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Choosing between Hunter Douglas Curtains or Blinds

Choosing between blinds and curtains can be a tricky task. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, but how do you decide which is right for your home? It becomes even more difficult when you think of all the different types of blinds you can choose from. To help you, we have put together a list of things to consider when deciding on which window treatments are best for you.

Hunter Douglas, custom window blinds, custom curtains, choosing curtains or blinds near Honolulu, Hawaii (HI).

Aesthetics - Blinds

The first thing to be noticed about your windows, is how they look. Horizontal blinds provide a clean, simple look and can be made from a variety of materials. Rich, natural wood tones or subtle pearlescent hues on metal blinds will take any room from so-so to stunning.

Roman shades are an excellent in-between for those who want the look of curtains and the functionality of blinds. You can match the fabric to your other furnishings or wall color, and still enjoy the room-darkening benefits of a solid piece window covering.

Roller shades are perfect for a minimalist look in a room. They allow a large amount of natural light when fully opened, and the roll and hardware are easily hidden using a valence.

Curtains

Curtains are available in a wide array of styles with an extensive choice of fabrics and linings. You can go contemporary or traditional. Also, where you intend to hang the curtains will impact how practical a style will be. You can also choose your hardware to complement your room’s decor.

Insulation

Insulation is important for temperature control in both warm and cool climates. If blinds are your style, honeycomb cellular shades are the best at insulating your rooms. The unique cell shapes trap warm air and keep it from entering your home, helping to keep you cool. Traditional blinds and roller shades are less energy efficient due to the small gaps between slats and at the sides between the roller and window frame.

Heavier fabrics tend to be better insulating than lighter ones but can be a bit overbearing in a small space. When shut, curtains are great insulators but also shut out the natural light when closed. If you want the look of curtains, consider a sheer shade to place underneath. The shade will allow you to have natural light even when the vanes are closed.

Function & Variable Light Control

Traditional blinds allow you to easily control light and glare by simply tilting the slats. However, they aren’t as user-friendly on oddly shaped windows or skylights as a single shade, like a Roman or honeycomb. Another issue to consider when deciding if blinds are the right choice is the amount of moisture and UV exposure they will be subjected to. Authentic wood will be damaged by high amounts of moisture and UV rays. You can still go for blinds, but consider alternative wood or metal.

Curtains will generally cover part of the window even when pulled open, and you usually have an “all or nothing” scenario when deciding on natural light. You can use sheer drapery in place of, or with, a traditional set of drapes to allow natural light while still maintaining privacy.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Horizontal blinds made of solid material, such as wood or metal, will be easily cleaned using a duster or a soft cloth. Fabric shades and drapes can also be cleaned using a duster but will attract and hold more dust than a traditional blind. Fabric window coverings can also accumulate mold if they are placed in a room with high humidity or frequent condensation.

Contact Us

Now that you know some primary factors to consider, give us a call at (808) 955-8111 when you are ready to start designing your custom window coverings. We have been proudly serving the community for over 20 years, and you can schedule a consultation easily online. We are located in Honolulu, HI and are happy to serve the surrounding areas including, Oahu, Kahala, Waialae iki, and Hawaii Kai area.