How To Enhance Your Home Decor With Curtains And Blinds

Have you ever been to a home where the owner has utilized both blinds and curtains and it seemed to fit perfectly with the rest of their decor? Not only did they successfully pair the two together, but the theme carried throughout the rest of the room and looked stunning. You can do it too!

Unfortunately, poor window covering choices will detract from the rest of your home; and when you’re deciding whether you want curtains or blinds, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. To start with, think of the benefits and the room itself - for example, thick curtains serve as a draft stopper, the right set of blinds will keep the sun from fading your textiles, and the right combination can help you keep the heat in or out, weather depending.

The big question though, is how do you ensure your drapes, blinds, curtains, or whatever match your décor? Better yet, how do they work together?

Your needs

Before you can think about matching, you have to consider what your needs are. This is something you can tackle room by room. Do you need to block light? Do you need to insulate? Do you want to filter light or emphasize it?

Are you trying to create an ambiance? What type of room do you want to create? Every room will require a different level of insulation and light blocking, depending on when it gets the most sunlight. Bear this in mind. Repeat this exercise, recording your answers, in each room.

Choose a style

You must also consider the specific style aesthetic you have created within each room. As there are likely all different styles at play, you know that the same style of curtains and blinds will not be suitable for every room. There may be rooms where you want the blinds to serve as an underlay to your curtains. In a traditional room, you may want to set a formal stage using heavy curtains and lightweight material blinds. Whereas, you may prefer a combination of blinds and window scarves in a more modern room.

Texture and color

Both color and texture set the mood in many senses. You can use your window coverings to create drama, set a formal tone, or even dress it down. For example, velvet isn't just a wonderful insulator, it's dramatic, it's formal. You wouldn't use velvet in a nursery, but you might use it in the lounge or in a dining room. Likewise, you wouldn't necessarily want floral cotton curtains in your dining room or in a room with more formal furniture, but it's perfect for a dayroom or even a child's room.

Colors do the same job, but differently. You can match them to threads throughout your décor or opt for a complementary color if you're trying to create excitement. For example, you may want to match your curtains to art, rugs, or cushions in the room. Or, you may want to keep it simple by matching your curtains to your couch. The point is if you do it right, either will look stunning.

Don’t ignore the specifics

Remember, if your existing room isn't as dramatic or as formal as you like, you can choose the right blinds and curtains to upgrade that aesthetic. Likewise, you can dress down rooms to be more casual if the need strikes. Of course, you may prefer a more dramatic flair in the cooler months and a more informal look for the summer months. That's something else to consider as you survey your home and try to find the right look to finish each room.