Behind the Blinds

Many homeowners tend to face the dilemma of choosing between curtains and blinds as window treatment. There are pros and cons for both, but at the end of the day, the answer totally depends on what you want. So, if you’re struggling with this question, think about this: why not combine both curtains and blinds?

Give this suggestion a moment to digest. Roll it around your mind. Let it take root. The more you’ll think about it, the better it’s going to feel. It may be an unconventional idea, but it’s getting pretty popular with homeowners who want to get the best of both worlds. If you’re hoping to try it out, here are 5 important things to bear in mind when combining curtains and blinds:

1.  What’s the purpose?

While curtains are just an upgraded version of ye old drapes, blinds have a much more functional and ergonomic variety that you must choose from. Some advantages of blackout blinds is that they can prevent any light from coming in while honeycomb blinds have that opaque quality that diffuses outside light like a lamp. Similarly, there are blinds that are designed for heat retention, minimizing peeking, and even just adding some style.

On the other hand, curtains are much more straightforward. They simply consist of fabric that can be pulled back for light control – although many curtains these days have a blackout backing or are paired with sheer curtains to get a layered lighting effect.

So, what you need to do is define the purpose of both your blinds and curtains. If you want blinds for better light control, then the curtains can be used for an aesthetic effect and vice versa. Just think about the overall impact of both these window treatments, do some research on their purposes, and only then decide what purpose you want the blinds and what purpose you need the curtains for.

2. Compatible installation hardware

Another thing to keep in mind when combining curtains and blinds is to find compatible hardware. Blinds are usually drilled inside a mount and their hardware is mostly hidden from the eye for visual purposes.

Curtains, on the other hand, are hung from curtain rods. Now, these come in a huge variety. Some of them have stylish finials on either end that keep the curtain from being swept off the road. Most of them even have holders so that the fabric can be fashionably gathered on one end without compromising the aesthetics. Then there are rings, brackets, rod connectors, and so much more!

Finding the middle ground between the hardware of these two window treatments is a must, if you want to combine them. Make sure that the two don’t end up creating a glaring contrast that might ruin your interior design.

3. Matching the style

One of the most important things to keep in mind when combining curtains and blinds is to create a visual harmony between their styles. Venetian blinds are the most versatile option. They’re able to maintain a great chemistry with almost all types of curtains, and even come in a variety of great finishes. You can even tie it all up nicely with a pelmet that will hide the hardware completely.

Pro tip: Try to avoid too much solid on solid. For example, roman blinds and roller blinds can seem a bit redundant with curtains, as they both almost have the same functionality. But the contrast of shutters and venetian blinds with solid curtains can look visually pleasant.

Here’s another thing to remember: never do pattern on pattern. Patterned curtains over patterned blinds can create so much visual business that you won’t even be able to look at your windows anymore. Instead, choose one window treatment in patterns, while the other one can be in solids. This way, you can create a great balance and contrast between the two.

4. What’s your take on tech?

Window treatments have also evolved with the passage of time. Blinds, especially, have become an intrinsic part of the smart home movement. They can be tethered to the home’s automation system, which you can even further personalize by creating various light settings. So, at the end of the day, you’d only have to say, “Alexa, make it dark,” for the blackout blinds to jump into action immediately.

If you don’t want to go that far, then there are the cordless blinds, which come with a child lock technology to keep them safe from children and pets.

At the end of the day, you’ll have to figure out how far you want to take it with the tech, and combine it with the mostly analogue and hand-operated system of curtains.

5. Round out the theme

Lastly, you must always keep your interior design theme in mind when choosing both curtains and blinds. An overly glamorous combination can make your modern theme feel garish. Similarly, simple neutral colours can negatively contrast an eclectic home interior. Both the curtains and the blinds must match the theme of the space to deliver the best effect and complement the overall mood of the space.

This concludes everything that you must know about combining curtains and blinds. We hope this guide helps you select the best window treatments for your homes!

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Zana is a window treatments consultant with over 20 years of experience.