For home owners and renovators, window coverings are a functional part of how each room performs, not just a finishing touch. They need to handle regular use, direct sunlight and moisture in certain areas while still looking appropriate over time. If they’re hard to clean, prone to damage or poorly suited to the space, they can create unnecessary upkeep.
That’s why, during the build or renovation phase, it’s worth looking beyond appearance. With a wide range of curtains and blinds designed for regular use, there are durable options that offer both style and reliable performance.
Here’s how to pick window coverings that suit each room and support long-term use in a new build or renovation.
Install window coverings that suit your lifestyle
Window coverings shape your interior, but they also affect how practical your space feels day to day. Before choosing a style, consider how often you’ll open and close them and how you plan to clean them. If a fabric requires dry cleaning or a blind mechanism feels stiff, flimsy or awkward to reach, it may not suit regular use at home.
Start by focusing on function. Choose simple, well-constructed designs that open and close smoothly and don’t rely on complicated hardware. If you plan to repaint or update flooring in the future, select neutral finishes that will still work if you change wall colours or flooring later.
Match window coverings to each room’s use
Fit the window covering to the room’s purpose. In bedrooms, blockout curtains or blinds help reduce external light, which is useful in bright rooms or homes facing the street. Sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds in living areas allow natural light in while maintaining daytime privacy.
Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries require more durable materials and fabrics that can absorb steam and cooking odours over time, particularly in enclosed spaces. Blinds made from PVC, aluminium or faux wood are often better suited to these areas. They can be wiped clean and tolerate humidity more effectively than most fabric options.
Pick fabrics that work with your cleaning routine
Before selecting a fabric, check the care label and think about where it will be used. Curtains that require dry cleaning or delicate handling may not suit rooms where you cook or shower frequently.
Instead, consider machine-washable fabrics or wipe-clean blinds. Synthetic sheers are typically easier to maintain than heavier natural fibres. In rooms such as living areas, hallways or kitchens, choose materials that won’t easily mark or crease.
Choose the right window coverings for your project
When the right window coverings are in place, your new home or renovated space requires fewer adjustments after installation. It’s one less element to revisit after handover and helps make sure each room functions the way you intended.
For window coverings that suit different rooms and are both durable and practical, you’ll find a wide range of options suited to new builds and renovation projects at Spotlight, Australia’s go-to store for curtains and blinds. Getting the fit and material right during your build or renovation can reduce ongoing maintenance and avoid having to adjust fittings later.
