Talk to me about curtains / blinds / shutters for 1960s house

[cathbath]

We're doing up our 1960s house - have recently decided on aluminium windows thanks to a previous thread :)

We haven't had them installed yet but I am planning how to dress the windows. We have just had new radiators installed under the windows so I think long curtains aren't an option from an eco perspective. I'm not sure how good short curtains would look, and I think some heat might still escape up inside them? Having had some quotes for made to measure curtains I'm amazed by how expensive they are!

We also need some kind of blinds for privacy. However we have very wide windows (over 2.3m) so I'm not sure if Venetian blinds might sag in the middle?! We are also going to have 3.2m wide sliding doors in the lounge so not sure what the options are there.

I love the idea of plantation shutters (no need for separate curtains/blinds then). However I'm not sure if they'd look right in a 1960s house? Could they work in a modern setting? And are they efficient at keeping the heat in? I really love them but am aware they are £££ and DH may not be keen...

Sorry for rambling on - the windows are my current obsession!

[DisparityCausesInstability]

Venetian blinds made to measure would be fine - I don't think they'd sag. Other option is to go for long curtains to be left open and have a roller blind for privacy. You could try panel blinds for the sliding doors.

[noddyholder]

I would have grey wooden venetians and white linen full length dress curtains It would look d=fab in a 60s house.When the blinds are open the light filters through beautifully.Otherwise I would go really minimal with stark fitted roller blinds and no extras

[cathbath]

Thanks Disparity and Noddy.

The lounge has a large window at the front and will have doors across the whole of the back. I want the windows and doors to be in keeping with each other if possible. I'm not sure about blinds for doors - would we need to drill into the frames? In fact would we need to do that for the windows too (with Venetians)?

I think long dress curtains with Venetians are definitely preferable to short curtains above the radiators... maybe I could hook the curtains up in winter if we need to use them for warmth.

Ideally I think I'd have Roman blinds, but I guess they can only be up or down.

[Pannacotta]

I'd probably go for something like this in a 60s house
www.eclectic-interiors.com/silent_gliss_panel_blinds.html

[HomeBodMumster]

Hi there
Just stumbled across your post from December as I'm having the same debate (with myself!) 1960s house, 2.5m windows, need privacy as living room also leads to rest of back of house through sliding doors!
Can I ask what you decided to do and are you happy with it please?
I'm going with a retro, mid century modern look in the room and so am clueless about whether plantation shutters could work - help!

[RedorLead]

Have been thinking about this for our 60's house and I have concluded that plantation shutters suit olders properties and the more modern types work best with roller blinds....you can get roller blinds made up to 5m but they cost a lot more.