Blinds Vs. Curtains: Which One Is Better For Your Home?

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey

Curtains and blinds serve several functions in your home. Both of these window treatments help to control the light in your home, allow for privacy and even add design and ambiance to the room. Both curtains and blinds are effective at this, but they are by no means the same. So when you are picking out new window treatments, you will inevitably have to decide whether curtains or blinds are the right choice for your home.

Curtains add texture, style, and color to your home. They can block out all the light and allow for better privacy. They are, however, more expensive and difficult to clean compared to blinds. Blinds offer functionality, and you can control how much light you let in. Blinds are durable and easy to maintain. They do not offer as much privacy as some curtains and are sometimes less aesthetically pleasing.

Having blinds or curtains is certainly better than having no window dressing at all. But as you are trying to decide whether you should purchase blinds or curtains you need to look at the differences between the two. Curtains and blinds look and function a bit differently. This means they also have different selling points and drawbacks. In order to come to the right decision when it comes to blinds versus curtains, it is best to consider the pros and cons of each.

Reasons Blinds Are Better Than Curtains For Your Home

Easy To Open And Close

Blinds, for the most part, are very easy to handle and control. They are designed to be functional and flow easily on their track. Since blinds are easy to open and close, they are a popular option for wall-to-wall and other large windows. This is because to curtain the same space would involve several sets of heavy curtains. This would also require more time and energy than simply pulling the blinds.

Often Very Durable

Blinds are also quite durable. This is because they are often made of more sturdy materials. Even blinds made of fabric tend to consist of durable fabric. But plastic, bamboo, wood, and other long-lasting materials are often used when creating blinds.

Better Ability To Control Lighting

Blinds are also very effective at controlling light. Curtains are more “on and off” whereas blinds offer more of a “dimmer switch” when it comes to allowing light in. You can close them completely, open them a crack, or completely open them. All of this can be done almost instantly, and it put you in control of how sunny you want your room.

More Affordable Than Curtains

One of the reasons blinds are so popular is that they are often much more affordable than curtains. They require less professional help, and the materials are often less expensive. When you combine this with the fact that they last a long time, it is no wonder why many homeowners and builders opt for blinds in areas where it makes sense.

Easy To Maintain

Since blinds use materials like plastic and other hard materials, they are easy to clean. You can dust and wipe them. They are less likely to damage in the sun, and can usually handle most mild cleaners easily. This makes them easy to keep clean.

Good For Minimalist Vibe

While blinds are not known for creating elegance, they do work well with some design looks. Minimalism, industrial and other design looks that focus on simple clean lines can benefit from blinds. The angular, repetitive lines add to these angular aesthetics.

The Downside To Purchasing Blinds

They Don’t Black Out The Room

One reason blinds might not work in your home is the fact that they usually don’t completely black out a room. Blinds usually have small spaces between them. So while they might not let direct sunlight in, there is not complete darkness. If you get strong direct sunlight, or work evening shifts and need to sleep during the day then blinds might not work for you.

Not As Energy Efficient

Blinds might be easy to use and cheaper to buy, but they won’t help your energy bill. Since there are small gaps between blinds and they are made of non-insulating material most of the time, they are not effective at keeping out hot or cold air. If your windows are not great at keeping out the elements, you might want to opt for curtains and drapes.

Can Look Less Aesthetically Pleasing

One reason people opt against blinds is that they can take away from the overall look of the room. Blinds can look cheap, or give off the aura of an office park rather than a luxury home. There are more appealing blinds these days. So if blinds make sense for you, you can choose these more fashionable blinds, but they cost more than standard blinds.

Reasons Curtains Are Better Than Blinds For Your Home

Add Color And Elegance To The Room

Not only are curtains functional, but they can add a lot of color and design to a room. In fact, many designers use curtains to brighten up or elevate the look of a room. They can turn an ugly view or awkward window into a stunning room with the use of color and texture that curtains provide.

Large Variety Of Styles And Textures To Choose From

Another great perk to curtains is that they come in all sorts of colors and textures. This makes matching your curtains with the rest of your room incredibly simple. With the help of online stores, you can surely find the perfect curtains to tie a room together with just a few simple clicks.

Work With All Window Shapes And Sizes

Curtains are also available in all shapes and sizes. They make for the better choice when it comes to unique-shaped and sized windows. So if you have a particularly uniquely shaped or sized window, then curtains will likely be the smart way to go.

Ability To Create Complete Privacy Or Darkness

Curtains are also a great way to keep out light, and onlookers. If you get non-sheer curtains, it is easy to give yourself complete privacy. If you need to keep out light then you can opt for blackout curtains. These are handy in areas where summer days are very long, or your home gets intense direct afternoon sun.

Not only can curtains keep out light, but they can also keep out hot and cold. Many curtains and drapes are designed to help insulate the areas where you have windows. This can save you money in the honest and coldest months.

The Downside To Purchasing Curtains

Not As Durable As Blinds

Curtains, in the end, are made of fabric. After many washings, and battling with UV light, they start to fade and deteriorate. They simply are not as durable as blinds. So if you are less concerned about the look, but more about the function and longevity, you may want to go with blinds over curtains.

More Work To Clean And Maintain

Curtains are also more work to maintain. Some curtains are made of materials that require delicate hand washing. Even those that can go through the washing machine still take time and energy to clean. It is more work and labor to keep curtains clean than it is to dust and clean most blinds.

Can Be Expensive

Curtains are also more expensive in many cases. The material, installation, and any custom work all cost money. If you are concerned with function rather than style, you might not need these additional costs. So if you are on a very tight budget, blinds might be the better route for you.

Final Thoughts On Curtains Versus Blinds For The Home

Curtains and blinds are both great window treatments. But depending on what you are looking for, you might think one is better than the other. Curtains are great to elevate the look of the room and add a design element. They are also great at keeping out light, adding privacy, and even lowering your energy bill. Blinds are more functional, easier to clean and often the more affordable option.

Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

More by Tom Gaffey

Next