sofa sale.
The promotion gets people through the door, but the final price depends heavily on what you choose.
The 5 Things That Affect the Price of Hillarys Blinds
Even though prices can vary, there are several key factors that usually determine how much made-to-measure blinds will cost.
Understanding these factors can help you compare quotes more fairly between different blind companies.
1. The Type of Blind
Different blind styles vary significantly in price.
For example:
- Roller blinds are usually one of the most affordable options.
- Vertical blinds are common for larger windows and patio doors.
- Roman blinds tend to be more expensive because they use more fabric.
- Wooden venetian blinds are often among the most expensive options.
The style you choose can make a big difference to the final price.
2. Fabric or Material Choice
This is one of the biggest price factors.
Most blind companies offer hundreds of fabrics and finishes, ranging from basic options to premium materials.
For example:
- Blackout fabrics
- Patterned fabrics
- Designer fabrics
- Natural wood finishes
Promotions like 50% off may only apply to selected ranges, so if you choose a premium fabric the price can increase.
3. Window Size
Larger windows require more material and larger mechanisms, which increases the cost.
For example:
- A small bathroom blind will usually cost much less than
- A large patio door blind or bay window installation.
4. Measuring and Installation
One reason Hillarys blinds can seem more expensive than online blinds is that the price includes:
- A home consultation
- Professional measuring
- Made-to-measure production
- Installation
DIY blinds bought online may be cheaper, but they don’t include these services.
5. The Advisor or Company
Because Hillarys uses self-employed advisors, prices can sometimes vary depending on the person quoting the job and the products recommended.
This is why it’s always a good idea to get two or three quotes before deciding.
Are Hillarys Blinds Expensive Compared to Other Blind Companies?
If you compare Hillarys with very cheap blind companies, then yes they will seem expensive.
For example, you may have seen companies advertising:
- 3 blinds for £99
- Budget roller blinds
- DIY blinds from online retailers
But those options are completely different services.
Hillarys typically provide:
- A home visit consultation
- Professional measuring
- Made-to-measure blinds
- Installation included
When you compare them to other made-to-measure blind companies, the pricing we’ve seen is generally fair and within the normal range.
You’re paying for the convenience of a full service rather than just buying a blind.
Why Hillarys Prices Can Vary
One thing many people don’t realise is that Hillarys operates as a franchise system.
This means their blinds are sold by self-employed advisors who visit your home.
Because of this structure, pricing can sometimes vary depending on the advisor.
Over the years we’ve seen Hillarys quotes that were:
- Very competitive
- Impossible for us to match
- And occasionally surprisingly expensive
So sometimes the price really can depend on which advisor visits your home.
That doesn’t mean anything dishonest is happening it’s simply a result of how the franchise system works.
Are Hillarys Blinds Worth the Price?
For many customers, the answer is yes.
You’re paying for a complete service:
- Someone visits your home
- Helps you choose fabrics
- Measures everything correctly
- Installs the blinds for you
For busy homeowners who want a simple, stress-free experience, that service can be worth paying for.
But if your main goal is simply the cheapest possible blinds, then there are definitely cheaper options available.
How Our Pricing Works (And Why It’s Different)
At Barlow Blinds we take a slightly different approach.
We don’t run promotions like:
- 50% off
- Buy one get one free
- Limited-time discounts
Instead, we prefer simple upfront pricing.
Our prices are not always the cheapest, but they are consistent and transparent.
Whoever visits your home from our company will always quote the same price for the same product.
For us, that feels like the most honest way to do business.
So, Are Hillarys Blinds Expensive?
It really depends on your expectations.
They may feel expensive if:
- You expected everything to be 50% off
- You’re comparing them to very cheap blinds
- You receive a quote from a higher-priced advisor
But if you’re comparing them with other made-to-measure blind companies, the pricing is generally fair for the service provided.
Our Advice: Get Quotes From Reputable Blind Companies
The best thing you can do is get two or three quotes from reputable blind companies before making a decision.
This allows you to compare:
- Price
- Quality
- Service
- Overall value
A good place to start when searching for reliable companies is the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutters Association).
The BBSA is the main trade body for the blinds industry in the UK, and its members agree to follow a code of practice covering quality, safety, and professional standards.
Looking for companies that are members of the BBSA can help give you extra confidence that you’re dealing with a reputable provider.
FAQs: Hillarys Blinds Pricing
Are Hillarys blinds expensive compared to other blind companies?
Hillarys blinds are usually priced within the typical range for made-to-measure blinds that include measuring, consultation and installation. They may appear expensive when compared with budget DIY blinds or promotional offers like “3 blinds for £99”.
Why do Hillarys advertise 50% off blinds?
Like many large retailers, Hillarys uses promotional offers to encourage customers to book appointments. In many cases the offer applies to selected fabrics or ranges, so the final price can vary depending on the options chosen.
Can Hillarys blind prices vary?
Yes. Hillarys operates using self-employed advisors who visit customers’ homes. Because of this structure, prices can sometimes vary depending on the advisor and the products being quoted.
How can I compare blind prices fairly?
The best way is to get two or three quotes from reputable blind companies so you can compare price, quality and service. Looking for companies that are members of the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutters Association) can help ensure you’re dealing with a reputable provider that follows industry standards.
To find reputable BBSA accredited blind companies in your area click here
Where can I find reputable blind companies?
A good place to start is the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutters Association) website, which lists member companies that follow a recognised code of practice for the blinds and shutters industry.
Click here to find BBSA members in your area.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
