Choosing between curtains or blinds for your home can be a tricky decision; there’s the style… S-fold, inverted box pleat, roller or roman blind and then there’s shutters. The selection process really does extend further than your preferred visual style. The scope of your ceiling, the size of the room, your window position and what the space is used for are also important factors when it comes to choosing the perfect window furnishing that will last for years to come. Today we explore several different room scenarios and offer a general idea of which window furnishings are best for the application.
Older style homes
With their sweeping tall ceilings and old-world charm, traditional houses look amazing with curtains hung high above the window, accentuating the tall ceilings, whilst offering an interior design which is sympathetic to the age of the house. Often our interior designers will recommend an inverted box pleat, double or triple pinch pleat, pencil pleat or even an s-fold curtain. Often older houses have a little ‘nook’ or interestingly placed window, in which case a traditional style roman blind with a pelmet will be more appropriate, especially when wall space doesn’t allow for a curtain. Blinds are also the perfect solution for wet rooms, such as a kitchen, bathroom or laundry.
Modern homes
Clean, contemporary and minimalist styles are often the first reference point for Interior Designers when choosing curtains or blinds for modern homes. S-fold curtains fixed from the ceiling are very much on trend for contemporary homes and are suitable for spaces with lower or taller ceilings, giving a softer element to the space. For those looking for harder lines, the inverted box pleat offers a tailored, tidy finish whether they are open or closed. Roller blinds are the minimalist choice. Choosing a textured or patterned textile gives the opportunity for depth and interest in the interior design.
Tall ceilings
Where possible, lean into curtains for taller ceilings as they will accentuate the height of the ceiling, giving a grander space. Whether it is a trendy s-fold, inverted box pleat, or double or triple pinch pleat, take advantage of the space, hanging the curtains high and wide. Doing so offers better thermal protection as well as a visually impressive appeal. If there is a piece of furniture positioned beneath the window, such as a sideboard, it may be more practical to install a roller or roman blind.
Floor to ceiling windows
In a contemporary space, motorised roller blinds will often be our Interior Designers first recommendation, especially in situations where there is little space for a pelmet or curtain rod. This is also the best solution where the windows stretch the full length of the wall, offering very little space for curtains to gather when opened. If the situation allows space for curtains, an s-fold with ceiling track offers a softer alternative for tall windows, however, generally have a maximum height for effective operation.
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Bifold doors, french doors or sliding doors
Once again, the position of the door in the space plays a deciding factor on whether our Interior Designer will recommend a blind or curtain for bifold or sliding doors. Roller blinds offer a neat and tidy solution however often require a recess in the door frame. Where there isn’t a recess, a pelmet can offer a tidy solution for the bracket of the blind. For a softer alternative, an s-fold curtain is an option, where there is space aside for the curtain to stack when opened. Using a polyblend textile for your curtains will also help with ease of washing.
Low ceilings
Ceiling mounted s-fold curtains are often a perfect choice for rooms with tall windows and low ceilings as they visually extend the height of the ceiling. It is important however, to consider the cornice of the ceiling and how far it extends into the room. Blinds offer a great solution for rooms with low ceiling height, omitting the concern of space for a curtain rod.
Small spaces
Roller or Roman blinds are often the practical solution smaller spaces as they allow for the positioning of furniture beneath the windows, expanding the possibilities of the floorplan, and giving the illusion of more space in confined areas.
Kitchen, Laundry or Bathroom
Blinds are most often recommended for wet areas, especially for windows positioned above a sink. Roller blinds sit higher on a window and are easier to clean, especially when crafted from a wipeable textile. Cleanability is especially important when choosing blinds for a kitchen window which is positioned near a cooktop or stove. Roman blinds offer a lovely presence and opportunity to add texture, movement and warmth by using a printed fabric, especially on a larger window.
Luxurious bedrooms, formal lounge and dining
We just love the opulence that curtains can offer in luxe and formal spaces. Inverted box pleat, triple or double pinch pleat and s-fold curtains in rich, decadent fabrics, especially prints are often the recommendations of our experienced Interior Designers when looking to style spaces calling for an air of opulence. You may like to take the design of your drapes to a whole new level, finishing them with a leading-edge trim.
Blinds on a budget
Blinds will most often be the economical choice for those on a budget, especially in a home with tall windows. For a more tailored look, adding a pelmet can still be an economical solution, whilst offering a higher quality look and finish.
Unconventional shaped windows
Interestingly shaped windows, such as porthole (circular), triangular or angled windows worked into a cathedral ceiling for example are usually best dressed with a custom crafted shutter, which is specified to the exact shape of the window.
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Let’s talk shutters
Shutters are a wonderful solution for most applications however the material they are crafted from varies and becomes a very important factor for different rooms of the home. Timber shutters for example are not the best choice for spaces prone to moisture, such as a bathroom or kitchen. You may also need to consider the recess of your window and/or window architraves before settling on shutters for your home.
The support of an Interior Designer
When choosing Thornton & Blake to support you with your window furnishings, you will have the insight of a professional Interior Designer. They can not only visualise a solution for your window furnishings, but also the suitability of your selection in the context of the entire space, including the practical application of your window covering, the layout of the space, positioning of furniture, cleanability and timeless, sustainable style. Having an initial chat with a Thornton & Blake Interior Designer has never been easier, simply click the link book an initial conversation, either by the phone or in person at our Leura showroom.
