Curtains vs Blinds: Which Should You Choose?
Window coverings are essential in any home. Not only can they control the amount of light and heat let into a room, but they add privacy and comfort to those inside. As a maker of made to measure curtains and blinds, we’re often asked the question:
Should I get blinds or curtains?
When it comes to dressing your windows, there are numerous factors that’ll determine whether you choose blinds or curtains, e.g. space, functionality and style to name a few.
Let's explore the question in more depth so that you can make an informed decision!
When to Opt for Curtains
As curtain specialists, we know a thing or two about made to measure curtains! Curtains are the more traditional option of the two, having been around for hundreds of years.
They give your room a luxurious feel and create a strong feature, particularly if you opt for eye-catching fabrics and embellished curtain poles. They are perfect for large rooms where you have a lot of space to play with.
However, bear in mind that in smaller rooms, curtains can feel overpowering, making the room appear smaller.
Top tip: If you’re fortunate enough to have a stunning view from your home, curtains can be used to frame the window and draw the eye to the view.
Blackout curtains are particularly popular for blocking out light, as they reduce the number of gaps the sunlight can creep through and help to drown out sounds while keeping winter chills at bay.
Not only can you get thick, heavy-duty curtains for the winter, but also sheer, light-weight curtains for the summer. One of the greatest benefits of curtains is the different thickness options thanks to the broad range of fabrics you can choose from. Plus, you can also play around with different textures for your home.
Our made to measure curtains can be made from the majority of fabrics featured on our website or in our Garstang shop. Contact us for more info.
When to Dress Your Window With Blinds
There are a few rooms in the house where most curtains aren't appropriate. For instance, blinds are much better suited to kitchens and bathrooms due to the level of moisture in the environment.
While blinds are conventionally used for kitchens and bathrooms, they’re also becoming increasingly popular in other rooms around the home.
If your living room is on the smaller size, perhaps consider a blind to help make the space feel larger. Blinds can be fitted within the window recess for a clean and tidy look, or outside of the window recess to block out more sunlight.
Read our guide on measuring your window for more information on where you should fit your blind.
Blinds are considered more functional than curtains, with the added benefit of controlling how much sunlight to filter by only half drawing them. If you’ve got a smaller room to furnish, but still long for the soft appearance of curtains, perhaps Roman Blinds may be for you.
They can be made from most fabrics we stock and, like our curtains, offer a softer look with all of the added functionality of a blind.
Blinds aren’t quite as good at completely blocking out sunlight. However, you can opt for a blackout option on our Roman Blinds to prevent as much light from creeping into the room as possible - fitting them outside the window recess for added coverage.
So... Which Should You Choose?
Deciding between curtains or blinds ultimately depends on personal preference. Ask yourself the following questions to get a better understanding of which will work best in the individual space:
- Which room are you decorating?
- How big is your room?
- Do you prefer a minimalist look, or do you want to create a feature?
As Garstang Curtain and Blind specialists we would always recommend factoring in your lifestyle when choosing between blinds and curtains.
Whatever your decision, the team at Harrison Cropper have expert knowledge and are always happy to help. Pop into our Garstang shop to discover the wide range of fabrics we carry for made to measure curtains and blinds (and if you really can’t decide between one of the other, why not treat yourself to both!).
