2025 is going to be all about layering window treatments. Layering Window Treatments offer a beautiful multi-dimensional feel to any room, as well, greater functionality for your space.
Layering works incredibly well in both traditional and contemporary settings. When selecting fabrics, seek out contrasting textures that still provide complementary qualities. We will provide expert tips and inspiring ideas to guide you toward this perfect combination.
Benefits of Layering Window Treatments:
Aesthetics
Layered treatments can add depth, texture, patterns, and visual interest to your room. Two or more layers create depth and design dimension in your room for a more eye-catching, polished look than a single layer.
Light Control
You can use different treatments to regulate how much natural light enters your room. For example, you can use shades for a subtle filter and drapes for complete darkness.
Privacy
You can create multiple levels of privacy by using different treatments. For example, shades can obscure the view during the day, while drapes can provide full coverage at night.
Insulation
Extra layers can help with temperature control, keeping your room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Double-layered blinds can save up to 30% on heating energy in winter.
Functionality
Two different layers of window treatments give you greater light and privacy control than just one layer. For instance, a light-filtering Solar Shade under a blackout-lined Roman Shade gives you the option to filter natural light. This will provide a warm, soft glow and add some privacy during the day. The Solar Shade will block out ambient light and blackout Roman Shade will allow to enjoy complete privacy in the evening.
Energy Efficiency
- Extra layers can help with temperature control, keeping your room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Consider Room Usage: How you use the room. For example, living rooms might benefit from UV protection, while bedrooms might benefit from blackout treatments.
- Reduce glare and UV damage to floors and furniture extending the life of home decor.
How to Layer Window Treatments
Expert tips on how layering window treatments achieve the look and feel you love with the functionality you require. Emphasize flow in color palette, texture, and style is key when layering window treatments. Maintain cohesive elements among layers.
Step 1: Consider Functionality
What do you want your window treatments to achieve?
Do you plan to adjust both layers on a daily basis? You’ll want to make sure both feature easy control systems (Cordless and/or Motorization). Or, do you plan to have one decorative layer, like stationary drapery panels? Then you’ll need to make sure your single functional layer provides all your light and privacy control needs.
Step 2: Select Primary Layer
Once you know your functionality requirements you will want to choose your primary functional layer. This will be the layer you adjust most often for light and privacy control. Typically, this layer is the inside layer. Often, the primary layer uses more neutral and subtle designs.
Step 3: Select Secondary Layer
Choose a secondary layer to complement your first layer. This layer will likely be the outside layer that is less often adjusted. This layer benefits from a bolder color or pattern that can act as the focal point in your overall room’s design. When choosing your secondary layer, think about how it works with the rest of your interior décor and not just the color and pattern.
Layered Window Treatment Options
How do product options work together?
Drapery
Drapery is an elegant, beautiful option for layering window treatments. Custom curtains are very easily layered with most other window treatment options, including itself. Drapery comes in a variety of pleat styles and hardware choices. Some of which are more functional, while others are more decorative.
Shades
Shades are typically a very functional choice for your windows. You will find Shades are most often layered with other Drapery. A common combination is to layer a Roman or Woven Wood Natural Shades over a Roller or Solar Shade. You will often see a light-filtering shade combined with a room-darkening shade to obtain the ultimate in light control.
Shades come in a wide range of styles:
- Sleek and Modern Roller/ Solar Shades
- Elegant Roman Shades
- Organic and Sustainable Woven Wood Natural Shades
- Insulating Cellular Shades
Blinds
Blinds typically refer to Wood or Faux-wood Blinds that feature horizontal, tiltable slats. However, another common style of blind is a Vertical Blind that runs on a track system. Wood and Faux-wood Blinds are best for layering with drapery.
Cornices & Valances
For an extra decorative element on your windows, consider adding a cornice or a valance.
- Cornices are typically larger, made of a wood frame, and upholstered with the same fabric as one of your layered window treatments.
- Valances are usually a bit smaller and their construction varies between product options from delicate fabric to polished metal.
GRABER WINDOW TREATMENT VISUALIZER
Preview window treatments on your very own windows with the new Graber Visualizer. Simply upload a photo, choose a treatment, and see how it looks in your actual space. Change colors, options, and more to find the best window treatment solution for you.
No photo? No problem. Choose from our sample room scenes and bring your design vision to life.
Still require more inspiration? Checkout Graber Blinds Design gallery. Afterwards, contact Indigo Blinds & Shades to make it a reality!
