Drapes Verses Blinds Or Both

Open window in living room for wonderful view of the trees.

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A lot of people told me when I was decorating don't put any drapes back up, just use blinds.  But I feel fabric softens a window.  So for a compromise I used Blinds for the family room to block the glare on the TV but did not use blinds in our living room so we could look out and enjoy the beautiful trees.

I used the same drapes my mom had made from years before in our family room.  It's nice to be able to close the blinds for privacy.  My mom made the drapes with one long piece so it was easy to drape over the fluer de li sconces giving it a French Flair.  It also reminds me of our sons Boyscout days.

I'm not sure if it is a regional thing about using blinds.  The Texas Heat perhaps requires a little more protection,  I'm curious to see how others feel about it.  It seems like heavy drapes got a bad rap in recent years so it was easier not to use anything.

Sheers are nice for privacy too.  I pull them with a magic wand.