What is more modern curtains or blinds?

June 27, 2015

Hi great minds,
We have just renovated and ended with a great looking, very modern apartment. We are now down to the question if we should install curtains or blinds throughout the whole apartment... Both my husband and I wanted to live in an apartment with great curtains perhaps even with headers ... But our designer friend says that curtains are dated/traditional and do not go in modern style appartments?! He insists on double roller blinds and my husband is devastated. I had a look on HOUZZ and there are some great looking curtains that we loved. Could you please shed some light in the dilemma .... Can one do curtains in the very modern looking apartment? We have open plan living area, toddler room and bedroom? I attached some photos of the colour scheme. Thank you so much in advance!!!!

Comments (8)

karenleonn
It's blinds or shutters for me.
June 27, 2015
bbeans
You can go either from my perspective, but I personally find roman blinds to be modern whilst still giving the warmth of fabric.

With the dark colours if you want curtains, have a rich fabric that adds lux and you'll be fine!
June 27, 2015
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There are some great comment here, but my take on this would be if you are going custom to take your time and look around. Many designers offer different takes on each person's preference. The colours you have are good but I'd personally would opt for a more warmer cream, with a self print pattern. I would also suggest pinch pleated curtains and not pencil pleat as you have currently, pinch pleated curtains will give you uniformed pleats from top to bottom. In addition to this I would suggest you use blackout linen to prevent light to enter the room, and possibly interlining so that you retain some thermal properties in your fixtures. Having custom made curtains are a lifetime choice for most customers, take your time and don't settle for the first company you come across. The space above your bed i would possibly add a sheer fabric roman blind which is slightly see through but enough to give you privacy if you bedroom is situated on the ground floor. You can also get the a roman blind to match your new curtains if you'd like a more repetitive theme in your bedroom. I would suggest if you do opt for a roman blind, and you are looking for a good qualities add blackout linen. If you would like a rough estimation on what you would be looking at we can assist you so you are aware of what most reputable curtain making specialist charge in this current market.
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woodjay
Go with your gut instinct about what you like. I think the (ever changing) pendulum is swinging back to curtains fashion-wise to soften modern spaces. Do you research though about headings, fabric types and lengths though and don't be swayed by curtain makers who made curtains for your mother and haven't looked at current styles since. I have renovated over the last few years. At the beginning I tore out all the curtains (they were horrible) and was thinking blinds. By the time it got to window coverings I went back to curtains which I would never have considered a few years ago. I am very happy with them as they make the spaces cosier and also let in air better when drawn on a hot night than blinds do.
June 28, 2015
elenareed
Thank you so very much for your help! I really appreciate your wisdom and your time. Thank you kindly. It is very helpful:-):-)
June 28, 2015
mykky48
Never mind fickle fashion, go with your gut! If it feels right it is perfect for you ;-)
June 28, 2015
macyjean
What is more modern? Does that imply that when it is no longer modern you will change it? Even the most modern will one day not be the latest thing, in fact I suspect those popular double roller blinds, while having practical and aesthetic benefits, will become as frowned upon as vertical blinds seem to be now. Curtains might be considered dated but they can also be considered timeless. "He insists on double roller blinds and my husband is devastated." I reckon there's your answer. Who's going to live there?
June 28, 2015
jennichancarroll
I like the softer look of curtains in certain rooms. Here is our old place which was a fairly modern apartment, although not as modern as you've fitted out yours (looks great by the way!). This also helped block additional light let in by the timber venetians when a Sunday morning sleep-in was required! If only they were a few cm's longer to get the "just brushing" look we were going for.
June 28, 2015
PRO
Urban Curtains + Blinds
Hello, We sell both so I have no reason to suggest one over the other. However, yes Roller blinds are very functional and right on trend for a modern decor. He is absolutely correct. Its not just the window furnishings that create softness to a room. You could even automate them for about the same cost as buying curtains. We do a lot of homes with double roller blinds right thought. However if you like curtains there is nor reason you shouldn't have them. Its your home and you need to love been there. It really comes down to picking the right fabrics and pleat types to work with your look. Blinds are great in smaller spaces and can achieve a clean lined open look wheres curtains can soften a room and add warmth .. be ware that curtains can close a room in and make it appear smaller. It can also make furniture placement difficult. Might I suggest a mix? Sheer curtains hung from the ceiling with a roller blinds behind can look very sleek in apartments. You can have the best of both :) I would just suggest you don't go with anything too "fussy" keep the lines clean and don't go to full with your curtains. You don't want lots of fabric cluttering your room.
Here's an apartment with automated rollers.
Another with just rollers.

Here's a space with a mix. still very modern.

A child's room with a mix of rollers and Chain Drive Roman Blinds. Great for reducing daytime heat. Day time privacy and the roman Blinds is block out to help them sleep. Roman Blinds are great for kids rooms as the add softness, are practical and you can place furniture below the windows.
Another example

Hope this was at all helpful ;)
November 21, 2017

What is more modern curtains or blinds?

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