Answering Common Questions About Window Dressings
Choosing blinds, curtains or plantation shutters isn’t always straightforward. With so many styles, materials and options available, it’s natural to have questions before deciding what’s right for your home.
Over time, we’ve noticed that many homeowners ask similar things when exploring their options, from light and privacy, to practicality and long-term use. This blog brings together some of the most common questions we hear, with straightforward answers designed to help you make an informed choice.
Questions People Are Asking About Blinds
What blinds are best for bedrooms?
For bedrooms, most people look for blinds that offer good light control and privacy. Blackout and lined blinds are popular choices, particularly for rooms that face streetlights or early morning sun.
There are also different blind styles to consider depending on the room, window type and how the space is used. If you’d like to explore this in more detail, we’ve put together a range of guides for best blinds for different rooms, including best blinds for bedrooms.
Are blackout blinds really blackout?
This is a question we hear a lot, and the answer is that it depends on both the fabric and how the blind is fitted.
Blackout fabrics are designed to block light, but small gaps around the edges of a blind can still let light in. Choosing the right style of blind and ensuring accurate measuring and fitting makes a noticeable difference to how effective a blackout blind feels in everyday use.
Are made-to-measure blinds worth it?
Many homeowners weigh up off-the-shelf blinds against made-to-measure options.
Made-to-measure blinds are designed specifically for your window, which means a better fit and a neater finish. In practice, this often leads to improved light control, privacy and longevity compared to standard-sized blinds.
Can blinds be fitted to uPVC windows without drilling?
Yes, in many cases they can.
There are blind systems designed to fit neatly within uPVC window frames without drilling, making them a popular option for newer windows or where people want to avoid permanent fixings. The suitability depends on the window type and the blind style, so it’s always worth checking what works best for your specific windows.
Questions People Are Asking About Curtains
Do curtains help keep heat in?
Curtains can help improve comfort in a room, particularly when combined with the right lining.
Thermal and blackout linings are designed to reduce heat loss through windows and help limit draughts. In everyday use, many homeowners notice rooms feel warmer and more comfortable, especially during colder months.
Should curtains touch the floor?
This is one of the most common style-related questions.
In most cases, floor-length curtains create a more finished and balanced look. They can also help with insulation by covering more of the window area. The key is accurate measuring, as curtains that are too short or too long can affect both appearance and function.
What curtain lining should I choose?
The best lining depends on what you want the curtains to do.
Standard linings work well for light filtering, while blackout linings are often chosen for bedrooms. Thermal linings are popular where warmth and energy efficiency are a priority. Choosing the right lining can make a big difference to how curtains perform day to day.
Can curtains work in modern interiors?
Yes, curtains can work very well in modern homes.
With the range of fabrics, headings and tracks available today, curtains can be tailored to suit clean, contemporary spaces as well as more traditional interiors. Many homeowners choose simpler fabrics and neater headings to keep the look modern and uncluttered.
Plantation Shutters – What Homeowners Want to Know
Are plantation shutters worth the investment?
Plantation shutters are often chosen as a longer-term option rather than a quick update.
Many homeowners like the combination of durability, light control and the clean, structured look shutters provide. Because they’re made to measure and fitted to the window, they tend to stay in place for many years and don’t date in the same way some other window dressings can.
Do plantation shutters provide enough privacy and light control?
Yes, this is one of the main reasons people choose them.
The adjustable louvres allow you to control how much light enters a room while maintaining privacy. This makes plantation shutters particularly popular for front-facing rooms where people want natural light without feeling overlooked.
Are plantation shutters suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
They can be, provided the right materials are used.
In rooms where moisture is present, shutters with moisture-resistant finishes are important to ensure they perform well over time. This is something many homeowners check early on when considering shutters for kitchens or bathrooms.
How long do plantation shutters last?
This is a very common question, especially when people compare shutters to blinds or curtains.
When properly made and fitted, plantation shutters are designed to last for many years. Their solid construction and simple operation mean they generally require very little day-to-day maintenance.
Do plantation shutters suit both modern and traditional homes?
Yes, and this is one of their strengths.
Plantation shutters work just as well in period properties as they do in modern homes. Choices such as louvre size and finish can subtly change the overall look, allowing shutters to blend in or make more of a statement depending on the style of the room.
Need a bit more guidance?
If you’re still weighing up your options and would like some straightforward advice, we’re always happy to help.
Whether you’re considering blinds, curtains or plantation shutters, our aim is simply to help you understand what’s likely to work best for your home, without pressure or jargon.
If you’d like to talk things through, you’re welcome to get in touch or visit our Wickford showroom to explore ideas and discuss your requirements.
📞 01268 949255 | ✉️ enquiries@johnsblinds.co.uk
👪From Our Family to Yours – Dressing Windows Since 1975
For over fifty years, we’ve been helping local homeowners create comfortable, well-finished spaces, with care, craftsmanship and a personal approach.
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