Layering Draperies with Blinds for the Utmost in Versatility

Blinds & Shades, Curtains, Draperies, Window Treatments

Sunshine Drapery sliding glass doors window treatment

If you are looking for help in matching blinds and draperies in a single window, then you already realize that this is the most versatile design that anyone can achieve. Window treatments and especially in combinations, should have the utmost in functionality, style, ease of use and also control your lighting and privacy all at the same time. This may sound like a tall order, but it is definitely possible with many different options from which to choose.

Window Treatment Terminology 101

Learning a bit about window treatment terms can help you to get started on your specialized look. When you layer draperies and window treatments, the key is to mix the two items in the same window so you have enough contrast but the two styles can't clash. You should choose your base layer first. It can be a hard window treatment, such as wood blinds, faux wood blinds or wooden shutters. You may decide you want your base layer to be soft window treatments, such as Roman shades, roller shades or cellular shades. Hard window treatments are often in wood stains in many different colors or neutral paint colors. This provides you with a solid color to add another layer that can have any pattern, style or color that will look great with the neutral base layer. You may decide to choose the second layer to match other finishes such as your furniture, rugs or throw pillows. When you layer soft window treatments and drapes, you can try choosing a print for one and a coordinating color for the other. If you feel adventurous, you can mix two patterns together just as long as one is a large scale and the other is delicate. An example of this style is a bold floral and a thin pinstripe.

Seeking Super Soft Designs

If you want your window to have visual softness and fullness, you can layer sheer and solid drapery panels. You would use the sheer panel first as your base layer and then add the solid drapery panels on the front. This allows you to leave the sheer panel closed to let in filtered light with the solid panels open, or you can close both panels for room darkening, or you can open both panels to let all the sunshine in your home. You should consider a double drapery rod to allow both panels to move independently, for the ultimate in light control.

Combining Draperies and Roman Shades

A timeless and classic pairing of draperies and window treatments is to layer the drapes over Roman shades. These are both considered soft window treatments so you can't go wrong with this combination that gives your room a cozy feeling. This is a versatile option as you can choose light-filtering Roman shades for privacy in the daytime and blackout drapery panels to block the light at night. Remember that Roman shades leave a tiny bit of light on each side of the window because they are mounted inside your window casing, so the drapes, when used in combination with them, can block all the light from entering your room. If you want a minimalist appearance, you can have custom draperies and Roman shades made from the same fabric to blend in with the surroundings. Going in the other direction, you can try a printed Roman shade and draperies in a coordinating, solid color.

Draperies and Cellular Shades

If you have older windows that aren't double-paned or you live in an extreme climate area, you should consider cellular shades for their fantastic ability to insulate your windows year-round from both cold and hot temperatures. Cellular shades have a contemporary appearance, which may not be right for every home, but when you add drapery panels to them, it works in any window of your home. In this combination, you want to choose your curtains first, most likely in a print and then add a matching solid color for the cellular shades.

Draperies and Roller Shades

This combination of layering draperies and window treatments gives you a sleek and neat appearance. You can choose a solid roller shade and printed drapery panels so it doesn't look too busy. Again, you may choose two prints as long as one is large and the other is delicate.

Drapery Panels and Blinds

One of the most classic window treatment styles is to combine draperies over blinds. This is the perfect look for traditional homes or formal areas like dining rooms and ultra-polished living rooms. White blinds work well with any fabric choice for the draperies as long as it isn't a white or cream color. You may go with stained wood blinds and choose a fabric that has a print with the same tones in the stain color of the blinds.

An Upscale Combination

One of the most upscale and sophisticated combinations in window treatments is to choose plantation shutters for the base material and add drapery panels on top. They come in at a higher price point, but they also add resale value to your home at the same time as all the elegance. A designer tip to this style is to make sure your curtain rods extend out a few inches from the window casing on each side for the polished appearance.

Draperies and Woven Wood Shades

This combination style is very relaxed and it adds a pop of color and texture to your home. Woven wood shades are available in hundreds of color combinations and pair well with any drapery panels you choose, just as long as you don't choose a pattern that is too busy. You can use these ideas of layering window treatments throughout your entire home. You don't have to stick to the same exact thing in every room because the combinations are endless. You might also consider adding a beautiful wood cornice at the top to hide your drapery rods for a truly beautiful window dressing.