Pairing Shades with Drapery: 3 Rooms to Inspire

Have you seen the layered look at the window? Pairing shades with drapery is a dynamic way to create a beautiful scene in your home. In addition, you’ll benefit from options for light control, privacy, and energy efficiency. Layering shades with drapery adds shape, texture, and function to your windows. It works well for windows with lots of light, but also for those where you desire a unique look paired with shades. Considering window size, ceiling height, and panel proportions, we will help you determine the best drapery to pair with shades for your home windows. 

Patterns + Textures in Dining Rooms

When it comes to pairing shades with drapery, you’ll want to determine the patterns or textures that inspire you. You could feature one—or both—to achieve a designer look. At Custom Shades of London, our designers love guiding clients to drapery fabric and window shade textures that create visual interest at the window.

This dining room is absolutely exquisite. The stamped pattern on the drapery fabric offers an understated personality and color. The woven shades invite glowing light, with subtle stripes in the stitching. The natural fibers in the woven shades feature a unique texture. Let’s get a close-up view.

Everything comes together beautifully here, with the combinations of design elements mixing but not overwhelming the eye. Would this technique of pairing shades with drapery work for you? Or would you rather go more neutral?

The Neutral Look for Living Rooms

Using neutrals in your home will instantly make any space feel larger. Columns of drapery add height to the look of the room, while sheer shades showcase the view for a wide open backdrop. 

This looks adds dimension to the window without cluttering up the look. The sheer shades offer slight patterning with the floating vanes when open, and horizontal lines when closed. These grommet-style drapes can adjust open and closed easily to invite better light control and privacy.

What you might not notice, until up close, is the embossed patterning of the drapery fabric. This jacquard fabric is popular for custom drapes because it allows subtle styling for an elegant feel. It holds its shape nicely and provides excellent light and privacy control without feeling heavy.

Contrasting Colors for Home Office

Instead of featuring all neutral tones, contrasting design elements can create a bolder design statement. Contrast calls attention to the distinct pieces in the room and can bring coordination to the overall look of the space.

The tall, narrow windows are covered with window shades that offer thermal protection in addition to light and privacy control. The pinch pleat drapery heightens the look of the room, framing the window wall to create a stunning scene.

The pinch pleat tops invite luxury, attached with drapery rings that allow everything to open and close easily. When pairing shades with drapery, it’s important to think about using wide panels to cover the entire space, while also resting beautifully in thick columns on each side. This full look offers a substantial frame for this wall of windows.

Which Shades Pair Best with Drapery?

As you consider the options for pairing shades with drapery, there are many options that elevate your windows. Sheer shades work well when you want natural light and less privacy than traditional drapes, while still accenting the window and décor. Roller shades pair well with pinch pleat drapery if you want a unique look that also adds texture and light control. Woven wood shades can pair well with side panels as you look for options to make windows look good and function well.

Pairing Shades with Drapery: It’s Your Turn!

Are you ready to get started? Let us help you capture the perfect look in your home with the right combination of patterns, textures, fabrics, and more! If you love this look, we’d be happy to come visit your home for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your ideas and share inspiration about what’s possible, tying the entire look together. Get in touch with our team today!