Colours and Design

Blinds and Curtains both rank high in the variety stakes. Pattern, images and colour are all loaded with choice in both options.

If you’re thinking about design curtains add an atmosphere layer to a space creating warmth and elegance. Blinds are all about the minimalist, modern look and can give you that sleek design.

Light Control

The very best light control is a blind that is mounted within a custom-made track on either side of the interior of the window casing allowing no light to escape. Curtains, however, can also offer a high level of light control which may be sufficient for your needs.

Easy Clean

Blinds take the crown in this battle. They aren’t susceptible to moths or other insects looking for a snack and they’re remarkably easy to clean, especially if you do it regularly.

Automation

If automation is a consideration for you, you will be pleased to know that both curtains and blinds can be automated to your needs.

Room Size

Consider the size of the room before you decide on a window treatment. Ceiling to floor curtains may be perfect in a great room, living room or dining room but the bathroom, kitchen or laundry room may benefit from something slightly smaller. A blind perhaps? 😉

Light, Acoustic or Privacy Control Required

This is where you may want to consider going with a double dressing option. A combination of both a blind AND curtains will give you the best light and sound blocking options for bedrooms or media rooms.

If you only need to block the view of your neighbours, sheer curtains may be a better option and keep the room feeling light and airy.

It all comes down to what you need to achieve.

Aesthetic

Curtains tend to have a traditional feel to them – but that may also depend on the fabric and colours you choose. Natural linens in shades of soft grey or a muted pastel can bring a contemporary look to the room.

If you are wanting the minimalist, modern look then going for a roman or roller blind that sits completely within the window casing may be more your style.

Insulation

Many of us are looking for options to better insulate our windows or indeed our homes to contribute to the use of less energy for heating and cooling. The best option, in this case, is again to have a double dressing on your windows. Cellular blinds and curtains are the best-known options to reduce heat and cold transfer through your glass.

If you combine the two you can increase the R rating of your windows significantly. (This rating is how heat and cold loss is measured.)

Size and Type of window

Huge, ceiling to floor windows or doors will need a different consideration to a small bathroom window in a powder room. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating, floor to ceiling windows or doors will require a different window treatment to the small window in the powder room.

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating your current home or working with what’s already there be sure to think long and hard about the actual window, it’s function and whether the way you want the room to function for the people using the space works with that window treatment.

Sheer curtains for filtering light and bringing a floating feel into a space with large doors may only work if you have the floor space inside to allow for them to float freely away from furniture and walkways. Blinds may work better if you need privacy from neighbours in the evening hours when lights are on inside.

Smaller rooms such as the powder room may be an easier choice with blinds fitting within the window being a great choice to keep things clean and contained.

The function of the room and what you need the window treatments to do will continue to impact on your choices.

Furniture Placement

Consider your furniture. If you have your beds underneath your windows for example, using a blind may be your best option. Perhaps you have a window seat or built-in bookshelves or kitchen cabinets underneath your windows. These are all cases where blinds may be a better option than a curtain. However, doubling up your design and adding curtains on either side of the bedhead can bring a softness to your room which will be worth the further investment.