As we enter longer days and sunnier skies, it is time to consider new window furnishings within your home to ensure you have the ultimate in sun protection & privacy. While curtains and blinds are both great options for your home, it’s important to opt for one of the two that will best suit your space. This article will outline important considerations, which of the two works better in different rooms and more, to help you decide which is right for you.
Curtains vs. Blinds: Which is right for you?
The Age-Old Debate
Main Differences Between Curtains vs. Blinds
While at the end of the day, both curtains and blinds were ultimately designed to do the same thing - cover your windows - today there are a few differences to consider before choosing the right fitting for your home. From light control to style choices, keep reading to find your perfect pair.
Light Control Differences
The first thing to consider is the placement of your new window furnishings and what the end goal is. Do you need full privacy such as in a bathroom or bedroom? Or do you just want to block out that harsh sunset light as you start to prepare dinner in the kitchen? Different blinds will offer different coverage, as will curtains. If full coverage is something that you are after, we would recommend checking out blockout roller blinds, roman blinds and even Venetian blinds.
If you aren’t too concerned with full privacy, then vertical blinds and double roller blinds are the solutions thanks to their easy-to-manipulate coverage. Curtains on the other hand can provide sufficient light filtration and light blocking. Better yet, if you are looking for blinds with curtains ideas or even wondering can you do curtains and blinds together, then lucky for you we definitely support this idea! Combining blinds and curtains is the ultimate combo that looks just as stylish as it is practical.
Light Control Differences
The first thing to consider is the placement of your new window furnishings and what the end goal is. Do you need full privacy such as in a bathroom or bedroom? Or do you just want to block out that harsh sunset light as you start to prepare dinner in the kitchen? Different blinds will offer different coverage, as will curtains. If full coverage is something that you are after, we would recommend checking out blockout roller blinds, roman blinds and even Venetian blinds.
If you aren’t too concerned with full privacy, then vertical blinds and double roller blinds are the solutions thanks to their easy-to-manipulate coverage. Curtains on the other hand can provide sufficient light filtration and light blocking. Better yet, if you are looking for blinds with curtains ideas or even wondering can you do curtains and blinds together, then lucky for you we definitely support this idea! Combining blinds and curtains is the ultimate combo that looks just as stylish as it is practical.
Price Differences
When it comes to price, there isn't a huge difference. Curtains traditionally run a bit more expensive due to the manufacturing process and amount of fabric used. However, we believe this is all justified thanks to the opulence and luxury they add to a room. When comparing different blind types, roller blinds tend to be the most affordable option due to their basic construction and operation. From here, blinds such as double roller blinds, verticals and Venetians are around a similar price point due to their more unique operating components. Lastly, the generally more luxe blind option is the Roman blind. This style of blind uses a lot of fabric to create a bunched-up effect when fully drawn, and offers fantastic coverage when closed.
Price Differences
When it comes to price, there isn't a huge difference. Curtains traditionally run a bit more expensive due to the manufacturing process and amount of fabric used. However, we believe this is all justified thanks to the opulence and luxury they add to a room. When comparing different blind types, roller blinds tend to be the most affordable option due to their basic construction and operation. From here, blinds such as double roller blinds, verticals and Venetians are around a similar price point due to their more unique operating components. Lastly, the generally more luxe blind option is the Roman blind. This style of blind uses a lot of fabric to create a bunched-up effect when fully drawn, and offers fantastic coverage when closed.
Style differences & what works best in each room
Before choosing your new window coverings, it is important to know just how you want your finished vision to look. If you’re a little unsure exactly how you do want your spaces to look, keep reading to find out more.
For rooms with large windows & doors or floor-to-ceiling glass panels, then we would definitely recommend curtains. We love curtains within large, open rooms as they add to the ambience of the room while providing excellent light filtration in spaces that don’t often need full blockout. In smaller rooms such as bedrooms, we feel that roller blinds and roman blinds are your best option. These are classic looks that can either be toned down to almost be invisible or opt for a colour to create a statement. Better yet, we recommend pairing curtains over these styles of blinds to emphasise that luxury look. In the bathroom, we would opt for Venetians or roller blinds as these are easy to clean and fairly water resistant.
Style differences & what works best in each room
Before choosing your new window coverings, it is important to know just how you want your finished vision to look. If you’re a little unsure exactly how you do want your spaces to look, keep reading to find out more.
For rooms with large windows & doors or floor-to-ceiling glass panels, then we would definitely recommend curtains. We love curtains within large, open rooms as they add to the ambience of the room while providing excellent light filtration in spaces that don’t often need full blockout. In smaller rooms such as bedrooms, we feel that roller blinds and roman blinds are your best option. These are classic looks that can either be toned down to almost be invisible or opt for a colour to create a statement. Better yet, we recommend pairing curtains over these styles of blinds to emphasise that luxury look. In the bathroom, we would opt for Venetians or roller blinds as these are easy to clean and fairly water resistant.
Blinds and curtains together
Now if you take anything away from this blog, know that pairing blinds with curtains is an excellent solution - in terms of light filtration and styling decision! With two independent window furnishings, the amount of light you want in or out of your space becomes totally customisable. If you’re after that timeless and clean look, we would pair roller blinds and curtains together as they are both fuss-free options that can be used in isolation. If you are wondering how to install curtains over blinds, then look no further. Luckily for you, this is a very simple process.
Firstly, it is recommended you opt for a blind that can be installed within the recess of your window frame. This is important to ensure they do not stick out too far - which would be the case if you opt for face-fit blinds. Once you measure your new recessed blinds, you can simply measure your curtains as normal and go from there. Check out our handy guides here on how to measure your blinds and how to measure your curtains.
Easy Home Upgrades
Now that you have learnt a bit more about the differences between curtains and blinds, as well as understanding their potential to be paired together it is now time to consider other quick fixes around your home that can assist in making your final decision!
Easy fixes that can impact your window furnishing decision include paint colours and lighting. Do your windowsills and trims need a touch-up? Check out our full range of paint perfect for those very surfaces, available in a range of colours to suit your style and needs.
Not wanting to rely on natural light only? Here at The Blue Space, we offer an extensive range of lighting and fans with lights suitable for your home. We love the introduction of pendant lights to large rooms as well as the inclusion of downlights and spotlights to keep your home light and bright once you’ve pulled those curtains shut and rolled down your blinds.