The living room is one of the most commonly used spaces in a house. And for good reason. It’s where you sit and relax, watch TV, read, eat, and entertain. That’s why for many people, the living room is the space that gets the most attention when it comes to design.
It’s the one public space in your home where you can have fun expressing yourself, whether that’s with flooring, paint, furniture, art, décor, or furnishings. When it comes to setting the mood or comfort of a room, nothing is as important as the kind of curtains or shutters you choose.
Below are some of the most important factors to consider when you’re trying to decide which kind of window covering is right for your living room, whether it’s shutters, curtains, or drapes.
Structure
First impressions are important when it comes to design and choosing between curtains or shutters for your living room is no different. Because of their structure, curtains and shutters are at opposite ends of the scale and give a living room an entirely different feel.
Shutters are fitted close to the frame of a window. And because of their structure, they can come in virtually any colour.
Curtains on the other hand hang loosely, a few inches in front of the window, and come in a wide range of lengths, widths, fabrics, colours, and patterns.
Material
The construction of curtains and shutters is also significantly different. Shutters are constructed out of hardwood, medium density fibreboard, plastic, or polymer that looks and feels like timber. Curtains on the other hand are typically made of a lighter fabric and are sheer or thin.
While people use the term curtain and drapery interchangeably, the two are not the same. Drapes are made of stiffer fabrics, including damask, silk, or velvet. They are also often lined with heavier fabric that blocks out light, which makes them perfect for a living room. Drapes and curtains are similar in that they both hang from a rod on hooks, rings, grommets, or a fabric sleeve.
Privacy
Shutters and curtains provide excellent privacy. Shutters have horizontal slats that can be opened or closed. Adding a mid rail to each panel means you can keep the top half open, allowing daylight to pour in, and close the bottom half to maintain privacy.
If you’re thinking of using curtains in the living room and want privacy, pick a fabric that blocks out light. You could also use three panels with differing weights. For example, if you have a double curtain rod, the two outside panels could be made with heavier material while the center panel could be sheer. This allows for lots of light to shine in during the day while the heavier curtains can be closed for privacy.
Insulation
If you’re thinking of getting curtains, drapery, or shutters in Brampton, chances are good that insulation is a concern. Shutters and curtains both provide excellent insulation and can help drastically cut your energy bills.
Closing shutters at night or when it’s cold outside can trap in heat. During the day, open slats allow light in, but the frame and direction of the slats provide more coverage and insulation than an open curtain or drape could.
That said, curtains and drapes provide a lot of insulation, especially if they are made of thick fabric. Drapery that is backed with blackout fabric or heat-repellant material can keep a room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Light Control
Shutters provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to controlling light. The slats can be adjusted depending on the direction of the light and how much you want to fall into the living room. Curtains provide a similar kind of flexibility, as well. Heavier panels can be opened or closed fully or partially to let in light while. Sheer curtains act as an excellent light filter and soften a room’s lighting.
Durability and Affordability
One of the biggest factors for those looking at curtains, drapery, and shutters in Burlington or the GTA is the difference in cost.
For shutters, it will depend on the kind of material you select, where they are manufactured, and the installation process. It’s important to remember that shutters last a long time and need little maintenance.
Like shutters, the fabric that you select for your drapes or curtains is also important. The weight, colour, patterns, and backing will also impact the price. Unlike shutters, though, curtains and drapes are easy to install and inexpensive to change.
Which One Is Best for Your Living Room?
No one has the exact same taste and style. That’s why there’s no rule when it comes to choosing what’s best for your living room. Choosing between shutters, drapes, curtains, and/or other types of window shades in Toronto depends on your own amazing, creative, personal style.
What do you want people to think when they walk into your living room? How do you want to feel when you’re sitting in your living room?
Fashion is important, but so too is function. Where the living room is in relation to the house should also be a factor when choosing your window coverings. Does the living room face a busy street? Or do you live on a quiet street?
Curtains, shutters, and drapes all provide different unique options. Best of all, they can be customized to meet your design and lifestyle needs.
Texeuro Drapery Ltd., Your Source for Window Dressings
Are you having trouble deciding between shutters, curtains, or drapes for your home? The expert team at Texeuro Drapery Ltd. can help you decide which is right for you home, décor, and budget.
A family-owned business, we are proud of the care and service we provide our valued customers. Our highly qualified design team offers inspired, customized solutions that can make your home designs come true!
As the largest home and décor centre in the GTA, Texeuro Drapery Ltd. specializing in blinds, shutters, drapery, curtains, custom duvets, pillows, headboards, and more. We offer the best rates, with up to 40% off some of our most popular products. If you’re looking to transform your décor, contact us at (905) 629-9575 or visit us in-store and our owners will be happy to answer your questions and assist you personally.
