A question we receive often from our clients is “how often should I change my window coverings?” Your window coverings do not have an expiry date and can have different uses and purposes from one home to another. So, there is no one size fits all answer to this question. While most window coverings are decorative, they are also meant to serve other purposes such as providing privacy, preventing sunlight from entering the interior of a home and some are even insulating. Curtains, drapes, shutters, blinds, and shades are some of the most common types of window coverings used in many homes across Canada.

Like other items inside your home, your window coverings are not intended to last forever. So, changing them after some period of time is to be expected. But how often should you change the coverings in your room?

The Average Lifespan of Different Window Covering Types:

Since window coverings come in a variety of styles and types, it can be expected that the different types of coverings have a different average lifespan. Below we outline the average life expectancy of the different window covering types.

Window Blinds

Typically, blinds can last for a long period of time. High-quality blinds have been known to last for 20+ years. If your blinds are well-maintained, and are in good shape you won’t need to change them for up to 20 years as long as you are happy with the style and colour.

Curtains

Because curtains are made with delicate fabrics, they may not last as long as some other coverings, this also applies to most fabric drapes. By the end of their lifespan, most curtains and drapes would have been showing signs of raggedness as they may be fraying or have begun to fade due to constant sun exposure. Even if maintained properly, you can easily tell when it is time to change your curtains by their appearance. Most curtains should last at least 10 years, higher quality curtains can last longer, while lower quality curtains will show signs of wear sooner.

Shades

The average lifespan of shades depends on their maintenance. When maintained properly, window shades can be used for 10 to 15 years. If you are utilizing shades in your home, we recommend replacing them every 8 to 10 years.

Factors that May Lead to Changing Your Window Coverings

While each window covering has its own average lifespan, you may need to change them before that time comes. Here are some of the factors that may lead to you changing your window coverings early.

Trends and Fashion

When it comes to home interior design, the trends are constantly changing. Updating your window coverings is a fairly easy and inexpensive way to update the look and ambiance of a room or even your entire home. On the flip side, if you decorated your home to match a certain style, and you are no longer a fan of the look, updating your window coverings is an easy way to fall back in love with your home’s design.

Physical Damage

If your window coverings have become discolored due to sun exposure or if they are broken, torn, warped or damaged in any way, it is probably time to replace them. Damaged and worn window coverings take away from your home’s aesthetic as well; the coverings may not be able to shield your home from sunlight or offer full privacy.

Difficult to Operate

If you have to struggle in any way to open or close your window coverings, it may be time to look into changing them. If you have multiple window coverings that are giving you issues to operate, it may be time to update your window coverings across your entire home.

When it comes to changing the window coverings in your home, there is no hard and fast rule about how often and why you should be updating your coverings. If your coverings are of high quality and are in good condition, they can last 20+ years with some maintenance. However, even if your coverings are in great shape, but they do not match your interior design, updating them will give your entire home a new look and feel. If your older coverings are still in good condition when you replace them, consider donating them or passing them on to a friend for continued use.