A lot of people talk to me about their curtain blinds, and I must says it’s a little pet peeve of mine. The truth is, there is no such thing as a curtain blind, they are two completely separate things. I can understand where the confusion comes from, in the world of window treatments, there are blinds, shutters, shades, curtains, drapes, awnings, and all sorts of variations as well. I thought I’d take the opportunity to clear this misconception up. Blinds are one thing, curtains are another, and in this article I’ll weigh up all the different pros and cons of each. Hopefully, after reading this, you will be able to make a more informed decision on which one of these two very different window coverings you prefer.
Price - In the price stakes, curtains are a sure winner. Of course, there are certain curtains that will cost you an absolute fortune, such as thick velvets and pure silks, but comparing quality to quality, curtains are a much more inexpensive way to go. Blinds have moving parts that make them more labour intensive to manufacture, and this adds to the cost of them.
Maintenance - Both blinds and curtains are fairly easy to clean, although this largely depends on the material of the blind. A wooden blind with scuff marks or scratches can mean a lot more work, in some cases even needing sanding and recoating of varnish. Vinyl blinds, on the other hand are very easy to clean, only needing a quick wipe down with soapy water in most cases. Curtains are simple, as they can be taken down easily and thrown in the washing machine. Once again, this will depend on the material of the curtain. There are some materials that will need to be hand washed.
Variety - Curtains & blinds have a whole lot of variety between them, and it would be hard to pick a clear winner. Blinds come in different slat sizes, different materials, and a wide range of colours and patterns. The same can be said for curtains. You have sheer curtains, beaded curtains, blackout curtains and a whole range more. Suffice it to say that between the two of them, you will be spoilt for choice.
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Versatility - I personally think that blinds are a little more versatile than curtains, at least as far as functionality is concerned. The reason I say this is because blinds with moveable slats allow you to adjust the amount of light that is being filtered into your room, while curtains are either opened or closed. That said, curtains are a lot more easy to swap and change as the mood suits.
Insulation - Unless you are using a thick material such as blackout or velvet, curtains don’t provide you with a whole lot of insulation. Blinds, on the other hand, can do a great job of insulating your home. Particularly of they are made of a thicker material such as wood. If you live in a place that has extreme temperatures, then blinds are definitely the way to go.
Aesthetics - Aesthetics is impossible to judge, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and all of that. Blinds certainly are a lot more versatile as far as fashion is concerned, and you can’t match the soft flowing curves of an eyelet curtain with blinds. A nice set of plantation blinds, however, can look amazing in the right situation. It really comes down to personal preference.
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Longevity - Blinds win hands down here. Curtains will not last anywhere near as long as blinds, particularly if exposed to harsh sunlight. They will gradullay fade and thin over time, while blinds will stand strong for decades to come.
Installation - Well, of course, curtains are a lot more easy to install than blinds. Not many people will have a professional come in and install their curtains for them, while the majority of blinds out there have been fitted and installed. The only hardware needed for a curtain is the rod and a couple of brackets, and getting that up and running is childs play.
Safety - Safety is a big issue in many households, and curtains blinds and any other type of window covering should be purchased with safety in mind. If you have a small child in the home, then you need to be extra careful of cords dangling down. Curtains, on the other hand, can be a real fire hazard, and many a home has been lost because of a heater being placed too close to a curtain.
As you can see, there are many things that need to be taken into account when deciding between curtains and blinds. I hope I have cleared a few things up for you though, particularly the fact that curtain blinds are not an option for your home.