Shutters, Blinds, Curtains? Which Is best?

Dressing windows around the home often means experimenting until you get it right. And by ‘right’, we of course mean whatever works best for you. There are no right or wrong ways of getting the job done, just as long as you’re happy with the result.

Nevertheless, it’s worth keeping in mind the pros and cons of each option in order to make the selection process a little easier.

Curtains

The immediate benefit of curtains is that they can be picked up in any colour, print, and material imaginable. As such, they can be made to seamlessly fit in with any room and any interior décor. Thicker curtains add an extra level of insulation to the room while at the same time blocking light and noise from entering the room. And of course, curtains can be used alongside shutters or blinds, if required.

As for the negatives, curtains can only ever be opened or closed; there’s no allowance for a partial view. This in turn makes curtains unsuitable for certain residential settings where privacy may be an issue, unless the curtains are to be kept closed 24/7.

Blinds

Blinds can also be picked up in multiple styles, colours, and finishes. Just a few of the most popular types of blinds include:

• Vertical Blinds. Hang vertically from the top to the bottom and close by way of rotation. Often used in offices and other instances where practicality matters more than style,
• Roman Blinds. Highly effective and affordable, these blinds feature a sheet of fabric that can be lowered or raised by pulling a cord. Roller blinds are very similar, though they do not roll up completely to provide an unobstructed view.
• Venetian Blinds. Horizontal slants that open and close by pulling a cord and can also be retracted or raised. Generally made of thin slats of metal, though also available in wooden and plastic designs,
• Skylight Blinds. Specially designed blinds to fit the windows of skylights, typically in the form of sliding sheets of fabric. The only slight downside to blinds is that they can attract dust and therefore require regular cleaning. They can be incredibly cost-effective and versatile, with products available to suit all pockets.

Shutters

Last but not least, there’s no better option when it comes to total privacy and security than traditional shutters. Both solid and tracking shutters are becoming increasingly popular all the time, the difference being that tracking shutters combine the benefits of traditional shutters with the versatility of blinds. They are able to block out more light than blinds and provide greater security, though without the total light shutout of solid shutters. As such, they’re the ideal choice for the more social rooms of the home, such as the living room or kitchen.

The only slight downside is that the very best shutters money can buy tend to cost more in the first place than standard curtains or blinds. Nevertheless, what they deliver in terms of long-term value for money more than makes up for this.