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

Both roman blinds and curtains are impressively elegant and functional on their own. But, when paired together, they do even better. Drawing from the same world of drapery fabrics where colours, patterns and textures run into infinity, this sumptuous combination is a visual allure that design enthusiasts cannot resist adding to their spaces. And, those who are more keen on the functional aspects of window treatments - than the aesthetic - are equally bowled over by the collective insulative capacity and versatility of both fabric treatments. 

We are diehard fans of layering roman blinds with curtains because it is an amazing combination of window treatments that not only improves the functionality of a space but also elevates its personality. If you want to join the club, come along as we walk you through the salient benefits of this unique combination and the nitty-gritty of arriving at it.

The Compelling Benefits of Pairing Roman Blinds & Curtains

 

Interior designers use layering to add visual depth to a space, aesthetic enhancement being the prime driving force behind this move. But when applied to window treatments, it goes beyond the visual, and steps into the functional aspects too. So, whether you want to accentuate the visual appeal of a room or maximise the functionality of its window treatments, layering curtains and roman blinds is of great advantage. Let us elaborate on that - 

• SOFTEN VISUAL APPEAL: Roman blinds offer a tight-fit coverage that carries on the theme of straight lines and flat surfaces from the windows and walls. If you want to introduce curvy features to add a pleasant visual contrast, the rippled contours of curtains will be of great help. So, pairing the two layers allows for a balancing of straight and curvy shapes, and the contrast generated from the wavy contours of curtains juxtaposed with the structured features of roman blinds adds delightful visual interest to the room.
• UNIQUE AESTHETIC OPPORTUNITY: Both curtains and roman blinds add bespoke elegance to the room when specially curated for your home. But, when combined, they are a statement of luxury that adds colour, texture and visual depth. So, for a room that lacks an architectural feature for a focal point, a simple window can lend a statement feature to your space, if you choose to frame and complement your roman blinds with curtains.
• VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Opting for two layers instead of stopping at one opens the possibility of pairing a sheer and non-sheer layer together, allowing you to reap the unique offerings of each. While the sheer ensures privacy during the day without cutting off the light completely, the non-sheer layer can be brought into action when you desire a higher degree of room darkening and privacy. Together, they make it possible to use the room to its optimal capacity both day and night. Besides, roman shades fold upward and stack on the top, while curtains operate horizontally and stack on the sides. The varied opacity levels combined with two-way stack operability make your window treatments versatile for balancing privacy and light. 
• UNPARALLELED LIGHT CONTROL: Both curtains and blinds can be fabricated from insulative fabrics for the highest level of light control, but the light leaks around their individual profiles can be bothersome. Layering resolves the issue marvellously as the shades and curtains together cancel window chinks and gaps through which light could bleed into the room.
• DOUBLE INSULATION: Large windows pose a challenge in rooms where insulation is a priority, especially during extreme weather conditions. Here, a thoughtfully selected combination of insulative roman blinds and curtains can work magic.

To summarise, for a home that strides on the ‘more is more’ principle of design, layered window treatments fit in organically. Pairing roman blinds with curtains lends this home the scope for mixing colour, pattern and texture. Similarly, rooms that call for flawless light control, foolproof privacy or enhanced insulation look to this celebrated duo to make the room more versatile and functional.

How to Layer Curtains and Roman Blinds

 

Layering curtains and roman blinds has indeed, many an allure to fall for. You may be motivated by the prospect of enhancing the functionality of your spaces. Or, you may be stoked by the idea of adding layers of colours and patterns to your window decor to create a wow moment. Define your purpose because your goal will provide you with the direction for this little design venture. And, one of the routes below will help you get to the destination:

Two Fully Functional Layers

 

In this approach, both roman blinds and curtains offer full coverage and share the functional responsibilities equally. This option is most suited for rooms that require extensive measures for light control, privacy and insulation.

One Functional & One Decorative Layer

 

For rooms where one functional layer is enough to meet the practical requirements, but the aesthetic opportunity beckons indulgence, this route proves a godsend. Here, the goal is to add visual depth, variety and glamorama. Either full-coverage curtain panels can be paired with stationary faux roman blinds. Or full-coverage roman shades are framed with narrow drapery panels that remain stationary and serve a decorative purpose only. In short, one layer is non-operable and decorative, while the other fulfils the functional requirements of the room single-handedly.

Within these two broad approaches to layering roman shades with curtains, you can work out several combinations based on the specific requirements of the room. Of these, the three popular ones deserve a special mention:

Mixing Sheers & Non-Sheers

 

Owing to their gauzy composition, sheers can provide privacy during the day without depriving you of light and air. Similarly, non-sheers are preferred for privacy during the night and for effective blocking of light. Combining both layers takes care of the privacy and light control requirements round-the-clock.

Alternatively, if you were to stick to a standalone sheer, nighttime privacy and room darkening would be compromised. And, if you were to install only a non-sheer, you would have to opt between privacy and light during the day. Moreover, if you have a great view across the window, you’ll be able to enjoy it only at the cost of your privacy.

So, combining a sheer and a non-sheer makes private rooms usable both day and night, enabling you to make the most of them. Whereas, if you’d stick to a single layer, you might have fewer options at hand for privacy and light control.

Since curtains have a sweeping coverage and are, by virtue of their voluminous structure, more insulative, we advise picking non-sheer/ blackout curtains where optimal light control is a priority. And, if you want the delicate beauty of sheers to stand out, prefer sheer curtains as they will be the top layer and the non-sheer roman shades will take the lesser optical estate.

Mixing Plains & Patterns

 

For rooms that are envisioned as dynamic spaces filled with colour, pattern and texture, layered window treatments are just that perfect opportunity to create moments of allure. While with single-layer window treatments, you will be forced to opt between plains and patterns, with layered treatments, you can have them together and evoke visual interest from the contrast generated thereby. So, if your decor style favours such an attractive recipe, don’t miss the chance. 

Keep one layer in a solid colour and the other in a pattern. So, either pair patterned roman blinds with plain curtains or plain roman blinds with patterned curtains. For a cohesive look, make sure that the plain colour echoes the accents of the pattern or complements it suitably.

Patterned roman blinds are especially adept at featuring the rich details of their design like a piece of art on their clean flat frontage. However, this visual treat will only be available in its full glory when the shade is folded down, and drapes are stacked to the sides. So consider how prominently you want the pattern to be visible along with the intended usage of both layers, and then decide which of the two you’d like to cover in pattern. 

Mixing Monochrome Plains

 

In this arrangement, both the roman shades and the curtains are envisioned as monochrome plains. This brings the dominating palette of the room to the fore in a distinctly pronounced manner. It is loved by the pattern-averse for adding visual interest in subtle ways and equally admired by the pattern-obsessed who want to tone down the bustle of a room crowded with varied motifs. 

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

For those who want to rely on the multi-layering of plain colours and rich textures in this manner, but wonder whether it may fail to hit the mark, we have a small trick to add interest and cohesiveness. Embellish the bottom of your roman blinds with suitable shade trims that coordinate with the colour of your curtains. Thus, you can ensure that your window treatments look like a single unit rather than as individuals on their own. And your plain shades candidly relaying their bespoke origins is the bonus point.

When to Avoid Layering Curtains and Roman Blinds

 

Layering roman blinds with curtains comes with so many attractive prospects that it may become hard to refuse. We can go on and on with a laudatory speech on this viable and elegant combination of window treatments, but we have to note that it is not for everybody, or every home, or every window. Some instances are better off without layering, such as -

• KITCHEN AND BATHROOM WINDOWS: Kitchens and bathrooms function better and stay hygienic only with the aid of sufficient natural light and fresh air. So, restricting to one layer is better for maintaining brightness and airiness in such small rooms with high humidity.

• SMALL WINDOWS: Small windows must be minimally dressed to make the most of their limited capacity to draw in light and air. Besides, they get easily overwhelmed with multiple layers. So it is better to stick to perfect-fit blinds, or low density curtains that speak to their petite proportions.

• SHALLOW WINDOW FRAME/ RECESS: Shallow window frames/ recesses may not have room to accommodate inside-mounted roman blinds, forcing you to mount the shade outside the window. So, the curtains will have to be projected outward accordingly to ensure unhindered operability. This may not be aesthetically on the mark. If however, you don’t mind the excess projection, layering curtains with blinds in this scenario remains a pleasantly viable arrangement. Read our detailed section on Inside Mount Roman Blinds Vs. Outside Mount Roman Blinds to discern which one suits more for your settings.

• INSUFFICIENT WALL SPACE AROUND THE WINDOWS: 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. 

• INSUFFICIENT FLOOR SPACE: Windows without free floor space because of furniture, radiator or built-ins underneath warrant short curtains which, when paired again with sill-length roman shades, fail to generate the grandeur that long curtains would. If the motivating factor is to enhance the visual appeal, this combination will be rather underwhelming, to say the least.

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

 

Layering curtains and roman blinds has enticing benefits that allure both home designers and homeowners alike. Whether you’re moved by your aesthetic leanings or functional requirements, we hope this blog has served up ideas to bring your thoughts to fruition. So, you can embark on your design venture right away by shopping for made-to-measure roman blinds for the first layer of defence on your windows. Or,if you’ve found us while looking for a fitting partner to layer with our current curtains, know that our 2000+ rich collection of premium fabrics will not leave you wanting for choice. As you meander through our dazzling silks, lush velvets, breezy cottons and linens, you will find 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.