• alternatives to curtains

Curtains are a staple in many homes but new interior décor is choosing alternatives that are a far greater value-add to the home. To be honest, there aren’t too many positives to investing in drapes for your home. Curtains can easily become sunlight blockers and dust traps. Not to mention that when you are no longer pleased by the design of your drapes and you feel it is time for an update in style, they can be rather expensive to replace.

There are a number of alternatives to curtains. The best alternatives are window treatments that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also a value-add to your home.

Here are four alternatives to curtains that will enhance your home and allow you to ditch the drab drapes:

1.      Blinds

Blinds can be a cost-effective installation and are available as a DIY option too. They are a fairly simple mechanism, allowing you to give the room as much light or shade as you prefer. Blinds also offer some UV protection and can help to control the sun’s glare. Blinds come in a variety of different styles so it is (mostly) quite easy to find a style to suit your interior décor. The catch is that blinds are also dust traps, can be tricky to clean and their finicky bits known to break really easily. Furthermore, if you have little kids or pets in the home the drawstrings of the blinds can cause a choking or tripping hazard.

2.      Plantation shutters or security shutters

Plantation shutters offer security to the home, making it a valuable treatment and an excellent alternative to curtains. These shutters can be used across windows and doors and are often used for security purposes, but have been designed to look really swanky in the home. Plantation shutters are fixed to the windows and doors and are available as sliding, folding or hinged options. These offer security, sun protection and controlled privacy and can often be custom-designed to suit your colour scheme or design taste. They are a permanent fixture though and expensive to install, remove or replace.

3.      Laser cut wooden window panels

These wooden window panels can make a real statement in the home, as the wood is cut to your specifications and design needs. They offer excellent privacy and are perfect for windows that are not regular in shape and size. Depending on the design you choose, you may or may not need the window behind the wood to be frosted for additional privacy. But the wooden panels look stylish and are fairly easy to keep clean. These panels can be used on windows and glass that curtains would not suit.

4.      Frosted window vinyl decals

Frosted window vinyl decals are a great alternative to curtains. Frosted vinyl decals are easily and quickly applied to glass windows or doors. They are cost-effective and have protective qualities that help make the home more comfortable. Frosted vinyl decals allow for 93% of natural light to stream through the glass, insulate the home in a similar manner to curtains, protect against UV rays and ward off glare from the sun. Frosted vinyl can be customised to your specific design and privacy needs.

To explore more window and glass treatments to suit your home, have a look through our Window Coverings Guide. Should you require any further information about frosted vinyl, please do not hesitate to contact us directly to assess your needs.