Window Blinds Vs Window Curtains For Home Decor

Your choice of window treatment for your home will determine how much privacy you have inside your home, the quality of light that enters, and will play an important role in the aesthetics of your room. Should you choose smart wooden blinds for your windows, or should you opt for lovely sheer curtains? What are the pros and cons of each? Read on to find out!

Let’s start by introducing you to all the different types of curtains and blinds in the décor market.

Curtains

For many years, the only window treatment option was fabric curtains. Available in a variety of colours, prints and finishes, curtains still continue to be a popular option for all the rooms in your home. 

Sheers and Drapes

Sheer curtains are made of lightweight fabric that is translucent and lets light in, while allowing some degree of privacy. They are usually drawn in the daytime and, for this reason, are sometimes called day curtains. Usually, sheers are combined with drapes that have a lining and can completely block out all light. They can be drawn at night and are also called blackout curtains.

Curtain Valances

A valance is a straight, scalloped or gathered piece of fabric that is hung across the top of the window to hide the rod or pelmet. Valances are considered retro, and wooden or metal drapery rods that need not be hidden out of sight are now trending.

Half Curtains

Also called café curtains, half curtains cover only the bottom half of the window and afford privacy at sitting height.  Often made of lace or gingham, they are usually preferred in apartments on the ground floor, where people outside could otherwise easily look in during the day.

Eyelet Curtains or Pleated Curtains

This refers to the style of stitching the curtains. Eyelet curtains have punched out holes that are finished with a metal eyelet on the top hem, and are fitted through the drapery rod.  Eyelet curtains lend a contemporary look to an interior. 

Pleated curtains are stitched with pleats, usually, box pleats or pinch pleats, and look elegant and stylish.

Horizontal blinds

Horizontal louvred blinds are made of aluminium or wooden slats or plastic-encased PVC louvres. Each louvre is usually between ½ inch to 2 inches in width. They can be pulled up or down with a cord mechanism, and the slats can be closed flat or tilted horizontally in place by twisting a wand that is connected to each louvre. 

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are broad vertical slats of fabric that are fitted on a sliding track and can be pulled across to one side, or tilted in place. A weighted chain on the bottom hem holds the slats in place and prevents individual lengths from getting into disarray. While horizontal blinds are best suited to smaller windows, larger windows or balcony doors could be fitted with vertical blinds.

Bamboo blinds

Bamboo blinds, or bamboo chiks as they are popularly called, have flat lengths of bamboo that are interwoven with string to form a continuous mat. They are fitted to the window and can be rolled up and down with a cord. Bamboo blinds are very cost-effective and sustainable, and look lovely in a rustic setting. 

Roman blinds

Made of fabric, Roman blinds are designed to pleat into folds when raised. The fabric is stitched into panels that are separated by mounting slats, each slat being the point at which a pleat is formed. When raised fully, the top panel will be covered, which means that a portion of the window will always be blocked.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds or roller shades are made of fabric that rolls around a rod when the shade is lifted up. They are sized to fit neatly within the window frame. Fabric blinds are usually translucent, but PVC coated roller blinds are also available which completely block out the light.

Window Blinds vs. Window Curtains: Pros and Cons

	Blinds	Curtains
Cost	Blinds are more cost-effective than curtains.	Depending on the style chosen, curtains can be expensive.
Material usage	Blinds are fitted to the window and use less material.	Curtains are often fitted in layers, and extend beyond the window frame, quite often from the ceiling to the floor. Also, pleated curtains use two to three times more length of fabric than plain Roman blinds would need.
Appearance	Simple, modern	Traditional, can be elaborate.
Light quality	Louvres can be closed to completely block light, or tilted to allow light to come in. The blinds can also be raised completely.	Sheer curtains allow light, while lined curtains do not.
Privacy	When fully closed, opaque blinds allow complete privacy.	Sheer curtains or half curtains offer partial privacy. Lined curtains allow full privacy.
Availability	Available in a few colours and finishes only.	Available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and textures.
Maintenance	Very easy to wipe clean.	Have to be dry cleaned or washed. Will gather dust and have to be vacuumed regularly.

Window Blinds vs. Window Curtains: FAQs 

1. Which is the cheaper option: curtains or blinds? 

Curtains are generally much more expensive than blinds. Blinds are not only inexpensive, but also they can be installed very quickly.

2. Are curtains or blinds considered to be more modern? 

Blinds are well suited to contemporary, minimalistic interiors; while curtains are the more traditional choice.

3. Are vertical blinds still trending in 2021? 

  Vertical blinds are very commonly used in offices, and are definitely still trending in 2021!

4. What kind of blinds are in style? 

Depending on the décor theme you have chosen for your home, you can pick from a variety of horizontal or vertical blinds, fabric Roman blinds or roller shades, or even bamboo blinds.

All said and done, the choice between curtains and blinds finally boils down to personal taste. We do hope, however, that our article has helped to narrow down your selections, allowing you to make an informed decision!

If you’re still sitting on the fence with your choices, do call the HomeLane designers. They’ll be able to tell you what would look good in your home, and help you put together the interior of your dreams!