Are curtains or blinds best for kids bedrooms?
- Natasha Dale
- Consultant
In short
For a child's bedroom, curtains tend to win on warmth, noise and personality, while blinds are easier to clean and can be the safer, lower-fuss choice. The best answer is often a combination — and the right mix depends on light control, allergies and how long you need the look to last. Your local Russells consultant can help you find the balance that suits your family.
Curtains are great for blocking out light, dampening noise and expressing your child’s personality. But blinds have their own strengths when it comes to health and safety and cleaning. Here’s what you need to consider in choosing curtains and/or blinds for kids’ rooms:
Table of contents
Which is better for reducing noise?
It’s not possible to cut out noise completely, but curtains are best for reducing it because they absorb the vibrations. The thicker the better and the more layers so ensure you get them lined. Honeycomb blinds are known to help dampen sound, and a well-lined roman blind may also help.
Which blocks light better for sleep?
Any parent will tell you kids need darkness to go to bed. During daylight savings hours, heading into spring and summer, this can be a challenge.
Again, curtains edge out blinds, but only just. For best results opt for block-out lining and choose darker colours in medium to heavy fabrics, hanging the curtain wide and high over the window and down to the floor.
A roman blind, blockout roller blind (mounted outside the frame) or a blockout honeycomb blind will also work well.
What lets kids show their personality?
Curtains or roman blinds win this category. Kids tend to enjoy bright colours and bold patterns or they might want a fabric featuring a favourite character from a book, TV show or movie. Because curtains and roman blinds are made of fabric the options for colours and patterns for your child to express themselves is almost limitless.
Something to consider however is the age your child is and how well the style choices will date, especially if they’re in a transitionary age range (eg. 12 going into teens); you may want to opt for something more neutral so it lasts them 5+ years. In these cases, all types of blind would be suitable.
Which is easier to clean and maintain?
Blinds (roller, venetian and shutters) are the easiest options to clean. They are low maintenance, whereas anything fabric needs to be washed or eve drycleaned. A polyester curtain would be suitable as they can be easily laundered at home but be wary of some natural fibres that are too delicate and require professional cleaning so avoid these.
What about privacy?
If this is a concern for you, some kind of combo is needed:
Double curtain tracks with sheers and a blockout curtain
Dual roller blinds
Dual honeycomb blinds
Suncreen roller with blockout curtains
Blockout roller blind with sheer curtains
What should I know about health and safety?
Both curtains and blinds have pros and cons here.
Blind cords are hazardous but you can use a tensioner or choose cordless operation.
Blinds or lightweight curtains are better for kids who suffer allergies. Thicker fabrics are better at collecting dust, pollen and dust mites.
Shorter curtains are recommended over floor length for younger children so they can’t grab hold and pull or wrap themselves up in them; also re. the above, they don’t collect as much dust.
Ready to find the right curtains and blinds for your home? Request a free in-home consultation and one of our local consultants will bring the samples to you, measure up, and give you a no-obligation quote.
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Guides
Choosing the right blinds for your home
Not sure which blinds will suit your home? From blind types and key features to room-by-room advice, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
Are curtains or blinds safer for a child's room?
Blinds can be the safer choice when you avoid looped cords — choose cordless operation or fit a cord tensioner. Shorter curtains are also recommended over floor-length ones for younger children, so they can't grab or wrap themselves in the fabric.
What is best for blocking out light so my child sleeps?
Block-out lined curtains in darker, medium-to-heavy fabrics, hung wide and high and down to the floor, give the best result. A roman blind, a blockout roller mounted outside the frame, or a blockout honeycomb blind all work well too.
Are curtains or blinds better for a child with allergies?
Blinds or lightweight curtains tend to suit allergy-prone children better, as thicker fabrics collect more dust, pollen and dust mites. Roller blinds, venetians and shutters are also the easiest to wipe clean.
Can I have both curtains and blinds in a child's bedroom?
Yes, and it is often the best of both worlds. Combinations like a blockout roller with sheer curtains, or double tracks with sheers and a blockout curtain, give you light control, privacy and personality together. Your Russells consultant can help you choose a pairing that suits the room.
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