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Differences Between Curtains and Blinds

October 6, 2021

In this blog entry, the window treatment installation experts here at Design Your Blinds will describe some of the major salient differences between curtains and blinds.

Curtain and Blind Design

Curtain design varies based on what style and layout they’re constructed with. Curtains can be made of a massive variety of materials with either patterned or solid color design. Some common curtain materials are lace, linen, and silk – or modern polyester or blend synthetic fabrics. Horizontal and vertical blidn similarly have a wide range of design and aesthetic styles depending on their construction material. Common window blind materials include faux wood, hard wood, vinyl, fabric, and even aluminium – and they come in all the colors on the spectrum!

Curtain and Blind Installation

Window blinds and curtain installation cost ranges based on the materials in question. Generally, curtains have the easiest installation – as all the parts consist of a strength rod for support and the curtains themselves. However, since there are so many new forms of curtain design – like automated draw curtains controlled by remotes or light switches – there’s more than just one method of curtain installation. Blind installation is a bit less cookie-cutter, and each blind’s installation requires a custom process based on the sizing of the window or door that’s being covered.

Curtains and Blinds Energy Efficiency

Special thermal curtains can be used for temperature regulation – proving especially efficacious in very hot or cold climates. With all the energy savings you gain from thermal curtains, you might also lose a bit of natural light. Quality made blinds are used similarly – but for different reasons – in both Winter and Summer. Blinds can either fully block or reflect off heat from the Sun during the Summer, and can even be opened up to allow for gain of heat from the Sun during the Winter.

Curtain and Blind Maintenance

Blinds have to be dusted and spot cleaned on an annual basis – and curtains don’t need to be cleaned as often. Blinds are more likely to attract dust from static electricity – but this varies based on what material they are made out of. Blinds also, due to their flat surfaces, have more area for dust to land and build up on. Curtain dusting is easy with a hand-held vacuum, but stain removal requires special cleaning products matched to the curtain material, and applied according to specific instructions.

Curtain and Blind Light Control

Blinds (and shutters) provide the most light control, as they can be only opened partially. Sliding curtains don’t have the most versatile light control, as they can only be opened or closed. One great option is to install more than one layer of curtain, with one layer being a sheer light tone which allows light in while providing privacy. The second layer can be made of a thicker material that can provide privacy when the interior is lit up at night, while also providing blackout functionality whenever you want it.