Homeowners, interior designers, and decorators often debate on whether blinds or curtains are better. Which window treatment is the best: blind vs. curtains is a subject worth exploring. You’re here because you are active in this debate.
While one option isn’t better than the other, both window coverings have pros and cons. The challenge is figuring out your priorities.
Why Compare Blinds Vs Curtains?
When looking for window dressings, you need to know which is best for you. There are many factors to consider. We have looked at the key factors to compare blinds vs curtains.
Blinds Vs Curtains: Price
Blinds and curtains vary in price. These are the average prices of blinds and curtains.
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 expensive and can cost over $100 per set.
Curtains: it’s less about the style and more about the size and material. Short sheer curtains may cost $5. But heavy drapes can cost hundreds of dollars if made with expensive material.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains win when in the pricing category because you can get higher-end curtains cheaper than high-end blinds.
Design Versatility
Versatility refers to the different materials and styles of a window covering. It does not refer to the options but how each piece can vary from the previous piece.
Blinds: Most blinds are white but are available in other colors. The problem is finding the color you want. There are a different types of blinds to choose and each style is unique.
Curtains: Curtains come in hundreds of shapes and sizes. There are at least 30 different types of curtains. If you are looking for specific patterns or colors, it’s easy to find them in a curtain.
Winner: Curtains
Curtains win the versatility category. Whatever style you’re looking for, it should be easy to find. Not to mention, you can make curtains, but making blinds isn’t as easy.
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 are 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 the kind made 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 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. It would create a win-win scenario.
Choose the best type of curtain for your home and environment. Blinds are forgiving while curtains carry emotional sensibilities that connect them to the spaces they inhabit on a deeper level. AFter you choose your curtain style, everything else will be easy.
Curtains Vs. Blinds Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Difference Between Blackout Curtains And Blackout Blinds?
Blackout curtains have more design choices and offer better privacy. The curtains also provide tight insulation and noise protection.
Blackout blinds do not need as much space. They are better in hot and humid climates. They’re also cheaper and easier to install and maintain. Most designs come with emote control operation.
How To Remove Window Blinds?
Removing mounted wall blinds is easier than installing them. First, if your blinds have a valance, take it out. They’re mounted with a clip attached at the top of the headrail. Remove it by lifting it off the blinds. Next, open the brackets. You should have access to the headrail and mounting brackets.
Open the brackets by lifting the door or hinged side. Brackets feature a tab that keeps the hinged side closed. Now you can remove the window blinds from the brackets.
Last, unscrew the brackets from the window frame.
Curtains Vs. Blinds Conclusion
It won’t matter if you choose curtains or blinds. If you do enough research and believe in your creative design abilities, then you won’t second guess yourself. Whatever decision you make, it will the right one.
The post Which Window Treatment is The Best: Blinds Vs Curtains appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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