When deciding between shades or curtains for your living room, you’re weighing style, function, and cost. Are windows curtains or blinds cheaper? What about long-term energy savings? Let’s explore whether blinds are better than curtains, or vice versa, and what makes one a smarter investment for your home.
Cost Comparison: Upfront and Installed
According to HomeGuide, blinds cost between $30–$200 per window (including installation), while curtains range from $50–$500 per window.
At SelectBlinds, all of our window treatments are DIY-friendly so there’s no need for installation costs. That said, for a standard 24″ x 36″ window, blinds still start at $30 and curtains start at $63.
Bottom line: Basic blinds win on affordability. Still, both window coverings range widely depending on materials, size, and finish.
Energy Efficiency: Which Saves You More?
When we consider energy efficient window coverings curtains and blinds, performance becomes key.
Cellular shades are ultimately the best window covering for energy-efficiency due to their honeycomb cell construction. These shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40% and unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy—making them a smart solution for large expanses of glass, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, as highlighted in Redfin’s guide to floor-to-ceiling window design.
In general, both types of window coverings offer solid efficiency. The best solution? Combine them for peak savings and comfort. This combo also controls light, boosts insulation, enhances privacy, and looks polished.
Another tip: Blackout window coverings, like blackout curtains, can help keep a room cooler too.
Style & Practicality
- Blinds offer precise light control. Slats can be tilted to direct sunlight where you want.
- Curtains offer drama and softness. They frame windows and can soften room acoustics.
- Pairing both boost aesthetics and long-term functionality.
Installation & Convenience
As far as installation goes, they can take about the same time. No-Drill Blinds are the easiest installation method, and it’s available as an upgrade with several window shades.
No-Drill Blinds are designed for both functionality and style, without the need for tools or drilling holes in your walls. They’re especially great for apartment & home rentals. SelectBlinds offers three no-drill headrails: Click2Fit, Stick2Fit and Twist2Fit.
For those who appreciated automated window coverings, motorization is available for both featured blinds and curtains.
What Is Better: Blinds or Curtains?
- Budget-conscious? Standard blinds are the cheapest upfront.
- Energy focus? Go with insulated cellular blinds, with or without curtains.
- Design-forward? Combine a custom roman shade and curtains, or pleated blinds with statement drapes, for an elevated layered look.
- Rental-friendly? Choose no-drill blinds that you can easily remove or swap.
You can search for “shades and curtains near me” to locate retailers with both drapery and blind options. However, choosing custom curtains and blinds — including motorized or layered styles — are available through SelectBlinds.
Final Verdict
- Blinds are cheaper to install and provide precise light control — excellent for casual, cost-effective updates.
- Curtains enhance aesthetics and offer decent insulation in heavy fabric form.
- Layered solutions give you the best performance for light management, energy efficiency, and customization.
Answering “are blinds or curtains better?” depends on what you value most: upfront cost, insulation, or design appeal. If you’re asking what is better blinds or curtains in terms of long-term comfort and efficiency, a layered blind and curtain combo is hard to beat — offering style, savings, and sophistication.
