Whether you are looking for new window treatments or decorating a new home, you may come across the perplexing question of if you should use both curtains and blinds together. You may worry that you should only use blinds or curtains, or if you use both it may be too over the top. Either way, you may fear moving forward in your window treatment search until you find the answer to this question.
So, can you have windows with blinds and curtains together? Blinds and curtains can work well together on the same window. Using curtains with blinds behind will look aesthetically pleasing and help block out any excessive light. They can also guarantee more privacy since pairing blinds with curtains can block the view to the inside of the house. There are certain blinds and curtains that go well together, so make sure to combine those over less fitting combinations.
Depending on what kind of window you are putting curtains and blinds on to, there are certain combinations you should put together. Some examples are:
- Curtains should reach the floor
- Use wide slat blinds, vertical blinds, wood blinds/bamboo blinds, roller shades, roman shades or cellular shades
- Put curtains above the window frame rather than at window level
- Use different window treatments in each room
Following these rules can help you style your window treatment appropriately. These ideas will also help when you are layering both curtains and blinds.
How To Layer Blinds with Curtains
Cater Both Curtains and Blinds To Your Window
The curtains and blinds you choose will depend on what type of window you have. The curtains you use for bay windows will be different than the window coverings you use for a picture window. The same goes for window blinds or shades. So, assess what kind of window you are wanting to layer, and choose your window treatment accordingly.
Trial And Error Can Help
You may find that the curtains and blinds or shades you chose don’t look good together. There is nothing wrong with taking those down and returning them to buy new treatments. Try different kinds of shades, like cellular shades, to provide depth to your living room, dining rooms, or bedrooms. If you are decorating multiple rooms in your home, you may even be able to reuse those treatments in another place and go back to the store to buy new ones.
Less Is More
Don’t feel like you have to use the most extravagant curtains or blinds or shades. Sometimes the most expensive curtains could be overkill in your room or block out too much light. While you want to be sure to buy good quality curtains and blinds, you don’t have to sacrifice your wallet in the process.
What Types Of Curtains and Blinds Can I Layer?
Here are some blinds with curtains ideas you can layer together.
1. Use Long Curtains That Reach The Floor
Long curtains or drapes can help frame your windows and your blinds well. If the curtain is above the window frame it can also prevent getting tangled in the blinds. This will help when you want to close the curtains for privacy or to block out light. Shorter curtains would make the space look smaller and may not cover the whole window if you have large picture windows.
2. Use Wide Slat Blinds
Using wide slat blinds can help make the room more lit during the day, but also allow privacy and block light when wanted. Plantation shutters are one example of these kinds of blinds. They also look clean and expensive, which can help complement the room well. They are also more durable than plastic blinds, so that you will be replacing them less. Curtains will also not get caught in them as often.
3. Use Different Window Treatments In Each Room
Another way to promote the look of your windows is to use different patterns, colors, fabrics, and texture. HGTV stresses that each room can tell a different story, so don’t feel like your house has to have all the same drapes with blinds. Just as each room does not have the same windows across all rooms. You can mix and match styles so that you can also use different options to go with them.
4. Cater Your Curtains And Blinds To The Style Of The Room
If you are going for certain styles in your rooms, then choose the shades, blinds, and curtains that fit into that type. You would want long sweeping sheer curtains and white blinds for a room with a lot of elegantly styled furniture. You would choose white or black sleek curtains for a more modern room and maybe thicker, cotton curtains for a farmhouse look. For a bedroom, you can do blackout blinds behind curtains, well as blackout curtains to get the room super dark.
Let these styles help you in deciding which window treatments to use to decorate your home.
