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Layering Window Treatments

The right window treatments can transform a room. Shades, blinds, shutters, and drapes can be used independently or they can be used in combination with one another.  When you combine treatments, it creates a dimensional look with additional layers of functionality. Here are the top reasons to consider layering your window treatments:

Visual Effect

Layering window treatments adds dimension and more visual interest to a space. For instance, adding drapes over blinds can add softness or a pop of color. Layer on a cornice to add elegance and draw the eye up to make the room feel more spacious. Tell your Gotcha Covered design consultant what your design goals are, and they will tell you which combination of treatments will get you there.

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Flexible privacy & light control

Different styles and opacities of treatments provide different levels of privacy and light control. Layering treatments allows you to unlock more levels. If you only add room darkening drapes in your bedroom, for example, you’ll have just two options: full privacy and a dark room when the drapes are closed and full light and no privacy when the drapes are open. If you were to add a Silhouette shade under those drapes, now you can experience daytime privacy with filtered light when the drapes are open.

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If you’re not a fan of drapes, shades with the Duolite® feature combine two products in one. This system combines a light-filtering and a room-darkening fabric into a single shade so you can maintain your privacy while still enjoying beautiful, filtered sunlight.

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Blackout

There are many styles of treatments that can drastically darken a room, but light can seep in through the tiniest gaps or pinholes. To accomplish the best blackout conditions, you’ll need to layer several treatments together. Room darkening drapes and Duette® Honeycomb shades with LightLock® are an excellent combination.

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If you are a light sleeper or a shift worker who sometimes needs to sleep during the day, be sure to ask your Gotcha Covered design consultant about which combination of treatments will achieve the best blackout conditions in your bedroom.

Conceal Hardware & Headrails

Many shades or blinds have slim or decorative headrails that are quite attractive. However not everyone loves this look. If you fall into this category, layering on a cornice can conceal the headrail while also drawing the eyes up to make a room feel taller and more spacious. 

Valances are also beloved because they can hide drapery rods, roller tracks, or other utilitarian hardware that is needed, giving your windows a cleaner look. Valences can be casual or formal depending on the fabric and style you choose.

Energy Efficiency

An astonishing 50% of a home’s heating and cooling can be lost through its windows! Layering up on energy-efficient treatments will decrease that loss, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Hunter Douglas Cellular Shades have earned the industry’s highest energy efficient rating. Combine them with lined drapes and you’ll save big on energy bills year-round.

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Layering window treatments is a smart choice but the process can be daunting on your own. Leave the hard work to us! Our designers will help you decide which combination of treatments are right for your home. Our installation team will ensure they are installed properly. Request your free consultation to get started now.