Tips to Choosing the Right Blinds and Curtains

Thinking about getting some new curtain or blinds for your windows but don’t know where to start? It can be overwhelming with all the options and choices out there. Curtains, drapes and all the varieties of blinds. Plus, how do they fit and suit your home’s styling.

We outline some tips and ideas to keep in mind that will help making that choice more easier.

Brightness or Darkness?

First of all, the initial question you should ask yourself is whether your room or living space needs more light or you prefer to block out the sunlight or outside light. That being, will you need block out blinds and curtains, or something that allows more light  such as through a semi-sheer material. This will help you define the type of fabric you need for your window coverings.

Need Privacy?

Blinds and curtains can help create more privacy to your room and living areas. Consider whether you are seeking privacy or prefer a more open look to enjoy the view. For an open view, sunscreen blinds can allow you to see outside while blocking the view into your interior. Blockout blinds on the other hand will provide greater privacy. Alternatively, if you are looking for a combination between filtered and block out view, you could combine a sheer blind or curtain with a thicker curtain.

Curtains or Blinds?

Which brings us to the perennial question, which should you choose, curtains or blinds.  Both have their benefits and features and can offer a stylish look to your home;

– Curtains

With so many decorative choices, curtains can provide any space with a luxurious finish. They can help keep the whole home temperature-controlled and energy efficient while also protecting furniture from harsh sunlight. Mix it up by adding trims and tassels to your curtains to suit your style as well as draw them back to open up the window and give an elegant look to a room.

– Blinds

Taking up less space than curtains, blinds are easy to fit and use and offer excellent value for money. With a sleeker, minimalist look, they are especially appealing for use with today’s modern apartment living. In addition, they are well suited and designed to withstand high condensation areas.

Overall, when weighing up the practicalities of curtains versus blinds it will pay to keep in mind the following – lighter blinds can blend into their surroundings and transfer light to make a window appear larger. Meanwhile, heavy curtains tend to absorb light but also can become a standout feature of a room.

Design tip for coupling curtains and blinds

But, if weighing up to make a choice seems too much, always bear in mind, you can have both! For instance, when teamed with curtains, blinds can function similar to sheer curtains, allowing more functionality in regulating light and climate control.

If you are going to combine the curtains and blinds on your window, select one colour from your patterned curtain design and then use that shade to match with a plain fabric for your blinds. Similarly, if the patterning is within your blinds, apply that in reverse to your curtains.

SOME HANDY THINGS TO KNOW

• For odd-shaped windows, hang curtains above or overrun the sides of the window to make them look higher and wider. Fitting curtains above the window frame can give the appearance of more height/width.
• For bay windows, avoid dressing them in heavy materials as this may stifle the natural light and reduce their appeal.
• While it works to mix & match curtains and blinds across the home, it’s best to use the same window treatment on all the windows in the one room.
• When looking at colours for your curtains and blinds, don’t forget the colour of the backing/lining too – you’ll want them to look good from the outside of the house, as well as the inside.
• Accessories, such as rods and tracks and trims and tassels, can be just as important as colours and patterns when choosing your window treatments so make sure you incorporate accessories into your finishing touches.

Get The Look!

At the end of the day, selecting curtains and blinds is all a matter of personal taste. Go through your practical considerations, but do consider both curtains and/or blinds.

Consider your living space area, room size, light filtering, privacy and aesthetics as a basic start. These considerations outlined will help you on your way to finding the right fit for your home.

If you have trouble deciding which to use, feel free to contact an interior decorator may be able to help steer you through the maze of choices that are available today. Alternatively, our team at Blind n Track Factory is well equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide helpful insight to guide you in your decision.