Windows were created to invite light, and the outdoors, into your home, allowing your space to feel open and bright. That said, it is important for you to have the option when it comes to your home – of when you want light flooding in, or the opposite, blocked out. Having the utmost control of your window dressing, and deciding on the how and when of your space, is such an important factor when designing your dream house. Light is often the most influential interior design aspect, and layering curtains and blinds together will add depth, character and personality to your home, whilst also giving you the control you desire.
We’ve put together this handy guide of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to styling curtains and blinds together.
1. Choose your blind style
First things first, styling blinds and curtains together starts with the function of the room you’re decorating. It’s important to start with the base layer, in this case, the blind. Deciding on the perfect blind for your home often comes down to a few factors, the size of the window (and the room), the practicality of the space, and your style preferences. First decide which blind is the perfect fit for your window.
Wooden blinds – Our selection of Wooden blinds offer a natural and organic look and feel to your space. These blinds include horizontal wooden slats, and are a great choice for those wanting to live a more sustainable life and reduce energy consumption. As well as acting as a natural insulator by providing protection from external weather conditions, they also save on energy bills!
Shop our full range of Wooden blinds here.
Roller blinds – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your bedroom, living area or bathroom, then Roller blinds are a great choice. In a huge variety of colours and patterns, these blinds are easy to operate and very low maintenance. These blinds are also available in a range of different materials, including blackout fabric which is ideal for bedrooms and assuring a restful nights sleep – and waterproof PVC material, which is ideal for bathrooms.
Shop our full range of Roller blinds here.
Roman blinds – Roman blinds offer blackout, light-filtering and thermal features, suitable for every, and any room in your home. With the simple pull of a cord, you can wind your Roman blinds all the way up to let lots of natural light in during the day, and in the evenings wind down to insulate your home and control your privacy.
Shop our collection of Roman blinds here.
Perfect Fit blinds – Perfect Fit blinds are among our most popular blind choices, as they are measured precisely to clip into your window frame. This makes the installation process easy for those not so handy with D.I.Y. They are quick to fit, and because they don’t require any screws or dills, they are mess free! We recommend Perfect Fit blinds for bi-folding doors, larger living areas, and conservatory doors and windows.
Shop all of our Perfect Fit blinds here.
Metal blinds – If you’re opting for a more industrial vibe throughout your space, then Metal blinds are a great option for privacy, light control and are ideal for busier rooms as they are highly durable. These blinds are very low maintenance and can be easily wiped down.
Shop our range of Metal blinds here.
Pleated blinds – Pleated blinds are available in a variety of colours, with each blind being able to be raised and lowered easily. These blinds offer amazing light control and also have blackout and thermal features, ideal for busy living spaces or bedrooms.
Shop our full collection of Pleated blinds here.
Day & Night blinds – Day and Night blinds offer two different qualities with simple control. They combine the benefits of both light filtering and blackout fabrics to give you the utmost control at different hours of the day. The opaque, sheer material offers a bright and open space, while the thermal fabric blocks light out. These blinds are great for busy living spaces and bedrooms.
Shop our full range of Day & Night blinds here.
2. Which curtain type is best for your blind?
As well as blind types, curtains also come in a variety of different options. From heavy duty curtains that are often fully lined, to sheer voile and net curtains that offer a more simplistic look (often used more for decoration). Curtains also come in a wide range of sizes, from short widths and heights, to floor-length statement drapes. They are also available in a range of different pleats, ranging from pinch pleats to box pleats. It’s important to establish which type of curtain will best go with your blind. If you’ve chosen a blind with blackout features, we would best suggest a sheer voile curtain as this will complement your blind, rather than over-power your window area. It’s important not to over-crowd your window with too much weight, and having both blackout blinds and lined curtains can definitely do so.
If you opt for a blind that maybe won’t be used as much, and more for decoration, such as a Roman blind in a kitchen space, then we would suggest pairing thicker and larger pleated curtains that will come in use to block-out light and act as an insulator.
3. Maximise the size of your window
One of the main benefits, other than light and heat control, is the design element blinds and curtains can offer to your space. Experimenting with different heights, textures and sizes of curtains and blinds, can often help build personality and a lot of character to your window area and room.
It’s particularly important to consider the size of your window bay when styling your window. If it is a smaller window we would recommend opting for a blind that rolls all the way up, such as a Roller or Roman blind, and pairing shorter curtains or voiles to really maximise light and space throughout your room. If you have larger bay windows to cover, consider blinds with Vertical or Horizontal slats, paired with lined, floor-length drapes to really elevate your window, and make your space feel cosier – especially in winter months.
4. Experiment with colour and pattern
As your window can often be the main focus in a room, it’s important to play on that, and draw even more attention to it. You can often get away with going bold with your design ideas near a window, due to the light radiating through. Whether you like block colours, or pattern drenching, have fun by contrasting your curtains with your blinds! Go bold by pairing detailed patterned Roller blinds with a striking colour in your curtains, or alternatively mix and match patterns for a full maximalist look. If a more minimal, pared-back look is something you are wanting to achieve, then style your window with a more simplistic colour palette. Sheer, narrow pleated curtains often pair well with natural, organic materials such as Wooden-slat blinds, and Day and Night blinds also pair well with a lighter curtain shade to maximise the capabilities of the blind functions.
5. The finishing touches
Accessories are a way to complete your look and add the finishing touches to your space, making it feel more like home. Once you’re happy with your blind and curtain combo, look for soft furnishings and accents that complete the look. Tiebacks often help keep curtains away from your frame, giving your blinds the attention they deserve, and making it easier to navigate your blinds. They also come in a range of different colours and styles, ranging from soft tassel tie-backs to more contemporary metal finishes. Curtain poles, pelmets and valances are other popular accessories that can make your window area feel more complete. A pelmet is usually made of wood, and is mounted to the top curtain pole, concealing the mechanism, for a more traditional, country-home feel throughout. Whereas a valance is made of draped fabric for a soft and sleeker look.
