When it comes to window treatments, layering is a concept that works both on the aesthetics and functionality of them. The most often used stack-and-layer strategy now is placing the Roman shades over blinds. This combination has its aesthetic benefits and is also functional by providing more control of light and improved insulating capability.
However, some things should be considered when choosing Roman shades over blinds, such as functionality, appearance, or the way that they’re hung. This comprehensive guide will answer the question: Can you put Roman shades over blinds? Let’s delve into the details of this versatile combination of window treatments.
What Are Roman Shades?
Roman shades are elegant and unrestrictive window treatments created from fabric that is pulled upward into narrow, clean folds. Available in numerous beautiful fabrics, Roman shades give a room the softness that standard blinds cannot. They come in different types; simple flat colors to those with cascading pleats and can be of any fabric type; cotton, linen, velvet, or silk among others.
While Roman shades effectively control light and offer a nice level of privacy they are very simple and understand elegance. When they are drawn up, they stay in great accord and form nicely without occupying much space like other designs of curtains.
What Are Blinds?
Blinds are a specific type of window treatment built from horizontal or vertical slats designed to allow the user to vary the extent of light that can enter a room. There are numerous types of blinds: wooden, metal, plastic, or fabric ones, which vary in possibility to filter light, to provide a certain amount of privacy, or to be insulated.
One of the most common types is wooden blinds since they give a room the natural feel, warmth, and texture that every home requires.
Can you put Roman shades over the blinds?
The simple answer is yes! You can place Roman shades over blinds and this can work. It is one of the best ways to mix the two to create chic window coverings. Placing Roman shades above blinds allows greater customization of light, privacy, and warmth in your home in addition to the chance to express individuality through choice of fabric and design.
Here are the primary advantages and the main points to consider when draping both kinds of window coverings.
1. Light Control and Privacy:
One of the greatest advantages of layering Roman shades over blinds is adjusting the light level. Some types of blinds are Venetian Blinds, particularly wooden ones – the slats can be rotated with a tilt rod to alter the incidence of light.
However, tiny cracks where the excess material tries to fit in and thin strips of light remain can be seen. Roman shades can be installed on top of the blinds so that you will have double light control in the room.
When the Roman shades and the blinds are pulled down, there is total blackout as no light gets in; this is important in bedrooms or media rooms where the amount of light is of the essence.
2. Aesthetic Appeal:
Blinds can be layered with Roman shades as they are practical and impressive. Blinds are neat and well-defined in both structure and look and then you have the laid-back Roman shades which are softer and elegant. When both of these are used together, they perfectly balance the interiors.
This layered design potential allows you to present a completely different and corresponding appearance to the interior design.
For example, if you have wooden blinds with a grainy pattern, using Roman shades over wood blinds can give depth to the window dressing. For the Roman shades select more see-through fabrics so that they sharply contrast with the weight and lavishness of the wood.
3. Improved Insulation:
Roman shades and blinds can help insulate the house, if they are layered, they will give even better seclusion. If you opt for insulated lining in Roman shades including the thermal-backed or blackout fabric, they are excellent in providing insulation with the added benefit of regulating the room’s temperatures all through the seasons.
During the winter months, the layered barrier stops the heat from coming from outside during the summer, the heat is also locked outside.
4. Protection for Your Roman Shades:
A third reason why Roman shades should be put over blinds is that the blinds can act as a shield for the fabric of the Roman shades. Blinds will prevent dust, ultraviolet radiation, and dirt that can affect your Roman shades in various ways. If you cover both simultaneously, you also shield the finer fabric of the Roman shades – which can lengthen its life span.
Additionally, cleaning wooden blinds is easier than cleaning the Roman shades and they might need washing or spot cleaning more often.
5. Customization and Flexibility:
It allows one to put several layers of treatment along the same window and ensure that they are of different styles, colors, and materials. The Roman shades provide more tradition than wood blinds do; For a more modern appearance, you can alter the texture of the blinds by changing the type of fabric used.
If you are unsure whether to go with a heavy fabric or a light, you need to try an almost transparent Roman shade, try it, and if it does not work, switch to another without delay before the season or the specific atmosphere changes.
This ability to individualize the windows particularly comes in handy if you’ve targeted a specific interior décor theme, be it modern, rustic, contemporary, or even coastal.
Things to Note When Using Roman Shades over Blinds:
Even though multiple layering can have a lot of benefits, several points must be considered before using such an option.
1. Installation Complexity:
Purchasing and mounting Roman shades and blinds involves some considerations. Roman shades will require proper fixing over the blinds without causing complications in the blinds’ functionality. Generally, blinds usually go in before the Roman shades are put up on top of the blinds.
The dimensions of the window should be taken correctly to accommodate both treatments and also to make sure the Roman shades don’t interfere with the functioning of the blinds.
Each treatment may require a separate mounting system, and sometimes, you may have to change the position of the hardware. This might even complicate its installation more than just a single type of window treatment.
2. Space Considerations:
When layering Roman shades over blinds, a person needs to consider the space in the window area. In some cases especially where the window is positioned in relatively small rooms, there may not be enough space in depth to provide both the treatments without making the room appear cramped.
If your window is rather small, or if there is not enough space around it, then these layered treatments may hinder the blind’s functionality or indeed make the space feel rather confined.
In rooms with expansive openings like large windows, Layering typically appeals because there is enough room for both treatments to be added without compromising the room’s aesthetics. It should, however, be possible to contain all these treatment regimes in the room without congestion of the room.
3. Increased Maintenance:
Blinds covered by Roman shades provide another level of protection and also can lead to additional cleaning. Blinds must be dusted and cleaned regularly while Roman shades especially the fabric type will need washing at some time.
Blinds are not very hard to wash but Roman shades might have to be washed by a professional cleaner or require special handling based on the material used for them. In case you select your fabric you might prefer if you’re willing to take the time for the additional cleaning and agitation.
4. Light Gaps:
Although you get better control of light by using Roman shades over blinds, there may be some areas of light penetration, particularly if the Roman shades are not well fitted onto the frames of the windows. The edges of the blinds may also have light gaps if the blinds are not well controlled.
There are many Roman shades available on the market today but they can be categorized into those with side channels or a more tailored look to reduce unwanted light from getting into the home. However, if you want to completely block the light from getting in then you could use a thicker and less transparent fabric for the room’s Roman shades.
The Best Types of blinds to pair with Roman Shades:
This is a recommendation you can take for Roman shades because not all blinds work well with this type of window treatment. Probably the most famous coordination is using Roman shades combined with Wood Blinds. The granular texture of wood can bring a nice warm feeling into your house, aligning it with fabric Roman shades creates a very welcoming look.
However, other blind styles can also work well, such as:
Faux wood blinds: These are similar to the wooden ones in appearance but are cheaper and much easier to care for.
Vertical blinds: For extra-large windows and sliding doors, you can choose both vertical blinds and Roman shades that may give a dramatic look to your windows.
Venetian blinds: These provide a chic and sophisticated look and feel and can be combined with Roman shades to give that modern look.
Aura Curtains deals with elegant Roman shades and blinds ideal for matching and coordinating as window coverings at homes. In the case that one wants to add Roman shades over blinds to embrace privacy, control light and heat, or for insulation, Aura Curtains provides various choices of window treatment with options that can be adjusted according to the client’s requirement.
Their Roman shades over wood blinds complement the rooms’ brunches of sophistication and functionality with an addition of soft fabric textures on wooden blinds. Aura Curtains not only supplies excellent-quality window coverings but also has professional installation service to ensure the natural combination of these layers to make your house elegant and energy-saving.
Conclusion:
If you want to combine Roman shades over blinds to give a traditional and warm look, this combination offers various advantages as far as privacy, light control, and insulation are concerned.
Before deeming it the final choice, you should think about your space, style, and maintenance level; however, if each approach is done right, this multi-layering can improve the overall aesthetics of a room and optimize the functionality of window treatments.
