)
Why should you layer a set of curtains or drapery over another window treatment?
The first reason is that it looks great. Layering drapery over another window treatment creates depth and visual interest. It also enhances privacy and light control by adding another layer of fabric that can protect against sunlight and provide privacy. And as a bonus, a layer of drapery provides additional protection against heat and cold.
Layering Basics
Some of the most beautiful rooms in the world use layered window treatments. Layered drapery and shades have a visual complexity and create an interesting play of light and shadow. They also maximize the functionality of the window treatments and allow more ways to adjust the window treatments to create optimal conditions.
So, how do you layer drapery and shades? There are two basic ways to layer:
1. Drapery over drapery
2. Drapery over shades
The most common layering combination is drapery over drapery. And, the most common version of this is a room darkening drapery over a sheer drapery. The sheer drapery provides gently filtered light and a minimum of privacy. When more privacy and light control is needed, simply close the room darkening drapery. It’s a simple arrangement that looks beautiful and functions well for many homeowners and designers.
Drapery works very well over shades—particularly roller shades, solar shades, and Roman shades. A common drapery-shade combination you’ll see is a sheer or light-filtering roller shade combined with a room darkening drapery. The easy adjustment of the roller shade combined with the simple functionality of the drapery makes this an ideal combination.
Those two examples are only two ways you can layer your window treatments. People layer drapery over cellular shades, sheer shades, layered shades, and even blinds. Your Graber Design Expert will help you choose a layering combination that works for your home and routine.
Why Curtain and Drapery Layering Works
Layering simply means putting drapery over another window treatment. But that simple technique can change a room. That’s because layering with drapery creates visual richness. This richness elevates a room’s décor and conveys luxury and elegance. There is something very special about draped fabric, and the shadows produced by the folds change throughout the day. Layered drapery is beautiful. On top of those visual benefits, layered drapery can stop drafts and add a layer of insulation over the window.
Nearly any window is a candidate for layering. But there are some instances where layering can have a huge benefit:
1. Windows with shades, blinds, or curtains that don’t provide adequate privacy or light control
2. Rooms where more color or visual texture is desired
3. Windows that receive cold drafts during the winter
4. Windows with shades that allow unwanted light in along the sides
What Types of Drapery and Curtains to Use: Fabric vs. Natural Drapery
When layering with drapery, there are two types of drapes to choose from: fabric and natural.
Fabric
Graber Custom Fabric Drapery offers an almost unlimited range of possibilities for layering. You’ll find everything from sheers to room darkening fabrics in a wide range of colors. Learn more about the world of custom fabric drapery.
Natural Materials
Graber Natural Drapery is made from bamboo, reeds, grass, and jute to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces of natural beauty. Natural drapes work especially well over sheer drapery or sheer shades. Learn more about natural drapery.
To further enhance the beauty of a layered set of window treatments, consider custom valances and cornices. Cornices and valances add a finishing touch to your layering masterpiece. Learn more about valances and cornices.
Choosing Fabrics and Colors
There is no “right” way to select fabrics and colors. Picking a color is a deeply personal process. That said, there are some guiding principles that can help you create an interior design scheme that fits your style and presents an attractive combination of colors and patterns. Here are some strategies for picking the right color.
1. The Harmonious Room – Are you looking to create order and calm? Choose a drapery fabric that is in the same color family as the rest of the décor in your room. Try to keep the value of the drapery either darker or lighter than other room elements to create some variety and balance—if all of the room features are of the same value the room could look lifeless and flat. A medley of blues could be just the combination you need to create a truly relaxing living room.
2. The Energetic Room – In this type of room, contrast and complementary colors are the rule. Select drapery colors that contrast or serve as a color complement to other elements in the room. The goal is to create a sense of energy and interest.
3. The Traditional Room – Many homeowners are seeking a traditional look. You’ll see the popularity of traditional colors and designs reflected in some of Graber’s fabric collections. You’ll never go wrong with a room designed to traditional standards and tastes. Look for browns, blues, and whites and reserved floral patterns to create rooms that feel instantly classic.
4. The Eclectic Room – Pick colors and patterns that pop or make a statement. An eclectic room’s main purpose is expression—of your style, an emotion, or a theme. Select fabrics that accomplish your personal design goals.
Length, Fullness, and Variety
The longer and fuller the drapery, the more drama it creates. There is something very regal about a long, full set of drapery. Some people love this effect, others do not. More traditional design schemes place a high value on long, full sets of drapes. And visual variety—the number of different patterns, colors, shapes, and textures in the room, is an important consideration. More modern design schemes generally strive for a simpler look. But there are not set rules for this. Talk to a Graber Design Expert to find out exactly what drapery length, level of fullness, and fabric works for you.
Using Valances, Swags, and Tie-backs
To add even more visual interest to your layered window, choose valances or swags for a decorative top layer. Valances add a finished look while swags create a dramatic effect. And, adding tie-backs or hold backs—two ways to hold the drapery open—creates neatly curved folds in the fabric.
Layering for Darkness
One of the primary reasons why people layer with drapery is to create a dark room for sleeping, watching television, or playing video games. Having a blackout fabric drapery allows you to shut out the light in an instant. Blackout drapery is ideal in the bedroom. A popular bedroom combination is a light filtering roller shade or solar shade combined with a set of blackout drapes. That same combination works well for entertainment rooms as well.
A Few More Practical Tips for Curtain and Drapery Layering
1. Try to create contrast between the two layers
2. White or off-whites work well for the drapery or shade layer closest to the window
3. The shade closest to the window should be the most sheer of the two layers
4. If drapery isn’t your style, consider a dual shade (two different roller-style shades hung on the same window)
The Double Curtain Rod
Two sets of drapery are generally installed using a double curtain rod. Using a double curtain rod allows both sets of drapes to move smoothly past one another and keeps the fabric separated. Your Graber Design Expert knows exactly how to install curtain rods and hardware.
Measuring for Drapery
Measuring for drapery involves three different measurements.
1. Face width of the curtain rod
2. Projection of the curtain rod
3. Length of the drapery
Your Graber Design Expert will measure the curtain rod face width (this measurement determines how wide your drapery will be.) The projection of the curtain rod measurement is how far you want your drapery to project from the wall. The third measurement depends on how far down you want your drapery to hang. Typical drapery lengths include sill length, apron length (hangs down to just past the window apron), floor length, trouser length (breaks at the floor), and puddle length (drapery piles on the floor—the most dramatic drapery treatment). Floor length, where the drapery stops about two inches from the floor, is the most popular cut.
Choose a drapery length that expresses your personal style. When layering drapery over drapery, generally the length of the drapery closest to the window should be shorter than the length of the drapery layered over it to keep one drapery from peeking out under the other. Other considerations include foot traffic—a puddle length or trouser length drapery should not be hung where passing feet might step on the fabric. Find complete information on measuring for Bali Custom Drapery.
Pick a Style and Stick With It
Keep the lengths of your drapery uniform throughout the room. For example, if you have windows on two walls and you decide to install drapery on all the windows, consider having all the drapery cut to the same length. This provides a finished look. It is generally a good idea to have the drapery throughout the room match in color and pattern—a room filled with drapery made from the same cloth can look very impactful.
Balancing Function and Beauty
When making any decision about drapery, keep functionality in mind. Don’t fall in love with a thick patterned fabric if you want lots of light in your room at all times. And don’t buy a sheer shade if you’re looking for constant privacy. With hundreds of fabric options, you’ll find a fabric that will fit your needs and your personal style. Don’t settle—you can find fabrics and shades that really do it all.
Creative Ideas for Curtain Layering
Don’t be afraid to do some experimenting as you search for the right drapery fabric. Try bold combinations, harmonious combinations, or soft and luxurious combinations. That said, you want your layered window treatment combination to be functional. If it doesn’t give you the light control and privacy you need, it’s not the right combination. Some of the most functional and versatile layering combinations:
- Sheer drapery paired with room darkening drapery
- Sheer shades paired with room darkening drapery
- Just about any shade or drapery paired with a blackout drapery
- Sheer or light filtering cellular shade and a room darkening drapery
Adding drapery over a set of sheer drapery, a shade, or even blinds can give you shadows, curves, textures, and details that add character and drama to your room. And if you’re not happy with one look, consider getting one or more additional sets of drapery to change out with the seasons.
Last Words on Layering
The best guide for layering with drapery is your style and imagination. If it looks good to you, it’s the right combination. A layered set of window treatments can have an exquisite look that elevates your décor and adds visual details you’ll continue to find interesting for years to come.
