7 Things NOT to do when choosing Window Coverings

Whether you are furnishing a new home, moving into a previously owned home, or just sprucing up a room in your own home, there are many considerations to make regarding your choice of window coverings.

Curtains and blinds are useful – they block out light, filter sun, protect your privacy, increase insulation and more – however they are also an essential style element in the décor of a room.

Choosing the right window covering can be challenging. There is such a wide variety of types, styles and colours.

To help you with your selection, we've compiled as list of the top 7 things NOT to do when you are choosing curtains or blinds for your home.

1. Don't let someone else choose for you Window coverings are a personal choice. They should suit the décor and the colour scheme of the room and provide the right functionality for your needs. You can get advice and suggestions, even from professionals, but the final choice should be yours. In the end, your choice will reflect your personal style.	2. Don't choose based only on what you see You should always "try before you buy". If you are ordering online, that means order a sample before you make a commitment to a purchase. If you are in a store, take a sample home with you before you decide to buy. Try the sample out in your own home; check it out in natural light and see how it looks with your home lighting.
3. Don't force a match If you have a purple striped sofa, it doesn't mean you should have purple striped curtains. If you have red accents, it doesn't mean your blinds should be red. Window coverings should be selected to complement existing colour schemes, but not necessarily to match.	4. Don't Paint First Window coverings come in a huge variety of colours, however paint comes in even more. If you have the option, it's wise to choose your window furnishings, fabrics, carpets and upholstery first.
5. Don't go with 'blah' if you love bold White blinds and neutral tones of curtains are favourites of home owners and professional decorators alike. They are usually unobtrusive and fit into any colour scheme. Yet, if you love green, why not try out green curtains or blinds? You can make your window coverings the focal point of your room by choosing bold colours that suit your style.	6. Don't keep what's there if you don't like it Just because you move into a home with white blinds doesn't mean you need to keep white blinds. Just because you've always had floor length striped curtains doesn't mean you need to keep them. Your window coverings are a personal choice, and they are a home furnishing that makes sense to change and update over the years.
7. Don't settle for poor quality Even the most expensive window coverings are usually economical. If you choose bottom-of-the-line, poor quality window furnishings, chances are they will wear out or break sooner than if you invested a little bit more and bought quality curtains or blinds. The long term savings of window coverings that last will far outweigh the short term savings of poor quality ones.

Blinds Warehouse has the most extensive range of window coverings online in Australia. They also provide DIY hints, tips, videos and a large library of decorating articles.