Looking for a change in the home or wanting to jazz up a room? An easy way to update your home’s interior without spending an excessive amount of money or time is to replace existing or install new curtain and blinds on your windows.

Reap further benefits by shading your windows as they help regulate the temperature in your home, which according to the NSW government can save you around $55 on your power bills each year ⁱ. To help you find blinds and curtains that best suit your home, we've come up with a simple guide that will enhance your next purchasing experience.

Save energy, save money

Windows in the home have a significant impact on the internal temperature of the house ⁱⁱ. An uncovered pane of glass in the summer months can bring in unwanted heat and work against your own indoor cooling system. Similarly, in the winter months open windows can allow warm air in the house to escape.

• To help keep your home’s temperature down during warmer months, shade your windows from sunrise to sunset and keep them open at night. Another option that allows for a more effective temperature regulation is to install external blinds and awnings on the north east and west facing windows. By doing so, the installments will help block out the heat during the day and let the cool air in at night.
• If keeping your home insulated during colder months is a concern, close your curtains, blinds and shutters during colder days and at night. Make the most of sunny days by opening curtains to let in the sunlight, which will help warm indoor temperatures and minimise the need for heating ⁱⁱⁱ.

Types of Blinds or Curtain

Blinds and curtains can make a big different to a room's ambience. Not only can they make a difference to your room's brightness at different times of the day, the fabric and colour of a window dressing can give character to a room. Keep in mind the visual and functional advantages of blinds or curtain when you are making a purchasing decision for your home or room.

• Curtains are made of fabric that is loosely suspended from the top of windows; they are pulled together in the center to close. Curtains can vary in size, colour, fabric, thickness and pattern. Thinner mesh curtains are designed for light distortion and privacy while thicker fabric curtains on their own can be used for blocking out light and providing effective insulation from heat and cold conditions ^iv.
• Venetian blinds are made of horizontal slats, which sit on top of one another. They can be made from metal, plastic, and wood (which are commonly called wooden blinds). The effectiveness of Venetian blinds depends on the degree at which the slats are left open – horizontal slats can rotate up to 180 degrees in unison. This allows for effective control over airflow and light into the house ^v.
• Roller Blinds work by coiling up the fabric so that it sits at the top of the window when light is to be let in and rolled down when light is to be blocked out. Also known as Holland blinds, they are popular for their effectiveness in blocking out light: by adjusting the blinds at different heights on the window, you can easily control how much or how little light you let through. Roller blinds are an easy way of dressing up windows as they come in an array of colours and fabrics.
• Awnings are placed on the outside of the building and provide shade for your windows. This effectively prevents sunrays from coming through your windows and acts as an efficient cooling method – helping you reduce your air-conditioning costs. Not only are they low maintenance, awnings can also help add style and colour to the exterior your home.

Visit our online store to purchase our range of curtains and blinds from the comfort of your home or come down to our BigW store for a viewing today.