Curtains or blinds, which is best?

When you purchase a brand-new apartment, window coverings are often included. But how do you know which one to choose if you’re offered upgrades, or in the rare case they’re not included in the purchase. What’s better — curtains or blinds?

Curtains

Pros: Curtains are a more versatile window covering than your average roller blinds. They come in a greater range of fabrics, colours and styles than blinds — all of which can give you more flexibility when it comes to controlling the levels of privacy, light access and noise pollution in your home.

In addition to softening the look of your interiors, curtains add a textural layer. You can choose different lengths — floor-length curtains over smaller windows creates a Bohemian-inspired effect while rich and creamy fabrics will work well to brighten up the living room.

Cons: Curtains are high-maintenance when compared with blinds. You’ll need to clean them more frequently, and this involves taking them off the rail and either handwashing them or putting them in the washing machine, depending on the type of material. This can be a hassle, especially if you don’t manage to wash and dry them in one day — then you have to spend the night without curtains.

Blinds

Pros: Blinds are the perfect interior finish that will work with pretty much any decor style. They’re a sleek and sophisticated option and the right kind of blinds can offer the ultimate privacy and block out light more effectively than some of the best curtains.

If you’re a light sleeper and sensitive to light in the morning, black-out blinds will work perfectly for you. Meanwhile, Venetian blinds are great for living rooms and kitchens, where you may not need to block the light out as much. Both types are much easier to clean than curtains — all you need to do is wipe them down with a damp sponge or cloth.

Cons: As a general rule of thumb, good-quality blinds can often cost more than curtains and need to be sized to precise measurements to successfully block out light and help regulate the temperatures in your home. This can be finicky to get right.

Now that you have all the information at your disposal, you can make the choice. Curtains or blinds — or both?

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