A Guide to Pairing Shades with Drapery

It’s the details that matter. Whether it’s putting together the perfect outfit, or styling your home, it’s all about the layers. When it comes to window treatments, pairing shades with drapery is the best way to combine beauty and function within your space. We offer a wide variety of combinations to create your own unique look. Here are three inspiring looks to get your creativity flowing. 

Details: Patterns + Textures

To add style and depth, designers use patterns and textures. These two elements are integral to a sophisticated look and should be considered when pairing shades with drapery. Patterned fabrics add personality to your space and a custom look. Be selective with your choices, too many colors and patterns may feel chaotic and take away from the completed design. 

side drapery panels and window shades layered in a cozy modern dining room
Provenance® Woven Woods with Custom Drapes

Draperies with a simple stamped pattern coordinate well with textured shades underneath. The subtle lines of the woven woods running vertically adds depth and interest to the design. The natural fibers of the shades welcome soft, glowing light into the home, while the drapes frame out the window. This all results in a lighthearted, casual, but complete look.

close up woven woods layered pairings in houston
Provenance® Woven Woods with Custom Drapes

A Nod to Neutral

When space is limited, less is more! Did you know that window treatments can actually make your space look larger when done right? By choosing light colors and hanging drapery high above the windows, close to the ceiling, you’ve elongated your windows and created space.

floor to ceiling arched windows in modern neutral living room Magnolia, TX
Custom Roman Shades & Draperies

In addition, consider the function of your window treatments and make sure they do their job. Sheer shades will decrease glare and provide UV protection. They also enlarge the look of the room by providing a view outdoors. Now your windows provide light control, an incredible view and much-needed privacy. Pairing shades with drapery brings it all together. 

sheer shades allow for a perfect combination in houston
Nantucket™ Sheer Shades with Custom Drapery

A subtle way to add protection and elegance is through neutral window treatments. By layering two similar colors you’ve added a sophisticated feel to the space. For an added touch, choose a neutral pattern or a fabric with an embedded texture. Here, the beauty of a dense, jacquard fabric can be visible close up, inviting a luxurious feel. Pro Tip: Silk and velvet will formalize the look, while cotton and linen add a more casual vibe. 

close up of sheer shade pairing in texas living room
Nantucket™ Sheer Shades with Custom Drapery

 

Add Style with Contrast & Low Profile Shades

If you prefer your treatments to stand out, choose a color or pattern that contrasts with the underlying shades when pairing draperies. Heavy fabrics work best creating a full look when drawn together at the sides of the windows creating a beautiful frame. But there’s more to consider…

contrasting look with parings of shades and drfapes in houston
Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades with Custom Drapes

Remember your design goal when pairing shades with draperies. Which layered design suits your look? The windows in this home office have been completed with a kerfed window, also know as trim-less. This is a chic, more contemporary way to finish windows. Here, the draperies have enough depth to accommodate inside mount window shades. If your home has cased windows and traditional trim surrounding, it lends itself to an inside mount. However, an older home may have shallow windows and an outside mount may be your only option. In this case, achieving a finished look isn’t impossible, just a bit more challenging. That’s what we are here for. 

details of an inside mount when pairing drapes in houston
Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades with Drapery

We’ve found an answer to this dilemma.  For tight spaces, choose a low profile shade with roller function or a low stacking profile shade. Your final look will be complete the layered look you desire and the function you need. If this all seems too much for you, we understand. Leave it to the experts. We have years of experience combining beautiful treatments for your unique spaces. Get in touch with Creative Blinds and allow us to guide you in the process. Contact our team to get started.