Blinds and curtains are popular window treatments that provide insulation, privacy, and light control while dressing up your home. Both of these window treatments have their own advantages and disadvantages. But which type of window treatment should you choose for your home? Read on to learn about the key differences between the two window treatments so you can decide which one is best for you. After you make your decision, you can start shopping for the curtains or blinds New York of your dreams!
Blinds
Affordable
Blinds are typically less expensive than curtains. Although you can purchase blinds New York that are on the more expensive side, such as roman and wood blinds, there are many affordable blinds on the market that are made from plastic or aluminum. On the other hand, curtains tend to be on the pricier side (particularly linen or silk curtains) since they require more material and take longer to make.
Easy to Install
Blinds are far easier to install than curtains. If you decide to install a set of blinds by yourself, it should take you no longer than 20 minutes. Even if you are installing blinds on every single window in your house, you should be able to complete the project within a day, depending on how many windows you have. You also have the option of hiring a professional to install the treatments for you. Installing the brackets in the window frame, mounting the blinds, and attaching the mechanisms should take a professional no more than 15 minutes for each window. Installing curtains can take a professional more than an hour and take up to two hours to do on your own.
Increased Light Control
Light can be controlled by blind slats in two ways. You can lower or raise your blinds by pulling on the lift cord, and you can adjust the slats based on how much light you want in your room by twisting the tilt wand. It should be noted, however, that even when the blind slats are completely closed, some light will still get through. When curtains are drawn, they keep out all light.
Easy to Clean
Since blinds have a slick, hard surface, cleaning them is pretty straightforward. We recommend dusting your blinds weekly, spot-treating stains whenever necessary, and giving them a deep clean several times a year.
Dusting: Use a microfiber cloth, duster, or vacuum with a dust brush attachment to dust your blinds. Close the slats and dust or vacuum your blinds, beginning at the top and working your way down to the bottom of the treatments. Rotate your blinds and repeat the same process on the other side.
Spot cleaning: If you notice that your blinds are stained, gather a soft sponge and a bucket. Fill the bucket with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap to create a cleaning solution. Dip the soft sponge into the bucket then wring out any excess water. Gently rub the cloth over the stains in a circular motion.
Deep cleaning: Remove the blinds from the brackets, being careful not to damage any strings or mechanisms. Fill up a bathtub with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Place the blinds inside of the tub and let them soak for up to an hour, depending on how dirty they are. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub the blinds. Remove them from the tub and let them air dry over a towel.
Cleaning curtains is a more involved process and can be expensive if they need to be dry cleaned. We recommend vacuuming your curtains once a week and giving them a deep cleaning every three to six months.
Vacuuming: Vacuum your curtains from top to bottom using a dust brush attachment. Make sure to thoroughly vacuum the top of the curtains and pleats, since this is where the most dust tends to gather.
Wash: Before washing your curtains in the washing machine, check the care label. Certain fabrics can be machine washed while others need to be hand washed or dry cleaned. If you can machine wash your curtains, do so in cold water on a gentle cycle, then let them air dry.
Durable
Did you know that well-maintained blinds can last up to 15 years? This is mostly because blinds are made of synthetic materials such as vinyl, aluminum, and faux wood which make them more resistant to discoloration, fading, and staining. Whereas curtains are more susceptible to ripping, staining, and molding and usually need to be replaced every ten years.
Curtains
Improved Insulation and Soundproofing
While curtains and blinds New York both boost the insulation in your home and help you save money on your energy bills, curtains are better insulators during the winter months. This is due to the fact that more heat escapes via blind slats, whereas curtains do not have slats and are thicker. During the summer, however, the opposite is true since blinds allow more warm air to escape from your home, cutting your AC costs, while curtains keep the warm air in.
Additionally, curtains are better at absorbing loud noises than blinds New York. The thicker the curtains, the better. So if you live near a busy street, you may want to purchase curtains that are made of heavier fabrics such as velvet or velour.
Endless Design Options
Curtains come in a variety of fabrics, textures, colors, and patterns. Curtains of varying opaqueness are available, ranging from sheer to blackout. There are no limits when it comes to decorating your home! For example, if you want your living room to have a dramatic feel, you can select thicker fabrics in rich colors. While blinds come in a large selection of matte colors, your design options are limited; this simplicity makes them ideal for modern decor.
Pair Both Treatments Together!
Why limit yourself to just one type of window treatment when you can dress your home with both? Curtains should be used in living rooms and bedrooms, while blinds should be used in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Or feel free to layer them to maximize the benefits!
The best way to choose between buying curtains or blinds New York is to evaluate your needs. Curtains are decorative window treatments that provide insulation, privacy, and increased light blockage. While blinds are affordable, quick to install, and easy to maintain. If you still need help making a decision between the two, don’t hesitate to reach out to Royal Window Treatments. We’d be more than happy to help you pick the perfect window treatments that meet both your needs and budget!
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