Curtains or blinds, blinds or curtains – when there are so many options for window treatment and even a little more, willy-nilly, you will think about how to combine all this and not suffer from the torment of choice. However, the designers are ready to reassure those wishing to choose “two out of two”: today, it is quite possible!
Truly layering your windows decoration is a great way to add personality to your interior and provide the privacy and comfortable light control you need. However, in this case, the crucial thing is to choose the right combination of designs and, of course, to find the same cherished balance. Let’s find out in more detail why it is worth trying to combine blinds and curtains and how to do it so that your impeccable taste will be admired not only by guests, but also by yourself.
Is it possible to combine blinds with curtains: all the pros
It may seem that the simultaneous use of blinds and curtains is too much, but you should not be so categorical. In fact, such a solution has many advantages, which in modern and even classic interiors develop into tangible benefits. So why should you try a combination of curtains and blinds anyway?
As you can see, if the idea of a combination of blinds with curtains seems interesting to you, you should not abandon it: today it is a sure way to make window decoration not only spectacular but also very, very relevant.
You can apply wallpapers, paints, etc. on walls and see how they look in various interiors.
Curtains over blinds: basic rules
If you spontaneously decorate the windows with any blinds and curtains that you like, then, of course, we cannot guarantee success. The selection of draperies for modern light-shielding structures is a much more subtle issue, and therefore it is necessary to approach it with all seriousness. Designers have already developed guidelines to rely on when decorating windows similarly.
Do not lose sight of the purpose and lighting of the room
When creating several window treatment levels, it is essential to consider the aesthetic appeal and the practicality of solutions. So, transparent sheer with metal blinds will not last too long in the bathroom, but this solution is quite suitable for the office. Or, for example, it is worth choosing thicker curtains for blinds in the bedroom than in the living room. Keeping in mind such nuances will help speed up the search for suitable materials.
Consider the depth of the window
The deeper the window in the room, the more options you can try. This is because blinds or roller blinds are usually mounted directly to the frame itself or directly above it, making it easy to install a curtain rod or a combination of fabric drapery and sheer. If the window niche is too shallow, the simultaneous installation of blinds and curtains will need to be carefully calculated. For example, when installing blinds, you can use a flexible curtain rod for curtains or replace voluminous curtains with light straight panels or window scarves.
Decide on the texture and type of blinds
Since blinds take on the main functions of protecting privacy and dimming, the choice of elements for decorating a window should start with them. In this case, you have two options: you can choose a rigid light-shielding structure – shutters, horizontal or vertical slats – or you can prefer softer roller blinds and roman blinds. In any case, the final decision is made based on the following factors:
Another important point is your need for lighting. For example, roller blinds allow you to open or close the flow of natural light quickly, and blinds provide soft and diffused light.
Combine the curtains
Typically, curtains can add color, pattern, and texture to a window’s decoration. The curtains can be calm and muted, bright and accent, or extravagant and unusual – it all depends on your vision of the room. At the same time, the blinds can enter into a spectacular duet with them or become almost invisible. This technique allows the room to look in a new way every time, which cannot but rejoice.
Assess the need for decorative items
If the window size allows and the design project you approved requires, you will have to think about additional details in the windows’ design. Typically used in combination with blinds:
Materials and colors: you have to choose seriously
Having decided on the designs and methods of combining them, it is worth moving on to selecting colors and textures. Wood, metal or plastic, pastel or rich colors, floral patterns or geometric patterns – you have a fantastic variety of solutions that you should definitely use.
Curtains with blinds: window design options
As we said earlier, the different types of curtains and blinds inspire us to find the best combinations. We invite you to evaluate the varieties that designers have already recognized as the most harmonious.
Blinds and traditional curtains
This combination of blinds and curtains is a kind of classic, and you can’t go wrong with natural wood blinds. Such slats look natural, neutral, and at the same time expensive, and you can combine them with almost any decor. Besides, you can choose draperies in any color and style – from modern to traditional.
Blinds with straight drapes and window scarves
Window scarves are more laconic and laid-back counterparts of traditional windows valances. The scarves are wide strips of fabric wrapped around the curtain rod, creating soft, elegant folds. These draperies create an aesthetic contrast to the straight and precise lines of the blinds. Depending on the window scarf’s location, it can open more or less of the window and curtain rod, emphasizing the design’s severity or sophistication. Like valances, the scarves can be combined with curtains using a double curtain rod and even used as an accent: a bright scarf combined with a curtain of a neutral tone looks very impressive.
Roller blinds and drapes
As a rule, roller blinds have a less expressive profile, and therefore can be used in combination with curtains, even on not too deep windows. Plus, if you prefer lightweight textiles, roller blinds provide the privacy you need and more efficient light control if thin fabrics don’t do it very well.
Besides, such curtains’ calmest texture allows you not to limit yourself in decorative details: you can also use valances, tie-backs, and window scarves in the same way.
Roller blinds and roman blinds
Lush and light Roman blinds are beautiful in themselves, but is it worth adding roller blinds to them. In fact, there is nothing special about this: it is the “roll” that provides not only a full-fledged adjustment of illumination but also acts as a background against which the shade and texture of Roman blinds will become more expressive. Also, you can safely try contrasting materials – the result will pleasantly surprise you.
Pleated blinds and Roman blinds
Installing pleated fabrics underneath Roman blinds is a great way to filter out excess lighting. So, completely lowered on a sunny day, it will provide a pleasantly diffused light, and if you also close the Roman one in the evening, you can fully enjoy your privacy. At the same time, you should keep in mind that both panels are quite voluminous, and therefore this solution is suitable mainly for deep windows.
The combination of blinds and curtains: trendy ideas
The combination of blinds and curtains is not only a union of classic and modern but also an excellent opportunity to experiment with colors, textures, and materials. We are ready to offer you some great ideas to turn your windows into a small interior masterpiece:
Blinds and curtains together: Conclusions + Photo gallery
If you have been interested in the idea of combining blinds and curtains for a long time – go for it! Competently combining light-shielding structures and fabric elements, you can achieve window decoration worthy of a picture in a fashion magazine about interior design.
