Curtains usually make a room look bigger than blinds do. Though blinds fit inside the window frame, the slats can often make a room feel shuttered and confined. Blinds also cast shadows across the room throughout the day, which means you don't get as much light as you could.
Curtains will give better light control but blinds may be more practical in a smaller space. If you decide on a blind, have it made longer and wider than the window to minimise light drift. Curtains are best installed close to the ceiling or better still, with a pelmet above to stop light from escaping.
Curtains offer better insulation and soundproofing.
In warm weather, however, blinds beat curtains in energy efficiency. Because blinds leak more heat from a room, they also decrease indoor heat gain more efficiently in the summer, by around 45 percent, which can lower your AC bills.
Using blinds will almost always make a room look bigger than it would do with curtains, both because curtains protrude into the room more and have a fussier appearance than blinds, and they generally cover more of the walls around the window too.
Use Mirrors to Your Advantage
Mirrors are commonly used in interior design to make rooms feel bigger by placing them strategically. If you use one to reflect a window, it gives the illusion of more light entering the room, which in turn will make it seem like there is a lot more space than there is.
"Extending your draperies from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall surrounding your window makes them appear bigger," explains Francesco Bilotto.
Go Vertical
Sheer, lightweight curtains with vertical stripes add height to a small space. Muted patterns or plaids in lightweight fabrics with bold vertical stripes or open-weave curtains with vertical designs woven into them add texture and airiness.
If you want to make your living room look bigger, stick to lighter colors that reflect more light and make the space feel more open. Neutrals, like off-white, beige, or light grays, are a great way to add a level of sophistication and calm.
Curtains absolutely can make a room look smaller or larger, depending on their design. Thick curtains and dark curtains are known for making a regular room look slightly smaller, while sheer curtains made of lightly-colored fabrics are ideal for helping to visually expand a room's size.
However, the blinds and walls should be at least one shade lighter or darker than each other to ensure that everything blends well together, and they should also be a similar tone. For example, cool window treatments are best suited for a cool-toned room—and the same goes for warm tones.
Blinds tend to be cheaper than curtains, so are a popular choice for anyone on a budget. But that doesn't mean blinds can't also be aesthetically pleasing. In many cases, blinds are a better choice than curtains, particularly if they are to go in a small room.
The main difference between curtains and blinds is their coverage of the window. While blinds cover the window directly, curtains are usually hung in front of the window, and often drape to the floor. Blinds also come in a range of different options including roller blinds, Venetian blinds, and Roman blinds.
We often get asked the question 'do curtains and blinds work together? ' The answer is, for the most part, 'yes' – when paired, the two can bring out a flexible décor and ensure adequate blocking of light and privacy control. However, there are some style guidelines to follow to get the look just right.
When you have features such as window blinds with quality, design, and functionality, buyers are willing to pay more for your home. So, window treatments increase home values even though you may not be able to precisely calculate a dollar amount.
The answer is 'yes', certain types of blinds will trap a layer of air between the fabric and the glass, helping to keep out the cold coming in from your windows. Professionally fitted blinds can be an energy efficient way to keep the heat in and the cold out.
Curtains Are More Energy-Efficient
For people who work night shifts or even for people who want to limit the amount of sunlight that filters into the living room, curtains are a better option than blinds. Beyond that, curtains can have an energy-efficient component as well.
Big floral patterns make a room appear larger. Install wallpaper with horizontal stripes to make a room seem wider, or commit to vertical stripes to stretch the room visually and raise the ceiling. A busy pattern featuring chevrons, simple geometric designs, or a texture that mimics marble can make a room seem bigger.
Therefore, hang your curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible – preferably 2 inches below the ceiling molding – and opt for ceiling-to-floor length curtains. This will make your windows appear taller, as long curtains that extend the window frame will make it look like a unified whole.
Naturally, white is an obvious choice for making a room feel bigger. It's no secret that light colors make a room look larger, especially if the space is bathed in natural light. Eggshell or satin finishes will help reflect the light, creating the appearance of even more space.
Old, dark windows can reduce the amount of light that enters your home and cause your space to appear smaller. There are certain replacement window styles that can open a room by giving the appearance of more space while allowing more light to filter in.
Where do curtains come in? By restricting the flow of air between the warm and cold areas of a space, curtains aid in heat retention. Also, double-glazed windows will allow heat to escape, but heavy curtains will act as a barrier, preventing air from flowing from the main room to the window.