Blinds or Curtains — Which Is Best?

When it comes to deciding between blinds or curtains, there is no denying they both look great. However, they each offer different features and benefits both in terms of looks and functionality. So which one of these should you go for?

That is the question we are here to help you answer.

Both types of window furnishings have the ability to breathe new life into a space in their own ways. They help you add some personality letting your creative side shine through while adding value. And hey, if it gets you a spot on The Block, we are all for it!

Without window furnishings, houses can look dull and bare. Dressing up the bare bones with blinds or curtains can instantly transform them into cosy homes.

We are going to be comparing the two against each other, so you can be armed with all the information you need. Consider this the ultimate buyer’s guide with everything you need to know about blinds and curtains.

Blinds Pros

1. Light Control

We have come to expect flexibility and enhanced choices in the way we live our lives today. Naturally, this extends to window furnishings. We no longer want just two options; open or closed. We want to be able to finely control these actions even further. What about precisely controlling light flow into a room to our unique needs? Would that be possible?

Yes, in fact, it would. Now you may not be able to do this with something like roller blinds for instance, but Venetian blinds? Absolutely. Blinds that come with slats/blades or panels, all have this coveted feature. They allow you to manage the ambience of your space better than others, and typically this includes shutters and vertical blinds as well.

So if you would like to have the ability to filter light through in a consistent way, this is an important feature to take into consideration.

2. Variety of Options

Once upon a time, blinds were just that; blinds. Today however, there are roller blinds, double-roller blinds, timber-look Venetian blinds, panel glide blinds, vertical blinds, Roman blinds and more. They can be used on their own, or mix-and-matched with other options including curtains. 

With curtains, whilst there is a wide range of colours, textures and patterns on offer, we are really only dealing with two types; blockout and sheer. As you might have guessed blockout means the curtains completely block light out (and some sound), while sheers are thinner and softer. The difference is the lined backing that blockout curtains typically come with. A common choice is to pair both of them with each other, for maximum potential.

3. Easy Cleaning

Out of the two, blinds are definitely easier to clean. The easiest way to clean blinds is to wipe them down every now and then with a damp cloth. While curtains do not exactly need to be detailed, they do need to be periodically washed and dried. The washing process too has to be specific, so as to not ruin the fabric and texture. Every time you do this, you need to remove the curtains fully.

As blinds are so convenient on the cleaning front, they are excellent contenders for homes with pets and kids. Be they babies or fur babies, your blinds will make for much easier maintenance. Getting stains out of curtains can be tricky! Not impossible, but certainly a challenge, especially if it sets in.

Blinds Cons

1. Can get damaged 

With curtains, you are dealing with fabric and that is about it. With blinds, you are dealing with slats, panels, cords and other mechanisms which are essential. So the chances of a slat or cord breaking or snapping are possible. While it is not the end of the world, it can affect the look of the blinds until such time you are able to repair it. 

Having said that, it is not difficult to rectify such an issue if it were to occur. Additionally, if the blinds are well-made and of high quality, the chances of this happening will be slim. However, accidents do happen, so rest assured that your blinds can be restored to their former glory without much hassle. 

Curtains Pros

1. Enhanced insulation

Do curtains make you feel warm and cosy just by looking at them? That is because they are! In fact, they are fantastic for insulation as they help regulate air temperature indoors. They do this by limiting the amount of outside air coming into your home, so you can stay warmer in Winter and cooler in Summer. As an added bonus, they also help muffle outside sound to an extent.

Blockout curtains in particular are excellent for this. Their thick fabric forms a barrier and reduces the amount of air exchange, while also bouncing off sound. For this reason, they are great additions to spaces like studios, media rooms or your newborn’s nursery. They also do well in homes on busy roads.

2. Timeless elegance

That feeling you get when you set your eyes on a beautiful set of curtains is why they are so loved. You are just overcome with a sense of awe and grandeur. It really is incredible, how much curtains can instantly bring to any space. They have been around for generations, making countless homes happier in the past. The fact that they are alive and kicking today, speaks volumes about their relevance. 

You can also create various combinations with curtains. Blockouts and sheers are popular, as you can draw the blockouts back to let sunlight stream in while the sheers diffuse the light. Sheers themselves can also be personalised with banding and trims, making them look and feel luxurious.

3. Customise with heading styles

Curtain heading styles refer to the way they gather at the top. There is so much that can be done here. Take a look at some of the options below:

• S-Wave
• Box pleat
• Double-Pinch pleat
• Triple-Pinch pleat
• Pencil pleat

You can customise the look of your curtains with your own heading style, from simple to intricate. This is not an option with blinds.

Curtains Cons

1. Needs extra care

Curtains need some extra loving. If you were to spill something on them they could stain more easily for instance, or your pet may think they have a new chew toy. Given that curtains are often designed to be long, this makes them easily accessible for your dog, cat or crawling toddler. Additionally, over time, curtains can also accumulate pet hair, dust and fluff, and fade from sunlight. So using a vacuum with a brush-head to clean in-between washes is essential.

Damage from insects like moths for instance who gnaw through fabrics is another threat to curtains. General wear and tear is more likely as a whole, as the material in question is different to blinds. 

2. Not the same perfect fit

With blinds, you can achieve a clear-cut, perfect fit. This is because they can be precisely fitted into the shape of your windows, in a way that will not allow light to bleed through. This is true whether you choose ‘face fit’ – outside the window frame or ‘reveal-fit’ – inside the window frame. Though you can be extremely precise with curtains as well, they may not give you that same glove-like fit because they are made of fabric. Light could still make its way through the sides. So if you are someone who needs total, 100% blockout, this is worth noting.

At the end of the day, everything in your home needs maintenance, including blinds and curtains. Now you have this guide to help, it is time to start making some decisions. 

Of course, it all depends on your personal vision and taste, however, you could consider mixing it up. Blinds and curtains on their own offer a world of benefits, but when these two powerhouses combine, the result is spectacular.

Reach out to the team if you would like to discuss your options and brainstorm some ideas. We are always here and willing to help.