Can You Mix and Match
Window Treatments?

Color Lux Custom Panel Track Shades

Whether you’re in the middle of a renovation or just sprucing up a room, you might wonder about mixing window treatments. As a novice designer, sticking to one tone and texture might sound good at first. And with so many window treatment options you might get overwhelmed. Thinking back to interior design rules of the past, you might ask “should all blinds in a house match?” or can I “mix and match curtains?” These are valid questions that the team at Color Lux has helped answer for many clients. While a complete and cohesive look is the goal, you might be surprised to learn that mixing window treatments is a good practice that many designers employ.


If you’re ready to get your windows in shape without stress, read on. We’ll explore everything from mixing blinds and curtains to selecting treatments for all shapes and styles of windows.

Should All Blinds in a House Match?

If you pride yourself on being an aesthetically minded designer because your house has matching blinds throughout, you’re halfway there. The truth is that there are no stringent rules on blinds matching, unless they are on windows in the same room. What works for a den or kitchen likely won’t make sense in a living room or bedroom.

And if you’re seeking true light blocking for protecting furniture and floors from bright sun, a light filtering blind is not the right choice. What you do want to look for is what type of blind is appropriate for the room’s function and light needs. Kitchens and living rooms are generally more airy and light filled, while dens and bedrooms do well with darker or more opaque blinds. If you’re saving money on a bulk order or just want to simplify things, then choose a favorite blind that works for all windows. Then, you can liven up the room by mixing blinds and curtains based on how much softening and further light blocking you need.

Mix and Match Curtains

Now that you’ve got a base layer for your windows, it’s time to talk about curtains. Layering two treatments really amps up your room’s style by providing texture, depth, and visual interest. Many homeowners keep their curtains stationary and just use the blinds to allow light into the room. Others like the double layer of insulation and light blocking for sleeping and movie watching. If you’re a parent with young children, having an extra layer ensures solid nighttime sleeping as well.

Of course, matching curtains in the same room is a given. But what about adjoining rooms such as living and dining rooms or kitchens and dens? While you should not have drastic color or style changes, subtle differences in fabric, texture, and tone are perfectly fine when mixing window treatments in different rooms. 

Cue Curb Appeal

Most people love the seamless look of solid window treatments in white or black that give great curb appeal. Look through any home design magazine and you’ll see what we mean! The recent trend in black window frames means more homeowners are choosing black-backed blinds while those with traditional-style houses love white plantation shutters or soft shades. The symmetry shows your house well, which is particularly important when selling. For homes with bedrooms or offices on the back side of the house, darker base layer treatments are a great option without sacrificing curb appeal. On the inside, choose curtains, sheers, or a cornice to differentiate your rooms and enhance the look and feel of complementary furnishings. 

Check Your Surroundings

Keeping in mind that you want the interior to flow from room to room, always check your surroundings when mixing window treatments. A busy rug pattern or couch cushions means neutral solids for shades and curtains.

If you’re starting from scratch and haven’t selected your furniture, browse patterns that range from subtle to bold to find your style preferences. Our collection of designs offer a great starting place for any room. Texture matters too. In an office or dining room with all sharp wood corners, soften things up with roman shades or a cornice above blinds. 

Mixing Window Treatments with Color Contrast

Neutrals will always reign supreme for any seasoned or beginner decorator. They go with everything and generally give a clean, soft look. But to really make your rooms come alive, play around with mixing window treatments with different colors. This doesn’t have to look like a crayon box, but rather, gentle hues of gradation throughout a room or floor. For instance, a solid white or cream blind pairs well with dramatic drapes or curtains. Black shades stand out against a flax-colored curtain. By picking up on hues from other furniture, artwork, and upholstery in the room, you’ll get clues on what works best. The point here is to vary the shades on a window to make them both come together in a uniform fashion. Try a custom cornice or valance to add an elegant look on top of a window with blinds or shades. 

Conclusion

No matter what stage you’re in with your decorating plans, Color Lux has custom window treatments to suit your needs. Whether you feel bold enough to mix and match curtains on your own or need help from the Color Lux team, we’re here for all your custom window treatment needs. Speak to a specialist today for consultation and purchasing.