Curtains Vs Blinds – How To Choose
By Ana Zuravliova
Window furnishings come in all shapes and sizes, but they essentially fall into two categories, curtains, and blinds. While curtains and blinds both offer light control and privacy there are features and benefits unique to both which we’re going to explore today. Want to learn more about the curtains v blinds debate? Read on!
Why pick curtains?
Made to measure curtains are a timeless classic, suitable for a great selection of interior design styles and tastes. Where blinds tend to offer a more fitted, structured look, curtains emit a feeling of soft elegance and sophistication. The folds caused by the fabric curate a feeling of comfort and homeliness that always excites and delights. That said, there isn’t a one size fits all approach that you must take with curtains, there are some stylish options to consider.
Colours, style and headings
By choosing a curtain, you can mull over the colours, patterns and fabric options as with many window furnishings, but you can also pick from a range of heading and lining options. At Blinds Direct, we offer five different heading options for curtains, opening up a great array of options. Whether you’re looking for the consistent and sleek waved look of a wave pleat made to measure curtain, or the elegant and full finish of a pinch pleat (or something different!) our handmade curtains will deliver your desired effect.
Free blackout and thermal linings
What’s more, since each curtain is built to each customer’s specifications, we have the flexibility to add a specialist lining to any item for free! With the option to add a premium, blackout or thermal lining, you can enjoy improved functionality in a style that is right for you. Blackout curtains will help you embrace better sleep, thermal curtains will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and a premium lining will add a pleasant plumpness to your curtain. For more information on why curtains may be the best choice for you, alongside further details on the headings and styles available, read our buyer’s guide for curtains.
Why pick blinds?
There is a wide assortment of blind styles available to suit any home and any style from vertical blinds in a minimalist space, to patterned Roman blinds in a Cottagecore home. Where curtains tend to be fitted above a window’s recess and provide a slightly informal look, made to measure blinds are often fitted inside the recess manifesting a more structured finish. That said, there is a fantastic variety of blind styles to choose from, plus specialist fabrics to improve their functionality.
Popular blinds for the home
For the home, you can use Roman blinds to add a luxurious, comfortable finish to your decor, roller blinds for a sleek finish, or wooden Venetian blinds to give you unparalleled balance between style and light management. You can also explore our ranges of Day & Night blinds, Illusion blinds and pleated blinds to see how they can transform your home too!
Roof blinds options
For roof lights, where curtains are completely out of the question, we have a fantastic assortment of roof blinds suitable for Velux, Fakro, RoofLITE and Dakstra windows.
Perfect fit blinds – no drilling needed
Finally, one option that is truly unique to blinds is the Perfect Fit system. Perfect Fit blinds are a practical and slim-line solution for uPVC windows and doors. Offering fuss-free installation, Perfect Fit blinds simply clip between the glass and beading of your window. Because they fit neatly inside the frame with no drilling or screws, they are ideal for unusually shaped windows, listed buildings and rented properties.
The best of both worlds
While we’ve been focusing mostly on curtains vs blinds, you don’t have to pick one or the other – you can happily pick both!
Layering a window with a recess fit blind and a curtain suspended from above the window will create a classy visage which adds depth and comfort to the overall aesthetic of the room. That said, this approach will also add practical benefits.
With the current cost of living crisis, and energy prices remaining very high, reducing heating charges is high on the list of priorities. With a thermal lined curtain and either a thermal lined Roman blind or thermal roller blind, you can reduce heat loss through your windows and save money. You can learn more in our Reduce Your Home Energy Use With Blinds blog.
There is also the option to improve the quality of your sleep with blackout lining and fabrics. By adopting a layered approach to your windows using blackout blinds and curtains, you can limit external light entering your home to a minimum and enjoy restful sleep! You can learn more about improving your sleep quality from our Wake Up Well campaign.
Curtains and blinds have personalised countless homes around the world and are on hand to make your property into your dream home. With the right option (or options) you can enjoy improved comfort in unparalleled style! To find the right options for you, you can order up to eight free samples from the website.
Shop some of our most popular curtains and blinds
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