The decision to make curtains verus blinds may depend on your taste in window treatment, and your skill in sewing. People with limited sewing skills may be amazed at the simplicity of making some types of curtains, whether they are cafe style or a full window treatment. Often, with cottons and other sturdy fabrics, curtains can be taped instead of sewn.
A number of choices must be made if you are considering making your own window treatment. Sewing skills and the ability to take measurements and follow pattern directions are essential to sewing custom-made curtains.
A decision must be made on fabric color, cost per yard, and type of thread suitable for material. Materials are another choice. Sheer fabrics can be more challenging than cotton, since sheer fabric may pucker if not sewn at the proper tension. Not all fabrics are suitable for curtains.
People with limited sewing skills may find panel curtains and a simple valance easy to make by using fabric tape or sewn on a machine. Measurement of window width is doubled. The window is measured for length, four inches is added for rod pocket and hem. The valance is measured and divided by 6 to arrive at the length of the valance.
Blinds, on the other hand requires a certain amount of skill. Although roll up blinds are less challenging and more fun to make than slat blinds.
Slat blinds (or venetian blinds as they are known in the rest of the world outside the US) require nimble hands and the knowledge of blind construction and material used. Slat blinds must be woven with cording and require a header and its mechanism to lift and lower the slats.
For a more custom look, roll-up blinds can easily be constructed and decorated. Either the slat blind or the roll-up blind can be purchased ready-made. If you are a creative person, the roll-up blind may have more appeal than the slat blind.
Roll up blinds are inexpensive to make and require little skill to construct. They can be made from a variety of products, such as woven straw mats or other light weight materials. Roll up blinds can be embellished. Use your imagination and creativity to make one-of-a-kind roll up blinds. Add pizzazz with embellishments and color. The creative person will paint palm trees, flowers, birds or other favorite eye appealing objects for a custom made blind. A painted blind can really spice up a bland space.
The use of space should be considered when deciding on curtains or blinds. Both curtains and blinds can offer privacy to the user.
