Light and shade
From ease and cost of cleaning, to versatility and light control, experts tell ABI JACKSON where to start with covering up your windows
How you dress your windows can have a big impact on the overall look of a room, but picking colours and materials is just the tip of the iceberg. Often, one of the biggest decisions will be choosing between curtains or blinds (although sometimes a combination is best), but even this isn’t just a question of aesthetics, as it’s important to consider functional practicalities and maintenance too.
It’s also about privacy, controlling the flow of light into a room, and keeping heat in and draughts out. So, where do you start?
WHAT ‘LOOK’ ARE YOU AFTER?
“Curtains provide elegant style while blinds look more chic and contemporary,” says Adele Shotton-Pugh, resident interior designer at home furnishings retailer, Terry’s Fabrics (terrysfabrics.co.uk). “If you’re trying to keep the costs down, blinds often come at a much lower price but will still add the perfect finishing touch.
“You could also think about combining blinds and curtains to completely block unwanted light, and make a stunning style statement in your window.”
Curtains also offer the option of creating a ‘layered’ effect, with a sheer net or voile curtain providing privacy and a heavier curtain on top to frame the window and complete the look.
That said, the options for blinds are now vast, with designs to suit all needs and tastes. While blinds come in lots of different types – from rollers and Romans to verticals and venetians – there is also a huge choice of colours and fabrics to choose from as well.
“Even venetian and vertical blinds have patterned options,” says Mike Stephen, director of Apollo Blinds (apollo-blinds.co.uk), who also allow customers to select their own fabric, send it to them, and then have the blinds made up.
WILL THEY BE EASY TO CLEAN?
Generally speaking, blinds will be easier – and cheaper – to clean than curtains.
“While most curtain fabrics will need to be professionally drycleaned, the majority of blinds can be cleaned at home (with the exception of Roman blind fabrics, that need to be dry-cleaned),” says interiors expert Lorna McAleer from Style Studio (stylestudio.co.uk). “You can dust most blinds regularly with a soft cloth on both sides to get rid of any dust build up.
“For blinds that require a more thorough clean to remove stains, roller, vertical and pleated blinds can usually be sponge-cleaned. Just check the fabric properties to be sure your blind is suitable for this method.”
ARE THEY SUITABLE FOR THE ROOM?
This is mostly a consideration when it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, where there tends to be a lot more moisture, and possibly a faster build up of grease and grime.
“With all the grease and dirt from food preparation, plus high levels of humidity in kitchens from cooking, laundry and washing up, there are lots of easy-to-clean window blind options. Moisture resistant coatings can also be applied to fabric blinds to prevent the growth of mould and mildew,” says Lorna.
“Aluminium and wood effect venetian blinds are easy to wipe clean and won’t harbour germs, dirt or smells, so they’re a great option for the kitchen. Roller blinds are great for bringing pattern and personality to the kitchen.”
Lucy Shore, creative designer at Swish (swish.co.uk), adds: “As well as the overall look, considering the impact that everyday moisture will have on your blind is vital to ensure it stays looking good. Aluminium venetian blinds can simply be wiped dry when needed, avoiding the issues of warping, as you often see with wood, or the dark, mould patches which can plague fabrics.”
DO THEY OFFER LIGHT VERSATILITY?
In the bedroom, you might want something that totally blocks light. For a light/pale curtain, there’s always the option of fitting a discreet black-out blind underneath. But consider whether you want something that gives you the option of controlling light too; this is where blinds can come into their own.
“Blinds featuring blackout fabrics can be made-to-measure and expertly fitted to ensure there are no gaps. One of the newest types are BlocOut Blinds which combine a superior quality blackout fabric with a frame that the blinds slot into. This ensures the window is fully covered,” says Stephen.
Many blind designs – particularly those with slats, or motorised blinds that allow you to ‘open’ particular sections as desired – give you the option of adjusting light control throughout the day. This might be handy in rooms where you want to remove glare (while watching TV or using a computer, for instance), but still allow some sunlight through, or where you want natural light but a greater degree of privacy than you get with net curtains.