The layered look is a popular interior design trend that involves combining different window treatments, such as blinds and curtains, to create visual depth, texture, and interest.
Using both blinds and curtains together allows you to control light and privacy while also making a style statement.
Blinds offer adjustable light control and privacy, while curtains provide a softer, more decorative element.
Combining the two treatments creates a layered look that brings together form and function.
This layered window styling creates a custom, upscale aesthetic that makes your windows a focal point.
There are many creative ways to pair blinds and curtains to achieve a layered window treatment:
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Wood Blinds with Sheer Curtains
One of the most popular layered window treatment ideas is combining wood blinds with sheer curtains.
The slatted wood blinds allow you to control light and privacy by adjusting the slats open and closed.
Pairing them with sheer curtains in a lightweight, breezy fabric softens the look and adds a graceful, elegant touch.
Sheer curtains made from materials like linen, cotton voile or silk can filter light while still allowing you to see through them when the blinds are open.
When the blinds are closed for privacy, the sheers diffuse the light beautifully.
Hang the sheers wide to maximize their effect.
This layered look works with any style decor from traditional to modern.
The wood blinds bring a warmth and richness, while the sheers keep the look light and airy.
Consider tying back the sheers with ribbons during the day for a romantic cottage vibe.
Tip: When combining wood blinds with sheers, match widths for a cohesive look.
Hang the sheers as close to the window as possible, above the blinds.
Keep colors light to enhance the streamlined, breezy effect.
Faux Wood Blinds with Patterned Curtains
Faux wood blinds are an affordable alternative to real wood that can still create a natural, inviting look.
Pairing faux wood blinds with patterned curtains adds an extra layer of texture, color and vibrancy.
Play with patterns like florals, paisleys or geometrics in any color palette you love.
Choose fabrics like taffeta, damask or printed linen to give the windows texture and movement.
The faux wood blinds ground the look with their solid, earthy tones.
Having the blinds mounted inside the window frames ensures they are subtle and allow the curtains to take center stage.
Keep the look light and casual for a relaxed vibe.
Or, go dramatic with bold prints and luxurious fabrics for an elegant layered effect.
Tip: Use patterned curtains to infuse personality into a neutral room.
Tie them back during the day to highlight the prints.
Close the blinds in the evenings for privacy while still enjoying the colors and textures.
Roller Blinds with Curtains on a Pole
Looking for an uncomplicated layered window?
Combining simple roller blinds with curtains on a pole creates an effortlessly stylish look.
Roller blinds are basic shades on a roll-up mechanism, available in various materials like vinyl, bamboo or fabric.
Mount them directly inside the window frame for a clean, integrated look.
Then hang breezy pole-pocket curtains in a complementary solid color or subtle print next to the window.
The sleek roller blinds allow you to quickly control privacy and light.
Draw them up to any point or fully open.
The curtains add visual interest and a soft textural element, without competing with the blinds.
Tip: For a relaxed vibe, use textured natural fabrics like linen, cotton or textured wovens for the curtains.
Raise the pole close to the ceiling to make the windows appear larger.
Roman Blinds with Cafe Curtains
If you want to combine two window coverings of similar styling, roman blinds and cafe curtains pair up beautifully.
Both have a tailored, elegant look, with soft gathered folds when raised.
Roman blinds fold up neatly when retracted to allow light in.
Cafe curtains are half-length curtains usually hung from a valance that protect privacy on the bottom half of the window.
Together, they create lovely old-world charm.
Play with complementary fabrics and colors like solid roman blinds with patterned cafe curtains.
Many roman blind styles work layered with cafe curtains, including soft folds, hobbled or flat panels.
Tip: For a coordinated cozy cottage look, use natural fabric pairings like linen roman blinds with lace cafe curtains.
Add cute trim, ties or tassels.
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Cellular Shades with Curtains on Rings
Cellular shades are popular for their honeycomb-like cells that trap air to insulate windows.
Layer them with breezy curtains on rings for an eclectic mix of textures.
Made from fabric, vinyl or bamboo, cellular shades stack up to allow light through or close fully for blackout.
Curtains on rings can easily slide open or closed on a rod.
Rings also eliminate dangling cords for child safety.
For an edgy yet cozy ambiance, try pairing blackout cellular shades with sheer bohemian-inspired curtains on rings, using earthy or metallic textures and patterns.
Tip: For great light control, choose cordless cellular shades operated by lifting from the bottom rail and pair with solid-colored curtain panels on rings.
Bamboo Blinds with Pleated Curtains
Bamboo blinds lend natural style and sustainability to any room.
Balancing their earthy texture with tailored pleated curtains makes for a chic, contemporary layered window.
Bamboo shades offer warm, welcoming style, from slatted blinds to woven roller shades in solids or patterns.
Precise pleated curtains can be made from various fabrics like faux silk, polyester or linen.
Vary the heights between the bamboo shades and pleated panels for extra dimension.
Keep them in similar neutral solid hues for a serene look.
Add pops of color with lively curtain tiebacks.
Tip: Combine wide bamboo slatted blinds with pleated panels that cover half the window for an airy, balanced layered treatment.
Blinds with Pencil-Pleat Curtains
Another way to mix tailored shades with dressmaker-style curtains is using blinds with pencil-pleat curtains.
The thin “pencil” pleats allow the curtains to stack narrowly when drawn open.
Any style of blind from venetians to shutters to shades can be paired with elegant pencil-pleat curtains made of silky fabrics, velvet or linen.
For a luxurious layered window, use wide blinds mounted outside the window frames with full-length curtains in a contrasting or matching fabric.
Tip: For an upscale, polished look, install motorized blinds and pair them with pencil-pleat curtains in an embossed velvet.
Add decorative holdbacks.
Blackout Shades with Blackout Curtains
For maximum light control, go for the dramatic blackout effect by layering blackout shades with matching blackout curtains.
Light-blocking roller shades or cellular shades create total darkness when closed.
Pair them with solid blackout curtains in a coordinating color and opulent fabric like velvet, chenille or faux silk for an enveloping cocoon effect.
Use blackout base curtains hung from clips or rings so they stack narrowly and don’t block the shades.
Bring the drama even further with swags, cascading ruffles or contrast binding and trim.
Tip: Make a dark, soothing oasis for sleeping with room-darkening shades and noise-muffling curtains in rich hues of navy, charcoal grey or chocolate brown.
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Cordless Shades with Grommet-Top Curtains
Clean-lined cordless shades offer safety and modern style paired with the casual vibe of grommet-top curtains.
Cordless cellular shades, wood blinds and other shades operate with bottom rails or smart motors, instead of dangling cords.
Combine their streamlined look with the urban, raw style of relaxed curtains hung from grommets.
Play with bold patterns on the curtains or keep them minimal in solid colors like off-white.
Varying the shade and curtain widths, lengths and colors creates dimension and interest.
Fully retract both treatments as desired for wide-open windows.
Tip: For a trendy industrial chic space, use matte black cordless shades with ivory linen or burlap grommet-top curtains.
Dual Roller Shades with Tab-Top Curtains
Roller shades offer versatile light control and style.
Dual roller shades with sheer and blackout shades in one housing allow you to have the best of both worlds.
Layer in tab-top curtains for extra panache.
Tab-top curtains hang from button-like fabric tabs with openings that slide easily onto a curtain rod.
Their casual elegance works perfectly with the tailored roller shades.
Use a lightweight sheer fabric that filters light beautifully when the sheers are down.
Vary the widths of the shades and curtains for visual appeal.
Adjust the rollers and tabs to control privacy, light and airflow.
Tip: Combine patterned and solid roller shades with breezy linen tab tops.
Raise everything fully for unobstructed views, lowered tops for privacy or closed curtains and shades for blackout.
Layered Curtains with Matching Blinds
Sometimes a bold, perfectly coordinated window treatment makes an impressive style statement.
Match blinds and curtains in similar prints, fabrics and colors for a custom designer look.
Any style of blind, from wood to faux wood, bamboo or solar, can match layered curtains.
Curtains, valances and sham treatments can use the same coordinating pattern or pull background colors from the print.
For a put-together showcase window, add matching tiebacks, pleats or trim.
Include hiding curtain liner layers for extra functioning opulence.
Close the blinds and curtains fully or retract both completely as needed.
Tip: In a living room, use complementary roller shades and layered curtains in an oversized damask or scroll print for an elegant focal point.
Patterned Layered Curtains with Blinds
Instead of matchy-matchy, make a statement by pairing bold patterned curtains for a lively layered look, balanced by simple blinds.
Use curtains with complementary prints like a trellis pattern over a smaller floral print.
Or stack styles like ruffled sheers over striped panels.
Hang them alone as a curtain duo or frame them with classic roller shades or slatted blinds.
Vary the fabric textures, patterns and scales for visual interest.
Contrast the lively curtains with matte black or white blinds for balance.
Inject your personal style into a room with this eclectic, fun mix.
Tip: Combine breezy multi-layered sheers with lush velvet panels and minimal white venetian blinds for a glam mix of old Hollywood and modern.
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Contrasting Colors and Textures
Don’t be afraid to combine contrasting elements like textures, colors and patterns when layering window treatments.
Opposites attract when decorating!
Try a winter white linen shade with an inner curtain in rich chocolate brown velvet for luxurious contrast.
Or pair bamboo roman shades with sheer metallic-striped panels.
How about breezy natural jute shades with watery-hued silk curtains?
The key is balancing the elements.
If the blinds are colorful or boldly printed, keep the curtains neutral or subtle, and vice versa.
Use blackout shades as the base layer, with lighter fabrics over them.
Playing with contrast creates welcoming depth and visual energy.
Tip: In a minimalist modern space, try forest green blackout cellular shades layered with thin white linen curtains for organic contrast.
The layered look offers endless possibilities to combine blinds and curtains creatively.
Use these ideas as springboards to mix and match textures, patterns, colors and window treatment styles that reflect your personal taste.
Remember to consider the room’s existing elements and your decor goals when designing layered windows.
Try varying proportions and mounting heights for added dimension.
Input from a professional designer can help devise the perfect window pairings for your home.
The visual warmth, depth and personality brought by combining blinds and curtains makes your home uniquely yours.
With some thoughtful creativity, your windows can become both beautiful frame-worthy features and highly functional spaces that improve your everyday living.
