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You’ve had those brand-new windows installed. Or maybe you’ve restored older windows to give a room a new look. Now you have to decide: Blinds or drapes? The answer can depend on what you want from your room and your home.
If you have small children or pets, blinds might be the way to go, at least in rooms frequented by the dog or the kids. If you want to look beyond conventional blinds, one option is enclosed blinds. These blinds are built in vacuum-sealed double-pane windows. They can be operated by a button system on a wall, remote control or PC/laptop. The enclosed blinds will tend to be more expensive than more conventional blinds.
Another factor in deciding between drapes and blinds are health issues. Venetian blinds and mini-blinds tend to collect more dust and dirt. This can be a concern for people with allergies or asthma. Drapes tend to be easier to clean and vacuum. If drapes are cleaned often, there is less chance they will accumulate dirt and dust mites.
The amount of light wanted for a room should also factor into the drapes vs. blinds discussion. Natural light is a great way to brighten a room and can help keep energy costs down. Lighter drapes can help filter and enhance natural light easier than some blinds. Of course, if the windows are in your bedroom, you may not be looking for extra natural light. Blinds are often better at keeping sunlight out of a room, especially if you have windows facing to the east.
You should also consider the style of the room. Older rooms with higher ceilings might be better served by drapes. Blinds might work best in smaller rooms with lower ceilings.
In terms of cost, blinds tend to be less expensive but you can find many affordable varieties of drapes.
There are many different styles of blinds and drapes. You may find yourself spending as much time on this decision as you did on the decision to replace or install new windows.