Curtains and blinds are a defining feature of any room and if you choose the wrong ones; they won’t go unnoticed. However, with so many different styles and designs it’s often difficult knowing where to begin. Each has a unique list of pros and cons and care should be taken to make sure that you know what you’re letting yourself in for:

Venetian blinds: Venetian blinds have come a long way from their medieval roots in the Far East. Today’s blinds come in such a variety of styles that they are as happy in the office (white) as they are in the bathroom (painted wood) or the kitchen (brushed aluminum). On the downside they are a headache to clean and prone to getting tangled easily.

Roman blinds: Ok, so your front room is unlikely to share the same dimensions as the Coliseum, but that shouldn’t stop you investing in a set of Roman blinds. Lord Byron once commented that “When falls the Coliseum, Rome shall fall; And when Rome falls - the world.” Unfortunately the same can’t be said of Roman blinds, which have a reputation for becoming easily snagged and permanently hanging at a lopsided angle.

Roller blinds: Roller blinds need no introduction. They’re the quintessential blind defining the template from which all others are moulded. Advantages: they’re cheap, Disadvantages: they look it.

Pleats galore: Pencil pleated curtains are the quintessential accessory for the English country home. Much of their popularity is no doubt down to the fact that they contain acres of material and they do create an undeniably cosy ambience. On the other hand they are slightly dated.

Voiles: Voiles encompass all forms of translucent material and are consequently popular with nosy neighbors across the globe. They run the gamut from sophisticated muslins and silks to cheap synthetic ‘nets’. If used well voiles can add an unmistakable touch of class; used badly and your window soon resembles a cheap wedding dress.

Hookless curtains: Tab tops, eyelets and Velcro are all sounding the death-knell for the humble curtain hook. Next in the firing line is the curtain rail (replaced by cord or wire) if today’s style-watchers are to be believed.

Maintenance

There is no doubt about it, cleaning blinds and shades can be a messy and tiresome business. How much work you have to put in largely depends on what type of blind or shade you’re dealing with. It might just be a case of a quick wipe with a damp cloth, on the other hand you may find yourself dismantling and soaking a particularly tricky design. The following tips should get things moving in the right direction:

Wood blinds

The most important thing to remember when cleaning real wood blinds is to avoid using water. Natural wood has a high water content and any additional moisture may cause the blind to warp or the slats to become discolored. Instead use a soft dry cloth. You may be able to use a non-wax furniture polish, but it’s worth checking with the manufacturer first.

Faux wood

Faux wood binds made from materials that are much more hardwearing than their organic cousins. Hence, cleaning them is considerably easier. Faux wood blinds can be wiped down with a damp cloth and if they are really dirty you can add a little mild detergent.

Fabric shades

Many fabric blinds and shades are now made from anti-static materials, which mean that they require little cleaning. However, if you want to cheer them up; use a vacuum cleaner then give them a brisk dust. If they are soiled in parts you can use a damp sponge, but be careful to use too much water or the fabric may ‘pill’.

Aluminum blinds

Aluminum blinds can be cleaned in place or taken down and cleaned. Use a feather duster, cloth or vacuum cleaner brush. The coating on the slats is very smooth so the dust is easily removed. The quickest and most efficient way to clean the blinds is tilt them fully one way and wipe over, then reverse this. Warm water and a mild detergent can be used as long as it doesn’t contain abrasives.

Points to remember:

Never machine wash or tumble dry any type of blind as they will rapidly loose their shape.

After cleaning, wiping your blind with a fabric softener sheet will help prevent dust build up and will make cleaning easier next time.

Your vacuum cleaner is your best friend. It is remarkable what a difference a quick once over can make.

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