Every house has windows, all different sizes. A big question when designing your home is what to do with them. Blinds? Curtains? Even within these categories, there are many options. Also, have in mind that within each room of your home you might want to use something different to dress your window. Here are just a few ideas of how you might want to think about.
Curtains:
A bare window can make a room feel barren. Curtains add that homey feel to the room that you might be looking for. But there are so many options to choose from. They come in every color you can imagine. So you should not have trouble finding a color that goes with the color scheme of your room.
One thing u need to know about curtains is that there are lots of different types of fabrics. For example, cotton, silk, velvet, polyester, linen, and much more. Something to consider would be how thick each fabric is. Depending on the thickness will depend on how much light the fabric will filter through. In a room, like a bedroom, you might want a thicker fabric to let in less light, so you can sleep better. However, in the living room or dining room, you might want a thinner fabric to be able to let some light in.
Once you have decided the color and the fabric. You need to decide on the length of your curtains. Will you have them the length of the window? Or would you like them floor length?
A few advantages of curtains is that because they do not have a pull cord like blinds they might be a safer option. However, full length curtains can also be pulled by young children. In the cooler months of the year the curtains will help keep the warmth inside. Curtains have a higher chance of staining and mold due to high moisture in the air. However, some curtains can be easily taken down and washed in the washing machine.
Blinds, Shades & Shutters:
Blinds and also shades and shutters are all very similar. A blind typically has slats, also known as louvers, that rotate back and forth to control the light coming in and the privacy. A blind can be completely lowered, yet still allow some light to come through. A shade is generally one piece of material that raises and lowers, but does not have moveable slats. Shutters are permanently fixed and precisely fitted to the window covering which are attached directly to the window frame. Shutters are made from sturdier, thicker materials than blinds and shades.
Blinds have a vast range of materials and style and they are very affordable. Making them a great choice. They are great for rooms in your home like the bathroom and the kitchen where there is condensation. However, blinds do have wear and tear and depending on the style they might need cleaning regularly.
Shutters are highly durable and do not need updating regularly. They can improve the insulation of the house during those cold winter months. When they are 100% closed they create complete privacy. However, shutters can be relatively expensive compared to other options out there.
There are many advantages of Shades as well. For example, they can also be great for insulation, they also come in different materials and styles. There are extremely easy to clean making life a lot easier for those with young kids around. The biggest bonus is that they are quick and easy to install. However, be careful with which material you choose. Some materials might be more durable than others.
Whether you decide to go with curtains or blinds or something else. We are sure it will look wonderful.
