Installation of window film in the office. Protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Tinting Home Windows Cost (2024 Guide)

Average Project Cost: $600

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Written by Jessica Wimmer Updated 03/25/2024

Many people associate tinted windows with cars, but homes can benefit from tinting as well. The national average cost of home window tinting is around $600,* but this price is affected by different variables. For instance, it can cost as low as $5 per square foot for a standard kitchen window do-it-yourself (DIY) tint job. A bigger project, like professionally installing smart window film on your patio doors, can greatly increase that price.

Tinted windows help make your home more energy efficient and add an extra layer of privacy. Discover how much tinting home windows costs—and how to save. We’ll explore everything you need to know about tinted windows in this cost guide.

*Cost data sourced from Angi, Fixr, and Home Advisor.

Signs That You Need To Tint Your Windows

Tinting windows provides many benefits, from increased energy efficiency to added privacy. If you’re considering tinting your windows, here are signs that it’s time for an upgrade:

High energy bills: If your energy bills have become excessively high despite no changes in your home, you may need to tint your windows. Window tinting can help regulate home temperatures, leading to improved energy efficiency and lower bills.

Sun damage: Sun damage or fading on furniture, carpets, curtains, or other items may be a sign it’s time to add window tint. The right window film will reflect sunlight and block damaging UV rays.

Glare: If you’re having difficulty seeing screens, such as TVs and computer monitors, due to glare, window tinting can help. A quality tint film will reduce glare while still allowing natural light into your home.

Fading, cracking, or bulging window tints: When your window tint film begins to fade, crack, bulge, peel, or become discolored, it’s a good time to consider replacing it.

Privacy: Window tinting can be an effective solution if your home lacks privacy. You can choose from different window film darkness levels so neighbors can’t peek inside your home.

What Factors Affect Tinting Home Windows Cost?

Window tinting prices depend on many factors, such as your location and the number of windows you want tinted. Consider the following factors to budget for this home improvement project:

Style: Homeowners can choose from various window tinting styles, such as standard, frosted, and decorative. Prices range from $5–$45 per square foot.
Type: You can either spray windows with tint or cover them with long-lasting tinted film. Spray costs $5–$11 per square foot, and film costs $7–$11 per foot.
Shape: Your window’s shape helps determine the tinting job’s complexity. For example, French doors cost $10–$19 per square foot, while rectangular windows cost $5–$10 per square foot.
Film type/quality: Films come in metalized, ceramic, and carbon varieties with a price range of $5–$10 per square foot.

Cost by Style

Whether you’re trying to keep your home cool in summer or add a bit of privacy, each tint style offers unique benefits. Here’s a breakdown of common window tint styles and their associated costs:

Tinting Style	Description	Cost per Square Foot
Standard window film	Typically chosen for privacy and light control.	$5–$13
Frosted window film	Offers a translucent look that helps diffuse light and adds privacy.	$6–$10
Decorative window film	Adds a unique aesthetic while still offering privacy, insulating properties, and light control.	$6–$13
Security window film	Crafted from thicker materials and can be reinforced with shatterproof coatings designed to make windows harder to break.	$7–$9
Solar window film	Reduces glare from the sun and protects against heat buildup.	$8–$14
Smart window film	Uses a special film containing tiny particles that respond to an electrical signal, controlling the amount of light that passes through the window.	$30–$45

Cost by Type

Window tinting services will either spray your windows or cover them with an adhesive film. Each type of window film has pros and cons and its own price point.

Spray-on tints are used more for car window tinting than for home window tinting, but work for both. The product comes in an aerosol can and provides a uniform level of tinting when properly applied. Retailers sell spray tints in various colors. Spray tints are less durable than film tints and therefore less expensive, costing about $5–$11 per square foot.

For film tinting, installers apply a pre-cut sheet of tinted film directly to a window’s surface using an adhesive. Film is more difficult to remove and takes longer to install, but it’s more durable and provides a more uniform look than spray. Tinted film costs about $7–$11 per square foot.

Cost by Shape

A window’s size, shape, and location all affect how much it costs to tint. For example, a ground-level window is easier to access and thus more affordable to tint. Some types of tint may only apply to select window shapes. Consider these cost factors:

Window Type / Shape	Description	Cost per Square Foot
Picture window / rectangle	A large window typically installed in the center of a wall. Doesn’t usually open but offers a clear, unobstructed outdoor view.	$5–$10
Sliding glass door window / rectangle	Slides from side to side as it opens and closes. Often features a track along the frame’s bottom that allows it to slide open.	$5–$12
Hurricane window / varies	Designed to withstand high hurricane winds and pressure. Has a locking system to ensure it’s securely closed before, during, and after a hurricane.	$7–$15
Patio window / rectangle	Usually consists of a single glass pane installed in a door. Can be hinged to swing open, slide, or a combination of both.	$7–$110
French door window / squares	Typically features a wide, single frame around two panels. Allows excess natural light into a room.	$10–$19
Skylight window / rectangle	Installed in a room’s ceiling and usually consists of a window frame with a pane of clear glass or plastic angled toward the sky.	$11–$19

Cost by Film Type and Quality

The film type you select depends on your desired privacy level, energy efficiency, and style. Regardless of the type, most manufacturers offer a warranty in case the film bubbles, peels, or splits.

Film Type	Description	Cost per Square Foot
Ceramic window film	Made from thin ceramic particles, provides superior heat-rejection properties and durability.	$5–$10
Carbon window film	Consists of a thin layer of carbon particles embedded in a polyester film. Offers the highest level of heat and glare reduction, as well as privacy.	$5–10
Metalized window film	Consists of a thin metalized film that reflects heat away from the glass.	$6–$8

Additional Factors Affecting Cost

The following factors can also impact window tinting prices. Learn more about each in the dropdown sections below:

Labor

Professional window tinting companies typically charge $5–$19 per square foot in labor for window film installation. The exact cost depends on the number of windows being tinted, the job’s complexity, and whether any additional supplies are needed.

Having to update or replace existing windows or window glass may also affect labor costs. This can include removing the old window, cutting new glass, and putting in the new window before tinting begins. Be sure to ask about labor costs when getting a free quote from local window tinting companies.

Scope of Project

Your budget will reflect the number of windows you need tinted. While tinting one window will cost much less than tinting several, the cost per window will usually be lower if you have several done at once.

If your windows are in an awkward or high-up location, the price may increase due to the additional labor required. Contractors usually charge the same amount for residential properties and commercial buildings.

DIY vs. Professional Tinting

Window tinting is a great way to enhance your home’s look, reduce energy costs, and keep your home’s interior comfortable. Professional installation offers more reliable results and may last longer, but DIY tinting can be a viable option for those on a budget.

The project requires the following tools and supplies:

Adhesive window film from a high-end brand
Spray bottle with soapy water

DIY Home Window Tinting

Applying home window tinting looks deceptively simple, but there’s more to it than cutting, peeling, and sticking on film. If you don’t cut the pieces precisely or roll them on smoothly, your window film will show cracks, bubbles, or folds. If you’re patient and steady enough, you can tackle this project on your own.

See some benefits and drawbacks of DIY window tinting below:

Save money

Complete the project on your preferred schedule

Enjoy the satisfaction of doing your home window tinting yourself

Can be time-consuming

Higher risk of making mistakes

Potential for costly damage if the project is done incorrectly

Research different window tinting film types and compare prices online.
Purchase higher-quality window films, as they should last longer and provide better protection.
Clean windows thoroughly before applying the film, and follow instructions closely to avoid damaging the window.

Professional Home Window Tinting

A window tinting service offers skilled professionals who can apply straight-fitting films to any appropriate surface without bubbles or cracks. Security and solar tints may require a professional installer while a peel-and-stick film does not.

Professional home window tinting involves several steps. The first step is to assess the windows and determine the type of film that will be used. Next, the window film is cut to size and applied to the windows.

After the film has been applied, it must cure for several hours (or even days), depending on the type of film and the environment it was installed in. A professional window tinting job can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on your project’s size.

Many companies hold accreditation from the International Window Film Association, and their employees have taken brand-neutral courses in film application.

Our Conclusion

Tinting your home’s windows costs $315–$935, depending on your window’s size, type, and the tint film type. You should generally budget around $600 for the whole tinting project.

Homeowners with patience and skill may be able to save money by tinting windows themselves. Square or rectangular windows with clean, clear edges are relatively straightforward to tint. Windows with odd shapes, French doors with lots of small squares, or large picture windows usually require professional help.

FAQ About Tinting Home Windows Cost

What are the benefits of tinting my home windows?

Tinting your home windows offers many benefits, including the following:

Maintaining steady indoor temperatures
Keeping your home less visible to strangers
Improving your home’s value
Protecting your family from glare and harmful UV rays
Reducing your cooling costs and heating bills
Making your windows easier to clean
Increasing your safety if your windows break

Does tinting home windows affect the value of my home?

Window tinting often improves curb appeal, which can increase your home value.

Can window tinting reduce the heat inside a house?

Tinted windows reduce the heat inside a house by blocking the sun’s heat. This not only makes your home more comfortable but also helps reduce skin cancer risk by blocking UV rays.

Can you see inside tinted house windows at night?

If the lights are on inside your home, you will be able to see inside your tinted house windows at night.

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