It’s all about the layers in both fashion and home design. Pairing shades with drapery is the perfect way to bring style and function to your home. While there are many ways to style a black dress–jewelry, a scarf, heels–the same is true for window treatments. Take a look at these three incredible combinations, each with their own personality and purpose. Which one grabs your attention?
The Key Elements: Patterns + Textures
Like our clothing, patterns and textures bring that special something to our look. These two elements are important when pairing shades with drapery. Achieve a custom look with patterned fabrics, bold colors and textured materials. Have fun with your design, but keep in mind, too many different colors may spoil the look. Sometimes, less is more.
Look here, with a simple stamped design on the draperies, this client was able to add a woven shade with a seam running vertically for added interest. The woven fibers allow soft, glowing light inside while the drapes frame out the window. We love the sophisticated whimsy of it all.
For the Love of Neutral
Neutral colors have become a designer go-to…and for good reason. Light colors make a space look larger and more open. Neutral window treatments can achieve the same results. By hanging light neutral-colored drapery vertically above the window frame, ceilings are made to look taller. Another way to enlarge a space is through sheer shades. You can achieve the privacy you want, get relief from glare and UV damage, but also protect your view to the outdoors. By pairing sheer shades with drapery you have created an airy look with layers of style and dimension.
Layering neutral window products gives a subtle, yet elegant look to your window. If you need a bit more personality, choose a patterned fabric or textured material visible only when close up. Details matter when customizing your window treatments, even subtle choices. A favorite of ours is the jacquard fabric–dense with slight texture that brings elevated luxury to any space. Silks and velvet are also a refined look, but use cotton and linen for more casual spaces.
Bold Styling with Low Profile Shades
Opposites attract when pairing shades with drapery. Contrasting fabrics is a popular look in window treatment design. This way your draperies stand out and make a statement. If you want your windows as the focal point, choose drapes in a bold color or unique pattern. Opt for thick materials that will result in a wide stack of fabric at the edge of the windows to create the look.
When pairing shades with drapery it’s all about the finished look. A kerfed (aka trim-less) window look is seen in this home office. This is a contemporary style of finishing windows and a chic choice. In this space, the clients have enough depth for the window shade to be mounted inside the window area. It’s possible to do an inside mount of the shade if your windows are cased, with traditional trim surrounding the window. But, with shallow windows, mostly found in older windows, the shades may have to be outside mounted. In this scenario, pairing shades with drapery can be a little more challenging, but nothing’s impossible! (Especially when you get the experts involved!)
The way around a tricky window situation is the right product knowledge. A low profile shade with a roller mechanism would work. Our designers at California Window Fashions know best. They’ve seen it all when it comes to pairing shades with drapery. All you need to worry about is loving the finished product and we take care of the rest. Contact us for a free in-home consult and put our designers to work!
