When furnishing windows in your room, you’ll often end up with a choice: blinds or curtains? Curtains have been viewed as potentially more traditional, while blinds are seen as a more modern choice – but this is simply not true. You can use curtains to great effect in a modern property, and you can install blinds in a more traditional setting with no issues. So, which one is right for you when it comes to blinds vs curtains? Well, it depends on a variety of factors. Each property – and each room – is different, so you’ll need to consider your needs to see how they match with each option.
When deciding between blinds or curtains, it’s best to consider a range of complementary factors:
- Privacy
- Ease of Use
- Size to Cover
- Material
- Maintenance
- Style
- Cost
Privacy
Both blinds and curtains come in a variety of materials and designs, so have you plenty of options for getting the level of privacy that you want. Whether you’re looking for see-through window covers or blockout curtains for complete privacy and sun protection, you’ll find plenty of options for either choice.
- You’ll often find more options for creating the right level of privacy with blinds rather than curtains.
- Blinds typically come in more variations in thickness and design, and they’re usually more fixed and stable on your windows, providing more privacy and minimising visibility.
Privacy might be a concern if you have neighbours who are close to you on one or both sides of your property, in which case you might want to opt for blinds to allow greater control over how much light comes in without compromising your privacy.
Ease of Use
One of the great things about either blinds or curtains is that they’re both easy to use. However, you’ll often find that blinds will have more options for functionality, allowing you to pick the right drawing mechanism to match your preferences.
- Most curtains need to be drawn manually, requiring you to slide them across their curtain rod to let light in.
- Blinds come in a variety of drawing mechanisms such as sliding racks and pull-down cords.
If you want maximum control and ease of use for your windows coverings, then you’ll likely find more options with blinds rather than curtains.
Size to Cover
If you’re looking to cover large windows and open spaces, then blinds are likely your better option, just in terms of cost for curtains. However, if your budget permits, curtains are a stunning and dramatic option for larger windows and openings, creating a luxe and warm environment.
- Although curtains can certainly cover wide areas, they’re designed primarily for standard windows and smaller openings.
- Blinds like panel glide blinds that are designed specifically for wide spaces, making them the better choice for covering large windows or even wall-to-wall open areas.
When it comes to choosing blinds vs curtains it makes sense to let the size of the window guide your decision.
Need more information? Check out our blog on The Best Blinds for Large Windows!
Materials
Although both blinds and curtains come in different materials, it’s worth noting that blinds typically have more choices to choose from. Curtains are usually made of fabrics of different quality and materials. Blinds, however, come in several different materials, including timber, PVC and aluminium. This is especially helpful if you need window coverings that are versatile and capable of withstanding the elements (i.e. moisture, sunlight, dust). Fabric curtains, for example, are prone to developing moulds and staining if they’re constantly exposed to humidity and moisture, so they’re more limited to certain types of living spaces.
Maintenance
Although both blinds and curtains come in different materials, it’s worth noting that blinds typically have more choices to choose from.
- Curtains are usually made of fabrics of different quality and materials, and you can choose a range of thicknesses – such as blackout curtains for a bedroom or living room.
- Fabric curtains may be prone to developing moulds and staining if they’re constantly exposed to humidity and moisture, so they’re more limited to certain types of living spaces.
- Blinds come in several different materials, including timber, PVC and aluminium.
A range of materials is especially helpful if you need window coverings that are versatile and capable of withstanding the elements (i.e. moisture, sunlight, dust). You can speak to our team about the options available to you and get the most from your investment.
Style
When it comes to style, you have a range of choices in blinds and curtains. Both curtains and blinds come in a diverse range of designs, materials and configurations, allowing you to choose the right one to match your living space.
- You’ll often find more style options in blinds than curtains.
- While curtains come in a variety of colours and fabric materials, blinds are available in even more materials and configurations.
The differences in material (ex. PVC or wood) and the variety in drawing mechanisms (i.e. pull-down cord or sliding rack) all make a mark on its look and feel, so you have more options to play with when looking for a set of blinds to match your room and windows.
Cost
Blinds generally cost more than curtains, so curtains tend to be the leading choice for those who need to stick to a small budget. With that said, there are affordable blinds just as there are expensive curtains.
- The key is finding a choice that matches your needs with what you’re willing to pay.
- If you’re on a small, tight budget that you’re not willing to budge on, then start with curtains and certain types of blinds.
But if you have room to adjust your budget, then you may find more options exploring blinds!
Decide What’s Right for You
As you can see, there’s no straight answer to which option is right for you and your property. Blinds or curtains? Only you can answer that for yourself. To end up with the right choice, make sure that you compare each across the different factors discussed above and see how each meets your criteria, needs, and lifestyle.
Blindo only stock high-quality blinds and curtains, which means that you don’t have to worry about the quality – and you can focus on the look, feel, and design when styling your property.
If you need help find quality curtains and blinds, feel free to contact us for assistance – we’ll be more than glad to help you find the perfect set.