Blinds vs curtains is an old debate that is in circulation today. You may have one or the other, or perhaps even both. You’re here for a reason because you are part of this old debate.
While there isn’t a “better” option, each of the window coverings has pros and cons. The problem is finding out which pros and cons are priorities for you. Let’s narrow it down by comparing blinds vs curtains.
Why Compare Blinds Vs Curtains?
If you are looking for window dressings then you need to know if blinds or curtains are better for you. Both window coverings serve different purposes and they each have strong suits.
When comparing blinds vs curtains, there are many factors to consider before you decide which window covering is right for you. We have taken the primary factors and used them to compare blinds vs curtains.
Blinds Vs Curtains: Price
Blinds and curtains vary in price. But to understand how they each vary and why they vary, we will go over each of them. These are the average prices of blinds vs curtains, not the exact prices.
Blinds: There are over a dozen blinds to choose from. Mini-blinds are the cheapest and can cost as little as $5. Zebra blinds are one of the most expensive types and they can cost over $100 per set.
Curtains: Curtains vary because it’s less about the style of the curtain and more about the size and material. Short sheer curtains may cost $5. But heavy drapes can cost hundreds of dollars if made of expensive material.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains win when it comes to price because you can get higher-end curtains for cheaper than you can get higher-end blinds. If price is your biggest concern, curtains are the safer choice.
Design Versatility
Versatility refers to how many different materials and styles the window covering comes in. Versatility does not refer to the options but how each piece can vary from the previous piece.
Blinds: Most blinds are white but they can come in any color. The problem is finding the color you want. There are about a dozen different types of blinds to choose from and they all offer something unique.
Curtains: Curtains come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. There are at least 30 different types of curtains, regardless of color. If you are looking for specific patterns or colors, it’s easy to find them in a curtain.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains take the win in the versatility category. They are easy to find in the style that you are looking for. Not to mention, you can make curtains but making blinds is quite the undertaking.
Safety
Safety is a priority for every family. Each of these two window coverings can be dangerous. But one of them can be considered the “safer” option of the two. Let’s find out which one is the winner.
Blinds: Blinds have a few drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks of blinds, for people with kids or pets, is the cords. The cords that older blinds have to control them. They can get in the way and become dangerous.
Curtains: Curtains can become a safety hazard. Kids can get tangled on them, adults can step on them, and pets can pee on them. Curtains aren’t ideal unless they are short and close to the wall.
Winner: Blinds
Blinds are safer than curtains. If you get the blinds without a cord or string. Blinds manufactured in recent years do not often include this string so if you buy new blinds, it’s a safe bet. Curtains are not safe as they are often pulled on and knocked down by kids and adults alike.
Maintenance
Blinds and curtains both need to be cleaned. They can both tear and need repairs. Blinds vs curtains are easy to compare in this category. The only way to choose a winner is to compare the two and find out which one requires more maintenance.
Blinds: Blinds need to be cleaned about once a month unless your house is dusty. Otherwise, you can wipe them with a damp cloth and a little vinegar once a month. For stubborn stains, use diluted bleach.
Curtains: Curtains can be hand-washed and some fabrics need to be hand-washed. You should also wash curtains once a month using the care instructions on the tag or from the manufacturer’s website. Handle them with care.
Winner: Blinds
Blinds win because it doesn’t matter what type of blinds you get, you can wash them the same way. Curtains take special care and you need to know what type of curtains you have to care for them.
Durability
Durability is one of the main factors in the long-term cost of window coverings. If you need to replace one every year and the other every ten years, the ten-year window covering will be cheaper. How do blinds vs curtains stand in the durability category?
Blinds: Most blinds will last a little less than ten years. Some blinds only last five years while others can go ten years without needing to be replaced. This is the average lifespan, your blinds may differ.
Curtains: The lifespan of curtains depends on the fabric. Sheer curtains likely won’t make it three years without getting too dingy or torn to be worth keeping. Others, like heavy drapes, may last ten years.
Winner: Blinds
Blinds is a clear winner here. It would be strange if your blinds lasted less than five years but it would be strange if your curtains lasted more than five years. This gives blinds a huge edge in the competition.
Soundproofing
Soundproofing isn’t a priority for everyone. But if you do prioritize soundproofing then you want the best of the best when it comes to soundproofing materials. Which window covering has the best soundproofing qualities?
Blinds: Blinds are not good at soundproofing. You can buy thick blinds but due to the slats and the open outer edge, they do not cover well. Because they do not cover well, they won’t help soundproof a room.
Curtains: Curtains do a good job of soundproofing. Although sheer curtains will not soundproof a window, you can buy soundproofing curtains. Soundproof curtains will eliminate noise well.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains soundproof better than blinds. Although blinds are good for many things, soundproofing isn’t one of them. If you want blinds and you want to soundproof windows, we have a guide on how to soundproof windows.
Control
Blinds and curtains both offer a certain amount of control. When we say control we refer to how much the user can control how much light is let through. As well as how much of a view you can give yourself.
Blinds: You can pull blinds up or let them down to cover the window. They can also be twisted to let the light shine between them. This is the extent of what blinds can do unless you buy high-end blinds.
Curtains: You can put curtains up, down, pull them to the side, or something in the middle. The type of curtain you get affects how much control you have over them, which also adds another layer of control. Choosing the type of curtain offers control.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains win this time. Curtains offer much more control than blinds. While blinds can let you control some things, curtains allow you to control more. This is a clear winner and the competition isn’t close.
Energy-Efficiency
Energy efficiency is the rating of how much energy something will use to get a job done. In this case, we are comparing how energy-efficient curtains and blinds are. We need to know how well they keep heat or cold inside the house.
Blinds
Thick blinds made of a strong material can keep a good amount of heat inside the house. But the slats have to allow some heat out in the winter and some cool air out in the summer. Adding strips of rubber or foam can help.
Curtains
Curtains that are made to protect against heat or cold are wonderful. If they are thick and dark, they work even better, offering a solid shield in front of the window. Layer the curtains for more protection.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains win in the blinds vs curtains debate when it comes to energy efficiency. You can layer curtains to add to the energy efficiency, saving you money and making your house a better temperature for the season.
Blinds Vs Curtains: Do I Have To Choose?
If you’re undecided in the blinds vs. curtains debate, that’s okay. Put blinds up first and then add curtains afterward. This will add all of the pros of each type of window covering and cut down on the cons.
When this happens, everyone wins. Choose the best type of curtain for your home and climate. The blinds are more forgiving as they don’t vary as curtains do. So choose your curtain style and the rest is easy.
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