With so many choices in window treatments on the market, making a choice for your home décor can be daunting. Consider the following factors when choosing between hard and soft window fashions.
Installation
The installation process can be involved depending on the product you choose. If you purchase your blinds at a home improvement store, they will come with instructions or you may hire a professional to install them. Curtains can be very simple to install, but may be a two person job to get everything to line up correctly. More expensive window treatments are generally installed by professionals sent by the store where you bought them.
Function
Besides style considerations, window treatments have two basic functions: privacy and light control. For the most versatile light control choose blinds. Curtains cannot beat the variability in light control afforded by blinds. Curtains may be sheer, affording a bit of privacy and diffuse light, or heavy, blocking light and providing complete privacy when closed. Blinds allow you to adjust the slats to direct the light as you wish and provide privacy.
Cleaning
Curtains have an advantage over hard window treatments in this area. Blinds and shutters seem to attract dust and should be cleaned with a duster or vacuum each month. Curtains only need to be cleaned quarterly or if they become soiled. Depending on the fabric, they may be washed or sent to the dry cleaner.
Décor
Curtains come in every color, style, material and size. Cost can vary from tens to hundreds of dollars for custom panels. Fabric choices can produce a sheer, light, airy effect or a thick, formal, ornate mood. Your choice depends on the use of the room and the feeling you want it to have.
Hard window fashions, such as blinds, can be found in business and commercial properties because they are affordable, functional, and professional looking. For the home, blinds are a great choice because of the color and materials available at a cost that is less than soft window fashions. Blinds come in various colors, styles and materials. Shutters are another great option.
Of course, there is no law against using a combination of blinds and curtains to make full use of the benefits of both soft and hard window fashions. The only downside is the additional cost incurred by doubling up on your window treatments.
Need some help?
Contact our in-house designer for help choosing your window treatments or the manufacturer that makes the product to fit your needs. Rainbow Paint and Decorating has almost 40 years experience in the Birmingham, Alabama area. You can stop by our Greystone location or the Vestavia Hills store to browse products or get more information from our skilled staff.