Are blinds really a frugal shopping choice?

Home of Extravaganza Design on Homevaganza: Home of Extravaganza Design

In these dark economic times, it would seem that every penny saved is a penny earned. As the cost of living increases, many people have taken the decision to save wherever possible, which invariably means that fewer people are spending cash on seemingly unnecessary goods and services. Homeowners, however, ought to temper their desire to save – at least in regard to making certain purchases for the home. Blinds, for instance, may be regarded as inessential when purchased as substitutes for curtains, but, actually, they are a far more frugal shopping choice than many homeowners might imagine.

Perhaps the most obvious reason why blinds offer more in terms of cost-effectiveness than curtains is that blinds tend to last longer. Good quality blinds are composed of strong and durable materials, such as wood, metal or plastic, so they are usually more hard-wearing than curtains, which typically comprise combinations of cotton, polyester and various other man-made fabrics. Offering greater protection against general wear and tear, blinds are less frequently replaced than curtains, making them considerably more cost-effective.

Similarly, blinds are easier to clean than curtains. Although blinds are available in various shapes, sizes and styles, there is no particular design that cannot be cleaned easily. Wooden vertical blinds, for instance, can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and dust can be removed with little effort using a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment. Fabric blinds can be taken down and cleaned with a sponge or cloth. In contrast, curtains often prove difficult to clean – vacuum cleaning is by no means straightforward and more exotic or expensive fabrics cannot be wiped clean or put through a washing machine cycle, requiring instead the services of an expensive dry cleaner.

Another reason why blinds may be considered a frugal shopping choice is that, while curtains can be ripped or torn easily, blinds – especially those comprising wood or metal – are substantially more robust. Blinds also offer a number of indirect benefits that may help to save money.

Whilst allowing plenty of light into a room, blinds serve to protect the home from prying eyes, thereby lowering the risk of a property being burgled. Additionally, the use of blinds can reduce energy bills by facilitating greater control over internal lighting; there is also evidence to suggest that blinds help to retain heat in a building, reducing the amount of warmth that escapes through windows by providing an additional layer of insulation. All in all, blinds make for sensible financial purchases in the current economic climate.

Author: This article has been written for a UK based blinds company, vertical blinds at IGD. They supply a wide range of vertical blinds, including fabric, wooden and blackout.