There’s so much choice these days when considering new window dressings, it can be a bit overwhelming. What’s right for you, the style of the room you’re looking to achieve, the colours, textures – the list goes on, but we’re going to make it simple by looking at the pro’s and con’s of curtains and blinds in a bid to help you make the right choice!
Curtains
The Pros
- Curtains come in an incredible range of colours and designs. From geometic, abstract and floral patterns, to solid colours and paisley prints, you’ll be sure to find the right pattern and colourway for your room.
- There are nearly as many textile choices as there are designs in curtain fabrics. From velvet to sheer, cotton or brocade – you have many choices to find the perfect curtain.
- There are also different thickness options. For instance, if you’ve got a draughty window, then a thicker curtain will help block with draught. Or you could opt for a thermal curtain to help retain indoor heat.
- Curtains provide a good energy saving quality.
- Curtains can also be aesthetically pleasing from an interior design point of view. They can also complement other soft furnishings in your room, like bedding or cushions, for instance.
- Black out curtains are available that will block out the light completely – particularly useful if you’ve got a sun trap or you work nightshifts.
The Cons
- Curtains aren’t as durable as blinds – they need a bit of maintenance from time to time to keep them in optimal condition.
- Made to measure curtains are a lot more expensive than made to measure blinds
- Curtains aren’t really suitable for most kitchens and bathrooms. The moist atmosphere in these rooms can ruin the fabric.
- If your curtains block your radiators when they’re drawn, then you could be losing heat from them, which in turn, isn’t particularly cost effective on energy bills.
- When closed, curtains can’t filter in any sunlight. They need to open for any sunshine to come into the room.
- They’re harder to clean than blinds – many curtains need professional dry cleaning. They can become mouldy due to condensation, stained or moth eaten if not maintained correctly.
Blinds
The Pros
- The are many colours and designs available in blinds – possibly not as many as curtains, but you’re still sure to be able to find what you want!
- There are various slat sizes and thickness options available too – and different styles of blinds (Roman Blinds, Venetian Blinds etc)
- When fitted directly to the window, blinds won’t cover your radiators, therefore the heat from your radiators can permeate the room, leading to energy savings.
- Made to measure blinds are less expensive than made to measure curtains.
- Blinds can be aesthetically pleasing too! They create a ‘minimalist’ atmosphere in a room.
- And, a benefit over curtains is the fact that blinds can be used anywhere in the home – kitchens and bathrooms included!
- Blinds are much easier to clean and there’s a minimal amount of maintenance required.
- Blinds can filter in sunlight whether they’re up or down.
The Cons
- Blinds aren’t as good as curtains at blocking out the light. If you really need to block out all daylight from your room, curtains would be your best option.
- There aren’t as many textures to choose from with blinds. They tend to be similar textures, look flat and minimal as a window dressing.
- Blinds won’t really give you much of an energy saving. Although your radiators aren’t covered by them, they’re not good at blocking out any draughts that come from your windows.
So, there you have it! Our guide to the pros and cons of curtains and blinds!
We are Winnens – a long established family run leading flooring and interiors specialist based in Cheltenham. Servicing Gloucestershire the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. Based on trust, reliabilty and customer satisfactory. For more information, take a look at our website www.winnens.co.uk or give us a call on 01242 521 661 – we’d be happy to help!