Curtains, Blinds, or Shutters - Which to Choose?

When it comes to choosing the best window covering options for indoor spaces, the range of choices available can feel overwhelming. Here at dollar curtains + blinds the team has been working with window coverings for over 50 years, with that experience in mind we are going to try and help make the best, informed decision for your interior.

GALLERY  

Curtains

What are Curtains?

Soft, flowing and warm curtains can be made in sheer fabrics and blockout fabrics, choose from either or both (double curtains) or to combine them with another product like blinds or shutters creating a layered finish. Available in multiple heading types and different styles and shapes of track there are endless ways to personalise your look when it comes to curtains.

Types of Curtains

• Sheer Curtains

Designed to reduce glare but allow the daylight through, they can be used to great effect for daytime privacy or to add texture and softness through a layered window solution.

Sheer curtains add movement and texture and are a great choice to soften the look between indoor and outdoor living areas. With a wand and minimal effort, sheer curtains can glide easily from side to side. Find more about sheer curtains at the Dollar Curtains + Blinds blog – 5 things you should know about sheer curtains.

• Blockout Curtains

A great choice for bedrooms or dining and living rooms, with Blockout Curtains, choose from coated fabrics or select an uncoated fabric with lining fabric attached. Looking for complete light control? Lined curtains are the ideal solution, combined with pelmets, enjoy the ultimate in room darkening and insulation.

• Double Curtains

Two is always better than one, right? The Double Curtains combine a blockout curtain and sheer curtain on the one window for a well-designed and practical finish. Double curtains give double the practical benefits as well as all the visual benefits of soft, luxurious curtains.

Looking for blockout curtains or soft sheer curtains, custom curtains define the interior design of a room and have an abundance of practical benefits which allow you to have complete control over your spaces environment. The visual and practical benefits of Dollar Curtains + Blinds curtains make them a wise investment that adds value to a home. Learn more about Curtains heading and track options here.

Pros

• With curtains there are endless options for personalisation. Choose and individualise your style, fabric, transparency, colour, length, control type and accessories.
• Curtains provide UV protection for furniture, furnishings, and flooring.
• Ideal choice for thermal and sound insulation.
• Adds the Illusion of height to a room.
• Adds warmth and softness.
• Create movement and texture.

Cons

• They are harder to keep clean than Blinds or Shutters, so more care is needed especially for those with young children and pets.
• Best not used in wet areas – yes it can be done, but over time the fabric will begin to break down and become dirty in the damp environment.

Blinds

What are Blinds?

The term blinds actually covers a range of products. There are cellular blinds, roman blinds, venetian blinds, vertical blinds, panel blinds and the most common blind the roller blind.

Types of Blinds

• Roller Blinds

The quiet over achiever, simple in design and construction, Roller Blinds are comprised of a flat piece of fabric with a base rail which is attached to a tube.

• Cellular Blinds

The ultimate energy saving Blind, Cellular Blinds are designed with a unique honeycomb cell shape that creates pockets of energy-saving insulation. Perfect for superior thermal protection for a home.

• Roman Blinds

Combining the functionality of a roller blind with the decorative impact of soft furnishings, Roman Blinds have luxurious pleated folds which are raised fold by fold creating a soft layered look.

• Venetian Blinds

Venetian Blinds are modern and functional and create a timeless and classic style in any home. Made from timber or aluminium, perfect for privacy, light control and ventilation.

• Vertical Blinds

A highly affordable Blind for large windows or doors, Vertical Blinds are made with vertical blades of stiff fabric which can be easily adjusted for control light. Suitable for both home and office.

• Panel Blinds

Just like a vertical blind only larger – but in a good way. Consisting of wide vertical blades of fabric Panel Blinds offer a slightly more contemporary look. A highly affordable blind, panel blinds are ideal for large windows or doors.

Pros

• Affordable and versatile
• Available in easy to clean fabrics as well as decorative fabrics
• Easy to use
• Perfect for layering behind Sheer Curtains for light control
• Double Blinds is the combination of a Sheer Blind and a Blockout Blind on the one bracket providing daytime and night time privacy

Cons

• Blinds aren’t a complete blackout product so if your someone who needs a room completely dark to sleep, we wouldn’t recommend this product for you in the bedroom unless combing with a Blockout Curtain.

Shutters

What are Shutters?

Shutters are elegant, durable and best of all, practical. With excellent thermal insulation, shutters provide the ultimate in light control, allowing natural light in while still offering the level of privacy required. Designed and crafted to fit an exact window and door dimensions, they come in a wide range of colours and stains. Available in timber, PVC or aluminium there is an option to suit any space.

Types of Shutters

• Timber Plantation Shutters

Timber Plantation Shutters are traditional shutters, designed to be used indoors in dry areas, these come in a painted or stained finish.

• PVC Shutters

PVC shutters have been designed to be used in wet and damp areas like bathrooms. Unlike timber PVC will not expand, crack, or bow in a damp environment like traditional timber shutters will. Made with an aluminium core which strengthens the blades and panels adding extra support for a more durable longer lasting shutter. Available in a painted finish only.

• Aluminium Shutters

Aluminium Shutters are made for the great outdoors. Like their name suggests these Shutters are made from aluminium and are designed to be used outdoors. Commonly used in alfresco areas to create a barrier in voids whilst still having light and airflow control.

Pros

• Custom made to fit any shape window or door making them a great option for tricky shaped windows.
• Can be fitted onto French doors.
• Child and pet safe – no chains or cords!
• Strong and durable.
• Ideal for thermal and sounds insulation.
• UV protection for furnishings and flooring.
• Easy to use and clean.

Cons

• Shutters are a more permanent window covering solution which makes them harder to remove if you do change your mind.
• If you have large window winders your shutters may need to be installed onto the face of the window to avoid them which means they will project further into the room.

For a comprehensive step-by-step guide on choosing window coverings call or visit the nearest Dollar Curtains + Blinds store to book in a FREE Measure + Quote.

Visit the Dollar Curtains + Blinds website here

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