When you are remodelling a room, one of the big challenges is deciding which window treatments will suit it best. There are a huge number of options out there but the first question you need to answer is whether you would prefer blinds or curtains.
The answer will depend a lot upon the purpose of the room. For example your living room will probably benefit most from curtains as they will give it a softer and warmer atmosphere. In contrast your kitchen will probably do better with wooden Venetian blinds as they will give you a lot of light and space as well as being less vulnerable to moisture and mould. To help make the decision easier I’ve composed a list of the pros and cons of the different types of window treatment below.
Having said that if you choose blinds that will add another layer of complication as there is a large variety of styles and materials. Slatted blinds such as Venetian and vertical blinds are typically composed of overlapping slats made of plastic, aluminium or wood. Venetian and mini blinds are made of horizontal slats whereas vertical blinds (as the name suggests) are made of vertical slats thought vertical blinds rarely seen within the home.
Roller Blinds do largely what they say. They are made out of a fabric sheet that rolls up out the way when not in use. They are great for bedrooms in urban areas as they can be made out of blackout fabric ensuring that external lights don’t disturb your sleep. Roman blinds look similar to roller blinds but are either made of tightly woven slats or contain slats within the fabric meaning that they fold up rather than roll.
Slatted Blinds (Venetian and Vertical blinds)
Pros:
- Slatted blinds stack when drawn, ensuring that they take up less space.
- They offer the greatest degree of control over external light.
- They will fit in with a wide variety of different colour schemes without much work.
Cons:
- They require frequent cleaning and dusting.
- The slatted design allows light to get through even when fully closed.
- They don’t retain heat very well.
- The individual slats and the lift cords can break very easily.
Roman and Roller Blinds
Pros:
- Can be used to block all light.
- They take up the least amount of space.
- They don’t require regular cleaning.
Cons:
- Difficult to clean unless the fabric is coated with wipe down surface.
Curtains: Curtains can frame the window to create a striking and sophisticated effect as well as drawing attention to the view. The Fabrics they are made of come in a variety of thicknesses, from see through net curtains which offer little more than decoration to heavy drapes.
Pros:
- Curtains are aesthetically striking and can give the room an air of sophistication.
- In winter curtains provide the best insulation.
- They come in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Cons:
- Curtains take up more space than blinds.
- In rooms like bathrooms and kitchens there is a risk of mould and staining due to the moisture in the air.
- Kids can hide behind large curtains.
I hope this guide helps anyone trying to redecorate choose their window treatments. Done well both blinds and curtains can add a lot to a room.
Author Bio
This is a guest post by Daniel Frank a UK blogger writing on behalf of wooden Venetian blind specialist wooden blinds direct
