Nothing complements a thoughtfully decorated room quite like a beautifully styled window treatment. But choosing between curtains and blinds doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. By layering curtains and blinds together, it’s easy to achieve the perfect balance of aesthetics, light control, and privacy.
With the right techniques, you can create layered window treatments that are both functional and fabulous. Follow these tips and transform any plain window into a dazzling designer focal point.
Consider the Room’s Functionality
When deciding whether to use curtains and blinds together, first think about how the room is used. This will determine your priorities in terms of aesthetics versus functionality.
For bedrooms, emphasize light blocking abilities and privacy above all else. Blackout curtains and blinds will limit light and views into the room, ensuring comfort for sleeping. In living rooms, sheer curtains allow welcoming natural light, while adjustable blinds provide style and control over glare. For home offices, aim for an optimal balance between light for working and privacy when needed. In kids’ rooms, opt for durable blackout curtains and blinds that can withstand little hands.
Choose Complementary Styles and Colors
To create a cohesive layered look, select curtain and blind styles and colors that complement each other. Matching colors and patterns is an easy way to pull the look together. But you can also play with contrast, like pairing airy sheers with sleek metallic blinds.
Above all, make sure your window treatments coordinate with the room’s existing color palette and furnishings. Accent colors in the curtains can pick up subtle hues in artwork or pillows, while wooden blinds can echo hardwood floors.
Select the Right Curtain Styles and Fabrics
From breezy sheers to opulent drapes, curtain styles abound. Consider what function you want them to serve before choosing fabrics and patterns.
Sheer curtains are ideal for gently filtering light and adding airiness. Blackout curtains block light for sleep and privacy. Soft draping curtains in mediums like velvet, linen or cotton, impart classic elegance and full coverage. Be sure to also evaluate the pros and cons of natural versus synthetic fabrics based on your needs.
In terms of style, eyelet curtains, embroidered sheers, pleated drapes and tab top curtains all pair attractively with blinds. Don’t be afraid to have fun with patterns and textures that complement your blinds.
Opt for Wide Slat or Vertical Blinds
When it comes to pairing with curtains, not all blinds are created equal. To avoid issues like tangled fabric, stick to wide slat or vertical blinds.
Since vertical blinds operate on a track, the slats stack neatly to each side, leaving room for curtains to hang freely. Wide slat blinds (over 2 inches) allow curtains to fall forward without catching and tangling.
On the other hand, narrow slat blinds frequently end up with fabric wedged between them. This detracts from any layered effect and causes wear on both the blinds and curtains.
Layer Curtains in Front of Blinds
The preferred arrangement for achieving both style and functionality is to layer curtains in front of blinds.
With curtains as the outer layer, they can filter and moderate incoming light better than hard blinds. Curtains also beautifully frame the window area for a polished look. You’ll avoid any issues of fabrics getting tangled in the slats. With adjustable blinds behind your curtains, you can still control privacy and light gaps as needed.
Measure Carefully for Optimal Layering
Achieving a layered look requires careful attention when measuring for both curtains and blinds.
Start by measuring the exact width and length of your windows. Then add extra width to allow the curtains to stack attractively to each side. Add length to prevent blinds and curtains from gaping open. A good rule of thumb is to add 3 inches of width and length beyond the window’s dimensions.
Consider where you’ll mount the curtain rod and blind hardware. Leave enough space for the layers to coexist without obstructing one another. Have any overlapping gathered pleats or fabrics fall in a natural way.
Install Curtain Rods and Blind Hardware Properly
Speaking of hardware, positioning is paramount.
When mounting the curtain rod, extend it well beyond the window frame to enable full stacking. Blinds should mount high and wide enough to allow curtains to cover the window area cleanly.
Measure precisely and follow all product installation instructions. You want the layers to operate and drape beautifully together, not clash.
Arrange Furniture for Best Visibility
The final step is arranging furniture to allow optimal visibility and enjoyment of your window styling.
Leave enough space for curtains to stack cleanly without bunching. Ensure blinds can open and close fully without being obstructed. And consider sightlines in the room to appreciate your view.
With the curtains and blinds layered masterfully, you’ll have a window dressing that combines both form and function beautifully.
Layering curtains and blinds allows you to achieve the ideal aesthetic and practical balance at your windows. Follow these tips, from room functionality to precise measuring, and you can master the art of creating stunning, layered window treatments.
Coordinating styles, opting for wide slat blinds, and layering curtains in front of blinds will deliver on your goals. Your windows will filter light attractively, ensure privacy on demand, and elevate any room’s decor.
