Blinds v Curtains - Which One to Choose and When

Time to update your home’s window coverings but struggling to decide between blinds and curtains? With so many varieties and styles available, many homeowners find it difficult to pick the perfect window coverings. Both blinds and curtains have so much to offer in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

We spoke to Somfy Expert Nicholls Interiors - who is celebrating 100 years in 2020 - to discover the most important things to consider when making your choice.

Enjoy the Convenience of Quality Curtains

Curtains are the more energy-efficient of the two window coverings. They completely wrap the window and keep the interior space comfortably cool in summer and wonderfully warm in winter. If insulation is a priority in your home, curtains are a great choice — but they’re also aesthetically appealing and add a distinct softness to a room that blinds and shutters simply can’t match.

“You can’t beat curtains if your main objective is insulation,” says Kathryn Dowsett, owner of Nicholls Interiors.

“Curtains are installed higher and wider than your window, overlap and return back to the wall which prevents light/heat transmission.”

Curtains are also ideal if you have your heart set on a statement print, and there are many stunning patterns that can really transform a space. Additionally, curtains are often the better choice if you’re after a sun-blocking solution, especially for bedrooms, with the ability to choose blockout material. 

“Sheer curtains are right on trend and the perfect solution for adding softness to a room and providing daytime privacy,” adds Kathryn.

The Many Benefits of Beautiful Blinds

It’s important to note that there are many styles of indoor blinds, including roller blinds, vertical blinds and Venetian blinds. You should explore a comprehensive range to ensure you’ve found the right blind style for your preferences and requirements. There are many benefits to internal blinds, providing good aesthetics and functionality, and allowing you the choice of a dual system for light during the day and privacy at night.

“Roller blinds are a cost-effective solution for window coverings and are available in hundreds of different colours, textures and densities.”

Blinds are also a great choice if you don’t have stacking space either side of the window and need the covering to move upwards and out of the way. What’s more, blinds are easy to operate (raise and lower), they’re versatile and suit nearly every room, plus they're ideal for those with allergies or respiratory conditions as they harbour less dust.

“If insulation is priority, then a cellular blind is a great solution,” recommends Kathryn.

“Cellular blinds only allow a 5mm light bleed around the sides and the cell construction reduces the transfer of air both ways keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.”

Discover Automated Solutions

Both modern curtains and blinds can be motorised, with many homeowners switching to the convenience of automation.

“Motorisation has become much more affordable and allows us to link up to three blinds on one motor – perfect for eliminating unsightly chains over large sliding or bifold doors.”

Somfy offers a selection of hardwired motorised solutions, including the silent Sonesse range for blinds and the high-quality Glydea ULTRA motor for curtains.

Both blinds and curtains can also be motorised using battery-operated solutions, giving you the benefits of easy installation with no need for wiring. Somfy’s WireFree range allows you to enjoy the freedom of smart shading with a simple, convenient solution.

Take Your Home Automation to the Next Level

When it comes to equipping your home automation set up, hardwired and WireFree solutions are both able to be completely automated with Somfy. With centralised control of your blinds, curtains and lighting, you can use the same remote control to operate the window coverings and lighting throughout your home. Alternatively, you can use our home automation solution, Connexoon Window RTS to control your applications through your smartphone, set them on automatic schedules, or even control them with your voice! The opportunities are endless.

“Motorisation has come a long way in the last ten years and offers the ultimate convenience for operating your blinds,” says Kathryn.

“The Connexoon Window RTS allows you to control your blinds from work or while you are on holidays. We love that you can even link to your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to operate your blinds with voice control.”

Somfy For Your Home

We’ve spent years perfecting our offering to automate your homes! Get in touch with your local Somfy Expert and you’ll be offered the best in class with a selection of curtains and blinds you’re bound to fall in love with.