Buying curtains or blinds should be an exciting part of decorating your home – not a regretful one. Yet many Perth homeowners end up frustrated with choices that don’t fit, fabrics that fade, or systems that fail. Here are the most common mistakes people make when selecting window treatments in Perth, and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Incorrect Measurements & Poor Fit
One of the most frequent errors is getting measurements wrong. Choosing approximate sizes or relying on ready-made options often leads to curtains or blinds that don’t fully cover windows or look awkward.
To avoid this: measure width and drop properly, add extra width for fullness, and account for tracks or rods. Use a stiff steel tape and record measurements carefully.
Mistake 2: Choosing Fabric Based Solely on Looks
It’s tempting to pick fabric because it looks beautiful, but ignoring performance can lead to disappointment. Some home guides emphasize that fabrics ignoring light, privacy, or climate needs often fail in function.
Tips: check if it offers UV resistance, thermal lining, ease of cleaning, and durability. For Perth’s climate, heavier or lined fabrics often perform better in heat control.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Quality Hardware & Installation
Even premium blinds or curtains won’t perform well if hung poorly or with low quality hardware. To ensure longevity, make sure your hardware is strong enough to support heavier fabrics. The Curtain Fabric Care Guide by Betta Blinds emphasizes that lining and quality installation dramatically impact curtain performance over time.
Always choose brackets and rods sufficient to support the weight and ensure alignment is level and secure.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Maintenance & Cleaning Needs
Every fabric and blind type has its own care requirements. Choosing a fabric that looks great but is difficult to clean or maintain often leads to regret. Profile Fabrics provides advice on care labels and cleaning schedules that help maintain fabric performance over time.
Consider how dusty the location is (e.g. near open windows, coastal breeze) and whether you’re willing to dust, vacuum, or clean regularly.
Mistake 5: Not Accounting for Sun Orientation & Climate
One of the biggest oversights is not considering which way windows face. West and northwest windows in Perth receive intense afternoon sun, so fabrics and blinds with UV resistance and thermal properties are vital.
The Energy.gov.au “Windows” page highlights the importance of using lined curtains or blinds, pelmets, and close fitting coverings to reduce heat gain and heat loss.
Ensure your selection accounts for solar gain, glare, and UV fading. Layering blinds and curtains or using blockout fabrics can help mitigate those effects.
Mistake 6: Forgetting to Plan for Style & Cohesion
Window treatments should complement, not clash, with your home’s interior. Choosing styles solely based on trend or impulse often leads to mismatched aesthetics.
Match curtain/ blind style to existing décor, architectural style, and other finishes in the room. Create cohesion in hardware finishes and colours.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
- Always double-check your measurements before ordering
- Prioritise function over fashion – performance matters
- Select durable hardware and professional fitting
- Understand cleaning needs before finalising fabric
- Consider solar orientation and local climate in your choice
- Choose styles that complement your overall interior design
Conclusion
Window treatments are more than a decorative afterthought. The right curtains or blinds transform light, mood, and comfort – while the wrong ones frustrate and underperform. By avoiding these six common mistakes, you’ll make choices that look great, function well, and last over time.
Need expert help choosing or installing your curtains or blinds in Perth? Contact Sandys Designs today – we’ll help you make confident, well-informed decisions.
Other Relevant Article:
- Window coverings & shading info – WSAA (Window Shading Association of Australia) on energy savings at home.