By Kerry Hale

Bathroom Windows: Curtains vs Blinds

  • Tuesday 17th September 2024
  • 5 minute read

Your bathroom is nearly complete. The tiles are in place, the shower unit installed, and the fresh coat of paint has dried. Now, one crucial decision remains: selecting the perfect window treatment. 

 

Curtains and blinds are the two main options, but which should you choose? Our comprehensive guide has you covered, looking at the pros and cons of both and helping you make an informed choice.

Pros and cons of curtains

There are pros and cons to installing a curtain over your bathroom window.

 

Pros

  • Cost: Curtains are often cheaper to install than blinds

  • Aesthetics: Can bring lots of life to your bathroom, with various colours, patterns and fabrics available. They also add a soft and cosy layer to the design – a nice balance if your bathroom features tiles

  • Overall privacy: Curtains provide total privacy, shielding your bathroom from external views

 

Cons

  • Moisture sensitivity: Bathrooms are humid, and because curtains are less moisture-resistant, they collect mould and mildew easily

  • Maintenance: Curtains require regular cleaning to prevent mould and mildew, and they’re trickier to clean than blinds

  • Less sustainable: They require high-temperature cleaning, making them less energy-efficient

  • Privacy control: Curtains offer less control over privacy – they’re either open or closed

Pros and cons of blinds

Likewise, there are pros and cons if you choose to install blinds.

 

Pros

  • Privacy control: Blinds with slats can allow natural light in while maintaining privacy

  • Maintenance: It’s easy to clean blinds as you can wipe away mould and mildew

  • Moisture-resistant: Many blinds are moisture-resistant, making them more durable (not wooden blinds)

 

Cons

  • Initial cost: Blinds can often be more expensive to install compared to curtains

  • Style options: Blinds generally have limited style choices

  • Fragility: Some blinds are delicate and may be easily damaged

How to choose between curtains and blinds

Many factors can affect your decision when choosing between curtains and blinds. You should take into account: 

Privacy

Privacy is likely to be one of your primary concerns when choosing between curtains and blinds in the bathroom. But which is best to hang on your bathroom window for privacy? Blinds with slats could be ideal – these can be adjusted so that you maintain your privacy while also allowing some natural light into the room. 

Curtains can offer you total privacy, blocking out external views. However, you have less control, and if you do close the curtains, you’ll have no natural light.

Style

Your bathroom’s overall aesthetic is also a key consideration when choosing between curtains and blinds. Both come in different styles, and you should opt for whatever best suits the look and feel of your bathroom.

  • Blinds: These are versatile and come in materials like vinyl, faux wood and aluminium. Choose blinds that match your bathroom’s style and décor.

  • Curtains: Great for adding personality to your bathroom, with a wide range of colours and fabric options. They also add a softer aesthetic, making the room feel cosy. 

Durability

If you want something that stands the test of time, blinds may be the better option for your bathroom. Among the choices, aluminium and vinyl blinds stand out due to their excellent moisture resistance and impressive durability. However, wooden blinds can be more susceptible to damage as they will absorb moisture. 

If you prefer curtains, look for moisture-resistant options crafted from polyester or nylon. Keep in mind that these curtains require high-temperature cleaning, which may cause fading over time – especially if exposed to sunlight.

Maintenance

You should also consider which of the two options is easier to maintain. Generally, blinds are simpler to clean; even if mildew accumulates, it’s easy to wipe off. 

Curtains are a little trickier. When they collect mildew, you’ll need to wash them at high temperatures. Not only does this increase maintenance, but it also consumes more energy, making them less sustainable. 

Affordability

Of course, when choosing between curtains and blinds, cost is a key factor in your decision. Both options cater to various budgets, taking into account size and material. 

Curtains can offer a low initial cost, making them an affordable option. However, durability is worth considering – they may not last as long and require replacing sooner. While blinds may cost more to install, they tend to have a longer lifespan.

Window covering considerations

When choosing between curtains and blinds for your bathroom, there are some key things to consider, including:

Mildew

Due to the bathroom’s damp environment, curtains and blinds are susceptible to mildew. Cleaning them can be tricky, especially with curtains that require high-temperature washing. If you opt for curtains for your bathroom, ensure they are machine washable to remove mildew effectively.

Natural lighting

It’s essential to ensure that your bathroom has lots of natural lighting for everyday tasks, whether you’re applying make-up or brushing your teeth. If you choose to install blinds or curtains, opt for ones that are easy to raise or pull back so that your bathroom is well-lit.

If your bathroom doesn’t have a window and lacks natural light, read our top five tips for brightening up your bathroom.

Colour

Whatever you opt for, the colour of your blinds or curtains should match the overall design of your bathroom. Neutral shades such as cream, beige and white are excellent choices, as they match most styles. Opting for these colours ensures that your window treatments remain stylish even if you decide to redecorate frequently.

Fit

Finally, whether you choose curtains or blinds, it’s essential to ensure they fit your window properly. Before making a choice, take accurate measurements of your window. You might find curtains and blinds that are a perfect fit for your bathroom, but there are instances where you may need to settle for the best available fit. In such cases, it’s better to choose curtains that are slightly too long rather than too short.

Looking to make some additions to your bathroom? Shop Mira Showers for all the latest bathroom accessories.

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