Blinds vs. Curtains: Which Window Treatment Is the Best?

Blinds and curtains both add a layer of privacy to your windows but have very different looks, costs, and functions. You can use both blinds and curtains for maximum light blocking or choose only one.

Opting for blinds but no curtains works well in minimal and modern designs, while curtains add decorative flair in traditional, boho, eclectic, and maximalist-style homes.

Blinds vs curtains

 

Blinds vs. Curtains: Price

Blinds: The average blinds cost $15 to $200 per window, depending on size and material. Standard mini-blinds and fabric blinds are the least expensive options, with wood and cellular shades on the higher end. 

Curtains: The average cost of curtain panels is $40 to $300 per window. This price doesn’t include curtain rods or rings (if needed.)

Winner: Blinds

Installing blinds is cheaper than curtains since they need minimal hardware and labor. Curtain fabric, hardware, and customization increase the overall cost.


Design Versatility

Design versatility refers to a window treatment’s style, fabric, and color options. 

Blinds: Popular types of window blinds include mini, vertical, Venetian, cordless, panel, and honeycomb. You can choose from wood, metal, plastic, fabric, or faux wood.

Curtains: Curtains come in various designs, from solid colors to floral prints, stripes, geometrics, and more. The curtain header influences the curtain styles and defines how the fabric drapes and hangs.

Winner: Curtains

Curtains offer more color and design options than blinds. Choose curtains over blinds if you want a unique aesthetic, customized lengths, and embellishments.


Safety

Both curtains and blinds have unique safety considerations. The right choice depends on your household’s needs.

Blinds: One of the main drawbacks of blinds for people with kids is the cords. Small children can get tangled in the cords, making them a hazard.

Curtains: Anyone can get tangled in a too-long curtain or accidentally pull it down, but curtains don’t pose the same choking risk as blinds with cords.

Winner: Blinds

Cordless blinds mitigate the risk of cord-related accidents, making them safer for households with pets or children. 


Maintenance

Blinds and curtains need regular cleaning, especially in dusty areas. They can both tear and may need repairs on their hardware over time.

Blinds: It’s ideal to dust window blinds weekly using a microfiber cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Wipe them with a damp cloth and vinegar once a month for deep cleaning.

Curtains: Curtains can be hand-washed or machine-washed, depending on the fabric. You should wash curtains every 2-3 months using the care instructions on the tag or from the manufacturer’s website.

Winner: Blinds

Window blinds are easier to maintain than curtains due to their straightforward dusting and spot-cleaning processes. Curtain fabrics are more delicate and may need special care.


Durability

Durability is one of the main factors in the long-term cost of window coverings. If you need to replace one every year and the other every ten years, the ten-year window covering will be cheaper.

Blinds: Most blinds will last a little less than ten years. Replacing them every 6-8 years ensures they function correctly and maintain structural integrity.

Curtains: The lifespan of curtains depends on the fabric. Sheer curtains likely won’t make it three years without getting too dingy or torn to be worth keeping. Others, like heavy drapes, may last ten years.

Winner: Blinds

Curtain materials are more prone to tears, snags, and fading. Window blinds, however, can last many years without bending or breaking. With some handy skills, you can make repairs on damaged window blinds.


Soundproofing

Soundproof curtains and blinds make a significant difference in noise reduction. Whether you’re trying to dampen sound from nearby traffic or noisy neighbors, you need to consider which option works best.

Blinds: Thick blinds with a honeycomb construction have great acoustic benefits. However, blinds with slats and an open outer edge allow noise through, reducing their efficiency.

Curtains: Soundproof curtains feature several layers of thick material, which reduces noise pollution from the outside. With an STC rating of 20 or higher, the curtains can reduce noise by up to 25 dB. But, in most cities, this noise level will be exceeded during the day.

Winner: Curtains

Soundproof curtains work better at soundproofing since they’re thick and cover a larger surface area. If you live in a noisy area, you must combine curtains or blinds with other effective measures to soundproof your windows completely.


Sun Control

Blinds and curtains both offer a certain amount of sun control. Control refers to how you can adjust or manage light and privacy levels. The control levels affect the convenience and functionality of modern window treatment options.

Blinds: Window blinds are adjustable to allow more or less light into the room. You can also angle them to let some light in while maintaining privacy.

Curtains: Curtains offer privacy when closed, especially those made from thick, dark fabrics. But they don’t provide the same level of flexibility as blinds with adjustable slats.

Winner: Blinds

Blinds offer more precise control over light and privacy than curtains. Since curtains are made of lightweight materials, light may still penetrate even when they are closed. Installing blinds is ideal for bedrooms and home theaters.


Insulation

Curtains and window blinds help regulate indoor temperatures, contributing to the home’s energy efficiency. The effectiveness of insulation depends on the material, design, and how well the coverings fit the window frame.

Blinds: Honeycomb blinds are the best window blinds for insulation. Their unique design traps air, helping to keep the room cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Thick blinds can also keep a good amount of heat inside the house.

Curtains: Curtains that protect against heat or cold are primarily thick and dark. They offer a solid shield in front of the window, preventing heat loss during colder months and heat gain during summer. You can also layer curtains for more protection.

Winner: Curtains

Thick curtains and cellular shades offer better insulation than standard window blinds. Opt for curtains with blackout linings for an extra insulation layer and better light control. Blackout curtain linings are made from thick cotton or polyester with an acrylic foam coating to block out light.


Blinds vs. Curtains: Do I Have To Choose?

If you’re undecided about the blinds vs. curtains debate, that’s okay. Put blinds up first, then add curtains afterward. This will add all the pros of each type of window covering and cut down on the cons.

Choose blinds for high-moisture rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens since they’re less susceptible to mold. Curtains suit living rooms and bedrooms as they offer more design options and better insulation.