Designers consider window shades and blinds essential for many reasons. But there are so many options — how do you choose the right ones? Most windows need a little help from window coverings to manage light levels or provide privacy.
Window treatments can transform the way a room looks and can give you privacy. However, in activity areas like the dining room, living room and the kitchen, you can probably live without them. A window without any coverings or obstructions can make your home so much brighter.
People wanting a healthy night's sleep should ALWAYS close the curtains or blinds and switch off the bedroom light, according to a new study.
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.
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 If the blinds or shutters are outdated or in disrepair, that may end up lowering the value.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.
"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.
Pick both. Blinds and curtains aren't mutually exclusive. And pairing the two is a great way to make a surprising statement in your space—while giving yourself plenty of control over ambiance and lighting.
That yardage of curtain fabric gets expensive quickly. Additionally blinds and shades give the opportunity to adjust how much sun comes in the windows where curtains are more about blocking sunlight. Because they provide privacy while still allowing light into the room.
Additionally, those bacteria that were kept in the dark were also more closely related to respiratory diseases than those that stayed alive even with exposure to sunlight. So not only are you benefiting from the vitamin D that comes from the sun, but it could also be saving you from respiratory disease as well.
Window treatments like curtains and blinds are essential in the bedroom to add privacy, make it easy to adjust the lighting, and help maintain a steady temperature. There are many different types of window treatments, however, and exploring the options can be confusing.
Offering privacy, lighting control and eye-catching aesthetics, blinds and shutters are ideal window treatments for a bedroom. If you're thinking of incorporating blinds or shutters into your bedroom space but are unsure which style is right for you, here's a little interior inspiration to guide your decision!
Blinds tend to come in a narrower range of materials and styles and only in solid colors; this minimalism makes them better suited for the modern look of the Scandinavian, industrial, and coastal interior styles.
A condo with floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows and Stone walls flanking either side does definitely not need the curtain treatment. Hanging out over the ocean, it simple doesn't need to “fill” of fabric. Bathrooms, especially kid bathrooms, might actually be adversely affected by curtains.
Blinds of all kinds, from pleated to venetian and roller, can help protect furniture and carpets from fading. Blinds also help keep rooms cool in the summer, providing essential shade on bright sunny days.
Window blinds—vertical (Venetian blinds) or horizontal slat-type (louvered-type)—are effective at reducing summer heat gain and reducing glare, while providing good daylight indoors.
Blinds let you keep the sun out (and also stop internal light from escaping) which might mean the difference between you being able to sleep at night or not; or even the ability to see your TV screen for daytime viewing or not.
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.
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.
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.
Roller shades are some of the most modern blinds you can get. They are very sleek and simple and they offer a really neat and streamlined look. Your best bet is to avoid patterns and prints and go for those core colours we mentioned above.
Curtains and draperies are classics that will never go out of style! But just like any other interior design element in your home, there are window treatment trends and styles that come and go.
One of the most creative curtain trends in 2023 is layering different styles, patterns, and materials to create a unique and personalized look. This trend encourages experimentation and allows you to express your individuality through your choice of curtains.