Layering your window treatments adds color, texture, and dimension to your room. But it’s not just for show. Layering with both a blind or shade and a drapery gives your space the most light control, energy efficiency, sound absorption, and privacy.
You already instinctually layer different pieces of clothing and accessories each day. Now use these same layering skills to combine window treatments in versatile, beautiful looks you’ll love for years. Below are some tips to help you get started!
Coordinated Collections
You know your window treatment options are rich, varied, and on-trend. So where to begin? Consider starting with the Bali Tailored Roman Shades, Drapery, and Top Treatment collections. Many of the soft, high-quality fabrics available for these three products are shared among them so it’s easy to coordinate a beautiful layered look.
Plus, these extensive collections are sure to feature the kinds of fresh, on-trend fabrics you’re looking for, from big and bold to small and subtle.
Plan Your Layered Look
Follow these steps to create a layered look for your window.
1. Find Your Style Template
Take some time to discover the drapery and window treatment combo you’re drawn to. Check our Photo & Video Gallery for looks you love.
After you’ve gathered your photos, look for similarities. Are you drawn to neutral or vibrant colors? Patterns or solids? Where are the curtains hung in relation to the window?
Color & Pattern
If you’re wondering whether patterns or solids look best with your room, remember that solid-color fabrics are easy to coordinate with patterned furniture, and large, bold prints can work easily in a room with solid-color furniture. Small patterns in neutral colors look more like textures from a distance, so they can work with either solid-color or patterned furniture.
Height & Width
Mounting curtains four to six inches above your window frame adds height (and drama!), and you can add width to your window and allow more light in your room by extending your drapery an extra three to six inches outside the frame on each side.
Rods & Top Treatments
The phrase “cherry on top” works well here. Your top treatment, whether a swag and cascade, wood cornice, or a fabric-wrapped valance, makes a signature statement that’s all your own. Notice the hardware and top treatments you’re drawn to, and remember that some drapery styles—like rod pocket and back tab—hide hardware more than others.
2. Focus on Function
While you’re creating your style template, think about how you use the space. How often do you plan to open and close the curtains? How often will you raise and lower the shade? What kind of light and privacy do you need?
Tailored Roman Shades in Seamless Style with Motorized Lift: Berrymeadow, Arctic Bird 8975
Light & Privacy
Bedrooms with a light filtering shade or wood blind paired with curtains with a blackout liner ensure you get sunlight during the day and easy sleep at night. Bali Drapery and Tailored Roman Shades come with a standard liner, but you can upgrade to blackout, flannel-backed, thermal, and water resistant lining.
Movement
Floor-length drapery never require adjusting after you open or close them, making them a classic and easy choice. Curtains that fall one to three inches on the floor still look tailored but a bit more relaxed with little maintenance. Most drapery styles are easy to open and close; however, rod pocket styles are made to fit tightly, so opening and closing is tricky.
Bali AutoView motorized shades are an easy way to control shades when the cords are covered by drapery.
3. Try Fabrics at Home
You’re more than ready to give your window that makeover, but before you purchase your window treatments, see how your favorite fabrics look in your room. Colors on a computer screen are no match for fabrics in person. Order free swatches for a no-commitment way to check how your fabrics layer in your window and in your room. Remember that light and lining affect colors. Hold up your fabrics in every kind of light to see how they change throughout the day. Light through unlined, sheer fabrics will diffuse their color throughout the room.
Layering different window treatments is the key to pulling together a stylish, cohesive design. So dress your window in coordinating layers for a look that feels special yet effortless, because even windows like to dress up.
