So, you're decorating your home. It can be a difficult task given all the choices available today, but selecting what to use in your windows can be an easy and pleasant experience if you know what to look for, and what will work best with your home. Curtains have previously been used for centuries... They look good, their material is good and they do the job perfectly. But, now, blinds have started to fight back, they're practical, they do the same job just as well and with a wide range of styles and materials, they are also just as luxurious! So it just boils down to a few things, price, cleaning, look, function & installation etc. It's a hard choice but we have to make it! And here's how:
Décor (Look/style)
Curtains now come in every kind of style, colour, material and size imaginable. A set can range in cost from a few pounds to a few hundred pounds. If you go shopping for window treatments you'll find a HUGE variety of curtains, in all manor of style and material!
Blinds, however, can be found in most businesses and commercial properties, because they provide a more professional look than curtains, and are much more affordable. Homes are also enjoying the benefits of blinds too. The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in styles and types of blinds available for homes, giving homeowners an equally stylish yet far less expensive option to curtains. Blinds come in a large range of colours and materials now too from plastic to wood to material.
Blinds, however, can be found in most businesses and commercial properties, because they provide a more professional look than curtains, and are much more affordable. Homes are also enjoying the benefits of blinds too. The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in styles and types of blinds available for homes, giving homeowners an equally stylish yet far less expensive option to curtains. Blinds come in a large range of colours and materials now too from plastic to wood to material.
Function
There are two main functions for both curtains and blinds: light control and privacy. The type of curtains used makes a considerable difference in their ability to block light, and obstruct views. Sheer curtains are almost purely decorative. They allow light to shine through and offer little in the way of privacy, but are a great way to add soft, subtle style to a room. Heavy curtains will block almost 100 percent of the light shining into the window when completely closed, but can be adjusted by opening them according to your needs. When closed, thick curtains provide substantial privacy, but offer little when fully open. Adding a set of sheer curtains behind thick curtains is frequently employed in homes to enjoy the benefits of both.
Blinds cannot be beat when it comes to functionality. The twist of a rod allows precise control of how much light enters the room or a simple pull of the cord opens the blinds entirely to let the sun shine through. The curvature of the blind slats can obscure the view inside the home even while allowing light to shine in. This feature gives blinds an advantage over curtains, allowing them the benefit of privacy and light flow.
Blinds cannot be beat when it comes to functionality. The twist of a rod allows precise control of how much light enters the room or a simple pull of the cord opens the blinds entirely to let the sun shine through. The curvature of the blind slats can obscure the view inside the home even while allowing light to shine in. This feature gives blinds an advantage over curtains, allowing them the benefit of privacy and light flow.
Cleaning
Curtains don't require frequent cleaning, apart from spills or stains, which should be treated as needed. Taking curtains down and washing them once every 3-4 months will insure their cleanliness without fading the colors. Lighter curtains can be washed in a residential washer and dryer, but larger, heavier curtains should be washed in industrial washers and dryers, or dry cleaned. After a few months, the curtains should also be sprayed with a fabric freshener just to keep it smelling good between washes. Spot cleaning may be the easiest option to avoid the hassle and cost of removing and cleaning multiple sets of curtains.
Blinds require weekly to monthly cleaning, though the process is much simpler. Unfortunately, blinds should be avoided in homes of people with severe allergies to dust and dirt, as they tend to attract and hold debris much easier than curtains. Weekly cleaning with a feather or synthetic duster will remove dust and debris from the blinds' slats, and is a much easier option that wiping each blind slat by hand.
Blinds require weekly to monthly cleaning, though the process is much simpler. Unfortunately, blinds should be avoided in homes of people with severe allergies to dust and dirt, as they tend to attract and hold debris much easier than curtains. Weekly cleaning with a feather or synthetic duster will remove dust and debris from the blinds' slats, and is a much easier option that wiping each blind slat by hand.
Installation
Installing blinds and curtains require varying levels of effort and experience. To install curtains, you will need a curtain rod, rod hooks, screws and a power drill. The installation process is relatively simply, and can be done by most people without the help of a professional. Installing blinds requires a slightly more complicated process, and is often down by a professional, sent by the company from whom you ordered the blinds.