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How & When to Use Different Blinds & Curtains

How to choose bedroom blinds and curtains, pergola awnings and more

As many experienced interior designers, architects and builders know, window furnishings are more than just decorative touches–they control light, manage privacy, influence the atmosphere of each room and can contribute to overall home energy efficiency.

Enhance comfort with the right window covering

Understanding when to use different blinds, curtains and awnings is essential for balancing aesthetics with functionality, enhancing year-round comfort both indoors and outdoors.

Find out which rooms and spaces are best suited for specific types of window coverings and also the best ways to combine blinds and curtains on the same window to optimise practicality and style.

The best window furnishings for Melbourne homes

Make the most of each window covering by selecting the right type to suit the needs of specific rooms without compromising on style and homeowner preferences. Here we explain some of the most effective choices of curtains, blinds and awnings for different rooms and zones throughout the home:

Kitchen windows: Plantation shutters and external blinds

Kitchen window treatments should be basic and straightforward to clean, especially when dealing with food spills and splashes. Blinds and plantation shutters are a solution that ticks all the boxes. Shutters offer a low-maintenance solution with their simple design and are made from durable materials such as timber or aluminium. Thanks to their modern appearance, plantation shutters will match the decor and style of almost any kitchen. Alternatively, external blinds make a great option for west and north-facing kitchen windows, especially those with glazed splashbacks. 

Bedroom windows: Honeycomb blinds, roller blinds or blockout curtains

When deciding on a bedroom blind and curtains, the ideal window coverings need to provide comfort while being easy to use or operate. Lined curtains block out light and keep the space insulated, ensuring a cosy atmosphere. Paired with roller or honeycomb blinds, they provide daytime privacy without completely shutting out natural light. This combination is flexible as the amount of light can be easily adjusted, whether for restful darkness or a softly lit private space. 

Lounge windows: Roller blinds or blockout curtains paired with sheers

When considering appropriate window coverings for your lounge, blinds and curtains make excellent choices. Both provide privacy and reduce glare while reducing the need for artificial lighting. Depending on the fabric you choose, they can also admit natural light to create a calming ambience.

Motorised roller blinds are a timeless choice for modern or traditional lounge areas as they are simple to operate, especially when motorised or automated. They also come in a vast range of fabrics and designs, so they can easily be matched with your home’s interior decor. Using curtains can add a touch of elegance and warmth to your lounge or living rooms.

If heat reduction and darkening your room are a priority, choose a blockout fabric for either your blinds or curtains. Pairing a blockout blind for room darkening with a sheer curtain gives you filtered light during both day and night. Combining window treatments makes it easier to effectively manage light and heat levels, helping to keep your lounge warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Nursery windows: Honeycomb blinds, roller blinds or blockout curtains

A baby’s or child’s room needs window coverings that ensure darkness and privacy day and night. Blockout blinds or curtains work very well for the nursery, controlling light and reducing noise to create a soothing sleep environment. Roman blinds provide a stylish, minimal option for fun prints without overwhelming the space. Alternatively, honeycomb blinds offer near-complete blockout—pair them with plantation shutters or sheer curtains for added versatility and a more streamlined look. 

Home office windows: External Venetians, roller blinds or sheer curtains

When setting up a home office, creating a comfortable workspace is essential. Outdoor Venetian blinds are great for reducing screen glare while maintaining views of your garden, patio or yard. To limit light from the outside, try sunscreen roller blinds. For a subtle touch in a room where light control at night isn’t so important, sheer curtains provide daytime privacy and a bright, airy atmosphere. Sheers are extremely versatile and can be combined with other curtains and blinds, such as blockout, to achieve your preferred functionality and ambience.

North and west-facing windows: External roller and outdoor Venetian blinds

If a home has large north-facing or west-facing windows, outdoor roller blinds or external Venetians could be the answer. They effectively control light and heat, enhancing energy efficiency. Available in various sunscreen fabrics, external roller blinds minimise heat and glare without compromising outdoor views. 

The blades of external Venetian blinds deflect sunlight before it reaches the window panes, keeping indoor spaces cool and comfortable during hot weather and reducing the need for air conditioning. The clean profile of both types of outdoor blinds can be designed to suit almost any facade. 

Patios, decks and entertainment areas: External roller blinds and folding arm awnings

Outdoor window coverings such as external roller blinds, pergola awnings and zip screens are suitable for patios or decks. They offer better light and privacy control, making these areas more functional despite the often unpredictable Melbourne weather conditions. 

The neat profile of external roller blinds fits well with contemporary architectural styles, adding both value and sophistication to outdoor spaces.

Folding arm awnings and retractable roof systems are perfect for outdoor entertainment spaces. They can be enjoyed all year-round, whether hosting guests, relaxing with a book, splashing in the pool or spending quality family time. 

Award-winning options like German-designed and made markilux awnings with dropdown sunscreen blinds enhance the practicality and appeal of outdoor entertainment areas. When not in use, these awnings retract neatly for unobstructed garden views.

External view of sheer curtains

Is one window furnishing enough for a room?

While a single window covering often works well, combining several can help achieve a desired look or function. For instance, homeowners might want to reduce glare, enhance privacy or add warmth to complement their room’s style.

Different types of windows also require different coverings. Larger doors and high-reaching or irregular-shaped windows may need custom-designed solutions. Other reasons to use multiple window furnishings in the same room include:

  • Energy efficiency for enhanced comfort
  • Improved sound insulation
  • Highlighting a feature or adding visual interest
  • Flexible functionality, especially when motorised and automated
  • Coordination with the room’s interior design
  • Consistency across all rooms or the external facade

A curtain and blinds expert can provide invaluable advice and suggestions–our team carefully listens to each homeowner’s needs and recommends the most appropriate and effective window coverings to match their home and lifestyle.

Four tips for pairing curtains and blinds

Master the art of using blinds and curtains together with these simple suggestions:

1. Choose between external Venetian or indoor roller blinds to pair with curtains

These two are among the most popular window treatment options that pair perfectly with curtains. External Venetians block sunlight from hitting the glass, helping to keep the interior of the house cooler and more comfortable. Additionally, their solid blocks of colour add a modern touch to contemporary homes.

Roller blinds create a space between the interior glass and the curtains, helping to minimise heat entering the room. They are available in a variety of fabric textures and patterns for even greater customisation. Both types of blinds also complement an extensive range of curtain fabrics, creating a combination that enhances any room’s aesthetic.

As a general rule, avoid pairing prints with prints—a printed fabric often looks best when balanced with a solid colour. For example, matching patterned curtains with plain blinds creates a harmonious look, whereas using prints for both window coverings can often overwhelm the space–especially in smaller rooms. A solid-coloured blind with patterned curtains that incorporate the blind’s colour is a favourite combination. 

However, there are exceptions to the rule, and pairing prints can sometimes achieve a distinctive or dramatic look. An interior design consultant can help with ideas about how to use prints that complement each other.

Your choice of track or rod colour will depend on the look you desire for the room. Often, black rods with a matte finish stand out beautifully when accompanied by sheer curtains. They can add a striking visual element to the space while drawing attention to the window treatment.

Alternatively, rods or tracks that are the same colour as the paint or curtain colour will create a softer look, blending into their surroundings more naturally. Recessed curtain tracks can be used to conceal the tracks into ceilings. 

Using window furnishings of the same colour throughout the home can create a feeling of harmony and balance, especially in open-plan living spaces. This choice also simplifies decision-making and maintenance. However, different rooms have specific needs, such as blockout curtains in bedrooms to help promote better sleep.

Tailoring curtains and blinds to suit each room’s unique requirements can also showcase individual style, making each space feel special while maintaining a sense of continuity. Ultimately, the choice between consistency and variety depends on each homeowner’s goals and lifestyle preferences. 

Create the perfect ambience with custom windows and blinds

With so many options to consider, why not partner with the curtain and blind experts at SOM Blinds? As established window furnishing specialists, we manufacture, supply, install and provide after-sales support for a broad range of motorised blinds, curtains and designer awnings. 

Our talented team has over 20 years of experience working with architects, interior designers, builders and Melbourne homeowners. Contact us on 03 9808 1807 or make an appointment to visit our Burwood showroom, where you can see our products in action and meet our team.

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