Blinds vs Curtains: Which is Better for Your Home?

When it comes to dressing your windows, the two most popular choices are blinds and curtains. Both can transform the look and feel of a room, but each has its own advantages. The question many homeowners ask is: should I choose blinds, curtains, or a mix of both?

At MODN Living, we’ve helped hundreds of Taranaki families design beautiful and practical window furnishings. Here’s our complete guide to help you decide.

Style & Aesthetics

• Blinds – Perfect for a clean, modern look. Roller blinds sit neatly against the window, Venetian blinds offer timeless appeal, and Roman blinds give a soft fabric finish with structure. They’re popular in New Plymouth’s contemporary new builds, especially where space is limited.
• Curtains – Add softness, warmth, and elegance to a room. From lined drapes to sheer curtains, they bring texture and a sense of luxury. Floor-to-ceiling curtains are a favourite in open-plan living areas across Taranaki.

👉 Tip: Many homeowners choose a combination—sheer curtains for softness paired with roller blinds for functionality.

Light Control & Privacy

• Blinds – Offer precision control. With roller blinds, you can block out sunlight completely with blackout fabrics or filter light with sunscreen options. Venetian blinds allow you to tilt slats for adjustable privacy while keeping natural light flowing in.
• Curtains – Lined curtains and blackout drapes are excellent for bedrooms and media rooms. Sheers, on the other hand, are perfect when you want privacy during the day without losing daylight.

Energy Efficiency

• Blinds – Thermal roller blinds and honeycomb blinds provide insulation, helping keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
• Curtains – Heavier, lined curtains can act like a barrier, reducing drafts and retaining warmth. In older Taranaki homes, they’re often the go-to choice for maximum insulation.

Both options can contribute to energy savings, but curtains generally offer slightly better insulation, while blinds provide flexibility and modern energy-efficient fabrics.

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Blinds – Easy to clean with a simple wipe down. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and rental properties.
• Curtains – Require occasional dry cleaning or washing (depending on fabric). Sheer fabrics may need more frequent care to keep them looking fresh.

Cost Considerations

• Blinds – Typically more cost-effective, especially for large projects or rental homes. A simple roller blind can be a stylish yet budget-friendly choice.
• Curtains – A bigger investment, particularly if you’re opting for premium fabrics, linings, and motorisation. However, they add significant value and luxury to a home.

At MODN Living, we help clients balance practicality with style—often recommending a mix to get the best of both worlds.

Local Touch: What Taranaki Homeowners Prefer

In New Plymouth and across Taranaki, we see a growing trend of combining blinds and curtains. For example:

• New builds – Roller blinds for everyday practicality, paired with sheers for living areas.
• Family homes – Blackout blinds in kids’ bedrooms, layered with curtains for softness.
• Renovations – Homeowners upgrading to motorised blinds for convenience while keeping feature curtains in living spaces for added style.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose blinds if you want:
  ✔ A modern, minimalist look
  ✔ Easy cleaning and low maintenance
  ✔ Cost-effective and practical solutions
  ✔ Motorisation and smart-home integration
• Choose curtains if you want:
  ✔ Luxury, elegance, and texture
  ✔ Superior insulation and sound absorption
  ✔ Floor-to-ceiling drama in open spaces
  ✔ A softer, cosier atmosphere
• Choose both if you want the best of both worlds—style and function combined.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your lifestyle, design goals, and budget. Many homeowners across Taranaki opt for a combination: blinds for practicality and curtains for style.

At MODN Living, we don’t just supply blinds and curtains—we help you design window furnishings that transform your space. With over 220 five-star Google reviews, a dedicated local team, and expert installers with 20+ years of experience, we’re proud to be Taranaki’s favourite window furnishing experts.

📍 Visit our New Plymouth showroom at 58 Devon Street East to see and feel the difference for yourself.
📞 Or book a free in-home consultation and let us bring samples straight to your windows.

Your windows, our expertise.