Blackout x curtains: what are the differences, the models and how to choose

The architect Patricia Penna solves any doubts about curtains and shutters, pieces that guarantee environmental comfort and aesthetics

Indispensable for the most diverse types of environments and projects, the blinds and curtains must first be defined in terms of technical request of the place where they will be installed. Naturally, the aesthetic question must also be linked to definitions.

They serve a lot ensure the privacy of the resident within your residence, as well as in corporate environments, for example, when installed within a glass wall, in meeting rooms.

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They are also vital to the filtering of sunlight, in all environments where this incidence is excessive and can cause damage to equipment, coverings and furnishings. There is, therefore, a great variety of types, functions and applications of curtains and blinds, with the most diverse technical, material and aesthetic characteristics.

Thinking about this variety and its innumerable application possibilities in projects, the architect Patricia Penna, of the Patricia Penna Architecture and Design studio, has prepared a dossier to guide the choice based on the characteristics of the furnishings and the environment. Follow:

Curtains and blinds: differences

technically, shutters are only models composed of blades, tiltablethrough which we manage to touch the surface covered by the part – be it a window, a section of wall, etc.

The pieces that do not allow this possibility, i.e. that completely prevent touching the surface they cover, are called curtains.

However, it is defined by treating as a “blind” any piece that does not look like a conventional curtain and is imbued with some technological aspect.

“Shutters are very versatile, from the types of materials that can be produced, such as wood, metal, technological fabric, among others, to the application they will have,” he explains.

Tent or tent: which model to choose?

The choice must be made on the basis of the needs and activities carried out in each environment. Another aspect to consider is the investment value.

According to the architect, roller shutter models with more elaborate mechanisms will have a higher cost compared to the simpler options.

fabric curtains they also have a very varied price, depending on the type of fabric, the type of fold and other aspects.

“In general terms, from a practical and technical point of view; TV rooms and rooms need more privacy and protection from sunlight,” he says. “Blackout,” therefore, becomes imperative.

Living rooms, dining rooms and balconies don’t require massive light blocking, but like any other environment they do require one good filtering of UV rays, so as to maintain the integrity of the joinery, furniture, carpets, artwork and even the floor (depending on the type). This filtering also helps greatly in the minimization of the internal temperature – good news for your electric bill!

UV filtering can be done in two ways:

• with the application of a special film applied directly to the glass,
• through the curtains with fabrics that have been proven to have this function. “Not all curtains are the same, no matter how much they look and feel. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton, or blends, don’t filter UV rays, they only control the brightness within the room.”, explains Patricia .

types of curtains

Roll

OR roller model is the simplest and consists of a screen (with or without UV protection) which can be retracted or lowered when sun protection is required. Your cost is bestamong the models of awnings with a UV filtering function.

cellular curtains

The models of cellular curtainsin addition to providing it to filter brightness and UV, guarantee improvement of room acoustics. There are even models that allow for two colors of fabric: one outside and one inside.

fabric curtains

To the fabric curtains they can be applied to spaces in a conventional way or as a complement to technical patterns, as if they were shawls, added over another piece.

” Combine curtains with blinds it allows us to play with different colors and textures”, suggests the architect. Alone, they can be applied in cavities with less need for protection and filtering, such as windows or doors with shutters and with less insolation.

How not to make mistakes in the measurements?

Curtains or blinds can be fitted over the windows – under the lining – or within blinds run into the lining itself, creating a cleaner, more contemporary look, as the boxes and rails are hidden.

In order not to make a mistake in the measurements, the architect invariably explains this an extra margin of 10 cm must be considered, on each side of the awning, on each side of the cavity in which they will be installed. Up; can be fixed between 15 and 20 cm above the crack. On windows, the shutters can go all the way to the floor, or they can even go up to about 15 cm below the span.

Is there a right awning for every type of environment?

Curtains and shutters must inevitably ‘dialogue’ with the aesthetic proposal of the environment in which they will be installed and, obviously, respond to the needs of the place. That said, the practitioner must research the best outcome for the “equation”: function, aesthetics and cost.

Environments that have little or no sunlight can have fabric curtains, as the filtering function is superfluous and the feeling of “dressing” the windows is always very welcome!

As for practicality and cleanliness; fabric curtains need to be washed regularly, because the dust suspended in the air gradually begins to impregnate the fabric. But pay attention to the type of washingas natural fabrics such as linen and cotton tend to shrink in the wash, leaving the curtain shorter.

Good quality curtains are made from fabrics with antistatic treatmentwhich prevents dust from settling on the fabric. Cellular curtains can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and dusteras well as the roller shutters. Their cleaning, after a few years of use, or any accident, can also be done in a professional way.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.