Are Blinds Better Than Curtains?

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, opinions regarding blinds versus curtains will vary depending on whom you ask. Many homeowners select their window coverings based solely on their aesthetic tastes. And there’s nothing wrong with that, especially if you partner with a window treatment expert who can help you find blinds, curtains, or drapes that please your eye, enhance your home’s overall décor, and provide the required light and privacy control.

However, if you’re on the fence about whether blinds or drapes would be better for any given room in your home, it helps to set priorities and consider which type of window treatment would best meet them. Here are a few factors to consider:

Appearance

Both blinds and drapes pair well with other window treatments, so if you’d like to dress your windows in layers, either window covering can be a good choice. However, some curtains and drapes may be able to stand alone, while blinds are likely to need at least a valance or cornice at the top of the window to prevent an austere appearance. Moreover, curtains and drapes are made from fabric, and there are lots of colors, patterns, and thicknesses to choose from. If you want your room to look flirty or dramatic, you might opt for curtains or drapes. Genuine wood blinds, on the other hand, can lend a touch of warmth and elegance that’s hard to beat.

Energy Efficiency

Blinds rank highly among energy-efficient window treatments when it comes to blocking summer heat, but the slats are less effective at preventing heat loss in the wintertime. Contrast that to thick, properly sized fabric drapes, which provide excellent insulation year-round.

Maintenance

Generally, blinds are easier to clean than drapes. Regular dusting goes a long way toward keeping blinds clean, and they may need an occasional wipe-down with a safe cleaning solution. And what about curtains and drapes? They can sometimes be vacuumed using a soft brush attachment, and some fabrics can be laundered in the washing machine. However, many drapes must be professionally dry-cleaned to preserve their like-new appearance.

If you’re planning to add window treatments to your home and you’d like to explore your options for curtains, drapes, and blinds with an expert, contact Exciting Windows! today. We have a large network of professional designers who can take a look at your windows, listen to your priorities, and steer you toward the ideal window coverings for your home.