How Do I Decide Between Curtains or Blinds?

[AD] When it comes to window dressings, choosing the right one for you isn’t always as easy as it seems. One of the biggest conundrums for most is choosing between curtains and blinds.  Whether you are moving to a new property or simply refreshing your current decor, deciding on the right window dressing can be a tough ask. 

Before you come to a decision, it’s worth considering a few factors, from cost to function, maintenance and of course installation.  To give you a better idea of how to narrow down your choice, here are the most important things to know about curtains and blinds.

Visual Impact

 As a general rule, curtains are most practical and impactful for large or tall windows and over doors.  Available in the same range of fabrics as blinds, they do however provide a greater design choice – you can have pleated, eyelet, bunched or wave style curtains.  You also get a range of choice for their fixings, be it a metal pole, fabric pelmet, or invisible track.

Often thought of as a functional solution, when used creatively blinds can create a striking focal point for a room.  In requiring less fabric, one can choose a bold dramatic print, or a more luxurious pricier material, and achieve just as much impact as with sumptuous curtains.  Unsuited for very wide or long windows, blinds instead offer contemporary and sometimes minimalist effects in even the tightest of spaces.

Cost Comparison

Although people often think that curtains are pricier than blinds due to the extra material required, there are actually a wide number of variables to consider in trying to make a price comparison.  For example, the cost of your chosen fabric is actually influenced by how much is required to ensure the pattern, where relevant, matches perfectly across the piece.  As with all things the quality of the manufacturing has a huge effect on the cost – so a beautifully handmade blind might in fact be dearer than a machine made pair of curtains, and a tiny utility room blind for an A3 size window would indeed cost less than wall to wall floor length curtains!  

It is however always critical to ensure you achieve the best quality possible, alongside the best value for money.  This will guarantee you a product with longevity and a beautiful finish to your room.  Speaking with the experts at places like Sarah Wooldridge Design will certainly help as they’ll be able to give you a much better idea of cost before you make any decisions.

Upkeep

The fabrics for both made to measure curtains and blinds are not designed to require washing or dry cleaning.  Both are made from multiple layers of fabrics which can react differently to chemical cleaning and heat, causing warping or distortion.  Fabrics with spot clean technology are great for houses with little ones, and a good vacuum and airing is the best medicine to keep your curtains and blinds looking fresh.  If cared for, both curtains and blinds are designed to last you for years and years.  

Made to measure blinds are generally operated with chain systems and have string mechanisms inbuilt. These come with quick release mechanisms to prevent choking and strangulation, as per the Child Safety Act 2014.  Chains and toggles within the blinds are designed to break if a child becomes stuck, but these are simple to click back into place.  Always ensure you get your blinds from a reputable source who adheres to these rules.  Experts at places like Sarah Wooldridge Design will show you the breakaway systems and how to reattach them as a normal part of their installation service.

Energy Efficiency

Curtains are very good at preventing heat from leaving your room via the windows then they are closed. This is especially the case when they have been lined with thermal padding known as interlining, which has the added benefit of making the curtains appear thicker, fuller and more sumptuous. This is the case for both floor length and sill length curtains, so do not be concerned by the curtains sitting over radiators when closed.

Roman Blinds can and do provide insulation similar to curtains, especially when installed above rather than inside the window frame, and interlined.  Roller blinds, venetian blinds, and vertical blinds are great for adding privacy but do not provide as much thermal efficiency, so if you’re losing a lot of heat from your windows then some other options might be best.

Contact The Experts For Help

If you’d like more advice regarding your own home and window spaces, Sarah Wooldridge Design could help During a consultation, this company’s experts will look at your window spaces and discuss your requirements to help find the perfect solution to ensure your window dressings meet not only functional requirements but also your personal style and design vision.  Call Sarah Wooldridge Design today on 01628 333400. 

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