Window Coverings

 Drapes, curtains, blinds—which should I use?

Blinds are great; they let in the most light unless the drapes or curtains are sheer. You can direct the direction the light shines into the home. Vacuum them frequently. Please do not use them in a high humidity area as any dust will stick to them. I have blinds in four rooms of my home. The ones in the bathroom are hard to keep clean. I’m ready to replace them with curtains that I can frequently wash.

Metal blinds seem to draw less dust than plastic ones. I have those in my dining room and den and love the minimum intrusion into the space. We added opaque window film to these northern windows.

I have single-pleated blinds in the living room with opaque film only on the bottom half of the windows for privacy. One window is on the south side, and one is on the east.

The bedroom has the most window treatments—window film, double pleated cloth blinds, black-out shades, and drapes. Both of us have been day sleepers, and this northeastern bedroom was our best bet to achieve a dark room. I vacuum but have to wash the drapes occasionally.

Drapes consist of more elegant materials than curtains. You must read cleaning labels and follow the directions.

Curtains are the most practical window coverings. They are from lighter-weight washable materials. Curtains provide privacy—easily cleaned when they become dirty.

So, which do you choose? It is up to you. You may be limited in your choices if you rent or live in an HOA. Owning your home gives you infinitely more options.