Designing and decorating a living room can seem like a never-ending job. There are countless factors that need to be considered, including paint, wallpaper, furniture, and carpets. It can be easy to get swamped in the endless decisions and stylistic choices.
Often one of the last decisions to be made is whether to go for blinds or curtains, but this is an important choice that can have a significant impact on how your living room looks and how the light affects it. If you’re not sure what the best choice for your particular space is, fear not. We’ve put together a guide to help you decide. Keep reading to check it out.
Aesthetics
When it comes to any kind of interior design, aesthetics are crucial. They create a first impression and are considered well before any practical issues, so they should be carefully considered when designing a space.
Blinds can create a lighter, more casual look than curtains. They are stylistically versatile and can work with a range of different looks and designs. They’ll fit a living room with a deluxe leather sofa just as well as one with a cheap sectional couch.
On the other hand, curtains can be more extravagant and can work to create a sense of luxury and sophistication. They might be more appropriate for a traditional living room that focuses on elegance and classiness.
Budget
Budget is always important when designing a room, even more so in such times of rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
Blinds present a more budget-friendly option when looking for window dressings. However, that’s not to say that all blinds are cheap and of questionable quality. They exist on a spectrum; you’ll find incredibly cheap options as well as far more expensive options should your budget be able to stretch a little more.
Curtains are generally more expensive. This is due to the costs involved in preparing and producing the fabric. However, this again depends on what you’re looking for. You’ll certainly be able to find affordable curtains, while you will similarly come across curtains that are staggeringly expensive.
However, curtains have greater energy-efficiency benefits over blinds. They can retain hot air in the winter and cool air in the winter. The resulting savings on your energy bills could perhaps offset the extra costs involved to choose curtains in the first place.
Practicality
When it comes to practicality, it can be hard to beat blinds. They can be adjusted in numerous ways to let in or block out light, plus they are easy to clean and cheap to maintain. Curtains on the other hand are limited in their arrangement options, while cleaning and replacing them can be an arduous process.
Conclusion
When you’re trying to make a decision between going for blinds or curtains in your living room, there are a number of things you’ll need to consider. Think about aesthetics, budgetary requirements, and the practicality of both choices before coming to your final decision.