Blinds or curtains: which option is better for my house?

Blinds or curtains? This question is asked by thousands of people every year when they want to renew their window decorations. Although there are other options, both are the cheapest and most functional that we can install. The uncertainty is justified.

Today we will tell you how you benefit by opting for one or the other. We will do it taking into account its attributes in decoration, maintenance, useful life, design and purchase budget. Prepared? Let's start then by showing you what varieties you have when choosing between blinds or curtains.

Types of blinds

Blinds are commonly associated with an office environment. This type of coating is very neat, functional and versatileAlthough of course this does not inhibit the fact that they can be elegant and fun.

Some people discard their installation because they do not know the possibilities that exist in terms of design, shapes and textures. For this reason, we present some types of blinds that you can install right now in your home.

Vertical blinds

They are one of the most decorative, in part because its design provides an elegance that is not available in other variants. They are composed of a series of sheets oriented in a vertical format, which open or close on the sides, although there are also models that do so in the middle.

They are often used on large doors or windows facing the garden or an open space, because they allow good light distribution. You can find models made of aluminum, fabric, wood, bamboo or PVC.

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Venetian blinds

They are the classic design of blinds, which we usually identify with office environments. They consist of cells or sheets distributed horizontally that are stacked one below the other. They are activated through a string mechanism that presses or releases each individual blade to close or open.

This blind design has been used since the 18th century, especially in high-class office environments. Today they are the most affordable models and you can find them in a variety of materials. They have a variant known as mini blinds, which are used on windows and small doors.

Roller blinds

Also known as roller blinds or roller, are those that are made of a synthetic or natural material that bends at the top end. The opening and closing mechanism can be manual or remote and are purchased in a multitude of colors and designs.

The advantage of this type of blinds is that the part that is not used is hidden in only a few centimeters. Fits large or small venues and only consists of one panel. This simplifies its cleaning, since you do not have to deal with nooks and crannies.

Roman blinds

Made of fabric or synthetic materials that offer the same versatility, roman blinds fold into each other under venetian-like style. When they are extended they are very elegant and decorative, although when they are folded they lose part of their functionality.

This is because, unlike roller shutters, they do not hide part of their surplus. This remains visible at all times and even occupies a section of the window. This can prevent the amount of light or air that is needed at the time from entering.

Other types of blinds

These that we name are the most common, although of course we find dozens and dozens of variants. Others that we highlight are the following:

• Panel.
• Pleated.
• Honeycomb (also known as cellular).
• Solar.

You can find the calls smart, those that are activated from a distance through a remote control. The variety of options has helped tip the balance when choosing between blinds or curtains.

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Types of curtains

The curtains are associated with a more decorous and elegant style, so it is the first option in large homes that are used to receiving visitors. As in the previous case, there are dozens of variants, but the most common are the following.

Rail curtains

Are those that are attached to a system of hardware that moves through rails. The mechanism is usually made of anodized aluminum and can be anchored to both the ceiling and the wall.

We can also divide these curtains according to the way they can be operated. There are manual, cord or motorized. Not all of them are attached to the rail mechanism.

They are a type of classic curtain that combines very well with vintage decorations or vintage. Depending on the fabric, design and color, they can also be combined with modern styles.

Eyelet curtains

They are those whose subjection is achieved through a series of open rings at the top. This system is very practical, since allows the curtains to slide naturally in various directions. It also allows for quick uncoupling.

The grommets are arranged in a row and allow for weight balancing, so it can be used on heavy or light fabrics. The disadvantage? The bar that serves as a support is visible at all times, so you have to make sure it is attractive and pleasant.

Tongue curtains

They are the ones that incorporate a series of tabs in the upper part, in the best style of a tab, to anchor themselves to the hardware or support bar. Like the eyelet models they are very easy to install and remove and do not deteriorate the condition of the fabric.

These types of curtains fit very well to walls or high ceilings, since the tabs subtract a couple of centimeters from the design of the curtain itself. To compensate for this, it is common for your style to be longer than it is wide. They are very common in rustic decorations or in country houses.

Japanese curtains

Models that emulate the Japanese decoration style are marketed under this label, manifested on this occasion in a curtain with a panel design. It is attached at the top and bottom, so that a straight appearance without kinks is maintained.

They are considered minimalist cut options, in part because they are a bit stiff and are marketed in light, soft tones. Can be opened and closed to one side only, as it happens with the doors shoji.

Curtains rod pocket

Curtains rod pocket, also known as pocket-size, are those that hide the support bar under a kind of top hole. In this way, it is hidden from the viewer.

It is very common for these models to incorporate a second layer or to integrate some type of design that helps to further hide the bar. Although it is often associated with an informal decoration, in reality this style is considered as very elegant by designers.

Other variants of curtains

Of course, there are many other variants that are inspired by classical or modern times, but current trends are heading towards those presented. Other equally popular that we can rescue are the following:

• With pencil fold.
• With goblet pleat.
• Romanas.
• Roll-up screen.
• Foldable.

We also find models with special characteristics. Such is the case of those that inhibit noise and those that allow only a certain amount of light to pass through.

Advantages of blinds

Along with knowing their types, you should also consider their advantages before deciding between blinds or curtains. In the case of blinds, their main attributes in terms of performance and functionality are the following:

• They are more affordable than the curtains.
• They allow a greater amount of lighting to enter.
• You can visualize the outside without having to open them.
• They are very easy to install.
• They can be operated manually or automatically.
• Contrary to popular belief, they have dozens of variants and styles available to match

The installation and use of blinds also has a number of disadvantages:

• They tend to collect dust in their nooks and crannies and are more difficult to clean.
• The opening and closing mechanism compromises over time.
• Not recommended for tall windows (weight can make them work harder).
• They do not completely seal the entry of light or hermetically insulate the interior of the room.

The useful life of a standard model is usually around 10-12 years.

Advantages of curtains

You may be drawn to curtains because they are a more established alternative to the old one. However, it is not its only quality:

• They are very easy to wash.
• Depending on the type that is installed, they can partially or totally block the light.
• Regulate visible access that a third party can have from the outside.
• The combinations in design, textures, colors and shapes are very varied.
• They serve to control the room temperature.
• Some models can block outside noise.
• Are easy to remove and allow you to change the style of the decoration with its replacement.

In the same way, against it we find some disadvantages:

• If they receive a lot of sun and do not have a protective layer tend to discolor.
• If they are personalized, they require a greater investment.
• Some types of fabrics they can only be washed in the dry cleaner.
• They can attract pets to urinate or defecate on their lower end.

The useful life of a curtain is usually in the 10 years, although it largely depends on the amount of direct sun it receives.

Things to consider when choosing between blinds or curtains

So: blinds or curtains? You already know the most common types, as well as their advantages. It is time for us to guide you on in which contexts it is better to choose one of them

Installation place

Before choosing between blinds or curtains you should assess the place where you will install them. For example, curtains are recommended for bedrooms, since they positively affect quality sleep. This is achieved because they more effectively isolate noise and the amount of light that enters.

They also fit better in the main room, because they radiate an elegance that is not always possible with a blind.

Decorating style

The installation of blinds or curtains depends largely on the style of decoration you have. It is not recommended, for example, to opt for the former if the design you have chosen is classic or set in a particular past era. In these cases, the curtains are the best bet to maintain the style.

Other details that you should consider are the colors, textures and shapes that prevail in the room. The option you choose should combine perfectly to achieve a sequence in the observer.

Cost effectiveness

We pointed out above that blinds are more affordable than curtains; You can even install some models without the mediation of a third party. To this you must add that some fabrics, such as silk, linen or velvet, may require a wash at the dry cleaner.

This, of course, in case you want to bet on high-end curtains, since the most modest ones are easy to maintain and clean. Consider how the purchase of the curtain will impact your pocket. In some cases, a blind can be much more profitable.

Exterior insulation

Are you one of those who values ​​privacy? Then a curtain will be better for you. They are the best in preventing third parties from looking through the window to snoop inside. Although blinds are also effective, some models may have weak points.

Blinds and curtains together

It is important that you remember that you can use both options together. This trend has gained value in recent years, especially among those who appreciate the benefits of each.

So you don't have to worry about not knowing how to choose between blinds or curtains, but you can have both to reinforce your window covering.

If you are not very clear about which alternative is best for you and how you can combine it with what you already have, you can always get help from an interior designer. The professional will take into account both the functional and the decorative aspect.