The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Blinds and Curtains for Kids

When it comes to decorating your child's room, choosing the right blinds or curtains is crucial. They do more than just add to the aesthetics; they play a significant role in creating a safe and comfortable environment for your little one. Here, we’ll explore the top considerations: noise reduction, cleanliness, lighting control, child safety, and fun designs.

Noise Reduction

Ensuring a quiet environment for children, especially babies, is vital for a good night's sleep for the entire family. Children need more sleep than adults, with newborns requiring up to 16 hours a day, including 8 hours during daylight. Creating a disturbance-free sleep helps promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that naturally regulates while sleeping.

When choosing the best window dressing for noise reduction, a few factors come into play: fabric type, thickness, and the type of dressing. Let's explore each:

Dense fabrics like velvet, suede, and wool are excellent for absorbing noise and providing insulation. Their tightly woven fibres and heavy weight make them particularly effective at dampening sound.

The density of a curtain or blind is crucial in reducing noise. While the main fabric plays a significant role, adding different linings can increase the density. These linings not only help to warm up a room and block out light but also prevent sound waves from penetrating, creating a quieter environment.

Although curtains are generally more effective at blocking out noise due to their full coverage of windows, you can still achieve a quiet space with blinds. Fabric blinds with bonded linings, made of polyester wadding can be effective in reducing noise levels. Alternatively, you could go all out by pairing blinds and curtains. This combination not only reduces noise but also creates a visually appealing and harmonious decor.

Cleanliness

Children, though beloved, are often known for their messiness. When selecting blinds and curtains, this is an important factor to consider. Blinds generally offer a more practical option due to their ease of maintenance. Roller blinds, for example, are available in waterproof fabrics that are straightforward to wipe clean. Venetian blinds, made from metal or wood, are also relatively waterproof and easy to clean. These materials help ensure that your window treatments remain in good condition despite the occasional spill or mess.

Curtains can still be a viable option with a few smart choices. Opt for fabrics that are treated to be stain-resistant or select materials that are more durable rather than delicate. To prolong their life, consider placing curtains in low-traffic areas or ensuring they hang just below the sill to avoid contact with potential messes. With these considerations, you can enjoy the aesthetic benefits of curtains without sacrificing practicality.

Lighting Control

Sleeping in darkness, although sometimes a bit eerie, is crucial for quality rest. Since children need more sleep than adults, minimising light exposure is essential to ensure they get the restorative rest they require. Blinds and curtains, with their various levels of opacity, installation methods, fabrics, and linings, can help create a dark and secure environment.

All types of blinds can effectively block out light to varying degrees, but each has its considerations. For instance, a blackout roller blind is a straightforward and cost-effective choice for creating a dark space; however, its design might leave gaps around the edges where light can seep in. This feature could be beneficial for children who prefer a small amount of light but less ideal for those highly sensitive to it. If complete blackout is what you are after a product similar to blind screen may be the way forward. Alternatively, a Roman blind lined with a blackout lining, can offer a more complete blackout but usually comes at a higher cost.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right blind for your needs. Curtains are an effective way to block out light and come in various opacities, with options that can be quite cost-effective depending on the fabric and manufacturing. The wide range of fabrics and linings available provides numerous choices for achieving the desired level of darkness. For the best blackout effect, select curtains that are longer and wider than the window to ensure better light coverage. Additionally, installing the curtain pole or track closer to the wall will help minimise light gaps and enhance the curtains' ability to block out light.

Child Safety

Child safety is always going to be the most important factor to think about when choosing window dressings. Ensure that the window treatments with cords or chains are BS EN 13120 compliant as this could pose a potential strangulation risk. For peace of mind the option of motorised blinds may be worth consideration. With the blinds being powered by a remote or switch this takes away the need for any cords. Curtains poles and tracks can also be motorised to remove cord and provide convenience, especially if automated when you are away from home.

When choosing curtains, it's crucial to ensure they are securely installed to prevent them from falling if a child pulls on them or during active play. For safety, it's best to have them installed by a professional. Additionally, consider the weight of the fabric when ordering curtains and choose a sturdy pole that can support the weight and is appropriate for the type of wall it will be mounted on.

Design

One of my earliest childhood memories is from my Winnie the Pooh-themed bedroom. Selecting the perfect design for your child's curtains or blinds can be a fun experience, blending creativity with practical considerations. It’s a chance to transform their room into a special, personalised space that reflects their personality and interests. Adding colours, prints, and textures to your child’s room can create a stimulating environment and become a cherished memory. If you’re interested in incorporating beloved characters, the Sanderson Disney Home range is an excellent choice!

Or maybe if you are looking for something a bit more whimsical Clarke & Clarkes Secret Garden range may be the one for you. No matter your taste, visit our showroom to explore a variety of options and discover the perfect design for your child's room.

Conclusion

Choosing the right blinds or curtains for your child's room involves balancing functionality with creativity. From ensuring noise reduction and ease of cleaning to controlling lighting and maintaining child safety, each factor plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable and secure environment. With so many options available, you can transform your child's space into a vibrant and personalised haven that meets both practical needs and aesthetic preferences. Whether you opt for blackout blinds, durable fabrics or whimsical designs, the right window treatments can enhance your child's room and contribute to their well-being. For personalised advice and to explore a wide range of options, call or visit our showroom and let us help you find the perfect solution for your child’s room.