Like paint, curtains and blinds can make for a leading change in a room with benefits that can be easily overlooked in the renovating stages. When your home is craving a refresh, the obvious themes explored are a fresh coat of paint or a revamp of the floors – but curtains and blinds are important for any makeover adding not only significant value to your home, but also atmosphere, softness, depth a punch of colour and even modifying the temperature of the room and energy efficiency of the home.
Aside from personal taste, it can be hard to determine if curtains, blinds or both are the way to go, and what has the scope to really boost the individual areas of your home. We take a step into each room to give you an idea on what works and what doesn’t.
Lounge and Living Area
Curtains have always tended to be the more relaxed and “homey” option, making a space very decorative with a vast range of options to reflect any style and preference. With the increasing flexibility of blinds however, they are now both considered fantastic choices that are versatile with look, function, and control over light, privacy and energy saving properties.
For those that prefer a wider range of styles and fabrics to choose from – curtains are great choice for lounge and living areas matching any décor and can be dressed up with padded pelmets or headings.
Blinds have a much more stylish, classic look to them – Roman Blinds in particular look chic in a living room. For open plan lounge and living areas, wider blinds work wonders. If convenience is your priority, motorised blinds provide the benefit of adjusting the amount of light and privacy from the comfort of your seat.
Kitchen
Choosing a window dressing that not only looks great, but stands up the arduous demands of the kitchen is essential. Blinds are a better option for this space as they are easier to clean if they get splashed from cooking, can be pulled out of harms way and are easy to use. Venetian blinds are the most popular for the kitchen with their versatility and maintenance free options. Timber Venetian Blinds add natural warmth to your home and Aluminium Venetian Blinds with their streamline appearance have the ability to match almost any existing décor.
Although blinds are definitely the preferred choice for kitchen areas, contemporary space can also look fantastic with a sheer curtain to soften the connection between outside and in.
Bedrooms
Curtains are best suited for lounge and bedrooms but nowadays, the use of blinds is becoming just as popular.
For bedrooms that are smaller, you can add depth and height by mounting timber or Roman Blinds a few inches below the ceiling to “cheat” a window up. This creates the effect that the ceiling is taller, the room feels brighter and windows look huge so when in doubt, go wide and high. This is also a perfect option for living areas and lounge rooms that also need the illusion that the space is actually bigger than what it is.
For shift workers, nurseries, or people that prefer the flexibility of a dark room and enjoy their sleep-ins, blackout curtains or blockout roller blinds are a brilliant idea. Consider curtains in the kid’s bedrooms – they can make fantastic hiding spots for toddlers during hide and seek!
Bathroom
Like the kitchen, curtains are very rarely used in this space but for those that want the best of both worlds without the expense of paying for both curtains and blinds, roman blinds make for a great alternative. Look wise, they give you the luxurious drapes renowned to curtains, combined with the mechanisms of blinds. For a space where the fabric of curtains doesn’t work but you want its style, roman blinds give no limitations with their finishes available in both classic timber planks and a selection of fabrics.
When deciding what works best for your room, look, privacy, size, energy efficiency and illumination should all be considered to assist you to make the best decision for each space.
As an interior design expert with a deep understanding of the transformative power of elements like curtains and blinds in home decor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to guide you through the nuances of enhancing your living spaces. Over the years, I have worked on numerous projects, carefully curating and implementing window treatments to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Curtains and Blinds as Game-Changers: The article rightly highlights that, like paint, curtains, and blinds can significantly impact a room's ambiance and benefits. These elements are often overlooked during the renovation stages but play a crucial role in adding value to your home. As an enthusiast in interior design, I can attest to the fact that these details can make or break the overall feel of a space.
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Versatility in Style and Function: The piece rightly notes that curtains and blinds go beyond personal taste and contribute to the atmosphere, softness, depth, color, and even temperature modification in a room. Curtains, with their wide range of styles and fabrics, offer a "homey" and decorative option, while blinds, especially with the increasing flexibility, provide a more stylish, classic look with added functionality such as light control, privacy, and energy efficiency.
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Room-Specific Considerations:
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Lounge and Living Area:
- Curtains are described as a more relaxed and "homey" option, offering a decorative touch.
- Blinds, especially Roman Blinds, are mentioned for a chic, classic look, and wider blinds are recommended for open-plan areas.
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Kitchen:
- Blinds are favored for their ease of cleaning, ability to be pulled out of harm's way, and versatility.
- Venetian blinds, particularly Timber and Aluminium, are highlighted for their suitability in the kitchen.
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Bedrooms:
- Curtains are traditionally associated with bedrooms, but blinds, including Timber and Roman Blinds, are becoming increasingly popular.
- Mounting blinds higher can create the illusion of taller ceilings, enhancing the overall perception of space.
- Blackout curtains and blockout roller blinds are recommended for shift workers, nurseries, or those who prefer a dark sleeping environment.
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Bathroom:
- Roman blinds are suggested as an alternative to curtains, providing the luxurious drapes associated with curtains and the functionality of blinds.
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Considerations for Decision-Making:
- Look, privacy, size, energy efficiency, and illumination are highlighted as crucial factors to consider when deciding on window treatments for each space.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the selection of curtains and blinds based on the specific requirements and characteristics of different rooms. My expertise aligns with these recommendations, emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful and tailored approach to window treatments for a truly impactful home makeover.
