The best way to augment and maximize a windows’ features is through the use of either blinds or curtains. Because of this, curtains and blinds have a significant impact on the room’s overall style. Let’s find out more!
Blinds are cheaper than curtains, and they are easier to maintain. If you wish to have more control over the amount of light entering your living room, you could opt for blinds. On the other hand, curtains are more energy-efficient and more durable. They block heat or cold from entering your room.
Blinds and curtains have their advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you whether these features suit your needs. You must keep in mind that certain qualities outweigh each of these two. Let’s find out what these qualities are!
Curtains or Blinds?
When it comes to interior design, it is essential to treat each piece of furniture, curtain, pillows, etc., as unique materials that can complement the entire living space if chosen properly. With this being said, it is significant to know which is best suited for your living room.
Instead of choosing which one is better, why not use both? In this contemporary world, many people have started to combine curtains and blinds when styling their rooms.
You can use both of these in your living room if you are one of those people who like to experiment while redecorating your living space.
However, if you are interested in knowing which is the best to use, here is some information we have gathered about blinds and curtains.
Differences between Curtains and Blinds
Your living room is one of the most significant rooms in your house for many reasons. It is the room where the family spends most of the time together, and it is where we entertain guests and loved ones.
With this being said, it is an important activity to make your living room cozy, relaxing, and inviting. Blinds and curtains have these effects, but which one is the most suited for your living room?
Blinds
When people think of blinds, the first thought that comes to mind is whether they are outdated or not. In truth, blinds are growing in popularity again.
Are you one of those people who are irritated when the sunlight keeps reflecting on your television? Then we have some good news! One advantage of using blinds is that you can always control the amount of light coming inside your room.
Blinds are usually made up of long or horizontal slats created from various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. They also offer certain advantages.
Benefits of using blinds
1. Privacy Control
Some blinds have a feature where you can twist the wand to obscure the view and twist it even more for complete privacy. This aspect offers you a way to control privacy in your room.
2. Light Control
As we mentioned earlier, one quality of blinds is that you can always control the light entering your space. There are a variety of blinds that offer different light controls. Smart blinds are one of the best with revolutionary control options.
3. Affordable
Unlike curtains, blinds are more affordable because of their growing demand in the market. One keynote to remember is that some type of blinds does break easily. Be careful when choosing the right kind of window blinds.
4. Easy to maintain
One key reason window blinds are becoming more popular for rental properties, recreational vehicles (RVs), etc., is their low-cost maintenance. All you have to do is wipe them gently using a damp cloth. They are easier to clean than curtains.
Kinds of Blinds
Blinds may not have ample designs that you can choose from, but they have various kinds that will make your living room a cozier place. The kind of blinds you will choose should match your living room designs.
You should also keep in mind the color schemes that will match the overall look of your living room. Different kinds of blinds offer various visual effects and differences. When choosing suitable blinds for your room, you must never forget to check the quality of the materials.
Before you choose the window blinds that will suit your needs, you have to ask yourself a few questions.
For instance, what is the primary purpose of the blinds? Will they have decorative purposes only, or will they be blackout blinds to keep the sunlight out? Would you like your blinds to have a horizontal or vertical design? And lastly, would you want electric-powered blinds or manual blinds?
1. Venetian Blinds
Venetian blinds are the most popular type of blinds and are made of vinyl, wood, bamboo, metal, and aluminum. These window blinds are best for smaller windows and single doors.
2. Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are used best in patio doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. They can either open from side to side or by parting them in the middle. This type of blind offers excellent thermal efficiency.
3. Panel Blinds
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Panel blinds are contemporary versions of Venetian blinds. They are wide vertical fabric panels that slide swimmingly on a headrail. This kind of window blinds is also best suited for patio doors and large windows.
4. Pleated Blinds
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Pleated blinds have an aluminum coating that repels the extreme heat of the sun and that keeps your room warm during the summer and cool during the winter.
5. Roman Blinds
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Roman blinds have the same popularity as Venetian blinds. This kind of blind is made up of fabric designed to pleat when raised.
Curtains
Still not convinced about using blinds? Then curtains might be the right choice for you. Curtains are decorative fabrics that can complement the interior design of any room. They might be a little more expensive than blinds, but they are more durable and last longer.
Different kinds of curtains are energy efficient. This means that they can block sunlight and regulate the heat from entering your room. Blinds do not offer this much heat regulation.
Benefits of using curtains
1. Versatility
Because of the availability of fabrics, curtains come in various designs and styles. Whether you have a Traditional, Mediterranean, Modern, or Beach Style living room, curtains will certainly add style and complement your room.
2. Provides better window insulation
Unlike blinds, curtains offer greater insulation than blinds. Certain kinds of curtains are made up of materials, making them better at regulating heat and cold. You can try a blackout curtain if you wish to have better insulation.
3. Durability
Curtains are more durable compared to blinds. Because blinds are made of acrylic materials, they are cleaned by using a damp cloth and mild detergent every time you notice dirt on them. This will make them prone to be broken easily.
On the other hand, curtains have an extended lifetime since the fabric is not always exposed to water and other chemicals.
4. Blocking out light and sound
Layers of curtains can block out light and can reduce the sound from coming inside your room from up to 10 decibels. Blinds do not offer this kind of advantage.
Kinds of Curtain
1. Panel Pair
This type of curtain looks best in contemporary and classic living rooms. Two curtains are placed on either side of the window, making it an exemplary design for your room.
2. Single Panel Curtains
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Some panel curtains are being sold individually. Single panel curtains are made this way so that you would not have to spend more money. They are designed to cover an entire window and be pulled to one side when opened.
3. Pinch Pleat Curtains
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If you wish to have a traditional-style living room, pinch pleat curtains are the right choice.
Pinch Pleat Curtains are stitched and pinched at the top. This would make the folds of the fabric flow elegantly and formally. This kind of pleated curtain is the most popular.
4. Grommet Curtains
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Grommet curtains are a contemporary design. They are sometimes called “ringed panels” because the curtain has rings attached to the top of the fabric panel. These rings will allow you to open and close the curtain with no difficulty.
5. Energy Efficient Curtains
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Energy-efficient curtains are lined with various layers of fabric that can provide heat and cold insulation. This kind of curtain helps regulate the temperature in your room.
In Closing
The choice between blinds and curtains depends on the purpose you want them to serve. Blinds are advisable if you’re going to have privacy control over your room and if you want to spend less. On the other hand, curtains are preferable because of their versatility and durability.
It is, however, possible to alternate both materials or to combine them. The choice is all yours. Check out this post for ideas, “11 Black And White Living Room Ideas With An Accent Color.”
If you wish to know which curtains suit your kitchen, check out our post, “11 Kitchen Curtain Ideas For Double Windows.”