Gone are the days when choosing a single window treatment for your home was your only decorating option. Now you can select more than one and layer them for dramatic effect. Layering keeps your home insulated from the outside temperature. If you are living in places like Toronto and Markham, where winters are freezing cold, layering is a good option for you. Hunter Douglas, Maxwell and Shadex offer a fine range of window coverings that will make your task easy.
There are two types of window treatment:
Hard Window Treatments
Hard window treatments are made of sturdy materials like wood or vinyl and are generally available in wooden or stained finishes. With today’s modern interiors, the latter is becoming increasingly popular for its funky appearance. Plus, hard window treatments are durable and last longer than other types. Blinds, shutters, and shades are common examples of these window treatments.
Soft Window Treatments
Soft window treatments are made from fabrics like linen, cotton, silk, and velvet, meaning they can be washed and maintained at home. (It is advisable to dry clean heavier fabrics like silk and velvet.) Soft window treatments are available in both single colours and printed patterns.
Shades fall under both categories of window treatments as they are made of wood, vinyl, or fabric.
If you want to add visual softness to your windows, go for blackout curtains with sheer panels instead of drapes only. The curtains block out light to ensure a good night’s sleep whereas the sheer panels filter out light without compromising on privacy. To find out more about these options, keep reading below:
Draperies with Roman Shades
This timeless soft window treatment combination adds elegance and cosiness to any home. Roman shades filter light while blackout curtains block it completely. There are two ways to layer these two window treatments:
1. If you like a seamless look, select similarly coloured Roman shades and curtains. For instance, beige and white complement most modern décors perfectly.
2. To add visual interest to your home, go for patterned Roman shades and single colour draperies.
Draperies with Sheer Shades
Sheer shades are made of fabric and can be tilted with a cord mechanism, just like blinds, in order to control the entry of light into a room. In addition, these shades can be rolled up to get you a clear view of the outdoors. Add blackout draperies to darken the room as you like.
Draperies with Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are one of a kind as they trap air and help insulate windows. This makes them an appropriate choice for people living in places that experience temperature extremes. They blend well with contemporary styles but can still be used in traditional houses. Layer them with draperies of your choice.
Combining Hard and Soft Layering
When hard and soft window treatments are combined, the result is perfect for traditional homes. Do you have a classic style house? If so, read on!
Draperies with Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are known for their architectural style as they feature vertical stiles and horizontal rails. This unique design can increase your home’s resale value, but there can be gaps between the stiles and rails which is why layering them with draperies is a smart idea. Opt for either neutral colour shutters with bold printed draperies or wooden shutters with single colour curtains.
Curtains with Blinds
Blinds feature either horizontal or vertical slats and are operated with either a tilting or cord mechanism. They are available in single colours like white, off-white, and beige. To add spunk to your windows, layer them with bold patterned drapes of your choice.
Do you like a simple look? If so then try layering with similar window coverings. Here’s how to do it:
Sheer with Colourful Curtains
This is an ideal choice if you love curtains. Hang sheer drapes from the inside and complement them with heavy patterned or designed drapes on the outside. This requires two curtain rods installed on the top of the window frame.
Layering window treatments is fun provided you know how. Whenever you layer window coverings, always consider their purpose and the space available. Once you are sure what you need, the selection of window coverings is easy. So, which layering option is right for you? Select one and enhance the appearance of your house today!
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