Blinds Vs Curtains
Homeowners often get confused over whether to install curtains or blinds in their living space. Some homeowners want to boost the privacy of their living space while others want to add an extravagant decorative element into the living space. Good quality window treatments can help you easily achieve these goals. As a result, individuals do find themselves stuck in a dilemma whether to choose curtains or blinds.
Meanwhile, both window treatments curtains and blinds have their own advantages. The decision to opt for any one of the window treatments depends on room requirements.
What Are Blinds?
Blinds typically have slats made of various materials like plastic, faux wood, metal, etc. The slats are mounted vertical or horizontal and are held together by a string mechanism. This mechanism allows blinds to be adjusted in an open or closed position. Unlike traditional blinds, modern blinds can be maneuvered with a remote control system which provides users better control. You can easily get hold of good quality horizontal and vertical blinds in Thomastown.
What Are Curtains?
Curtains, as everyone knows are constructed from fabrics. They are easily movable, can completely or partially block sunlight from entering into the space, and are an excellent addition to overall home décor. As curtains and drapes are constructed from fabric, they can be easily replaced or altered.
Now let’s find out which one is better for you between blinds vs curtains.
- Cost-Effectiveness
If you are more concerned about the overall cost of the home décor then opt for curtains as they are much cheaper than blinds. The most basic type of curtains is made from simple fabrics. Additionally, curtains fabrics are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabric types. Homeowners can choose curtains as per their requirements. Also, when you do get bored with the same old curtains, you can easily replace them with new ones without any difficulties. On the other hand, blinds slats are constructed from wood or metal and may require significant investment to replace them altogether.
- Ease of Installation
Curtains are most easy to install and replace. There are ready-to-use curtains available in the market that are available in standard sizes but with a variety of colors and patterns. Homeowners can anytime buy these readymade curtains and install them whenever necessary. Nevertheless, they can be customized when required. On the other hand, blinds must be installed after taking appropriate measurements of windows. Also, for installation and replacement of blinds in Thomastown may need professional help.
- Ease of Maintenance
As blind slats have a linear, hard surface they can be easily cleaned with a microfiber cloth. If not, they can be wiped with a wet cloth to remove all the dust/stains at once. On the other hand, cleaning curtains take a bit more effort. For regular day-to-day cleaning and dust removal vacuum curtains from top to bottom. While in order to remove hard stains you can use a store-bought cleaning agent or use a solution of 25% white vinegar and 75% vinegar. Nevertheless, you can always clean your curtains in a washing machine.
- Home Decor Style
Curtains are by default versatile in nature i.e. they perfectly complement a variety of home décor styles. As they are available in fabrics of various thicknesses, colors, and patterns, thus can be mixed and matched as per requirements. Apart from these aesthetic qualities, curtains provide great control over the light entering your space. For example, sheer curtains are often used in layers with normal curtains to create a light and airy atmosphere. Whereas thick, richer fabric curtains are excellent for maintaining complete blackout.
Meanwhile, blinds exude a rustic or industrial vibe. They do provide control over the light entering the room but are most preferred by homeowners with high privacy requirements.
- Light Control
Window treatments are meant to provide control over outside light entering into the room and maintaining privacy. Curtains are considered the best when you want to completely block sunlight or any other outside light. Additionally, when curtains are installed into a pelmet or recess, it prevents light from escaping from the top. Otherwise, wall-to-wall curtains are the best alternatives to maintain complete darkness.
In the case of blinds, slats can be moved in different directions and angles. Vertical blind slats can be moved sideways while horizontal blind slats can be moved up and down via an attached string mechanism. Curtains are unable to provide such flexibility and functionality. Thus homeowners who prefer to have such flexibility can opt for blinds.
- Longevity
Blinds are much easier to maintain and usually last for a long period of time, often more than 15 years or more. They are made from synthetic materials and do not get warned out easily. Nevertheless, even if they do get warned out, slats can be revamped by painting with different colors. Additionally, blinds can sustain harsh environmental conditions as compared to curtains. Meanwhile, curtains cannot stay as good as new ones for long and may need to be replaced after 2–3 years of use.
- Size of The Room
Blinds are functionally versatile and can be used for indoor as well as outdoor purposes. Additionally, as blinds can sustain in damp/moist environments they are more suitable to be used in spaces like bathrooms and kitchens. Blinds are also suitable to be used in spaces where furniture pieces are placed touching walls.
On the other hand, curtains have the capability to make a room look extravagant or luxurious. Also, curtains can make even large spaces look cozier and warm. Hence, individuals with larger living spaces must opt for curtains.
- Sound Control
If you live nearby a busy highway and can hear traffic noise then the noise control feature becomes a priority for you. Curtains are best when you want to shut out outside noise. Certainly, curtains will not make the room completely soundproof but will surely reduce the intensity of the noise. Whereas blinds allow noise to pass through and won’t be of much help.