Admit it, you’ve somehow done something like this before (or maybe just less dramatic).
Curtains and blinds are amazing stuff.
They block out sunlight during the day, improve the aesthetics of your room and most importantly, protect your privacy.
If you’re looking for curtains or blinds, we’ll be talking about the different types of curtains and blinds, how much they cost and how often you have to clean them.
Let’s explore!
TL;DR: Types of Curtains & Blinds, How Much They Cost & Post-Installation Caring Tips
Click here to jump:
- What are the differences between curtains, blinds, drapes and shades?
- How much do all these cost?
- Caring tips for curtains, blinds & drapes
The Differences Between Curtains, Blinds, Drapes & Shades
Types of Curtains
When it comes to covering your windows, besides curtains, there are three other ways of doing it – blinds, drapes and shades.
Curtains are typically fabric panels that are wide and versatile in designs, colours and blackout ability. It’s usually hung from a rod with pockets sewn at the top or has rings or hooks that clip on top of the curtain, which will then be used to slot through the rod.
| Curtain Types | |
|---|---|
| Blackout Curtains | Blackout curtains are made with heavyweight materials that block light |
| Box Pleat Curtains | This curtain runs deep and the folds are uninterrupted across the entire length of fabric, which usually provides full coverage from top to bottom |
| Energy Efficient Curtains | Regularly called insulated or thermal curtains, these are heavy curtains that prevent air, heat and cold from entering or entering your window |
| Goblet Pleat Curtains | The fold of the curtains resembles a goblet or wine glass and this curtain is usually used to frame the window, without much changes to its placement and usage |
| Grommet Curtains | Grommet curtains have open rings (or grommets) on top of the fabric panels and enable you to open or close the curtains with ease |
| Panel Pair Curtains | Panel pair curtains are sold in pairs and you will close the curtain from both sides of your window |
| Pinch Pleat Curtains | The pleats are stitched and pinched at the top, allowing the folds of the fabric to flow below and create an elegant, formal look |
| Pencil Pleat Curtains | Pencil pleat curtains have thinner, single pleats that make working with various curtain hooks or rods easier |
| Rod Pocket Curtains | The most common type of curtain and you slip the curtain rod through the pockets in the fabric |
| Single Panel Curtains | These curtains are designed to cover an entire window and be pulled to one side when opened |
| Tab Top Curtains | These curtains have prominent loops that hang from the top seam of the panels and are easy to thread through a curtain rod |
| Tie Top Curtains | Tie top curtains hang below the curtain rod, creating a space that exposes both the rod and the wall behind it |
| Window Sill Curtains | Short curtains that hover slightly above the edge of the window sill |
| Apron Curtains | Apron curtains (also known as half-length curtains) are perfect if you need shorter curtains for your living areas or bedrooms or living rooms |
| Ripple Fold Curtains | Zig-zag fold that's simple and modern looking, and easy to slide across the track |
| Cafe Curtains | Cafe curtains (also called kitchen curtains) are short curtains and ideal for letting light in while providing some privacy |
Types of Blinds
| Blind Types | |
|---|---|
| Venetian Blinds | These blinds offer superb functionality, durability, and the timeless beauty of natural wood |
| Vertical Blinds | The long, sleek slats allow great flexibility of light control to total blackout |
| Panel Blinds | Similar to vertical blinds, but the slats are much wider creating a more contemporary design statement |
| Faux Wooden Blinds | Faux wooden blinds provide water resistance, and stain resistance and are as easy to clean as real wooden blinds |
| Roller Blinds | Roller blinds are minimalistic, and versatile and allow light to come in while providing some privacy. |
| Roman Blinds | Usually made with fabric, they are available in a wide range of colours, patterns, finishes and materials. |
| Illusion Blinds | Built from a combination of sheer and opaque fabrics which allow daylight to filter into space while allowing a view of the outside |
| Day & Night Blinds | Feature alternating strips of material that glide against each other, allowing customers to switch between a block colour |
| Electric Blinds | Electric blinds will help you enjoy the light from outside, and a striking aesthetic from your blinds with minimal effort |
| Bamboo Blinds | These blinds are designed specially as a second layer for lighting needs, with a tiny space between the horizontal bamboo that offers more privacy for your home |
| Korean Blinds | Made from perforated and polyester materials, the Korean blinds give you the flexibility to adjust the amount of sunlight you let into your home and office by simply pulling the side cord |
| Shutter Blinds | Attached directly to a window, the shutter blinds act like grilles and completely shut your window when you close it |
Types of Drapes
Drapes are often confused with curtains, but the main difference lies in that drapes are often lined with heavy fabric to block outside light.
Visually, drapes can look heavy and stiff, depending on the material used. Common materials for drapes include velvet, silk or damask.
As drapes have amazing blackout ability, they are usually used in bedrooms.
Types of Shades
Shades are typically attached to a rod or frame and are sized to fit within the window frame. This is sometimes called roller blinds too.
If you’re wondering why I didn’t elaborate more on drapes or shades, it’s because most contractors will use these terms interchangeably, and more often than not, only use the words “curtains” and “blinds” to differentiate.
How Much Does It Cost to Install These?
So, what’s the actual cost of installing curtains or blinds?
The answer is… it depends.
Some providers may or may not charge you an installation fee, or have already factored in the installation fees into their packages.
However, these are the costs you need to minimally fork out when installing curtains or blinds at home.
Cost of Curtains
| Company | Prices | |
|---|---|---|
| Ace Curtains & Furnishing | BTO Packages 2-room: $630 nett 3-room: $730 nett 4-room: $830 5-room: $1,030 | Condo Packages 2-room: $680 nett 3-room: $780 nett 4-room: $980 |
| Direct Curtain | Day Curtain: $19 - $41 per meter Blackout Curtain: $49 - $52 per meter |
|
| Window Blind Singapore | BTO Packages Night Curtains 2-room: $388 nett 3-room: $588 nett 4-room: $788 5-room: $988 Note: +$100 for a translucent sheer day curtain required in each room |
|
| FortyTwo | $16.90 - $49.90 per piece | |
| Curtains House | BTO Packages 3-room: $580 4-room: $680 5-room: $880 |
|
Cost of Blinds
| Company | Venetian Blinds | Korean Blinds | Roller Blinds | Roman Blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Curtains & Furnishing | N.A. | $7 psf | $5 psf | N.A. |
| Direct Curtain | $9.90 - $13.90 psf | $5.90 - $8.90 psf | $4.90 - $13 psf | $13.90 psf |
| Window Blind Singapore | $4.90 - $5.50 psf | N.A. | $5.00 to $8.90 psf | $12 psf |
| Singapore Blinds | $180 - $400 per piece | $230 - $350 per piece | $180 - $400 per piece | N.A. |
| Blinds Guru | N.A. | 3-room: $530 - $788 4-room: $690 - $988 5-room: $860 - $950 | N.A. | N.A. |
| Curtains House (BTO Packages) | 3-room: $950 4-room: $1,180 5-room: $1,380 | 3-room: $650 4-room: $750 5-room: $980 | 3-room: $550 4-room: $650 5-room: $850 | N.A. |
Cleaning of Curtains & Blinds
For those who’ve not cleaned your curtains and blinds for years, perhaps it’s time for you to do so.
Curtains are constantly exposed to dust and may trigger allergic reactions and it’s recommended that regular cleaning is done every three to six months.
If you live near the sea or in a particularly dusty area (e.g., close to a construction site), dust and air particles can be easily trapped and leave a strong odour on your curtains.
You can send your curtains for dry cleaning, or wash them by yourself (warning: it can be tedious)…
And as for window blinds, you can clean them once a month using a cloth, or simply vacuum them as you’re cleaning the house.
That said, what other cleaning tips or installation tips do you have?
Share them with us in the Seedly Community!
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