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.
"Blinds offer the most light control with a variety of tilting options. Blinds or shades can be paired with drapery to enhance windows in any part of the home." While each type of window treatment has its own unique set of characteristics, all of them can be used to transform any room.
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.
Typically, curtain installation is more expensive than blind installation if you hire someone else to do it. Blind installation usually only takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on a variety of factors, but curtain installation can take more than an hour.
For those that prefer a wider range of styles and fabrics to choose from – curtains are great choice for lounge and living areas matching any décor and can be dressed up with padded pelmets or headings. Blinds have a much more stylish, classic look to them – Roman Blinds in particular look chic in a living room.
Wood blinds or faux wood blinds block out a great deal of sun, but not all of it. If you want complete darkness to grab a few more winks on weekends, add some curtains over the binds to double up the sun defense.
Curtains Cost. On the whole, blinds are typically cheaper than curtains. This is because a curtain is an entire panel of fabric, while a blind is just a few slats of lightweight material.
There is one simple, surefire way to make your living space look bigger than it is, and that is by using blinds. The right kind of window treatment can make a huge difference in how it accentuates the area and gives the appearance of increasing a room's square footage.
There's no right or wrong here, and the answer usually comes down to personal choice. If you prefer the appearance of curtains, that's probably the best choice for you; that said, there are some functions and finishes that can only be achieved with blinds for the bedroom, which is worth bearing in mind as well.
While window treatments can help to add value to your home, there are some cases when the opposite holds true. If the blinds or shutters are outdated or in disrepair, that may end up lowering the value. Likewise, inexpensive plastic blinds purchased at hardware or home goods stores won't add anything to your home.
They were mainly used to block out the cold and were constructed of wood or fabric. With new fabrics and patterns, window coverings have become more adaptable and simple to use. Window blinds are a common option for many homeowners today because of the variety of designs and hues available.
Study: Curtains or blinds should ALWAYS be closed to get a healthy night's sleep. The research team discovered that moderate light exposure caused the body to go into a higher alert state.
Curtains prevent allergens from getting into your rooms. When your windows are open, dust particles and pollen enter your home. Curtains act as a barrier and collect these particles. They also prevent moisture from condensation on windows entering your room at night.
Natural Materials
This is no different for the world of window furnishings with curtains and blinds. We are seeing an increase in the number of curtains and outdoor window blinds being made from natural materials, such as bamboo, linen, silk and hemp, with a noticeable decrease in synthetic materials.
Not only do draperies make a space feel finished, but they also have the magical ability to transform an interior, whether it's creating the illusion of a higher ceiling, drawing the eye across a room, or framing views to a beautiful vista just outside.
Blinds can be lighter or darker than your walls, but there are a few things to keep in mind before choosing a color. To ensure that everything blends well together, the blinds and walls should be at least one shade lighter or darker than each other, but most importantly, they should also be a similar tone.
Turned Up: Rounded Side Facing Out
Pros: More privacy: by turning the blinds up, you limit the amount of visibility space directed towards the room. People won't be able to see inside when passing by. Better light control: limiting visibility also means limiting lighting.
Up (Rounded Side Facing Out)
Blinds turned in this direction offer more privacy and light control since the convex side faces the window, blocking light or views from the outside.
Because of their variety, shades also offer more stylish appeal and some types, like cellular shades, can offer more energy efficiency to your window treatments.
Are curtains or blinds cheaper? If you're after a simple blind, you'll find that blinds are cheaper than curtains. For more premium blinds, curtains are a cheaper option. The three most affordable blinds are Roller blinds, Venetian blinds, and Vertical blinds.
In Modern Home Design, they highlight choosing curtains that are a simple color, but with a small pattern near the top. This pattern can then be matched with the furniture, or can simply add a nice touch to a solid-colored modern room.
Maximize Natural Light
Or, if you really want to let the light shine in, opt for bare windows! Whether you choose sheer curtains, cafe curtains or nothing at all, maximizing natural light is a trend that's here to stay.
Roman shades are a designer favorite because they are made of fabric, so they offer a softening look similar to that of curtains, without dragging on the floor or getting caught up in the furniture.
Close curtains and blinds
If you're on a budget consider only thermal lining the rooms with direct sun. White or light coloured curtains and blinds are better at reflecting heat and light away from your home. If you have thick, dark curtains, closing them will only trap heat in the room.