Whether you’re looking for a privacy option, to add a little style to your home, a respite from the sun, or even if you’re looking to reduce energy bills all year round, no doubt you’re scanning the window coverings market and left wondering what to do.
Choosing the right window covering for your home can be an overwhelming task. Some homeowners are looking for a way to maximise sunlight and reduce energy bills. Maybe you’re looking to improve the value of your home or just hoping to block out sunlight and get some privacy. Curtains, vision blinds, vertical blinds, plantation shutters, panel glide blinds—how do you know which one is for you?
For some homeowners, the preferred option for a home is to install the same kind of covering for every window. If they wanted shutters for one room, they would have to install shutters throughout the entire home in the same colour, style, and shape.
However, it’s now becoming more popular for other homeowners to opt for a “mix-n-match” approach to window coverings. Depending on the room’s function, the amount of sunlight, and even the style of the room’s interior and exterior, you might prefer to use completely different window coverings for every room of the entire house.
Whichever route you choose, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of blinds, shutters, and curtains to make the right decision for your home.
Blinds
Blinds are the most popular choice for covering windows in the home. Blinds are classified as “hard window coverings”. They
consist of flats, panels, or vanes controlled with a cord or chain. There are various choices for indoor blinds: roller blinds and double roller blinds, vertisheer blinds, vertical blinds, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, and vision blinds.
Many homeowners prefer to install blinds as they provide higher levels of privacy, block out more sunlight, and are easily installed. They’re also much easier to maintain and keep clean when compared to curtains. All you need to do is wipe the slats with a damp cloth or a duster to have them sparkling like new.
Blinds, Venetian blinds, in particular, are ideal for busy rooms of the home such as the kitchen or living area, as they are sturdy, flexible, and easy to use. For rooms that require more privacy or sun protection, such as bedrooms, you may prefer to get roller blinds or even double roller blinds for that little bit extra.
Curtains
For a relaxed, cosy vibe, curtains are a classic choice. Curtains are an excellent choice for rooms that require privacy and protection from the sun. From an interior decorating perspective, they add a touch of homeliness and softness to a space, and for that reason, they are often installed in living rooms, nurseries, and bedrooms.
Depending on the style you’re looking for, there are many different types of curtains to choose from. There are black
out, sheer, or vertisheer curtains, and even different finishes, including single panel, panel pair, pinch pleat, box pleat, goblet pleat, pencil pleat, and grommet pleat—the list goes on.
Vertisheer blinds are popular for bedrooms and living rooms thanks to their versatility and unique softness. They offer privacy while still allowing for some airflow and soft sunlight. Many prefer to use vertisheer curtains because they can help prevent UV rays from entering the home and sun bleaching furniture.
Shutters
Searching for a quality window treatment that’s a little more high-end? Interior shutters are usually divided into hinged accordion-style units covering the entire window when closed.
Window shutters usually have louvres or slats controlled by a rod or a bar
to let in more or less light, airflow, or visibility. Often referred to by different names (traditional shutters, California shutters, etc.), some people call them Plantation shutters. However, Plantation shutters usually have only two shutters per window and much wider louvre blades.
Shutters are a great way to add value to your home. With just a slight adjustment, shutters can allow much-needed airflow without compromising privacy. Many homeowners in tropical climates choose to install shutters for this very reason.
There are typically two types of shutters: aluminium or basswood timber. Most households prefer aluminium shutters in kitchens, bathrooms, or laundries, as they’re more resilient and durable. Timber shutters are great for aesthetic purposes but not as resilient against moisture.
Each and every home is unique, and every family has different needs and preferences for window coverings. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for window coverings, and what you choose for your home may be different to your neighbours. As long as your window coverings are safe and do the job well, you’ve made the right choice.
Which window coverings will you choose for your new home? Let Icon Homes help you discover which window covering is suitable for your home. Contact us today to discuss what you need for your dream home and how we can help make it a reality.
