Blinds vs Curtains – What is the Difference and Best?

Blinds vs. Curtains (aka Shades)

It’s been an age-old question, Blinds vs Curtains – What is the Difference and Best? A professional interior designer can give their point of view, and you may have a personal preference as well. It also depends on the size of the window, the room you are decorating, and your color scheme.

What is the difference between blinds and shades?

A shade is a soft fabric panel that rolls down the window. The fabric can be sheer to diffuse the light entering the room, or it can be thicker, so less light comes in. The length can adjust at many levels. The shade can gather in a roll at the top of the window or  bunch up either with a lifting mechanism or a cord.

A blind is a slatted window covering. The slats can be made of plastic, wood, aluminum, or bamboo. Horizontal blinds are operated with a cord that lifts them up or down. Vertical lines work with a longer pole that slides back and forth, and when twisted, opens and closes the slats. Vertical blinds are more commonly seen over sliding glass doors that lead to a patio or deck.

Major Styles of Blinds

Venetian blinds, or horizontal blinds, are usually 1/2 an inch to 2 inches thick, and fit edge to edge of the inner window frame. There are different blinds for every budget and style. Levolor Wood Blinds offer an earthy look, and can also be painted white to brighten a room. Basic vinyl blinds are commonly found in rental properties, or for smaller windows on doors for privacy. You can also decorate your windows with Cellular shades. They come in one cell, or two, and offer solid window coverage.

Major Styles of Curtains

Curtains come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes and offer more options than blinds when it comes to window decor. As far as how the curtain hangs, you can choose from a rod pocket, eyelet, tab top, or pinch pleat just to name a few. The benefit of curtains is you can create the illusion of a larger window by hanging them higher above the window frame, and drape down just barely touching the floor. Curtains can be the focal point of your room if you use a bold print, or they can match your wallpaper for more uniform look. You can have double panels, or one single panel. Some windows just have a swag looped around a rod along the top, allowing full light to enter the room. Other styles include sheers, which difuse the light, or blackout panels which block all light but still give the curtain look to your design. Is it better to have blinds or curtains?

One is not necessarily better than the other, again it depends on the rest of your room’s decor, and the purpose behind dressing up your window. Since both curtains and blinds can be customized, the cost can vary in price. But generally, curtains do cost more than blinds or shades.

Do all window treatments in the house need to match?

No. Have fun with your window decor! The reward of decorating your own space is just that – making it your own space!

Are Curtains Outdated?

No! Fabric companies and designers are keeping up with the trends, making curtains a must-have for interior design. Curtains are decorative, and multifunctional. They can be used in modern homes, farmhouse-style homes, eclectic homes, or any style home! You can also combine the use of shades and curtains. If there is a lot of sun shining through on that side of your home (usually the east or south facing side), side panels can decorate the window while the shades serve the purpose of keeping the room cool and the sun out.

Are you in the market for custom window treatments? Look no further than Wallauer’s Design Centers!  We offer Hunter Douglas shades, sheers, and motorized blinds. We have fabrics from Thibaut and Ralph Lauren to make any window a showstopper. Request a consultation today.