A Guide for Choosing Curtains or Modern Blinds

It takes more effort than you might think to get the most out of your window coverings when you're making your purchase. Ensuring that you can enjoy your view, and incorporating privacy and energy-saving features are just some considerations that can influence how a room is finished.

Buying the ideal dining table is as critical to the success of your renovation as deciding on the right custom blinds and curtains for your home. It's up to you to make the decision that best suits your lifestyle and brings your design ideas together.

The versatility of these blinds and curtains gives you a choice, but most importantly, when you consider your specific needs, you can make the right decision for your home based on design and functionality. Considerations you should consider are how much privacy you need, what are the benefits of curtains vs blinds, are you looking to control acoustics, do you want to maintain the level of light coming into the room and more.

1. Style of Curtains

Curtains have traditionally been used to keep the heat in during winter and block out sunlight when it's hot outside. This is because they completely cover the window well. Many traditional homes have them, but custom curtains are perfect in homes of any style because of their wide range of colours, fabrics, and types.  

To achieve the desired effect, you're looking to accomplish while still controlling the amount of natural light entering the room, layering with custom blinds for blockout and sheers for aesthetics gives you an ideal balance.

2. Type of Header

Your curtain's drape depends on how the header is sewn. They will appear different and will bunch variously depending on how they fall. Header types include:

●      S-fold: This casual yet sleek style of curtain is without a pleat and forms like an 'S' at the front and rear of the track. It requires a lot of stacking.

●      Pencil Pleat: With an unstructured quality, this flat curtain is gathered by a string.

●      Box Pleat - Inverted: This curtain is restrained, tailored, and flat in style, suited to contemporary and traditional homes.

●      Euro Pleat An informal type of curtain with a top pinch that showcases prints and patterns. This style is well suited to be hung on rings and looks eye-catching.

●      Pinch Pleat: Usually found in interiors that are classic, the header pinch produces clean folds close to around 100mm of the drape.

3. Length of Curtains

Curtain length is a matter of personal preference. It's no secret that designers love the overlong look for its sophisticated appeal. However, the hems quickly become a breeding ground for dust and dirt, making this a hard-to-keep clean curtain. On the other hand, you can achieve the same effect by cutting off only 10 mm from the base while maintaining the same shape and a pristine appearance.

4. Height of the Curtain Hang

There's no standard best height for hanging height of a rod for your curtains. This is primarily influenced by ceiling and window height. With ceilings lower in height, hanging the rods just beneath the cornice will give the room the feeling of height. With a newer home typically having high ceilings, you have more flexibility in where the hang will be.

5. Modern Roller Blinds

Roller Blinds in homes are popular because they're known for being easy to use and versatile. They are available in many fabric types and colours, use only a tiny amount of space and can be easily motorised. One of their best qualities is they give complete privacy and keep out any light when closed.  

Their streamlined look is an ideal addition to modern homes and can be used throughout the whole house. When paired with curtains, particularly sheers, they make a layered look that gives your home functionality and aesthetics. They are not typically used to "dress" windows.

For energy efficiency, they are great for keeping your house cool or warm and will help keep power costs down. Roller blinds in the eco-friendly honeycomb configuration are known for energy efficiency and help regulate air temperature.

6. Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are ultra-modern in appearance and add a touch of class to even the largest of windows. These custom blinds come in many possible patterns, colours, and materials and are intended as a design focal point.

It's not unusual for homeowners to add trims to give these blinds extra personality and use them in traditional or period-style homes. They are created to showcase architraves and other window features. While they have many great features, they offer no privacy when open, so they aren't suitable for every room in your house.

7. Modernisation with Motorisation

Many people like being able to control their modern blinds and curtains using a remote or smartphone. Rechargeable lithium batteries make it possible to modernise expensive window coverings like custom blinds and curtains without being overwhelmingly costly.

Motorisation makes opening and closing the house daily a simple process rather than visiting every room in the house. It's an ingenious way to stop the use of cords for aesthetic and safety reasons.  

8. Shutters

Plantation shutters are often a designer's choice because they are less likely to date and are practical in their use. These shutters give homes a coastal feel and functionality that captures breezes and light.

While they may look fantastic, they are not great for blocking out all light or for insulation. From a space perspective, they require room for a frame, so they aren't ideal for small areas or windows.

On the plus side, plantation shutters are available in a selection of colours and materials, including affordable PVC, which is ideal for bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.

You must buy from a respected custom blinds expert on the Gold Coast, like Globe Interiors, because these shutters are sometimes sold as timber when they are veneer.  

9. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds have long been popular for window treatments because they are low-maintenance, affordable, and have a straightforward installation process. Made from aluminium, timber, and PVC, these custom blinds capture breezes, let in light and provide privacy. The wood is commonplace for use in every room of a house, with PVC and aluminium options most often used in wet spaces.

They are not blockouts, so they aren't recommended for bedrooms or as an insulation choice. They also lack the ability to let in a lot of light compared to other blind options.  

The slats are available in a selection of sizes that can be painted or stained to your requirements. These function like plantations but at a cheaper price point.

H3: Modern Designs for Window Treatments

Whether you're choosing modern blinds or custom curtains, you can dress your windows to suit you and the style of your home. When you get it right, the aesthetics will be enjoyed, letting in the right amount of light and insulation that helps your home run efficiently.