Curtains and Blinds can both be used to darken a room and block out daylight. The main difference between curtains and blinds is their coverage of the window.  

While blinds cover the window directly, curtains are usually hung in front of the window, and often drape to the floor. Blinds also come in a range of different options including Roller blinds, Venetian blinds, and Roman blinds.

Both window coverings come in many different styles, fabrics, and colours, so finding ones that look good with your home décor isn’t difficult.   

There are pros and cons to both curtains and blinds, but when choosing between them, you should consider the following:  

1. Privacy  

Privacy is an important consideration for many rooms in your home. You might think that curtains offer a great deal of privacy, but blinds which are made to a high standard, provide just as much privacy as curtains.  

Blinds can also be made to any size and shape, so if you want to cover a large or unusually shaped window, then blinds are the way forward. Blinds will highlight the unique shape of your windows, whereas curtains will hang and hide the distinct form; this is important to consider.

Suppose you’re thinking about having some special glass in your windows. In that case, this is another reason why we recommend opting for blinds over curtains. Curtains can’t move bulkily around curved or angled glass as blinds can.  

1. Maintenance  

One of the most significant differences between curtains and blinds is in the amount of maintenance they require.   

Curtains need special cleaning instructions because they have more delicate fabric and patterned prints that washing machines or harsh chemicals can damage.   

Blinds are much easier to clean than curtains. Just grab yourself a vacuum cleaner and microfibre cloth, and you’re away!  

1. Light control 

When curtains are closed, they block all light virtually, provided they fit your windows properly. However, blinds have a huge advantage over curtains when it comes to controlling sunlight and sun glare in your home.

The slats on blinds, situated either vertically or horizontally (known as Venetian blinds), can be operated in two ways for light control.

Pulling the lift cord that hangs from the top lets you lift and lower Venetian blinds and move vertical blinds from one side to the other. You can also twist the tilt wand to rotate the slats, changing the angle at which light enters.

Roller blinds and Roman blinds can be pulled down just enough to prevent harsh sun glare in your room but to still let the light in. Vision blinds, otherwise known as ‘day and night’ blinds also provide privacy during the day but allow daylight to shine through.

Additionally, blackout lining systems can be fitted to blinds if desired.  

1. Décor style  

Curtains generally offer a lot of design possibilities. Curtains provide texture and interesting colour accents to a room while helping to block out light or nosey neighbours. Curtains also vary in length, patterns, and shape, which give way to endless decoration ideas.

However, curtains are limited in their applications; they’re mostly an aesthetic choice rather than a functional one.

Blinds focus more on functionality. Blinds can help make a room feel neat and modern. While curtains may add unnecessary clutter to an already-cramped room, blinds are tucked neatly against windows. In the right instances, they add an element of undeniable charm.

If comfort is important to you, consider installing both curtains and blinds at once: doing so allows you greater flexibility in adjusting them to suit different weather conditions or moods throughout the year (or even day).   

1. Price & Installation 

The price of curtains and blinds is also a big factor in choosing between them. Curtains are usually more expensive than blinds, so if you’re looking for an affordable option, it makes sense to go with blinds.

Curtains are usually pricier because they take more material and time to make and more time to install. Blinds require less material and time to manufacture and take less time to install, meaning they generally cost less.

On average, in 10 to 20 minutes, a professional installer (cough cough, Fraser James Blinds) can put brackets in a window frame, mount the blind, and attach the mechanisms that move the slats, whilst curtain installation can take more than an hour.

Our extensive product line includes both high-end window coverings, as well as basic blinds that are designed to look great in any home while reducing heat and glare and protecting privacy. Here at FJB, it’s one of our goals to ensure our customers get exactly what they want and need, regardless of budget.

No matter where in our price tier you purchase your window coverings, you can be sure that you will receive blinds built with high-quality materials and components that are designed to last. If you’re interested in knowing what some of the cheapest blind options are, click here.   

1. Energy-efficiency  

Curtains are great for trapping heat and keeping out the cold. This is especially true for blackout thermal curtains, though these must fit your windows correctly to reap the most benefits.

Blinds, however, provide the best insulation. It should be noted that open slats still let heat out and cold in. Consider investing in Insulating Blinds, such as Perfect-fit Blinds, if you’re serious about saving heating and cooling costs.

Tailor-made to fit in your window frames, Perfect Fit Blinds are designed to fit the exact shape and size of your window to minimise gaps – this makes fitted blinds ideal for regulating the light levels, heat, and privacy of your space.

Not only this, but you can choose from various materials and colours to match your decor, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality!   

What Will You Choose?  

As you’ve learned, there are many considerations when deciding between curtains and blinds. You should be aware of the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision about which type is best for your home.

In some cases, one type might be more suitable depending on the situation (for example, if privacy is paramount). In other cases, your ideal solution may be to combine curtains and blinds for a stylish yet practical approach. 

Top quality Blinds for Windows in Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, Nottingham & Derby .   

We believe every home deserves the best possible quality when it comes to blinds, and here at Fraser James Blinds, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect blinds for your home at the best possible price.

From the bedroom and living room to the kitchen and conservatory, we supply and install a range of bespoke, custom, made-to-measure blinds to complement any theme, decor, or taste.

Whether you require stylish Roman blinds or roller blinds or require blinds to neatly fit your conservatory, look no further than Fraser James Blinds.

Contact Fraser James Blinds today to arrange a free home visit in Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, Nottingham & Derby, or the surrounding areas.