4 Tips for Layering Window Treatments Like A Pro
I think we can all agree that window treatments like curtains, shades, and blinds fall into the “necessary and functional” categories of the decor in our homes, but when done right, they can also be a beautiful finishing touch in a space. They soften a space and really amp up the cozy factor. The inspiration photos I have to share with you today will show you why. Dressing those naked windows can make a bit difference!
Most of the time, we see a single window treatment used on a window (e.g. curtains, blinds, OR shades), but what happens when you layer them together? I think it creates a special look that goes one step further in adding depth and dimension to a space, and it also adds some optionality for how you can control the light in your room.
Doubling up on window treatments usually means pairing curtains with either blinds or shades. For example, one of my favorite combos is flat roman shades with floor-length curtains - I love the styles together and the fact that you can close one or both depending on your needs!
If this look piques your interest and you’d like to give it a try in your home, I’ve got five tips that’ll help guide you through how to layer window treatments like a pro.
via Emily Henderson
1. Think about function first: what do you need your window treatments to do?
Starting by answering this question will help you figure out what direction to go. Do you need a seriously blacked-out bedroom to sleep? Will the layered window treatments be purely for looks so you have some flexibility in what you choose? Is privacy a concern during the day, but you still want natural light?
Decide what your needs are and then go from there!
via Rue Magazine (Design: Amen Design Co.)
2. What’s your “star?”
There are so many ways you can go with layered window treatments, but one hint is to choose a “star” - allow one of the layers to be the focal point and let the other recede into the background. For example, if you decide to do a bold pattern on your drapes, pick something more neutral like plantation shutters to go with them. That way, you’ll have the pretty, layered look, but it’s subtle.
Be sure to consider your window treatment choices in light of how you decorate the rest of the room as well. Continuing with the example of using bold patterned drapes, it’s important to know that making that choice will automatically mean they’re a big focal point. Is that what you want? Or would you rather have a bold rug be the attention-grabber?
Sometimes you may want your window treatments to be a star of your room as a whole, but other times, you’d rather them play more of a supporting role. You can definitely still layer them, but stick with neutrals or a more tone-on-tone combo with your fabrics and materials.
via McGee & Co.*
3. Go high/low
If you’ve been thinking that you’d love to have this look in your home, but whoa that sounds expensive, think again! It doesn’t have to be. To keep the cost reasonable, use the “high/low” method: choose a budget friendly option for one of the window treatments and go custom for the other. For example, you can find some great ready-made curtain panels and then get custom roman shades. Or, another option is custom curtains with more affordable cellular shades or wood blinds.
If you’re on a tighter budget and you’re lucky enough to have standard sized windows and ceiling heights, you may even be able to get away with BOTH ready-made curtains and shades/blinds!
via Life on Cedar Lane
4. Hang each window treatment the right way
This is an important one - particularly for curtains and roman shades! To really nail this layered look, you want to make sure you nail this.
For curtains, hang them high and wide if possible, and make sure they just touch or hang a tad higher than the floor. “High and wide” refers to the curtain rod itself - you want to mount it high above the window and extend it beyond the frame on each side. I know not every window allows that, but if you have the space, doing this will frame your window beautifully and make it feel bigger! Take note of how the curtains are hung in the inspiration photos for some good examples.
via Francois et Moi
To wrap this up, I wanted to share a few favorite ready-made curtains, shades, and blinds to get you started!
P.S. Want more guidance on how to pick curtains, shades, and blinds for your home? Head to this post on curtains, and this post on shades and blinds!
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