Login
Light can make or break a space — not just in how it looks, but in how it feels and functions. Whether it’s controlling brightness, maintaining privacy, adding drama, softening the atmosphere, or improving energy efficiency, blinds and curtains do so much more than just look good. They play a key role in setting the mood and ambiance of a room. We’ve all walked into a space and felt that it is too bright and sterile, or too dark and uncomfortable, versus those that were perfectly warm, cozy, and inviting. So how do you get it right?!
We recently had a chat with Evan Montero of DIY Blinds and Home Pro on the podcast and he shared some great insights into what you should think about when planning your window furnishings. From budgeting and lighting to sustainability and automation, below are some of the key tips we took away that can help you to make the right choices for the best outcome!
Why You Should Get a Window Furnishings Expert Involved Early
Many people think of blinds and curtains as the final touch to a home, and often, there is not much budget left at the end of a build, but as Evan explains, getting a window furnishing consultant involved early in your build or renovation can save you later on. “Engaging a consultant early in the design process can save you time, money, and avoid a lot of headaches,” he says. Window furnishings aren’t just about aesthetics – they can impact things like lighting, privacy, and even how well your home is insulated.
The best time to bring in a consultant is during the early stages of your project, while you’re still finalising floor plans and structural elements. If you wait too long, you might find yourself limited by what will work with your space. For example, certain blinds and curtains might require extra ceiling or wall space for tracks or motorised systems, and that’s something much easier to plan for before the plaster goes up. “The options start to get limited unless you actually engage with a consultant a lot earlier,” Evan points out.
Budgeting for Blinds and Curtains
When it comes to window furnishings, one of the big questions is always about budget. How much should you spend? Evan recommends setting aside about 2-5% of your total build cost for blinds and curtains, depending on the size of your home and the types of materials you’re after. “It’s all about balancing your budget with your priorities,” he says.
Fabrics make up a significant chunk of the cost—sometimes as much as 60-70%. Fabric costs can range widely, from as little as $12 per meter to hundreds of dollars per meter for high-end, custom fabrics. “You could be using a $300-$400 per linear meter fabric, or you could be using a $12 per meter fabric,” says Evan. But even if you’re working with a tighter budget, there are still plenty of affordable, beautiful options available.
And don’t forget to include installation costs in your budget if you’re not planning to do it yourself. Home Pro, the sister brand of DIY Blinds, can take care of both consultation and installation if you prefer a hands-off approach.
Practical Tips to Steer Clear of Common Hurdles
Choosing window furnishings isn’t just about picking out pretty fabrics. You’ll want to think about how your blinds or curtains work with the lighting in your space. “Lighting plays a huge role in how your window furnishings look and function,” Evan explains. For example, if you have wall sconces or light fixtures near your windows, you’ll need to make sure everything is properly aligned. “If you’re going to have curtains go a little bit wider than your window, you want to make sure the wall sconces are symmetrical or balanced or centered.”
Another thing to keep in mind is how much space curtains will take up when they’re pulled back. Curtains usually need about 30% of their total width for stacking when open. “If your curtain is 10 meters wide, it’s going to take about 3 meters of wall space when stacked,” Evan explains. If you don’t plan for this, your curtains might end up blocking part of the window, even when they’re drawn back. For larger windows or sliding doors, you might want to consider recessed tracks or joinery that allows the curtains to be fully tucked away when open.
So, What’s “In” – Trends to Keep an Eye on
Evan shared that more and more homeowners are opting for elegant, full-length curtains that mimic the look and feel of high-end hotel rooms.
This hotel-style curtain look is typically a built-in pelmet cavity in the ceiling and wall that hides the curtain track, so the curtains look like they’re just flowing from the ceiling, as well as layered fabrics and motorised options. “They’re the most popular thing going around at the moment, usually done in five-star hotels,” said Evan and agrees they look “sensational”.
While luxe, hotel-style curtains are gaining traction in residential homes, Evan believes that roller blinds will also have a comeback. “I think roller blinds will come back in a big way,” Evan shares, pointing out that the simplicity and sleek design of roller blinds can offer a modern, streamlined look that many homeowners still crave. As homes become more minimalist, the clean lines of roller blinds fit perfectly into that aesthetic, while also providing practical benefits like light control and privacy.
This balance between the opulent feel of curtains and the functional simplicity of roller blinds is creating exciting possibilities for mixing both trends in home design.
Sustainability in Window Furnishings: A Growing Trend
As more people become eco-conscious, sustainability is starting to play a big role in home design, including window furnishings. Evan has been excited about the rise of recycled fabrics in blinds and curtains. “Recycled fabric is something that’s being cried out for in the market,” he says. But earlier fabric solutions actually felt quite plastic-y! These days, you can find fabrics like Kumo by James Dunlop, which are made from recycled plastic bottles but still have the look and feel of high-quality linen. “Depending on the size of your curtain, I can tell you exactly how many plastic bottles have gone into that curtain,” he adds, and you can feel good knowing that your curtains are both stylish and environmentally friendly.
Beyond the materials themselves, window furnishings can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Blinds and curtains are great for keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter, which means you’re not relying so much on air conditioning or heating. Evan mentions that motorised blinds are particularly useful for this, as they can be programmed to close automatically during the hottest part of the day, helping to keep your home cool. “If there’s a forecast for a heatwave, your blinds will go down before it actually gets hot,” Evan explains.
The Future of Smart Blinds
Speaking of motorised blinds, home automation is becoming a popular feature in modern homes, and window furnishings are no exception. Automated blinds are perfect for double-story homes where reaching blinds can be tricky, or for anyone who loves the idea of a smart home. Imagine setting your alarm on your phone, and when it goes off in the morning, your blinds automatically open to let in the daylight. “It’ll keep the heat out in summer and the heat in during winter, and it’ll happen in the background,” says Evan.
And the best part? Motorised blinds are becoming more affordable. DIY Blinds is developing a new, smart motor option that will cut the price by nearly half, making this technology much more accessible for everyday homeowners.
The Final Curtain Call
Ultimately, every home, room and family is different, so working with a consultant is a sure way to ensure you nail the furnishings for your home or project. So next time you’re planning a build or renovation, whether you’re working with a large budget or something more modest, don’t leave window furnishings as an afterthought—get ahead of the game, engage a consultant early, and watch your home come together beautifully!
You might be wondering, what is the difference between DIY Blinds and Home Pro? DIY Blinds offers a hands-on approach where you can select and order blinds, curtains, and shutters online and handle the installation themselves, making it a budget-friendly option for those comfortable with a bit of DIY. Home Pro, on the other hand, provides a full-service experience, including in-home consultations, professional installation, and expert guidance, ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined and hassle-free process.
So if you’re a DIY lover, you can jump straight into it on DIY Blinds. Or if you’d love to work with a consultant to guide you through the process and discuss customisations, get in touch with Home Pro. BuildHer Collective members can head to the Little Black book to access their exclusive member discount!
Stay tuned for the podcast episode to be released in the next couple of weeks where Evan shares so many more gems and hacks.
