Combining Textures & Treatments

By Geana Sebren Lead Designer of Beautiful Minds Blinds

"Look at window treatments as investments, because quite frankly, they are." - GEANA

Window treatments can be intimidating if you don't have an outlined plan and a good sense of what you want to achieve in your space. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your window treatments and even more if you are thinking about layering your treatments. But, it doesn't have to be so overwhelming using these techniques and by asking yourself a few questions.

Let's understand your space.

It's essential to consider the characteristics of your space. size, lighting, color scheme, decor, decade, modern, farmhouse, art deco styles...will all influence your window treatments.

Lighting and size go hand and hand. If your space only has one window, is not very large and has low ceilings, you would probably want to go with a lighter drapery or sheer curtain as well to keep your space open and feeling larger than it is.

Larger rooms look great with darker, dramatic drapery and can become the focal point of the space. Consider a bold print or color drapery on a wall that has tall ceilings and several windows. Go all the way from the ceiling to the floor to really create a statement with your drapery.

Let's talk about layering.

This is a popular choice for finishing your space. It provides a tailored, custom look and finishes the most modern to the most classic spaces. It can be used with most any decor style depending on what you choose. The most simple style of layering is when you choose two different soft drapery fabrics like a heavier drapery with a sheer fabric. This offers the best of both worlds by giving you a choice of letting in some natural light with the light filtering sheer or closing with the heavier drapery for more privacy or light control during movie time.

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Another option for layering your drapery is with roman shades. This look is timeless. Pairing a light filtering linen or sheer drape with a woven wood roman shade is a very popular look. The natural textures in both the drapery and the shade blend nicely to create a soft finished look. When pairing woven wood shades with a light sheer or linen drapery, consider lining the drapery or the shade for extra privacy or light filtering as needed.

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We are seeing a lot of quick layering with drapery and traditional faux wood blinds as well. Here's the scenario...You just get into your new home and blinds are included, spruce the room up with drapery along side each opening. Pair it with a beautiful gold or wooden rod and voila! you have a finished layered look that is a little easier on the budget!

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We can't forget about two other options, roller shades and shutters. Let's start with roller shades. Even though roller shades can be used with most decor styles, they give a very clean line modern look. Pair a solid color roller shade with a patterned drapery for optimal expression.

And lastly, Shutters. Since shutters are considered a hard treatment, we feel like you can pair them with most any curtain or drapery and they will shine. Patterns, sheers, solids, bolds, lined or unlined, you can't go wrong with this duo.

I do want to tell you about one big no-no to avoid if you choose a Valance but want to layer. Valances and Roman Shades do not pair well together. Instead, choose only a Valance or choose a Roman Shade that has a Valance attached to it and it's not a seperate treatment.

Hardware & Accessories

Don't forget the Hardware! Look around your space and find the three colors that are mostly used. Then put those next to your fabric choices to help choose the one that coordinates with your overall design. This part is fun. There's so many choices for rod styles, colors and finial designs.

Whether you prefer a more modern minimalist look or a more traditional cozy vibe, the key is experiment and find the perfect balance for you. With the right combinations, your windows can become stunning focal points that elevate your space.

Let's do a recap!

REMEMBER!

1 - smaller space, choose lighter fabric and colors (small space with big feel!)

2 - larger space, choose heavier fabric and darker colors if you like (BIG Space = Big Statement)

3 - layer sheers/linen blends with woven wood roman shades (Romans Love Sheers!)

4 - layer solid roller shades with prints and bold drapery (Breakup the Boring!)

5 - layer prints and solid drapery with blinds or shutters (Cant go wrong with Classic)

6 - layer prints, solid or sheers with shutters (Shutters play nicely!)

7 - DON'T layer a separate valance with a roman shade (Romans can speak for themselves!)

8 - DON'T forget your hardware (This looks Beautiful!...how do we hang it?)

9 - find the 3 major colors and coordinate hardware color (3's not a crowd with Hardware Colors!)

10 - Experiment and have fun! And, if you decide you need help, reach out to us! (Enjoy This!)

So... what style, combinations and overall look do you want to achieve in your space?

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