Advice For Choosing Between Curtains, Blinds and Window Shutters

Looking to improve the aesthetics of your home with curtains, blinds or shutters? Read our top tips...

When facing a choice between curtains, blinds and window shutters you have a big decision to make, not only because this will be an investment, but also because you want this to be a long term decision. You might change the style or the colour, but the method of window dressing you choose could last you for many, many years. Furthermore, how you style your windows will have a dramatic effect, so you need to get it right.

Ask the experts

It is important to get professional advice when looking at whether to choose between curtains, blinds or window shutters. They all have their advantages and all have individual considerations that apply to certain rooms and window designs. In terms of practicality, longevity and therefore value-for-money, one system may suit your particular needs better than another, so don’t be afraid to take advice and fully understand the possibilities open to you.

We will look at some of these considerations below, but first let’s look at the key features of each:

The advantages of curtains, blinds and window shutters

• Curtains – There are lots of choices in curtains in terms of colours, designs and fabric manufacturers, so it is easy to get a good match for the fixtures and furnishings in your home. The size range also means you can buy cheap or more luxurious fabrics. Curtains are good for retaining heat and blocking out cold from the windows, and they are relatively easy to fit.
• Blinds – You have plenty of styles to choose from here, such as Roman, Venetian, Vertical and Roller. Some are simple and easy to install, others a little more complex and may need to be done professionally. Blinds are versatile and retractable and are good for adjusting according to the time of day and how light moves around the home.
• Shutters – Shutters are ideal for providing different degrees of privacy, security and light. Because of their nature they are robust and long-lasting, though they usually require professional installation. Shutters are usually bespoke but are really effective for any shape or size of window.

What to consider when choosing curtains, blinds and window shutters

• Window style: Certain designs will not work with certain window styles. For example bi-fold doors which fold inwards wouldn’t work with a straight curtain rail, but you can fit blinds and shutters in each individual door. All three styles can be adapted for bay windows, although blinds are likely to have gaps whilst shutters and curtains can completely cover the windows. And don’t forget the type of window dressing has to match the type of window, so if you have brand new double-glazing, a more traditional style of curtain or blind may not work, and vice versa if you have period windows.
• Location: You need to choose a style that suits the location of the room and your property, ie. how does the sun move throughout the day? If the light doesn’t change too much then curtains might be best, because they are either open or closed. If the sun moves across a room during the day, shutters or blinds can help because you can adjust them accordingly. Another issue is privacy and security, and if your window is near a road or pavement you need to make sure you are comfortable in that room at all times.
• Window size: Most curtains, blinds and window shutters can be made to order, so they will perfectly fit your windows, but the bigger your windows the more expensive some styles may be so make sure your ideas are cost-effective. Also, the style can affect your impression of a room. Shutters usually sit in the recess of a window so they make the room seem bigger, whilst curtains sit proud of a window, so they make a room seem smaller. This can work either way depending on whether you want an airy feeling or a more cosy feeling.
• Practicality: There are numerous practical issues to consider when choosing your window dressing style. For example do you have pets or small children? Is floor level window dressing going to be an issue and they will get damaged? This is also a factor with vacuum cleaning. Small children and pets can also be attracted by pull cords- everything we install is made to the current child safety laws- and we will fit extra safety devices if you require. Do you need blackout in a room with small children? In that case curtains are difficult to achieve that with, so you might require 2 separate window treatments eg shutters or a block blind. Finally, cleaning is a big practical issue. Your window dressing is exposed to a lot of dust and dirt, curtains pick up more than most because they are fabric and can often only be cleaned by removing them and dry cleaning. Meanwhile, shutters need a simple two minute dusting whilst in situ.

As you can see, there is lots to think about, and no easy answer, except to suggest that you speak to the experts who can look at your room, take some measurements and make practical and cost effective recommendations.

At Find a Blind in Manchester, we offer a wide range of made to measure shutters, blinds and curtains. Contact us today to arrange a home visit or showroom appointment.