Are blinds cheaper than curtains?

Curtains and blinds have a wide variety of uses, from complementing your decor to increasing the privacy of your home, or even lowering your energy bills – so which is the most affordable option? 

The answer of course is that it depends. Both window treatments are available in a vast array of different colours, fabric, textures and styles. Some are more affordable than others. Ultimately, the price you pay will depend on factors like the type of curtain or blind you choose, the fabric you select and the size and shape of your windows. Here are a few things you should consider:

What’s the lowest cost option? 

If you’re asking if blinds or curtains are cheaper because you need the lowest cost option, then you’re not alone. It’s often the case that homeowners will simply be looking for the most affordable option for dressing their windows, especially if they’ve got a lot of windows to cover. If you’ve just renovated, or you’re trying to organise window treatments for a brand new home, then you’ll usually find roller blinds are the cheapest option. 

Thanks to their simple design, rollers blinds are easily one of the most economical options for dressing a wide variety of windows. They can be customised to suit just about any shape and size, and they’re appropriate for even the largest windows and doorways because of their lightweight construction. They’re also available in a wide variety of colours, fabrics and textures, which means they’re ideal for both matching your decor and meeting the needs of almost any room. Choose sheer or sunscreen fabrics for living spaces and room darkening fabrics for the bedroom, or even opt for a double roller and enjoy both options! They’re versatility makes them a great option for getting a cohesive look throughout your home, and for covering many rooms at an affordable price. They’re low maintenance, easy to install and simple to clean which means homeowners can expect costs to remain low for upkeep and replacements over the years as well. For those wanting a little bit of extra convenience, they’re also one of the most affordable options for motorised indoor blinds. 

Blinds vs. curtains

Whether you choose blinds or curtains for your windows really comes down to a matter of preference, as you’ll find affordable options available for both. 

Lightweight curtains made from sheer or semi-opaque materials are often a very low cost way to add a classic touch to your windows, whilst room darkening fabrics may come at a slightly higher cost. Curtains are popular with many homeowners for their look, but they’re also great for increasing privacy and light control, and even offer some insulation. Curtain hardware can be hidden with pelmets, which makes them a great option for dressing up a room without breaking the bank. 

When it comes to blinds, you’ll find that vertical blinds, roman blinds  and panel blinds are all very affordable fabric options, although they’ll usually cost a bit more than roller blinds. Cellular blinds tend to be the most expensive fabric option, but you should consider that their cost is often offset by energy savings. The innovative honeycomb cell design of cellular blinds makes them an excellent insulator, especially if purchased in a thick, room darkening fabric. Whilst they come at a higher upfront cost, they can save you a considerable amount of money over time on your air conditioning and heating bills. Venetian blinds tend to be one of the pricier options, although you’ll find PVC and aluminium options can be very low cost. PVC and aluminium is very low maintenance and will last you for years, even in humid spaces like the kitchen or bathroom, which could save you a lot in replacement costs over time. 

Other factors to consider

Price should never be the only factor when choosing window treatments. Make sure you take into consideration some of the below before you buy:

Light control and privacy: The cheapest options for curtains and blinds are often sheer or semi-opaque fabrics, which don’t always provide the level of light control and privacy that you need. If you’re choosing window coverings for a space like your bedroom or a bathroom, don’t just opt for the cheapest option, make sure your window coverings are up for the task! A heavier fabric will give you better control over how much light is coming into your room, and how much privacy you enjoy. You should also consider the type of curtains or blinds you’re choosing. Some blinds will give you more control than others. Roller blinds are great as they can be raised or lowered to a position of your choosing, but many people prefer horizontal venetian blinds as they can be slanted to allow light in whilst still maintaining privacy, or verticals over doorways as they can be twisted into position to allow air to flow through whilst preventing people from peeking in. 

Maintenance: How much time and money are you likely to spend caring for your blinds or curtains? If you’re wondering if blinds are cheaper than curtains when it comes to maintaining them, you’ll find the answer depends on the type of blinds you choose. PVC and aluminium venetian blinds won’t need much more than a gentle wipe down once a week, but timber blinds will require more and will wear more quickly. Many types of curtains can be easily washed, but others may require professional cleaning. Roller blinds, verticals and roman blinds are generally easy to spot clean, but cellular blinds may require more careful attention. Most fabric blinds will be susceptible to mould or mildew in wet areas, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of regular cleaning and replacements if you’re keeping them in spaces like the bathroom. 

Insulation: When choosing between blinds or curtains, you should consider their potential insulative properties. Cellular blinds are the best option for lowering your energy bills, but heavier curtains or a close fit roller blind are also great too. Roman blinds are also a great choice as they tend to prevent heat from escaping. Blinds that allow some airflow like verticals or venetians are less efficient insulators but can still lower your energy costs. 

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