Everything you need to know about curtains vs blinds

Struggling to decide between curtains or blinds? This is a common debate! Both have positives and negatives, a lot depending on the ‘look’ you are trying to achieve and the environment where they will be positioned. We are going to list the pros and cons of curtains vs blinds for you so you can make an informed decision on what will be the best fit for your environment.

a white curtain on top of a blind

Curtains are a popular choice due to the ‘cosy’ feel they bring, the amount of fabric choice along with textures, and the easy option of selecting the ‘black out’ design. There is also the economical benefit as they can increase the insulation of your windows to aid in maintaining the heat within the room. Blinds however come up trumps when considering the cleaning side of things, a simple wipe with a duster will do, whereas curtains you will have to remove and physically wash. Blinds are vastly becoming the more popular choice due to their sleek, modern appearance. Blinds also give you control over light exposure whilst still providing privacy. On the other hand, you can either have curtains open or closed, limiting your control over the light. Blinds can also be utilised anywhere in the home, curtains might look a bit unusual in a bathroom… 

Curtain pros:

  • Wide range of fabric, textures and styles to choose from
  • Blackout available
  • Economically beneficial to retain heat

Curtain cons:

  • Difficult to clean
  • Take up more space in a room
  • More costly than blinds
  • Not as fashionable as they used to be 

Blinds pros:

  • Fashionably neat
  • Can be used in any room
  • Easy to clean/maintain
  • Can control the amount of light coming into the room
  • More durable

Blinds cons:

  • Not as good at blocking out light
  • Although easy to clean, they require more regular cleaning
  • Could be damaged more easily 

Why not have both?

A new popular trend emerging is actually the use of both a curtain and a blind. The blind can be drawn for privacy but will still let in some light depending on the style. Having a curtain going over the blind results in guaranteed darkness. This not only guarantees you a dark room, but it is also a favourite option for interior designers as it is proving to be a very stylish look. So why not maximise the benefits by pairing both curtains and blinds?

To conclude, we believe blinds are a great, modern alternative to curtains which are easy to maintain, but if you really want to get that ‘pitch black’ effect, we recommend jumping on the new trend and making the investment for both. 

Get in touch


Add a personal touch to your home when you choose to come to Allegro Blinds. We supply and install the best window solutions suited to your all-important styles, tastes and budgets. 

To find out more about our range of fitted blinds or to arrange a free home visit and quotation across St Albans, Watford, Harrow, Welwyn and Dunstable/Luton, please contact your local branch or send us an enquiry.