Curtains VS Blinds: Which Is Better?

No window should be left bare… or at least, that’s what we think. If you are like us and wondering which window cover suits your home best, read on for some tips!

It’s funny how most people neglect their windows during their interior design journey, and yet, windows have the power to add so much warmth and beauty to your home. They are more than decoration, so finding a good cover for them is necessary to control the amount of natural sunlight entering your house. 

Photo by Anwar Hakim on Unsplash

Picking a Side

So it’s an either-or question now. Curtains or blinds? 

Let’s talk about curtains first. They are less rigid, more flowy, offering a softer touch. This uniqueness makes them particularly suitable for adding to bedrooms, living rooms or nurseries – places that are meant for relaxation. Generally, if you have a cool colour palette in your home, curtains can also provide warmth and cosiness.

Types of Curtains 

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

Panel Pair

Panel pair curtains are very popular, and are installed on either side of the window. 

Photo by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash

Single Panel 

There are also single panel curtains, which consist of just one curtain panel to cover the entire window. This is a good choice if your window is not too wide, and it can be kept by pulling it to the side or gathering it in the centre for an asymmetrical design. 

Window Treatment Set 

A window treatment set – its name sounds as grandeur as its design – are ideal for opulent designs. Typically, this is more maintenance-heavy as each set comes with one or two curtains and a valance. A valance is a short curtain that is installed at the top of your windows, above the curtains. They come in an array of colours, textures and designs that you can pick to complement your home decor. 

Photo by MTM Curtains

Blackout Curtains 

Like its name suggests, blackout curtains blackout your home, literally. Did you know? They were invented to prevent sunlight from penetrating into homes and offer complete darkness. These are popular amongst homeowners who enjoy dark tones as well as people who might work the night shift and have to sleep in during the day. Other benefits include protecting your furniture from UV damage over time!

Moving on to our blinds! Blinds are usually made from materials such as vinyl – also known as PVC – and aluminium. They are good for usage in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, service yards, balcony, study rooms. It is an unspoken rule that no curtains should be exposed to wet areas, so blinds are the only option. Blinds are also rather durable, as their materials do not rust, grow mold or mildew and are good for keeping in the long run. 

Types of Blinds

Photo by Soft Home SG

Venetian Blinds

These are probably the most versatile kind of blinds, as well as the most common. Venetian blinds are typically made from wood, vinyl or aluminium, and you get a variety of colours and textures. Not only are they easy to install, we think they are also the easiest to maintain. 

Vertical Blinds 

Vertical blinds consist of long pieces of materials that hang vertically down from the window frame. These are usually used on patio doors and found on narrower, taller windows. 

Photo by Chadwick Designs

Roller Blinds 

Roller blinds are a single piece of material that are installed onto the top of the window frame. You can operate them easily, with a cord attached to the side of the blind.

Roman Blinds 

These are probably the smoothest and straightest blinds you can get when they are hanging down. If you are looking for maximum shade, roman blinds provide pretty decent coverage. 

The Pros and Cons 

It’s time to make comparisons and conclude your judgement! 

Curtains are a good choice if you are… 

• Looking for a variety of designs, colours, textures. 
• Family and children-friendly as they do not have hanging cords. 
• Easy to clean and machine-washable.

Yet they are also… 

• More space-consuming. 
• More prone to stains, mould and mildew. 

Blinds are excellent if you want… 

• Fuss-free installation and maintenance. 
• To be budget-friendly. 

Yet they are also… 

• Limited in designs and variety. 
• Can be harder to clean between each slat sometimes. 

Tips to Have During Your Purchase Process

Room decor. You wouldn’t want a nicely-designed room to suddenly look different from oddly-placed curtains or blinds. It’s integral to always consider the interior design of your home before making the decision. 

Purpose of space. Another tip to keep in mind is always remembering the purpose of the space you are designing. Whether you prefer  blinds or curtains, the function of each option should be the largest factor to consider. Wet areas like balconies, service yards or kitchens, should not have curtains. It’s also good to avoid using the same type of window covering for every space in your house. 

Window coverings are important in adding more than aesthetic value to your home, and we can’t stress that enough. If you are still unsure of which is more suitable for your interior design, consult your interior designer!