What window treatment works for your space - curtains, shades or blinds?
While designing or renovating any space, one thing that is often overlooked till until the last moment is how you treat all the windows. Windows do make an important part of how any space will turn out, so it isn’t a light decision. But first of all, we need to know what are the different treatments that are in the mix to pick from.
THE OPTIONS
There are 4 main options we can consider:
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CURTAINS
Curtains are fabric panels hung from a rod or tracks and makes the most versatile option that comes in a wide range of fabrics, range, widths, patterns and colors.
They can be hung from the rods using metal grommets or rings.
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DRAPES
Also known as draperies, these are similar to curtains with the only difference that they are lined. So it is a good choice where you need to block light completely, like in bedrooms.
They are pleated at the top and how they puddle up at the floor adds to their sensousness.
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SHADES
Shades are attached to a rod or frame at the upper edge and usually fits within the window frame. They can be raised using a cord, roller or lifting mechanism. It either bunches near or rolls around the rod.
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BLINDS
Blinds are different from shades in that they are not an entire solid length of fabric but wood, bamboo, aluminum or vinyl slats that tilt open to let in light or close for privacy. This means it needn’t be opened completely to let light in.
COMPARATIVE STUDY
1 MOOD/STYLE
Curtains are suited to a wide range of styles
2 COST EFFECTIVENESS
This depends on the fabric and stitching details you choose
3 MAINTENANCE
Curtains are relatively easy to maintain on your own. They can be washed at home and hung up again.
4 LIGHT CONTROL
This again depends on the fabric used. Sheer curtains let in a fair amount of light, but a thicker fabric will block it to an extent.
5 SOUND CONTROL
In comparison, curtains block sound to an appreciable level, with all their folds and amount of fabric used.
1 MOOD/STYLE
Drapes give a more formal look to the space with their solidity and richness.
2 COST EFFECTIVENESS
It tends to be more expensive considering the amount of fabric used including the lining.
3 MAINTENANCE
Being made of fabric again, they can be washed at home, but will not be as easy to handle as curtains.
4 LIGHT CONTROL
Drapes are the ideal solution for blackout in a room.
5 SOUND CONTROL
They too provide a sufficient amount of sound control.
1 MOOD/STYLE
Shades have a cleaner look and are more effective in smaller spaces where elaborate curtains could take up a lot of space.
2 COST EFFECTIVENESS
Using relatively much less fabric compared to curtains or drapes, they are usually less expensive, but it depends on the choice of fabric too.
3 MAINTENANCE
Shades need professional help for maintenance with the hardware involved in fixing them, but can survive longer with regular dusting and spot cleaning.
4 LIGHT CONTROL
Shades with lining provide a good amount of light control.
5 SOUND CONTROL
They are not so proficient in blocking sound with very little fabric to work with and too few folds when let down entirely.
1 MOOD/STYLE
Blinds work best in situations where you need to control light and privacy simultaneously.
2 COST EFFECTIVENESS
They are the least expensive option amongst these.
3 MAINTENANCE
A lot of dust could gather in the slats. So it will require a lot of manual cleaning.
4 LIGHT CONTROL
Blinds are not the best option for complete blackout, but ideal for partially letting light in.
5 SOUND CONTROL
They provide minimal sound control.
DETAILS
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Metal Grommets are simple little metal circles that run through the rod. They come in simple and decorative finishes.
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Pleats create a ruffled look at the top of the curtains or drapes. There are different variations that suit a modern space.
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Curtain ring is a small clip for suspending a curtain. They can hold up curtains of all types.
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Curtain tracks are a sleek way to hang curtains used to avoid rather obvious ways of hanging curtains like grommets and rings.
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Curtain tie-backs are accessories used to gather and hold curtains in the open position.
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Valances are a decorative element at the top of the window that can be used as a standalone feature or along with curtains to give a formal feel.
VERDICT
Apart from, the obvious practical and functional reasons that makes curtains a clear winner, here are a few personal one.
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The curtains blowing in with a gentle breeze brings nature into the space in a subtle way. Their caressing touch as they brush gently against your skin is poetic as well.
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Nothing beats the soft light that makes its way in through the folds of fabric has a magical quality to it.
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The gentle folds of fabric hanging loosely to form a puddle at the floor has a sensual quality that cannot be replicated by shades.
MIX IT UP!
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