Whether you’re installing window treatments for a new house or revamping your old apartment’s interior design, choosing the right one is important. Each type of window treatment offers a unique sense of style, and can boost the comfort, energy efficiency, visual appeal, and privacy of your space. Today, we’re providing a detailed overview of the most popular window treatments for your home: blinds vs curtains vs drapes vs shades.

Blinds

Blinds are a type of window covering made of slats that you can tilt open to let in light or keep closed for darkness and added privacy. Blinds are effective in any room, from the kitchen to the bedroom to the living room. Standard depths for blind slats range from half an inch to two inches, and the length and width are sized to fit within the window frame.

Blinds are available in different colours and wood tones, but they’re not normally patterned. The most popular materials – vinyl, wood, and aluminum – can easily be designed for a modern or a traditional home. You can choose from vertical blinds, roman blinds, zebra blinds, and more.

Curtains

Curtains are fabric panels made from much lighter materials such as cotton, linen, or polyester. This window covering option is available in a wide range of colours, patterns, widths, and lengths. Curtains are often sold and hung in pairs, and they can soften a space, as well as add colour and texture.

Similar to blinds, this window covering is best for any type of room. Curtains however offer minimal light blocking and privacy. You may need to seek out heavier fabrics if you’re looking for blackout curtains to filter out more light.

Drapes

Drapes are often custom-made for specific windows as they are the more glamorous window treatment of the bunch. Drapes are typically made of heavy, somewhat stiff fabrics, with common materials including velvet, silk, or damask.

Most drapes are solid or textured, though you can choose from a selection of colours, fabrics, or patterns to suit your tastes. One advantage of using heavy fabrics is that drapes block all outside light. This makes them best suited for bedrooms. Similarly, drapes and curtains both offer extra privacy and elevate the visual interest to a room.

Comparing Blinds vs Curtains vs Drapes

	Blinds	Curtains	Drapes
Aesthetics	Clean and minimalistic for contemporary spaces. Common materials include vinyl, wood, aluminum	Lighter fabrics (e.g. cotton, linen, polyester)	Premium, heavier fabrics (e.g. velvet or silk)
Practicality	Moderate to high light blocking, best for all rooms	Suitable for light to moderate light control	Excellent for light control and thermal insulation
Cost	Vary depending on material	More affordable	Generally higher priced
Customization	Available in different colours and wood tones	Casual; fits various decors. Can be combined with blinds or shades	Typically, more formal; pleated, luxurious look.

So Which to Choose? Curtains or Blinds? Drapes or Shades?

When choosing between curtains vs blinds vs drapes vs shades, the main question to ask yourself is “How do I want to control privacy and block light?”.

The choice you make should be based on your specific needs and which window treatment will provide the best functionality for the room. There are also other factors to consider including cleaning, durability, style, insulation, child safety, installation, and price.

Our Pick-Blinds over Curtains and Drapes

Window treatments not only enhance a room visually but are practical features as well. Though there are many window covering options to choose from, our experts believe blinds offer the perfect balance between form and function.

Homeowners have access to a wide selection of styles, colours, and materials, installation is easy, maintenance is low, and blinds allow you to control light and manage privacy just how you want in any room of the home.

If you’re interested in our high-quality, custom blinds, contact us today at Royal Blinds Ottawa.

Blinds vs. Curtains vs. Drapes vs. Shades