Window treatments let you control the amount of light, privacy, and temperature in your home while also coordinating your decor. While you have many alternatives, the most popular are blinds with adjustable slats and curtains made of fabric panels. Curtains and blinds each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
We've compared blinds and curtains and listed a few differences to help you choose the best one after moving to your new home.
Blinds are slatted or vanes-based window coverings that cascade down or over a fenestration, such as a sliding door or window. The coverings are held together in a stacked pattern by drawcords that can be pulled manually or motorised to provide privacy and sun control.
You can make an instant shift with a simple pull of cords or twist of a rod. However, blinds don't entirely block light. Instead of assembling blinds as a stand-alone piece of décor, you can mix them with curtains to create window treatments that can completely block out light from the sun.
Curtains, unlike blinds, are softer window coverings. They are made of light or translucent cloth or other material meant to block or hide the sun's rays and air drafts. A curtain's versatility is one of its main advantages.
There are many creative and attractive ways to decorate a window or door with curtains tastefully. Curtains have the disadvantage of not providing much light control due to their lightweight material. This problem can be solved by combining curtains with different window treatments such as blinds to create a complete window solution.
Determining the size and function of the room where you will be installing window coverings is important. The appropriate window covering will need to complement the room while also bringing warmth and texture.
A full-length curtain will look great in spacious rooms such as a large living room, dining room, or bedroom for a more sophisticated and warmer effect. Blinds are usually better suited to smaller bedrooms or smaller parts of the house with windows.
Blinds are better for moist environments like the bathroom and kitchen. It's worth noting that blinds are recommended if there is any furniture below the window, such as a bed or a sofa.
Curtains are easy to care for as they can be dry cleaned or cleaned in the washing machine. On the other hand, Roman blinds must be dismantled and washed separately before reassembling. In contrast, Venetian blinds need regular maintenance since the slats tend to collect dust and be cleaned regularly. Because the cords or strings of the blinds may become twisted due to harsh handling, only professionals should repair or install the blinds.
Because blinds feature vertical or horizontal slats that can be manipulated to adjust the light, they provide more light control options.
You can do the following with blinds to control the light:
On the other hand, curtains can filter natural light coming in through the window by using light or sheer curtains, or they can entirely block it out using heavier fabrics like velvet curtains.
Blinds and curtains both maintain heat and allow you to manage the temperature inside your home while also giving privacy and complementing your interior design style.
Curtains are more effective in trapping heat and preventing cold from entering. This is especially the case with blackout thermal curtains, yet they must be properly fitted to your windows to provide the best results. The same is true for soundproofing: while blinds are effective, curtains, especially those made of thick material, are preferable.
Although blinds provide insulation, open slats still allow heat and cold to pass through. Blackout cellular blinds are ideal if you want to save money on heating and cooling.
Best For: Functionality
These blinds are made from superior fabrics that are coated with anti-static film preventing dust and grime build-up. It has a shockproof lock instead of holes and cords for a more seamless look—best for problematic frames. Its fabrics are great in insulation and have acoustic properties.
Blind & Shutter City - Waterkloof Corner shopping centre Corner Main and, Crown St, Brooklyn, Pretoria, 0181
Open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Landline +27 73 651 1441
Best For: Low Maintenance
The cellular blinds are inserted between insulated double glazing with a brand-new system. This positioning prevents physical intervention and is safe against dust, contamination, and harsh weather conditions which require less maintenance and cleaning. The integrated cellular blind also has a blackout feature that gives you daylight control.
Slick Group - 11 Montague Drive, Montague Gardens, Cape Town, 7441
Landline +27 82 370 3222
Best For: Clean Look and Light Control
Using these blinds provides a sleek and clean look and total control of the amount of light and heat you allow to come into your room. This type of blind allows you to create more space, privacy, and ventilation while complementing your interior design.
All in One Flooring and Blinds - Lyttleton, Centurion, 0157, South Africa
Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 64 688 5239
Best For: Soft Look and Ease of Use
These roman blinds are durable and versatile, perfect for the elegant vibe you want for a room. These are also easy to use allowing you to adjust the amount of light inside. Here, you’ll have lots of options from wood to PVC, whichever suits your style the best.
The Blinds Company - 7 Denne Ave, Roux Park, Worcester, 6850
Open 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Landline +27 81 270 8132
Best For: Versatility and Affordability
These blinds are highly flexible accentuating all interior design styles. Not all they maximize the visuals of your space they’re also effective in terms of sun and light control. These are also very cost-effective and can be made according to your specifications.
BlindTec Shutters and Blinds - Margaret Crescent, Forest Hill, Kloof, 3610
Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Landline +27 66 511 2435
Best For: Convenience and Style
Roller blinds are easy to operate and light to handle which makes them practical. It generally has a simple design to complement the ambiance of your room. These are available in sun filter, block out, or sunscreen fabric—options for your room style and décor preferences.
The Blinds Shop - 8 Honeywell Rd, Steenberg, Cape Town, 7965
Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Landline +27 21 701 1166
Best For: Light Filtering
This blind gives a bright look and vibe to your room. It has light filtering options which allow some light to come in and maintain privacy. Most of these blinds are fully washable making them ideal for your bathrooms, kitchens, bedroom, and living areas.
The Décor Connection - 33 Carisbrook St, Sydenham, Johannesburg, 2192
Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 11 640 7185
Best For: Style and Functionality
This is a versatile window covering of Sheerwave fabric which gives a more practical simplicity and functionality. It is also a great combination of performance and style. Sheerweave Blinds are very useful in protecting your space from UV ray damage and shielding against solar heat.
Cape Blinds & Shutters - Unit WS03, Epping Works, 4 Moorsom Ave, Cape Town, 7442
Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 21 012 5758
Best For: Moist Resistance
A good alternative to wood blinds which are made of patented synthetic materials. This makes it perfect in areas with high moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, and the like. Due to its material, you don’t have to worry about warping under extreme temperatures.
Active Blinds - 15 Begonia St, Gardenia Park, Bloemfontein, 9301
Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 79 049 3884
Best For: Aesthetics and Privacy
This blind gives off a modern and aesthetic appeal to your space. Its pattern allows the room to look more spacious and it is flexible to any design. It will be easy to control the amount of light and air in your room, which helps you save more on energy bills.
Sensational Interiors | Curtains and Blinds - Shop K2, Atlas Mall, 10 Finch St, Atlasville, Boksburg, 1459
Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 83 778 6123
Best For: Added Visuals
If you want to add more visuals to your space, putting vertical picture blinds is a great choice. It has slats that run vertically down and shows the picture when titled to close. This is made of vinyl material which gives a blockout effect.
Classic Blinds and Awnings - 3b Coventry Pl, Panorama Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 33 391 4651
Best For: Light and Privacy Control
This kind of blinds is perfect for controlling the amount of light to enter into your room and also for privacy control. Its features add to your decorative style and the kind of feel you want to achieve. Using this is both practical and stylish.
Curtains, Floors, and Blind Design - Shop No. 3 A, Fourways Value Mart, Witkoppen Road & Forest Road, Forest Dr, Fourways, Sandton, 2193
Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 81 492 6966
Best for: Reflecting Light and Heat
Metal blinds, often made of aluminium, are excellent at reflecting light and heat, making them ideal for the warm South African climate. They're highly durable, easily maintainable, and typically less expensive when compared to wood.
Mr Price Home - L73a/b/c, Sandton City, Rivonia Rd & 5th Street, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146
Open 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Landline +27 11 784 8465
Best for: Weather Protection
South Africans typically enjoy outdoor lifestyles to enjoy the sunshine. Finding a fashionable way to provide shade and protection from the elements and nosy neighbours is essential. Taylor now provides small and large format External Roller Blinds intended explicitly for the outdoors, providing all the strength and durability you require without sacrificing appearances.
Taylor Blinds & Shutters Cape Town - 10 Hoist Ave, Montague Gardens, Cape Town, 7441
Open 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Landline +27 21 552 5080
Best For: Light Filtering
If you don’t want to completely block the natural light into your room, putting an unlined sheer curtain is the answer. The curtain is made from transparent and lightweight fabrics which allows natural light to filter into the room. It also gives your space an elegant and relaxing vibe.
Curtain Corner - 99 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708
Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.
Landline +27 21 671 4602
Best For: Elegance
If you want to give your room an air of classic elegance, go for a faux silk curtain. It is soft, has a silky appearance, and is easy to take care of which also makes it a great fabric for your window. This luxurious-looking curtain is ready to hang and professionally stitched and lined.
Edura - 10 Diamond St, Carletonville, 2499
Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Landline +27 18 788 6697
Best for: Versatility
Using calm colored curtains adds a relaxing and homey vibe to your space. Made from polyester, this curtain is highly durable which makes it cost-effective and sustainable. This calm curtain is also easy to clean and even goes well with the different room styles.
The Fabric Fox - BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Fabriek St, Strydompark, Johannesburg, 2169
Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 10 055 1421
Best for: Reflecting Heat and Light
Use blackout curtains in the rooms that have the most light and heat. Not only do they protect your furniture from the sun, but they will block out headlights from the street and help reduce energy costs. In addition, blackout curtains will help you have a more peaceful sleep if one or more of your bedrooms get a lot of sunshine in the mornings.
Sheet Street - 4 Bentel Ave, Jansen Park, Boksburg, 1459
Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 11 826 1277
Best for: Eco-Friendly
Hemp curtains are an eco-friendly solution to those made from chemicals. Curtains made from a natural material reflect sunlight and can help lower your energy bill. Hemp curtains are also soft to the touch due to the natural fibres it's made from.
Volpes - C/O Rondebult & North Rand Rd, K90 Centre, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459
Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Landline +27 11 418 5360
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