"7 Tips For Layering Window Treatments"
by Komee Carpenter
Do your windows need to be on "What Not To Wear"? Layering your window treatments is very similar to layering your clothing. Some things work, and some just aren't meant to go together.
As I mentioned in the article 5 Tips That Could Save You Money On Your Electric Bill, layering can help to keep the heat or the cold out. But this is definitely a case of 'you can have too much of a good thing'!
Layering can be a fun way to mix some fabrics and treatments, and with the tips below you'll be able to do it easily. And don't forget to add some embellishments like twisted cord, strings of beads or shells too for a little something extra.
Just like you wouldn't wear a wool tweed coat with your shorts, thongs and tank top, you wouldn't want to mix heavy thick bulky top treatments over a teensy tiny micromini-blind. And if you just said "I wear my wool coat over my shorts, what's wrong with that?", what can I say except someone needs to call What Not to Wear!
- Your window treatment style/theme should support your room decor, rather than dictate the room decor. Shades are one thing, but when you get into decorative soft treatments, they should be purchased after you've gotten your furniture. Stick to one style/theme within the treatment. In other words, don't mix a frilly top treatment with a staunch woven wood blind.
- If your room has no definite theme/style to it, your window treatments should do the same. They should not be what determines the theme in your room.
- Watch the compatability of textures when layering treatments. Brocades, satins and silks go well with polished or painted wood shutters, micro and mini blinds. More textured/nubby fabrics will look better with woven woods, bamboo shades and textured roller shades.
- Aim for only one pattern at the window. Just because a fabric is a solid color doesn't mean it doesn't have a prominent texture/pattern. If you must use a second print/texture, be sure you have a contrast in pattern/texture size. For example, a large print swag and cascade over a solid mini-print damask solid, not a large damask solid.
- Try to not mix lines and patterns that compete with each other when layering window treatments. Such as a strong casement type fabric drapery over a mini-blind. The two directions of lines will be confusing to the eye, especially when outside light shines through.
- Be sure to plan for at least one layer to completely close to provide privacy at night, and light filtering during the day, especially for young children who may be napping.
- When ordering window treatments, pay attention to where the controls will be easiest to get to. And if they are for children, be sure they will be out of reach for safety reasons.
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