Blinds vs. Curtains For The Home – How Do I Decide?

There are a great number of window treatment options available for a home. Sometimes, it can be confusing to uncover whether blinds or curtains will be best for a room’s windows. Curtains have been used for years and offer great texture and a luxury appearance. Blinds are a newer option that many people love because they are affordable and functional.

Blinds and curtains are appealing and functional in their own ways. But, as a homeowner, choosing one can be tough. This is especially true if you don’t have any idea what to consider when choosing or how do these two differ from each other.

To help you solve this kind of dilemma, here are some tips to help you choose between curtains and blinds for the home.

Consider Your Home’s Decor

Nothing will add to a room’s decor like a beautiful set of curtains or drapes. They come in a wide variety of colours, materials, and sizes. They can be sheer to allow a great deal of light into a room, or they can be thick to keep a room dark. Many people choose pinch pleat or velvet curtains to create an ornate and formal design to a room. In a dining room or living room, a set of fancy curtains will work well as the focal point of the space.

Blinds are normally considered less dramatic. They add little to a room’s decor. However, they are much less costly than a set of custom drapes. Many people will add a valance to a set of blinds. Blinds are available in different styles and materials. For example, the most common choices are purchased in plastic or wood. Blinds are readily available at most improvement stores, while a good set of curtains may need to be custom ordered at a material store or through a design gallery.

When choosing between blinds or curtains, spend some time to carefully assess your home’s décor first. If you want to create a formal ambiance and add focal points in different rooms in your house, using curtains might be best. However, if you want your home’s decors to be minimal, blinds are more suitable for your needs.

Are Blinds Or Curtains More Functional?

Both curtains and blinds are used for privacy and to control the light that enters a room. The particular set of curtains that are selected will make a big difference with the amount of light that is allowed to enter the area. Sheer curtains are mostly used as decoration. They let in a large amount of light, but provide little privacy. Thicker curtains will offer more privacy, but block out all light. Many people will use a sheer panel underneath a thicker curtain.

Blinds are definitely a more functional option than curtains. They are simple to adjust and will allow as little or as much light in as desired. When the slats are at the correct angle, they allow light to enter and provide privacy as well. This gives them the upper hand over curtains.

When it comes to the functionality of these window treatments, to help you narrow down your options, do not forget to assess the purpose of the room where you’re going to use the blinds or curtains, as well. Different rooms in your house will require different levels of privacy and amounts of natural lighting. These factors can help you decide whether blinds or curtains will work best for you.

How to Clean Blinds and Curtains

Another thing to consider when choosing window treatments is how they are cleaned. This is an important factor to consider because choosing a window treatment that doesn’t suit your schedule will likely collect dust and can become the reason why you and your family will suffer from severe allergies. When choosing between blinds and curtains, always consider how the two are cleaned.

Curtains do not need to be cleaned very often. They will appear fresh when washed every few months. Light curtains can usually be machine washed at home. You can simply throw them in your washing machine, let them dry, and then reuse them again. However, heavier curtains may need to be professionally dry cleaned. This can add a new expense that should be considered.

Blinds must be cleaned very often to remove obvious dust and debris. They attract dirt and hold onto it more than curtains. The simplest way to clean blinds is with a duster or wet cloth. It can be time consuming, but by using reliable resources, such as https://swiftclean.com/blog/how-to-clean-blinds/, this task can become a piece of cake!

Ease of Installation

Something that should also be considered is the ease of installation. Curtain installation will require a rod, rod hooks, and screws. If the curtains are extremely heavy or for large windows, it may be necessary to have help for the installation process. Placing hooks on your own can result in injuries and accidents, especially if you’re planning to use heavy curtains.

Blinds are also simple to install. Most blinds come with kits that include all of the hardware that is necessary to hang them above windows. Normally, one person will be able to complete the installation process without help. However, if you do not want to take any chances and ensure that your blinds are installed properly for the first time, you can always hire professional help. Today, businesses that sell blinds usually offer free installation when you buy products from them.

In Conclusion

When a person is trying to decide between curtains and blinds, it is important to compare function, maintenance, installation, and home decor. The desired overall finished look will also need to be considered as well. Curtains offer a more formal and decorative option. Blinds are usually less expensive and allow a great deal of control over light and privacy. Some households combine curtains and blinds. The cost may be higher, but it will offer the greatest decoration and functionality. Individual preference will be the final deciding factor. After weighing pros and cons of each option, it is important to select the window treatment that best complements the home.

References

http://voices.yahoo.com/replacing-blinds-curtains-changing-window-11691156.html?cat=30

http://www.wisegeek.org/should-i-buy-window-blinds-or-curtains.htm

http://www.hgtv.com/window-treatments/index.html

About the Author

Ash Graham ownes and operates Sola Shade, a blinds, curtians and awnings supplier based in Perth, Western Australia.