Just got the keys to your new BTO, resale or condo? Congrats! Now comes the fun part: furnishing your home. One of the big questions you might be pondering is whether to go for curtains or blinds.

There are many factors to consider, like aesthetics, light control, privacy, cost, and of course, maintenance. Today, we’re zooming in on the maintenance aspect because, let’s face it, who has time for complicated cleaning routines in our busy Singaporean lives?

So, let’s dive in and see which option is the real MVP when it comes to easy maintenance!

Curtains

Ahh, the charm of curtains. They come in all sorts of types and materials, from thick blackout curtains to silky soft ones, and with hooks, rings, or loops.

As we mentioned in our previous article, if your curtains are made of durable materials like linen, you can just toss them into the washing machine. But, it’s not always that simple, especially for those with hooks and rings.

1. Curtain Hanging Styles

Curtains can be hung in various styles to suit your aesthetic preferences. However, the choice of hanging style can affect the ease of maintenance of your curtains.

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‍(a) With Rings

Time saving: 2/5

Ease of cleaning: 3/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): From $8.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): From $8.90/KG

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(b) With Hooks

Time saving: 1/5

Ease of cleaning: 3/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): From $8.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): From $8.90/KG

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(c) With Loops (BEST)

Time saving: 4/5

Ease of cleaning: 5/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): From $8.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): From $8.90/KG

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2. Curtain Materials

Different curtain materials require different levels of care. Here’s a quick guide to some common materials and their maintenance needs:

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(a) Cotton Curtains

Durability: 4/5

Ease of Cleaning: 4/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): From $8.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): From $8.90/KG

Recommended Service: Wash & Steam

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(b) Silk/Velvet Curtains

Durability: 3/5

Ease of Cleaning: 2/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): From $9.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): From $9.90/KG

Recommended Service: Dry Clean & Steam

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(c) Linen Curtains

Durability: 4/5

Ease of Cleaning: 3/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): From $8.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): From $8.90/KG

Recommended Service: Any

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(d) Polyester Curtains (BEST)

Durability: 5/5

Ease of Cleaning: 5/5

Cost of cleaning (day curtains): $8.90/PC

Cost of cleaning (night curtains): $8.90/KG

Recommended Service: Any

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Blinds

Blinds are another popular choice to cover your windows. They come in various styles, such as Venetian, roller, and vertical blinds. Here’s a quick look at their maintenance:

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(a) Venetian Blinds

Time saving: 3/5

Ease of cleaning: 3/5

Cost of cleaning: $30.00/PC

Recommended Service: On-site blinds cleaning

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(b) Vertical Blinds

Time saving: 3/5

Ease of cleaning: 3/5

Cost of cleaning: $30.00/PC

Recommended Service: On-site blinds cleaning

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(c) Roller Blinds (BEST)

Time saving: 4/5

Ease of cleaning: 4/5

Cost of cleaning: $30.00/PC

Recommended Service: On-site blinds cleaning

Additional Considerations

Durability

Curtains made from high-quality materials like linen or heavy cotton can last for years with proper care. Blinds, especially those made from aluminum or PVC, are also durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.

Aesthetics

Curtains offer a softer, more traditional look and can add a touch of elegance to any room. Blinds, on the other hand, provide a sleek, modern appearance and are great for minimalist interiors.

Light Control

Blackout curtains are excellent for blocking out light completely, making them ideal for bedrooms. Blinds offer adjustable light control, allowing you to tilt the slats to let in just the right amount of light.

Privacy

Both curtains and blinds provide good privacy. However, blinds offer more flexibility as you can adjust the slats to see out without being seen.

Conclusion

When it comes to ease of maintenance and cleaning, both curtains and blinds have their pros and cons. 

Curtains offer a wide range of materials and styles, but they can be more challenging to clean, especially those with hooks and rings. Blinds, on the other hand, are generally easier to maintain, particularly roller blinds, which score high on both time-saving and ease of cleaning.

Ultimately, the choice between curtains and blinds will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you prefer a softer, more traditional look and don’t mind a bit of extra effort in cleaning, curtains might be the way to go. However, if you value simplicity and ease of maintenance, blinds could be your best bet.

Whichever you choose, both options can enhance the beauty and functionality of your living space. Happy decorating!

If you're keen on engaging Washlab's professional curtain cleaning services, click here to start today!