Combining Hard & Soft Window Treatments

Window treatments can be broken into two primary categories: hard and soft. Hard treatments include interior shutters, blinds, shades, and cornices. Soft treatments include drapes, sheers, valances, and Roman shades.

Hard and soft treatments can be used independently or they can be used together to create a layered look with additional functionality.

Here are some reasons you may want to consider combining hard and soft window treatments in your home:

Flexible Light Control

Combining soft and hard treatments will provide you with more light control options than you would get with only one treatment. For example, layering room-darkening drapes over sheer shades will allow you to have soft filtered light when the shades are down and the drapes are open and near total darkness when the shades are closed and the drapes are drawn shut.

Flexible Privacy

Similarly, combining two treatments will also allow you more privacy options. A sheer shade may provide enough privacy for daytime but leave you feeling exposed at night. Adding functional drapes will allow you to also have the nighttime privacy you desire without making your home too dark in the daytime.

Energy Efficiency

A home can lose up to 50% of its heating and cooling through its windows. Adding multiple layers of window treatments can dramatically reduce energy loss. A solar shade can help your home stay cooler in the summer by curbing harsh UV rays that can heat up your home and cause your A/C to run more frequently. Lined draperies can insulate your windows to stop cold air from entering your home and heat from escaping. Combining the two together will help your home operate more efficiently year-round.

Style

Sometimes you need two treatments to create not just the functionality but the look that you want. For example, you may love the minimalist look of a roller shade but also want a cornice to hide the headrail and add a pop of color. Laying woven shades with sheer drapes adds an abundance of texture and movement you couldn’t get from just one or the other. You may love your cafe shutters but want to soften them with fabric Roman shades at the top of the window. You may desire the classic look of wood blinds but want to soften them or add a pattern with drapes. When style is the main goal over functionality, non-functional drapes and mock shades are a great option.

There are many intricacies to consider when combining hard and soft treatments. Save time and money by getting it right the first time with an expert. Click here to request a free in-home design consultation.