Roman shades are a classic, elegant window treatment that can complement almost any decor. With their soft, gathered folds when raised and sleek, uniform look when lowered, roman shades add style and functionality to windows. While beautiful on their own, roman shades can be even more impactful when layered with other window treatments like curtains, valances, and blinds. Combining window treatments creates a coordinated, put-together aesthetic while also allowing you to customize your light control and privacy options.
Mixing Roman Shades with Curtains
One of the most popular ways to use roman shades is to pair them with stylish curtains. This layered window treatment combo allows you to get the best of both worlds. Roman shades best roman shades provide insulation and light blocking when closed. Flowing curtains in a lightweight, sheer or layered fabric add a soft, elegant touch that filters light beautifully.
Hang curtains a few inches wider than the window at a height above the roman shades. This helps accentuate the height of your windows while allowing both treatments to shine. Match the color and style of your curtains and shades for a cohesive feel. For a relaxed vibe, use casual printed roman shades with breezy linen curtains. For a luxurious look, try rich shades of velvet or silk in both your curtains and roman shades.
When choosing fabrics, consider the lighting in the room. Light-filtering shades and sheer curtains brighten up dark spaces beautifully. For rooms with abundant light, opaque roman shades paired with light-blocking linen or velvet curtains prevent glare and give you privacy.
Complimentary Valances and Roman Shades
Another excellent way to build layered light control is by adding pretty valances above your roman shades. Valances are decorative fabric treatments that span the top of windows. They camouflage hardware, giving a sleek, finished look.
Valances can be designed to match or contrast your shades. Try a bold roman stripe print shade with a valance in a solid color from the print. Or vice versa, a patterned valance with neutral shades creates fun contrast. For a seamless look, use matching prints or colors in both the valance and shade fabrics.
Size your valance so it overlaps the casing of the roman shade by 2-3 inches on each side. This frames the window beautifully. Shorter valances that just cover the hardware keep the focus on the shades. For a lush, luxurious window, an oversized valance can extend over the roman shades a foot or more on each side when open.
Fabrics like lush velvet or silk work well for both valances and roman shades in formal spaces. In more casual rooms, lightweight linens, cottons, or wovens create an approachable layered window.
Combining Roman Shades and Blinds
For the ultimate in light control and privacy, layer roman shades with adjustable blinds. Blinds feature horizontal or vertical slats that can tilt to filter and direct sunlight entering a room. Roman shades offer insulation and blackout capabilities when closed. Used together, the shades and blinds allow you to personalize your lighting scene by scene.
Install the blinds directly on the window under the roman shade mounting. This allows the shades to layer over the blinds nicely when open. Choose complementary colors and textures for visual appeal. For example, faux wood blinds paired with linen roman shades in creamy hues. Or bold striped shades over white aluminum mini blinds to let the print pop.
During the day, tilt the blinds slats to filter and shape sunlight as desired. Lower the opaque shades to block glare or daylight when needed for movie watching or naptime. At night, the shades provide privacy and light blocking for peaceful sleep.
Incorporating Solar Screens with Roman Shades
Solar window screens are exterior mesh screens that protect your home from sunlight and heat. Layering these functional screens with roman shades creates an energy-efficient window treatment combo.
The solar screens filter and diffuse harsh sunlight before it hits the window. This reduces heat gain to keep your indoor spaces cooler. Roman shades provide further insulation and light blocking when closed.
Mount the solar screens on the exterior of the windows. Then install roman shades on the interior side. Choose shades in neutral colors like linen or cream to complement the metal mesh screens from the interior.
With this dynamic duo, just adjust the exterior screens to filter daylight as needed. Lower the roman shades for increased darkness and insulation during very hot or cold weather. Keep both treatments open for clear views.
Coordinating Roman Shades with Shutters
Interior shutters make a stylish pairing with roman shades. Louvered shutters allow you to control light and airflow. When closed, roman shades offer further privacy and darkness.
Use shutters and shades made from complementary materials like vinyl, faux wood, or even real wood. Install the shutters directly on the window frame. Mount the shades above the shutters so they can open freely without interference.
During the brightest parts of the day, adjusted the louvered shutters to direct sunlight and breezes. Lower the opaque roman shades when you want to block all light. Open both treatments fully to enjoy clear views outdoors.
Layering Roman Shades with Blinds and Curtains
An impressive layered window combines three treatments – roman shades, curtains, and blinds. Hang blackout roman shades directly over the window under sleek curtains. Add adjustable blinds beneath the shades.
With this dynamic combination, you can customize your lighting, privacy, and ambiance perfectly for any activity or time of day. For example, during bright mornings tilt the blinds down to prevent glare while keeping the shades and curtains open. In the evening, draw the curtains and lower shades to block light for restful sleep.
Utilize complementary fabrics and colors in the layers for a cohesive feel. Flowing linen curtains, faux wood blinds, and cream roman shades make an approachable mix. Formal spaces can opt for luxe velvet curtains, aluminum blinds, and silk shades.
With the right combination of window treatments, you can control your indoor environment beautifully. Experiment with different layered combinations to find your perfect window dressing mix. Layering allows you to showcase your unique style while creating the ideal light control and privacy.