Blinds vs. Curtains
Blinds vs Curtains – What’s Right for Your Home
When deciding what type of window covering to use, two of the most popular options for Australian homeowners are blinds and curtains. But which one is best for your home?
Although window furnishings are definitely considered a design element, adding to the overall style and interior design of your home, they also have important functions and features.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both curtains and blinds to find the right fit for your windows, and the right fit for you.
Considering Blinds for Your Home?
Pros
WIDE RANGE OF STYLES AND FINISHES
Blinds are available in a wide range of styles and designs, from sleek aluminium rollers to warm and natural timber Venetians.
LIGHT FILTRATION
Blackout blinds can block out all sunlight for those requiring uninterrupted sleep during the day, such as shift workers or small children (or parents!) Unlike curtains, they won’t move from breeze or let light in through their centre part.
SPACE SAVER
Certain designs can be fitted inside the window recess so they don’t project out into the room. This can be a definite pro for blinds when space is limited, such as studio apartments or small bedrooms.
Cons
COST
Blinds generally cost more than curtains – particularly those that require some form of operational mechanism.
How Do Curtains Compare?
Pros
WIDE RANGE OF STYLES AND FINISHES
Like blinds, curtains are available in a wide range of fabrics and styles, from sheer and lace to heavy opulent drapes.
SAFETY
As they generally require no pull cord to operate, curtains provide a safer window dressing option than blinds – particularly for small children and pets.
EASY FIT
As it is generally desirable for curtains to overlap the edges of the window, it does not matter so much if they are not made to measure.
Cons
LIGHT FILTRATION
Blackout curtains are available however they may leak light more than blackout blinds. Curtains can ‘leak’ light in around the sides or through the central gap. On the plus side, sheer curtains can be beautifully decorative, allowing sunlight to shine through and adding soft, subtle style to a room.
UPKEEP
Animal hair and dust tends to stick to heavy fabric curtains, meaning upkeep is a more regular task.
SPACE INVADER
In smaller homes and rooms, curtains can protrude outwards into the limited available space, whereas blinds can sit neatly out the way inside the window recess.
Keeping Them Clean
Remember, whatever option you go with, you’ll be responsible for keeping your window coverings clean and in good condition.
Installation Factor
You’ll also need to install them once purchased, which may impact your decision making.
Curtain installation, unlike more complicated blinds, is fairly simply and can be done by most people without the help of a professional. Check to see whether your retailer offers free installation services when you select your product – this may make your decision easier, while saving you time and money.
Why Not Both?!
One last thought: why not both!? You can have both blinds AND curtains.
Install blinds in the window and then place curtains over them. When the blinds and curtains are closed, there is no light shining through, but with the curtains open, light can still be controlled.
For people having trouble deciding between curtains and blinds, this combination can be the best of both worlds!
If you would like more information to help you choose between blinds or curtains, contact a window covering professional, such as Modern Blinds. They’ll be able to help you out with advice and product knowledge, and even arrange a free no-obligation measure and quote.
Client testimonials
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Hello all at Modern Blinds, Ken and I love the shutters, they certainly make a difference. The two men who fitted them were fabulous and very conscien... Love Our New Shutters!
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Love our new blinds Paul & I have just last week had our new roller blinds in the kitchen and a panel glide for the living area sliding doors i... Love our new blinds
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Good Morning, Greg ... A quick email expressing our thanks and appreciation for the quote and installation of our vertical blinds, and th... We are very pleased indeed with the service received
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I would just like to say that I was very impressed with the two workmen that you sent to install my shutters. Nothing was too much trouble, filling so... I would just like to say that I was very impressed with the two workmen
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"Greg, Ruth’s dream of three years has come to fruition. The shutters look terrific. The only disappointment is that they fit in so well, that th... Ruth’s dream of three years has come to fruition.
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"The boys were excellent. They explained what they were doing and also cleaned up after themselves. I would have no hesitation in recommending their w... The boys were excellent. They explained what they were doing
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I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the automatic motorised blinds that you installed in our boardroom. The professionalism shown fr... I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the automatic
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“3 years ago we had the good fortune to discover Vogue Vinyl Shutters and after checking all suppliers, had half the house fitted. Now to finish ... 3 years ago we had the good fortune to discover Vogue Vinyl Shutters
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“To Greg and the team at Modern Blinds, thank you for the wonderful service you continue to provide. We were thrilled with the advice, service and q... To Greg and the team at Modern Blinds, thank you for the wonderful
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“My experience purchasing blinds for my dining room was made easy and enjoyable by using Modern Blinds. Greg and his team at Modern Blinds were extr... My experience purchasing blinds for my dining room was made easy
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“We’re so happy with the service that Modern Blinds provided and the blinds look amazing!” We’re so happy with the service that Modern Blinds provided
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“Hi Rodney – Just a quick email to say thanks for all your help and assistance, I had no idea what I wanted or needed to do the job properly and a... Hi Rodney – Just a quick email to say thanks for all your help and assistance
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“Modern Blinds continue to provide us with value for money and a flexible approach to installations, working around a very busy school curriculum. T... Modern Blinds continue to provide us with value for money and a flexible
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“Modern Blinds cannot be faulted, the highest level of professionalism from quoting to installation. I felt really taken care of, so did my freshly... Modern Blinds cannot be faulted, the highest level of professionalism
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“We would like to say a huge thank you to Modern Blinds and more importantly our consultant Rodney Hearne. He made buying our blinds a pleasant expe... We would like to say a huge thank you to Modern Blinds and more
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“I would like to start by thanking the staff at Modern Blinds for the professionalism that they showed to us whilst we were enquiring about types of... I would like to start by thanking the staff at Modern Blinds for the professionalism
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“Rodney, I was so impressed by your knowledge and approach, many thanks.” Rodney, I was so impressed by your knowledge and approach
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“I recently purchased white shutters for my hairdressing salon. They have given a more modern and versatile look. I am receiving positive comments e... I recently purchased white shutters for my hairdressing salon