What is the difference between blinds and curtains?

Author: Dr. Lizzie Ratke I  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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.

Which one is better blinds or curtain?

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.

Why blinds are better than curtains?

In terms of durability, blinds are likely more durable being made of wood versus cloth curtains, since material that can become moth-eaten, stained or mouldy – as you can imagine, curtains in bathrooms and kitchens have a huge risk of mould and stains because of the constant moisture in the air.

Do I need curtains if I have 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.

Are blinds a type of curtains?

Blinds and curtains are two options you can choose to cover your windows. A blind is a window covering typically made up of several long horizontal or vertical slats while a curtain is a hanging piece of fabric that covers a window or opening. There are advantages and disadvantages to both blinds and curtains.

Curtains vs Blinds

What are the 3 types of blinds?

  • Venetian Blinds. Venetian blinds are made from aluminium, real wood, or faux wood. ...
  • Roller Blinds. Roller blinds are a type of fabric blind that come in a choice of one or two rollers. ...
  • Roman Blinds. Roman blinds are a luxurious choice for covering a window. ...
  • Pleated Blinds. ...
  • Vertical Blinds.

Which is more expensive curtains or blinds?

Curtains are usually much more expensive than blinds, but the design options available can be worth the extra money. As mentioned earlier, curtains should always go down to the floor and, ideally, hang from above the window.

Are curtains out of style 2021?

The Main Interior Trends 2021 for Curtains

Various ruffles and frills are no longer trendy. Such options are appropriate only if you have chosen a design for the bedroom or the living room in the style of some period era like Victorian times.

Is it OK to not have curtains?

It's ok to go bare—for the right reasons. To hear most designers say it, window treatments are the jewelry of the home, the finishing touch without which no good room is complete. But, as with every rule—design and elsewhere—there are exceptions.

Are curtains in style for 2021?

Among the main curtain trends for 2021 is an ambiance that's airy or light. Heavy and thick curtains can make a room look and feel much smaller. Homeowners might not realise that some guests may even feel claustrophobic in a room treated with bulky curtains, especially if the room isn't large to begin with!

Can blinds be used in bedrooms?

In short, the right blinds for your bedroom will be a style that blocks out as much light as possible. One of the most important things to remember is that most styles of blinds will still allow a small degree of light to escape around the sides of the fabric.

Do blinds make a room warmer?

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.

Do blinds keep heat out?

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.

Should bedrooms have curtains or blinds?

Bedrooms. Curtains are best suited for lounge and bedrooms but nowadays, the use of blinds is becoming just as popular. For bedrooms that are smaller, you can add depth and height by mounting timber or Roman Blinds a few inches below the ceiling to “cheat” a window up.

Do blinds add value to a home?

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.

Are blinds expensive?

How much do blinds cost per window? The average cost per window is $50. This price is dependent on the material and size of blinds that are chosen. Mini blinds can cost as little as $6, but custom, motorized, or high-end materials can push the price to more than $100 each.

Are curtains out of style 2022?

In 2022, simplicity and minimalism are emerging in curtain and drapery styles. Less fluff and more flow are the way to go when choosing new curtains for your home. Classic materials like cotton and linen are top of the trend list to match the light, relaxing, naturalist themes this year.

Do modern homes have curtains?

There are ten basic styles of curtains for modern homes. Each has its own purpose and some won't look as nice as others in your space. But once you find the right modern curtains pick, you can set your contemporary decorating energies to bigger and better things.

How can I cover blinds without curtains?

How to Add Privacy to Any Window Without Curtains or Blinds
  1. Privacy Screen. ...
  2. Hanging Object. ...
  3. Plants. ...
  4. Frosted Glass. ...
  5. Faux Stained Glass. ...
  6. Macrame. ...
  7. Shelving. ...
  8. Outdoor Shutters.

Are shutters out of style?

Today, shutters are used extensively all over the world, for functional and aesthetic purposes. Do all houses need shutters? Absolutely not, and many, many houses would look much better without shutters, rather than with “today's” shutters.

Are shutters out of style 2021?

Window Treatment Styles And Designs That Are Out in 2021

Speaking of shutters, gray and gray-tone wood grain is rising in popularity for shutters, with all-white and dark wood shutter stains declining in popularity.

Are curtains with sheers outdated?

If you choose to use them in your bedroom, layer them with blinds or blackout curtains so you can enjoy both the airy lightness of sheers and the protective power of heavier window coverings. Sheers aren't outdated. In fact, they're a timeless look that can fit well in any modern home.

Is it easier to install blinds or curtains?

If you want to control light and noise, curtains are the best option for your home. Aside from being more practical, blinds are also cheaper and easier to install than curtains.

Do blinds or curtains make a room look bigger?

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.

Do curtains have to touch the floor?

It depends on factors such as window length, but more often than not, curtains look best when touching the floor. However, how low you want your curtains to hang will determine what you want to achieve. In reality, different decorating styles employ varying curtain lengths.

Previous article
Should shutters and trim be the same color?
Next article
When should you use eggshell paint?