No matter if this is your first move, fifth move or just a redecoration, you may be torn between using curtains or blinds as your window covering. 

Whether this is due to your home’s desired aesthetics or a need for light control and privacy, getting the right window covering is key to a stylish yet functional home. 

So, this begs the question, will using blinds and curtains together be too over the top, or can you put blinds and curtains together on the same window? 

Until you know this answer, it can put you off buying new window coverings altogether! No need to fear, Fraser James Blinds is here, and we will solve this dilemma once and for all.

So, can you have windows with blinds and curtains together?  

Yes! Blinds and curtains can work exceptionally well on the same window by blocking excessive light and giving an aesthetically pleasing look. 

Not only will this combination filter excess light and increase your privacy, but it can also create a visual focal point that will envy your visitors! Set the tone for your home, no matter the season, by creating a harmonious duo of curtains and blinds. 

There are specific pairings of blinds and curtains which go particularly well with each other, so you will likely want to create one of these pairs rather than more ill-fitting matches. 

How to Use Blinds and Curtains Together 

As with all of your home décor, your blinds and curtains are a personal preference, and there is no right or wrong way to use them together. Instead, there are a few guidelines which you can choose to follow to help keep your home looking cohesive and avoid a design disaster. 

Depending on your personal preferences, you may wish to carry your window coverings throughout the whole house, or you may choose different styles and colours to match each room. 

Both can create stunning visuals and are good choices if you need the same or different levels of light control and privacy throughout the home. 

No matter how you decide to decorate, here are some top tips to make your blinds and curtains pair together perfectly. 

1. Choose a Blind Style

The first step is choosing a blind style. Not all styles work well in every room, so you may want to pick a few different ones. Here’s a brief breakdown of the different blind styles you can choose from: 

• Roller blinds: These blinds feature a headrail and one large piece of fabric that rolls up and down. They offer a completely compact and practical window dressing solution with an extensive range of colours, designs, patterns, and fabrics to cater to all tastes. Roller blinds are perfect for all rooms in the home. However, they are particularly great for bedrooms, given how easy they are to motorise and fit with a blackout lining.  
• Roman blinds: Roman shades feature fabric that drapes on top of itself in large layers when it’s raised. Roman blinds bring simple, elegant style to any room, offering high levels of privacy in a limitless range of colours, designs, and patterns. What more could you want?!  
• Venetian blinds: Venetian blinds are certainly the most versatile on the market. Whether you want them fitted in the bedroom, the kitchen or the spare bedroom/home office, the level of light control you get is simply unmatched and fantastic for privacy.  
• Wooden blinds: Wooden blinds are a type of Venetian blind made from real or faux wood. Wooden blinds will always take the cake if you are looking for natural, homely feels. Faux wood styles are best suited for wet spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as real wood blinds can warp if they get wet. 
• Vertical blinds: Unlike the other blinds on this list, vertical blinds feature slats that run up and down instead of horizontally. Vertical blinds bring high levels of privacy and shade to any room while being simple to operate, control and adjust, making impressive statement pieces.  Vertical blinds look particularly special on patio doors, French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows and can really help make a living room pop.  
• Vision Blinds: Characterised by their two-layer design and excellent light control, Vision blinds , also known as day and night blinds, are the perfect choice for those looking for best-in-class privacy and glare protection. 

There are also several types of curtains , including single panel and pencil pleat curtains. Eyelet curtains feature delicate openings that add design to simple strips of fabric. Pleated styles usually add depth and dimension, while simpler designs are more minimal and modest.  

Choosing the right one will depend on your style preferences and the look you’re trying to create. 

2. Mix and Match Prints and Hues

It’s generally best to avoid choosing both blinds and curtains with different prints. That’s because the patterns can overwhelm the space. Instead, try matching a curtain print with a similar print in the room.  

Use a solid-coloured blind that uses a colour that appears in the printed curtain. This creates a put-together look without it feeling too intense. You can choose different prints for different rooms if you’ve fallen in love with more than one pattern. 

3. Maximise Height and Width

One of the main benefits of using blinds and curtains together is that you can make your windows look taller and wider. To do this, try installing the window blinds above the window frame, which helps draw the eye up and creates the illusion of taller windows. 

To maximise the effect, mount a curtain rod at the same height, but buy curtains that are a few inches wider than the window frame. This will make it look like the window is not only taller but also wider. You can also opt for floor-length curtains, which elongate the window and serve as a focal point. 

4. Blend Beauty and Function

When it comes to window treatments, it’s not just about beauty. They should also be functional. If you want to optimise light control in your home, blackout blinds and blackout curtains are a great choice. 

On the other end of the spectrum are sheer curtains and shades. These curtain fabrics allow natural light to filter into the room, helping you create a brighter atmosphere while maintaining a modest degree of privacy. 

5. Add Accessories

In terms of home decor, accessories are an easy way to tie a design together. Once you’ve chosen the right curtains and blinds, look for accessories to complete the look. Tiebacks help to keep curtains away from the window frame, making it easier to open and close blinds. Pelmets and valances are other popular accessories that can make your design look more professional.  

6. Vary Your Designs

In general, it’s a good idea to create varying designs rather than one look for every window in your home. You can choose different colour schemes for different rooms or choose one colour and use different shades or fabrics for a more cohesive look. 

Finding the right combination of blinds depends on your style preferences. If you like bold looks, you’ll be able to play with contrasting colours and various patterns. If you prefer a more understated design, you’ll likely stick to neutrals and simple colour combos. 

Top-quality Blinds for Windows in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Coventry & Northampton 

Our extensive product line includes many options to find the perfect blinds for kitchens, reduce heat and glare, and protect privacy. At FJB, one of our goals is to ensure our customers get exactly what they want and need, regardless of budget or challenges. 

No matter where in our price tier you purchase your blinds for kitchens, you can be sure that you will get blinds built with high-quality materials and components designed to last. We stand by all our products, and that’s why we offer a 2-year warranty on blinds. 

Contact Fraser James Blinds today to arrange a free home visit in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Coventry, Northampton, or the surrounding areas.