How to Layer Curtains with Roman Blinds: Top Ideas & Tips

 

The celebrated combination of curtains and roman blinds proves beyond an iota of doubt that ‘two of a good thing doubles the joy’. Because this versatile combo quite literally doubles up everything expected from window treatments. Besides offering several functional benefits, the visual contrast of the rippled contours of curtains against the structured appearance of blinds adds interest to the space. So, if you’re aiming to accentuate the visual appeal of a room or to maximise the functionality of your window treatments, consider layering curtains and roman blinds. And, everything you may want to know for executing this idea is covered in this blog. Let’s dive in!

The Compelling Benefits of Pairing Curtains & Roman Blinds

 

A wise combination of window treatments enhances both - the functional elements of privacy and insulation, and the aesthetic potential to mix colour and pattern. Since curtains and roman shades are both made of fabric, the scope for stylising is raised to infinity as both layers are capable of featuring any colour, pattern and texture under the sun. So, the allure of this dual package is irresistible and those who fall prey can unapologetically enjoy this impressive set of perks - 

• VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: While roman shades fold upward and stack on the top, curtains operate horizontally and stack on the sides. Besides, the possibility to pair a sheer and non-sheer layer is unlocked. The two-way operation and variation in fabric composition make your window treatments versatile to cater to varying levels of privacy and light control.
• FLAWLESS LIGHT CONTROL: Standalone treatments, be it curtains or blinds, tend to have light leaks around their profiles. But layering resolves the issue marvellously as the light leaks around the blinds are covered by the drapes, and the opposite is also true.
• ENHANCED PRIVACY: Gaps between curtain panels, and windy weather causing the curtains to billow can compromise privacy sometimes. But with the combination of curtains and roman blinds, you leave no scope for any lapses in safeguarding privacy.
• DOUBLE INSULATION: If you want to increase the resistance of your home to extreme weather conditions, large windows can pose a challenge. Here, a thoughtfully selected combination of insulative roman blinds and curtains can work magic.
• UNIQUE AESTHETIC OPPORTUNITY: Both curtains and roman blinds can do a great job on their own of adding a decorative touch to the room. But, when combined, they make a statement of luxury and add visual depth. When done right, it can serve as your showstopper feature. So, if there is no fireplace or accent wall to act as a focal point for the room, you can well achieve your goal with just a window layered sumptuously with elegant roman blinds framed by plush curtains.

To summarise: For a decor style that is founded on the ‘more is more’ philosophy, layered window treatments expand the scope for mixing colour, pattern and texture. And for rooms that require a superior quality of light control, privacy or insulation, the combination of curtains and roman blinds provides the highest level of functionality. 

How to Layer Curtains & Roman Blinds

 

Layering roman blinds with curtains is indeed an allure from the perspective of functionality as well as aesthetics. Therefore, both function-oriented design enthusiasts and layering-obsessed maximalists have good reason to layer curtains and roman blinds. In rooms that need more insulation and light control - like bedrooms, media rooms and nurseries - the motive is to amplify the functionality. While in dressy spaces like maximalist living rooms and formal dining rooms, it is more of an excuse to add personality and grandeur. Your motive will guide you on how to pair your curtains with roman shades, but broadly, all the combinations can be categorised into two:

Two Fully Functional Layers

Here, roman blinds with curtains together take responsibility for all the functional requirements. Both offer full coverage and operate across the length/ width of the window. This option is most suited for rooms that require heightened levels of light control, privacy and insulation.

One Functional & One Decorative Layer

 

When the functional requirements of the room don’t call for double-layered window treatments, and yet you don’t want to miss the opportunity to create visual depth and variety, take this route. Use full-coverage curtain panels with stationary faux roman blinds. Or use full-coverage roman shades and frame them with narrow stationary curtain panels that serve a decorative purpose only. One layer is non-operable and fulfils a decorative purpose while the other takes full responsibility for the functional aspects.

Depending on whether you’re moved by aesthetic ambitions or functional requirements, you can work out this combination of curtains and roman shades in various configurations. And, the strategies you can use when layering curtains and roman blinds are largely the following three:

Mixing Sheers & Non-Sheers

 

When you want a versatile arrangement for light control and privacy, this combination yields the best results. Here, one of the layers assumes a transparent composition and the other is a non-sheer or a blackout. During the day, the sheer layer is used to soften the sun’s glare and ensure privacy. Whereas at night, the non-sheer/ blackout layer provides complete privacy and insulation.

If you combine a sheer roman shade with a non-sheer curtain, you will have relatively better control over light as curtains are by default more insulative than blinds due to their copious width and wider coverage. If you choose a non-sheer roman shade with a sheer curtain, you can drastically soften the space visually with the gossamer beauty of the sheer dominating the scene. While the non-sheer roman shade gets tucked away at the top, making its presence felt only when it is folded down.

Mixing Colour & Pattern

 

The contrast evoked by mixing colour and pattern is an important contributor to making a space visually engaging. So, when layering curtains with roman blinds, this opportunity of juxtaposing colour and pattern should ideally not be lost if your decor style relies on pattern play. 

If you want the pattern to stand out as a bold statement, it is the roman blinds that can do a better job with their clean flat frontage. The pattern is displayed like an art piece on the wall. However, note that this visual treat will be gone out of sight when the drapes come into full function. So, if you want the pattern to occupy centre-stage attention all the time, bring it onto your curtains rather than your blinds.

Mixing Colours

 

In this arrangement, both the roman shades and the curtains are made of plain fabrics. The colours are invariably the statements in this combination and lend the excellent opportunity to relay the overall palette of the room in a pronounced manner. It is also a reliable way of toning down the bustle of a room layered with multiple patterns or statement accessories. 

It is worth bearing in mind that the colour your drapery wears will occupy greater real estate than your blinds and it will be visible all the time. Whereas, the colour of your blinds will disappear when you draw the curtains over the window. At other times, it will occupy relatively less space, especially when the blinds are minimised.

Here’s a small trick you can use to make this combination of solid colours look more attractive and coordinated. Embellish the lead edges of your drapery with suitable curtain trims that coordinate with the colour of your roman shades. Thus, you can easily two-tone your plain drapery and also ensure that the two window treatments make a joint visual statement rather than each working on its own. Besides, when the curtains are fully covered over the window, both colours contribute to the overall decor, rather than just one.

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So that brings us to the end of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ about layering curtains and roman blinds. However, just as every rule has exceptions, the luxury of multi-layered window treatments is not ideal for every space. Let us note these few instances where layering is out of place -

• SMALL WINDOWS: They can get easily overwhelmed with multiple layers, so in order to maximise their limited capacity to draw in light and air, avoid layering curtains and blinds on small windows.
• KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS: These rooms need more access to light and air as they are prone to humidity. Sticking to one layer helps to make the interiors feel airy while ensuring sufficient light and privacy.
• SHALLOW WINDOW FRAMES/ RECESS: shallow window frames/ recesses may not have room to accommodate inside-mounted roman blinds, forcing you to mount the shade outside the window. Accordingly, the curtains will also have to be projected outward slightly more than usual to facilitate easy operation for both layers. Thus, the window will tend to look bulky, however, if you don’t mind the excess projection, it is fine to layer curtains with roman blinds.
• WINDOWS WITHOUT SUFFICIENT WALL SURROUND: Windows without sufficient wall surround space will cause the curtains to stack over the window as the drapery pole cannot be extended beyond the window’s trim. If the window is small, this will further limit the window’s capacity to let in light and air. 
• WINDOWS WITHOUT FREE FLOOR SPACE: Windows without free floor space either because of furniture, radiator or built-ins underneath may require curtains to stop at sill length instead of floor length. Roman shades and curtains sharing the same drop point do not look aesthetically pleasing, making layering a less attractive prospect here.

Shop Curtains at The White Window & Double-Up the Good with Complementing Roman Blinds

 

Layering curtains and roman blinds has enticing benefits that both home designers and homeowners love to imbibe. While your design goal and aesthetic leanings will direct your choices, we hope that this blog has served you inspiration and ideas to flag off your pursuit. Whether you’re starting your window decor on a clean slate or looking for curtains to pair with your already-installed roman blinds, know that finding the perfect pair will be a cakewalk with The White Window. From our curated fabric collection of dazzling silks, lush velvets, and breezy cottons and linens, you can be certain of finding the right piece to finish your window decor on a sumptuous note. So, get to your ambitious design venture and find us just an email away, when in doubt.