Are you struggling to create a cohesive and designer look with your window treatments? If you're looking for tips on coordinating curtains and blinds or combining different window treatment styles, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll share our expert advice on how to layer window treatments and achieve a stylish and personalized look for your home.
Creating Contrast with Layered Window Treatments
When layering draperies with blinds or shades, it's essential to create enough contrast so that the layers don't clash. For your base layer, you can choose either hard window treatments, such as wood blinds or shutters, or soft window treatments like roman shades or roller shades.
If you opt for hard window treatments in neutral finishes, such as wood stains or neutral paint colors, you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing drapery patterns or solids. Select a drapery color or print that complements other finishes in the room, such as your rug and throw pillows.
On the other hand, when layering soft window treatments and curtains, consider choosing a print for one and a solid color in a coordinating shade for the other. For a more daring look, you can even mix two prints, as long as one is large scale and the other is more delicate. For example, a bold floral print can be paired with a delicate pinstripe.
Caption: Formal living room with yellow shades on windows.
Double the Softness with Sheer and Solid Draperies
If you want to add visual softness and voluminous fabric to your windows, consider layering blackout drapes with sheer panels. Sheer panels allow soft filtered light to enter while still providing some privacy, and blackout drapes ensure an uninterrupted night's sleep.
You can use a double rod option for your drapery hardware, allowing both treatments to move independently. This way, you can control the amount of light in your room according to your needs.
Caption: How to Layer Window Treatments.
Combining Draperies with Soft Window Treatments
Draperies and Roman Shades
One timeless combination for window treatments is layering drapes over Roman Shades. Since both are soft window treatments, they work harmoniously together and give your room a cozy feel. For versatility, choose light filtering Roman Shades to provide daytime privacy and pair them with blackout curtains to block light at night.
If you're concerned about small gaps on the sides of the window where light can shine through with Roman shades, adding drapes on top can help achieve complete darkness and give your windows a more upscale look. And if you prefer a minimalist look, you can use matching fabrics for both, creating a soft and seamless aesthetic.
Caption: Premium Roman Shades in Uma Off White, Easy Classic Pleat Draperies in Uma Off White.
If you're into bolder designs, try pairing printed Roman shades with solid drapes in a coordinating color.
Caption: Premier Roman Shades in Twirl China Blue, Easy Grommet Draperies in Gent Greystone.
Draperies and Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are an excellent option for insulating your windows and blocking drafts, especially if you have old windows or live in an extreme climate. However, the contemporary look of cellular shades might not suit every home's style. To soften the appearance and add a more traditional feel, consider layering draperies on top of cellular shades.
When choosing fabrics, start with the draperies and then select a matching solid color or neutral shade for the shades.
Caption: Light Filtering Cellular Shades in Papyrus, Easy Grommet Draperies in Le Jardin Tan-Grey.
Drapes and Roller Shades
For a sleek and modern look, try pairing roller shades with curtains. This combination works well, especially if you have shallow windows or if you want to avoid a busy appearance. To create a balanced look, choose a solid shade and pair it with printed drapes or vice versa. Again, you can experiment with mixing two prints, as long as one is more delicate than the other.
Caption: Solar Roller Shades in Majesty 5% Pewter, Easy Grommet Draperies in Brisbane Clear Sky.
Draperies and Sheer Shades
Sheer shades provide the flexibility of tilting like blinds to adjust the amount of light entering the room. They also roll up entirely, offering a clear view when desired. To darken the room when needed, layer blackout draperies on top of sheer shades.
Caption: Easy Classic Pleat Draperies in Linen Stripe Tan-Smoke, Light Filtering Sheer Shades in Linen Ash.
Combining Soft and Hard Window Treatments
Can You Put Curtains Over Blinds?
For a classic and refined look, consider layering crisp 2" blinds with draperies. This combination is perfect for traditional homes or formal spaces like dining rooms and polished living rooms.
Caption: 2" Premium Faux Wood Blinds in White, Custom Composite Wood Arch in True White, Easy Classic Pleat Draperies in Athena Corn Silk.
White blinds can be paired with almost any drapery fabric, as long as it's not a white or cream shade that clashes. If you opt for stained wood blinds, select a fabric that incorporates tones of the stain color in the print or weave. To ensure a cohesive look, we always recommend ordering free samples to see how your choices work together.
Caption: 2" Architectural Wood Blinds in Vintage Gravel, Blinds.com Easy Ripplefold Draperies in Gail Oceanside.
Draperies and Shutters
For an upscale and elegant look, consider layering draperies over shutters. Although shutters are pricier, they give windows a built-in appearance and can increase your home's resale value.
Caption: Simplicity Wood Shutters in Bright White, Grommet Draperies (Fabric discontinued - Marseille Blue Jay similar).
When layering draperies over shutters, make sure that your curtain rods extend far enough beyond the draperies. Your Blinds.com designer can help you confirm this detail before you place your order. If you're combining stained wood shutters with curtains, opt for a fabric that incorporates tones of the stain within the pattern or weave.
Layered Drapes for Contrasting Texture
Draperies and Woven Wood Shades
Combining woven wood shades with white drapes has been trending on Instagram for years, and it's a look that never gets old. Woven shades add texture and create a softly filtered glow in neutral spaces. By adding drapes on top, you can introduce extra softness and control the amount of light entering the room.
Caption: Easy Pinch Pleat Classic Drapery Panels in Lexi White, Woven Wood Shades in Antigua Natural.
You can stick with this specific combination or choose a printed drapery fabric to create a more eclectic look.
Mixing Window Treatments in One Room
If you have two windows in the same room with different shapes and matching window treatments won't work, consider combining Roman Shades and Draperies in a matching fabric. This approach brings the room together while allowing each window to have its own functionality.
This mix also works well if you want drapes, but some windows don't have enough wall space for a rod or are obstructed by furniture like a headboard. Use draperies where possible and opt for Roman Shades on the other windows.
Caption: Premium Roman Shades in Tantalum Antique, Easy Classic Pleat Draperies in Tantalum Antique.
Layering Window Shades in the Same Window
Roller Shades and Roman Shades
If you want to maximize the functionality of your windows, you can layer decorative treatments, such as Roman Shades, with functional blackout roller shades. However, please note that layering treatments in the same window may only work with deep windows or if the back shade is mounted inside the frame and the top shade is mounted on the wall outside.
Caption: Premium Roman Shades in Le Jardin Grey, Economy Blackout Roller Shades in Semi Opaque Charcoal.
For a different effect, you can try blackout Roman Shades on top and a sheer Solar Shade or Woven Shade behind. This allows you to let in light while maintaining privacy.
Caption: Blinds.com Premier Roman Shades in Shelby Walnut, Premium Natural Roller Shades in Cirque Glacier.
Cover Hardware and Add a Polished Look With Cornices
For a coordinated and polished appearance, consider pairing the classic feel of wood blinds with a matching cornice. Cornices not only complement your wood blinds but also conceal them when fully raised, enhancing the open and spacious feeling of your window.
Caption: Premium 2" Wood Blinds, Wood Cornice.
Need Help Finding Your Perfect Match?
If you're feeling overwhelmed and need assistance in choosing the right window treatments for your home, don't hesitate to seek advice from our Blinds.com Designers. They can provide free consultations and send you color samples to ensure that the final result meets your expectations. Call us today at 800-505-1905.
Remember, layering window treatments is not only functional but also an opportunity to showcase your personal style. With the right combinations, you can transform your windows into the focal point of any room while achieving the perfect balance between privacy, light control, and aesthetics.
