Good Mix-and-Match Options for Window Treatments
If you’ve read the Altra Home Décor blog before, you’ve probably noticed that we love the idea of layering drapery or side panels with window fashions to add depth and drama to a room—the result can be spectacular. And sometimes, what’s even better is, if you choose the right combo, you’ll get the best in energy efficiency, privacy and light control, and aesthetics. Read on for some ideas, and if you’re in the greater Phoenix area, feel free to contact us to see these products in person.
Why Mix and Match?
Every room has its own personality—its own style. On top of that, each room has a specific function, whether that’s entertaining, sleeping, working, or relaxing. Combining treatments allows you to tailor the products’ function and design to the room’s needs while highlighting the aesthetics. When you mix and match, you end up with a highly unique look crafted to your needs, with the best of functionality and versatility to boot. Check out some ways to start thinking about this approach below.
Woven Shades With Sheer Curtains
In rooms where you want beautifully diffused light as well as privacy (think living room, dining room, family room), semi-sheer curtains matched with a great shade can make a fun statement. Here, you want the shade to do the “heavy lifting” by drawing the eye and filtering the light. A good option from Hunter Douglas is the Provenance® Woven Wood Shade, which is made from natural bamboo, reeds, and grasses. They’re highly durable, with minimal bowing, stretching, or breaking, and you can find them in a number of colorways to match your décor. For the curtains, you can definitely go with a thicker fabric, but in this case, choosing a semi-sheer makes Provenance the star.
Light-Filtering Curtains With Roman Shades
In the opposite vein, you can choose room-darkening fabrics against the window with light-filtering curtains on top (an excellent choice for a bedroom). Hunter Douglas Vignette® Roman Shades are available in a number of luxurious, high-quality fabrics in flat or full folds. These beauties will also offer energy efficiency when lowered, bringing insulation to the window. When you raise the shades, your light-filtering curtains can let your space enjoy natural light while still benefitting from privacy control.
Shades With Café Curtains
If you’re open to something off the beaten path, consider the cozy combo of café curtains on the bottom of the window with light-filtering shades at the top. This is a great option for a kitchen or kitchen dining area, a walled-in sitting porch, or any sort of space that gives off a relaxed, “come sit here” vibe.
Double Up Fabrics
If you’re going for an ultra-luxe look in a room where privacy isn’t the main concern, you can double up thicker drapery fabrics. Choose a patterned fabric with a fabric in a complementary solid color to make a design statement and pull everything together in the room.
Watchouts
While we encourage our clients to think creatively about their window treatments, we’re also mindful of a few things that can help ensure the resulting look and feel is what’s most wanted. Remember to consider the room’s function and needs—if you get something that lets in too much or too little light, you’ll likely be unhappy. Consider how everything will look from the outside—curb appeal matters. Avoid cluttering the window—too many layers or too busy a look will be distracting and will go counter to your goals. Be sure to keep everything in balance.
Mix-and-Match Treatments in the Greater Phoenix Area
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
