Window Curtains versus Window Blinds: How Soft and Hard window Treatments Stack Up

It's a window treatment battle royal--head-to-head, mono-e-mono. We took four of the major characteristics that interior designers use to evaluate window treatments and applied them to window blinds and window curtains.

1. Natural Light Control.
This is no contest. Window curtains typically run along the side of the window and are pulled back with a tie. They can be closed for greater UV protection, but even then they're not that effective. Window blinds are built for block.
ADVANTAGE: Window shades

2. Ease of Installation.
Window blinds are becoming easier to install in an effort to appeal to the newbie do-it-yourselfers (DIYers), but they're still confusing if you don't know what you're doing. On the other hand, window curtains hang on a simple rod.
ADVANTAGE: Window curtains

3. Color and Style Options.
Curtains literally come in thousands of colors. Blinds are primarily limited to various wood and cream tones, which may work for you. But if you're color crazy and want to pep up the room, curtains are the way to go.
ADVANTAGE: Window curtains

4. Price Points.
This is where the competition gets a little sticky. Both window treatments can range from bottom budget to downright explosive depending on the materials and custom creation. Curtain fabrics range from cotton to silk. Blinds come in maple, oak and bamboo, just to name a few.
ADVANTAGE: Draw

Keep in mind that window curtains or window blinds are an entirely personal choice. Consider your lifestyle, the way you use the room and your own tastes to determine which window treatment is right for you. And you can always make a change if your first choice doesn't work out.