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Layered Window Treatments: Pairing Curtains, Blinds, and Sheers

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ripple fold drapery wool blend snow wool blend fleece

Layered window treatments have become a popular decorating trend, and it’s easy to see why! Layered curtains and other window treatments allow you to mix and match patterns and materials to create a custom look for a home.

In addition, layered window treatments are great for those who want to add more texture and depth to their space. This option is also great to provide flexibility in light control, with the option to pair blackout and light filtering materials.

How to Layer Window Treatments

There are many different layering options, which make customization nearly limitless! To give you some ideas and inspiration, we’re sharing some examples of layered curtains and window treatments to create a stylish new look in your home.

Layered Curtains and Sheers

Layering Sheer and Opaque Drapes

Layering opaque drapery with sheer drapery is a classic look that allows soft light in during the day and provides more privacy at night. This is one of the most commonly used window treatment layering styles because there are so many different textures and fabrics to choose from to create your desired look and feel.

If you’re looking to create a curtain with sheers style for your home, The Shade Store offers eight custom drapery styles in a wide variety of beautiful materials, providing endless options to mix and layer draperies and sheers. Find your perfect pairing of layered curtains today.

Layered Curtains and Blinds

Can you have blinds and curtains on the same window? Absolutely! Curtains over blinds (or drapes over blinds) is a popular style of layered window treatments that provides clean lines and light control. This pairing is easy to execute and offers thousands of pairing options for homeowners to choose from. One important note about choosing individual treatments: when choosing a layer of curtains and blinds, choose the blinds first, as they will provide the majority of the light blocking features. Then you can choose a curtain to complement your blinds.

Unlike layering draperies and sheers, when pairing curtains with blinds, you only need one drapery rod, as blinds are mounted at the window frame.

The Shade Store offers three different blind styles in versatile materials, woods and metal finishes, to give you the flexibility to mix and match materials to each curtain style. You can opt for something classic, like white or solid color blinds, or use curtains over wood blinds to integrate natural and neutral tones. If you need supreme light filtering but don’t want to sacrifice aesthetic, you can also choose blackout curtains over blinds.

Pairing Curtains with a Cornice

Another great layered window treatment option is to pair your curtains with a cornice. Combining curtains with a valance is a simple way to add depth to a room while also concealing any hardware from the existing window treatments. A cornice can also block light from the top of your window treatments, preventing any light seepage into the room.

If you’re not familiar with cornices, you don’t have to look far to find excellent choices. The Shade Store has three cornice options in a wide selection of exclusive materials. You can find the perfect option to pair with your curtains.

Layering Curtains Over Shades

flat roman shade velarte canvas pinch pleat drapery muestra indigo

Layered curtains and shades can add strong patterns and textures to the room, as these two window treatments usually have the most material options to play with. While many different styles of shades work perfectly for this pairing, Roman Shades have unique pleat and stacking designs to add depth and texture.

If you are interested in layered curtains and want to mock up some designs for curtains over shades, The Shade Store has six custom shade styles to give you the opportunity to create a truly customized look for your space.

The Key Elements of Layering Window Treatments

Inner Layer: Roller Shade — Cora, Light Grey / Middle Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery — Sheer Wool Blend, Cloud / Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery — Heathered Linen, Smoke

When layering window treatments, it’s important to keep to things in mind:

  • Function: What would you like your window treatments to accomplish?
    • If you’re looking to block light and achieve privacy, we recommend adding Blinds, Blackout Shades or Drapery with blackout lining to your layered look.
    • If you would like to protect your interiors from UV rays, prevent fading and reduce glare, try Layering Solar Shades under Roman Shades.
  • Aesthetic: What look or style would you like to achieve with your window treatments?

Order Free Swatches Get Expert Design Advice Today

While there are a number of layered curtains and window treatment pairing options to consider, it can be hard to envision these styles in your home. If you need some assistance, you can order free swatches to mix and match different materials to find the best layered look for you.

For more hands-on design insight on how to mix blinds and curtains, visit one of The Shade Store’s nationwide showrooms or schedule a free design consultation with our expert team today.

Which Types of Blinds Block Light the Best?

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Light Blocking Window Treatments at a Glance

The Shade Store offers a beautiful selection of blinds that block light — for every window in the home:

Which Types of Blinds Block Light the Best?

Blinds that block the light are great for bedrooms, media rooms and spaces where you need complete darkness — and The Shade Store has a beautiful selection of options for you to choose from.

Inner Layer: Roller Shades — Cora Blackout, White / Outer Layer: Ripple Fold Drapery — Canvas, Natural

Blackout Roller Shades

Inner Layer: Roller Shades — Cora Blackout, Shell / Outer Layer: Rod Pocket Drapery — Shoreham Stripe, Oatmeal

Sleeky and stylish, our Blackout Roller Shades offer complete darkness from morning to night. They’re perfect for media rooms and bedrooms!

  • Our Blackout Roller Shades eliminate glare and provide full privacy.
  • We offer multiple control options: stainless steel chain, cordless and motorized.
  • A wide assortment of exclusive materials to choose from.

Wood & Metal Blinds

2” Wood Blinds — 2” Matte, Ivory

Add a timeless touch to your windows with our Wood and Metal Blinds. Showcasing sustainably sourced all-natural woods, sleek metal styles and versatile wood alternatives, this collection lets you block out light with unparalleled character.

  • Available in a variety of beautiful finishes to complement your home décor.
  • Eco-friendly and responsibly sourced woods.
  • Classic metal finishes.

Roman Shades, Drapery & Woven Wood Shades with Blackout Lining

Flat Roman Shade with Blackout Lining — Baldwin, Stone

Applying blackout lining to your Roman Shades, Drapery and Woven Wood Shades lets you achieve luxurious looks while also blocking out light completely. To get blackout lining on your window treatments, simply select “Blackout Lining’ during the online customization process or let your Design Consultant know at your local showroom.

  • Blackout lining blocks 99% of light for complete privacy, room-darkening and added insulation

Blackout Cellular Shades

Blackout Cellular Shades — 3/4″ Single Cell Blackout, Midnight

Elevate every space as you block light with our Cellular Shades. Clean and contemporary in light-filtering and blackout options, this collection is designed to improve insulation and help regulate interior temperatures.

  • Available in single and double-cell options.
  • Blackout Cellular Shades block 99% of natural light and provide insulation and full privacy.

Have Questions About Blinds That Block Light? We’re Here to Help!

Our Design Consultants are available to answer any questions you may have or help you find the perfect blinds that block light. Simply schedule a free design consultation or visit your local showroom to get started.

Child Safe Blinds and Shades

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Explore Child-Safe Blinds and Shades at The Shade Store

Cordless Roller Shade — Flight, Denim

Safety comes first at The Shade Store, and that’s why we offer a selection of child-safe blinds and shades for every space, including Best For KidsⓇ Certified options. Best For KidsⓇ Certified window treatments have been independently tested and are best for homes with small children.

What Makes Window Treatments Child-Safe?

Two words: No Cords. The best child-safe blinds and shades are cordless — meaning there are no chains, strings or cords hanging from the window treatments. Cordless window treatments are the safest option for homes with children.

What Types of Child-Safe Blinds & Shades Does The Shade Store Offer?

Cordless Solar Shades: SunbrellaⓇ Solar Collection — 10% Solistico, Oatmeal

The Shade Store offers two types of child-safe window treatments:

  • Cordless Window Treatments: These options are designed without strings or chains — a simple pull is all it takes to adjust the shade’s height.
  • Motorized Window Treatments: Our advanced motors let you synchronize multiple products, set your favorite positions and schedule timers with your remote, smartphone, tablet or home automation system — no cords, strings or chains, just effortless operation.

Most of our custom window treatments — from Roller Shades to Roman Shades to Drapery to Blinds — can be customized to be cordless or motorized. Please note: Only blinds’ tilt function can be motorized. They can’t be opened and closed with motorization.

Inner Layer: Motorized Roller Shade — Cora Blackout, White / Outer Layer: Motorized Ripple Fold Drapery — Cotton, Natural

Have Questions About Child Safe Blinds and Shades? We’re at Your Service.

Our Design Consultants are available to assist you with everything you need to select and design the perfect child-safe blinds and shades for your windows. To get started, simply request a free design consultation or visit your local showroom. We’re happy to help!

Tall & Skinny Window Treatment Ideas

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Narrow windows, often found in bathrooms, stairwells, and older homes, often require custom window treatments because of their various unique sizes. At The Shade Store, we specialize in creating custom window treatments of all sizes, in a wide variety of luxurious and exclusive materials. So whether you need blinds for small windows or curtains for tall and thin windows, we have a lot of options for you to choose from. Privacy, light blockage, or simple decoration — The Shade Store has your windows covered.

Blinds for Small Windows

Wood Blinds are a wonderfully versatile window treatment option, allowing light in when the slats are open and providing privacy when they’re closed. The Shade Store offers three timeless collections of wood blinds in more than 60 finishes.. The minimum size is 9 inches wide, and they are customizable to the eighth of an inch.

In the bathroom below, designed by Kristin Taghon for Selah House, decorative tapes are used to give the white blinds interest and dimension and coordinate with the bold wall color. Wood Blinds can be tilted with a cord as shown, or with a wand, which is excellent for children’s rooms as it reduces the amount of cords on the treatment. We also offer a motorized tilt option, making blinds easy to tilt on high or hard to reach windows.

white wood blinds bathroom kristin taghon

Roller Shades for Tall & Narrow Windows

You can’t go wrong with Roller Shades for tall and narrow windows. Rollers can be made as small as six inches wide and are also customizable to the eighth of an inch. The Shade Store offers a gorgeous selection of exclusive materials in varying transparencies, from light filtering to blackout. The Novogratz and Nat Roller Shade collections are full of bright colors and textures, adding personality to windows of all shapes and sizes.

narrow roller shades

Natural Roller Shades, Bryce.

Door sidelights are often very narrow, and many struggle with finding a stylish solution to add privacy in such small places. Below, designer Suzanne Schultze shows how Roller Shades in Fountain fit the bill perfectly, blending in with the style of the doorframe and keeping the space bright. Rollers have three control types: continuous loop chain control, cordless (great for keeping narrow treatments clean and simple), and motorized.

narrow window treatments door sidelights the shade store

Roller Shades. Suzanne Schultze Design. Instagram: @suzanneschultzedesign.

Curtains for Tall & Thin Windows

Inner Layer: Roller Shade — Prince, Ivory / Outer Layer: Goblet Drapery — Silk Dupioni, Leaf

When designing curtains for tall and thin windows, we recommend floor-to-ceiling drapery. This gives your windows a dramatic appearance, making them look larger and taller. The Shade Store offers a beautiful selection of exclusive materials for curtains for tall and thin windows.

Cellular Shades for Small Windows

Another great idea if you’re looking for shades for small windows is our Cellular Shades. Available in Light Filtering and Blackout options, they offer excellent privacy, light control and even insulation!

For help or window treatment design advice on your tall and narrow windows, simply give us a call at 800.754.1455, visit us online or come see us at one of our nationwide showrooms. We will help you create the ideal shades and blinds for your space.

The Shade Store 101: Six Types of Roman Shades

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What Roman Shade Styles Are Available at The Shade Store?

If you’re going to dress your windows, why not put them in something pretty? Windows love our Roman Shades and here’s why: each Roman Shade is meticulously handcrafted from the finest fabrics to fit the exact specifications of your window. But which of the six styles offered at The Shade Store is right for your windows? Let’s take a quick look at the types of Roman Shades and the benefits of each.

What Are Roman Shades?

Relaxed Roman Shade — The Novogratz Feather Palm, Golden Mustard

Roman Shades are soft and elegant window treatments that combine the beauty of Drapery with the functionality of Shades. They are often made with luxurious fabrics like wool, linen and velvet and introduce beautiful depth to the window. The Shade Store offers six different types of Roman Shades: Flat Roman Shades, Cascade Roman Shades, Aventura Roman Shades, Relaxed Roman Shades, Tulip Roman Shades and Pleated Roman Shades.

Types of Roman Shades

Flat Roman Shades

Flat Roman Shade — Martyn Lawrence Bullard Tangier Weave, Blanco

Sleek and beautiful, no matter which material you choose. Flat Roman Shades are our most popular style, mainly due to their sleek modern aesthetic. They’re also highly functional, meaning they’re easy to raise and lower. If you like the look of window treatments with a smooth front and appreciate a neat stack when the shade is raised, then we recommend Flat Roman Shades.

Cascade Roman Shades

Top Down Bottom Up Cascade Roman Shade — Korinthos, White

When people imagining Roman Shades, this is likely the style that comes to mind. Our Cascade Roman Shades offer a timeless look thanks to their hand-stitched seams and sewn-in aluminum dowels. This attention to detail and expert craftsmanship account for their sleek appearance.

Aventura Roman Shades

Aventura Roman Shade — Sheer Elegance, Sand / Design: Everick Brown Design

Our Aventura Roman Shades are similar to Cascade Roman Shades but with a few important distinctions that make this style stand all on its own. Inspired by traditional Japanese Shoji designs, Aventura Roman Shades feature dowels on the front for unique appearance. The functionality is excellent and the look is striking.

Relaxed Roman Shades

Relaxed Roman Shades — The Novogratz Zebra Marble, Waverly Pink

Our Relaxed Roman Shades are beautifully constructed with gentle swoops to give windows a whimsical and easygoing appearance. They’re primarily decorative — meaning they’re not designed to be opened and closed frequently — so we recommend layering them with Roller or Solar Shades in rooms where you’d like to filter or block out light completely. Relaxed Roman Shades are made to showcase the beautiful fabric they’re made from, so be sure to choose something you love.

Tulip Roman Shades

Tulip Roman Shades — Velvet, Camel

Our Tulip Roman Shades are designed with carefully handcrafted inverted pleats along the headrail to ensure a lasting look and shape. They’re primarily a decorative style and not ideal for frequent use, but they make an elegant statement on any window.

Pleated Roman Shades

Inner Layer: Solar Shade — 5% Evergreen, Coal / Outer Layer: Pleated Roman Shade — Wool Blend, Fleece

Our Pleated Roman Shades are bold, beautiful and attention-grabbing. The beautiful cascade effect is achieved by uniform hobbled folds spaced 4″-5″ apart, which also guarantees a neat stack when raised.

Roman Shades with Curtains

Inner Layer: Flat Roman Shades — Windsor Stripe, Fog / Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery — Holland & Sherry Wool Flannel, Ash

One of the best ways to add beautiful depth and texture to your home is by layering Roman Shades with Curtains, or Drapery. Not only does this draw the eye toward the window, but it also gives you another way to control the natural light in your home.

Cordless Roman Shades

At The Shade Store, we are proud to offer the ultimate in smart home solutions. Our advanced motorized window treatments let you synchronize multiple cordless Roman Shades, set your favorite positions and schedule timers — all from your remote, smartphone, tablet or home automation system. You can even open and close your cordless Roman Shades with the sound of your voice with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and more.

Have Questions About Roman Shades? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any questions regarding our custom Roman Shades or would like a little help selecting the perfect styles for your home, we’re here for you! Just give us a call at 800.754.1455 or visit your local showroom. We’re here to help you find something you’ll love.

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