When it comes to dressing your windows, you have all sorts of choices these days. While having such a wide selection of styles and designs to choose from is great, it can also be confusing. For example, should you go with window blinds or curtains in a given room? Here are a few tips to help you settle the debate, and make the choice that is right for you.
While many people do not relate the health condition of the residents with the type of window treatments that are to be used in a room, the fact is that some window coverings need to be discounted immediately due to allergies and respiratory issues. For example, a person with severe asthma may not want wooden Venetian blinds or plastic miniblinds used in the room. Blinds tend to be a magnet for dust collection, which would mean they would need to be cleaned daily. As any housecleaner can tell you, thoroughly cleaning blinds is a time consuming task. By contrast, curtain materials that are light and airy are much easier to keep free of dust mites and would be a healthier option for the asthma sufferer.
Another factor in the decision to go with blinds or curtains has to do with the purpose of the room. For instance, bedrooms tend to benefit from the use of blinds, since they are very effective at blocking outside lighting sources. That means no matter when you need to sleep, drawing the blinds will help make the room be much more conducive to sound sleep. Oh the other hand, a window over the kitchen sink may be an example of a window where curtains are preferable, since you want to have access to the natural light most of the time.
A third consideration in the choice between curtains or blinds is the décor of the space. Obviously you want the blinds or curtains to complement what you already have going on in the room. Older homes with tall ceilings and period furniture would do much better with heavy draperies and perhaps window shades. However, bungalows with shorter ceilings and windows would probably benefit from the airy feeling that blinds can give both the room and the window as well, accented by nothing more than a simple valance.
Finally, your preference for window treatments will be the determining factor between blinds or curtains. Some people prefer a minimal amount of dressing for a window, but still want it to be functional. If that is the case, then blinds are your solution. If you see your windows as a place to add a splash of color, then curtains are the obvious choice. In the end, blinds or curtains can look attractive and add to the ambiance of the room. Make your choice based on your taste and the functional needs for the room, and you will be happy with the choice.