Roman Shade Curtain Rod Blending

Layering window treatments is a popular decorating trick to add visual interest and functionality to a room. An elegant pairing that creates a cohesive look is mounting a roman shade above a curtain rod. This duo blends the soft folds of a roman shade with the tailored lift of curtain panels. With some planning and DIY handiwork, you can easily install this dynamic window dressing combination.

Roman shades offer a structured yet relaxed style that pairs nicely with the crisp edges of curtain rods. Mounting them together allows you to control light and privacy in a room through multiple layers. The roman shade provides insulation and light filtering closer to the window. Curtains on the rod add fullness and enable you to cover the entire window area when desired.

Benefits of Combining Roman Shades and Curtain Rods

Blending roman shades and curtain rods may seem unexpected, but they actually coordinate beautifully. Here are some of the benefits of this window treatment duo:

• Create a layered window treatment look - The dimension and visual interest from two treatments is far greater than one.
• Mix textures and patterns - Play with different fabrics and prints to make a statement.
• Control light with dual window treatments - Adjust the shades and curtains separately based on your needs.
• Soften hard edges and lines - The shade's gentle folds help downplay the rod's linear shape.

Achieve a Custom Window

The roman shade neutralizes the bold lines of the curtain rod and brackets for a smoother, blended aesthetic. Together, they create the illusion of a custom window design. The practical privacy and insulation benefits also make this duo a functional one.

Incorporate Two Styles

This pairing allows you to include two distinctive styles that work in harmony. Mix casual with formal, masculine with feminine, or modern with traditional for eclectic contrast.

Roman Shade Styles to Pair with Curtain Rods

Part of successfully blending any look is choosing complementary roman shade and curtain styles. Consider how their silhouettes and edges will align next to one another. Here are some roman shade options that work well with curtain rods:

Relaxed Roman Shades

Relaxed roman shades have a loose, billowy profile that pairs nicely with the strong lines of a rod. The slouchy folds help soften the linear shape of the curtains.

Flat Roman Shades

The crisp, flat front of these shades aligns cleanly with the edge of curtain panels. Their stacked folds and structured look coordinate with the tailored curtain style.

Hobbled Roman Shades

Hobbled shades have rings along the back that cinch the fabric into poufy folds. When raised, these gathered folds create a lightweight frame effect against curtains.

Tucked Roman Shades

Tucked shades feature sleek vertical seams that mimic the straight look of curtains. Their crisp edges give them a weightier appearance next to drapery panels.

Selecting Complementary Fabrics and Materials

Choosing shade and curtain fabrics that work with your room's color palette and style is key for a cohesive presentation. Consider combining:

• Light filtering fabrics - Sheers for the shade and textured drapes on the rod
• Room darkening fabrics - Light blocking shade with blackout curtain panels
• Natural fabrics like linen and cotton - Casual and breezy stripped shade and curtain combo
• Faux silk or velvet for elegance - Luxurious fabrics in rich hues for upscale spaces

Pattern and Texture Mixing

Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns between shades and curtains. Pair strips with solids, floral with paisley, or tone-on-tone looks in complementary colors. Just be sure there is a visual connection so the mix doesn't feel too chaotic.

Fabric Considerations

Factor in sunlight exposure and room use when selecting fabrics. Delicate sheers won't hold up in a child's room, while blackout fabrics make sense for a home theater or bedroom. Calculate the appropriate shades and curtains to meet your functional needs.

Calculate Proper Dimensions

Getting the size right for your layered treatment ensures the roman shade and curtains align properly. Have these measurements handy before heading to the store:

• Measure window height and width - Base shade and curtain dimensions on the exact window measurements.
• Account for stack height of shades - This ensures you purchase long enough curtain panels to accommodate the folded shade.
• Allow sufficient clearance for openings - Check that the shade fabric or curtains won't brush and damage the window frame when fully drawn open.

Plan Mounting Locations

Think about where you want to install the curtain rod and roman shade brackets on the window frame. Allow at least 2-3 inches between their mounting points for clearance. Check that the ceiling height accommodates this arrangement without impeding window operation.

Purchase Equal Dimensions

For the most cohesive aesthetic, choose a shade and curtains that share equivalent dimensions. Equal widths keep their edges aligned. Matching top to bottom lengths for a clean line across the top.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Proper installation helps ensure your roman window shade and curtains maintain their beauty over the long term. Follow these tips when mounting:

• Mount curtain rod above roman shade - Position the shade closer to the window to optimize its insulating capabilities.
• Ensure sufficient support for weight - Use heavy duty brackets designed for the width and thickness of shade and curtain fabrics selected.
• Check alignments and height - Look at the treatments from multiple sight angles to verify everything is straight and at an attractive height.
• Attach securely to prevent sagging - Recheck screw tightness and use wall anchors in drywall to keep hanging hardware firmly anchored.

Allow Proper Clearances

Make sure to leave room for the shade folds and curtain panels to stack without rubbing against window frames or walls. Check clearances with the treatments fully drawn open and closed.

Tools and Supplies

Have these supplies on hand for smooth installation: level, tape measure, screws, anchors, drill, step stool, and screwdriver. Safety glasses and stud finder also come in handy for locating secure internal wall structure points.

Coordinate Colors and Patterns

Color and pattern coordination is pivotal for a cohesive roman shade and curtain pairing that appears intentionally designed. Some foolproof approaches include:

• Contrasting colors in same shade family - For example, navy curtains with indigo roman shades
• Subtle tone-on-tone look - Match shades and curtains in faintly differentiated hues like beige and tan
• Coordinate patterns without matching - Mix stripe curtains with floral shade or dot and check combinations
• Anchor with neutral solids - Ground busy prints with solid curtains or shades to balance the space

Create a Color Flow

Consider the color palette of your space. Pull an accent shade hue for the curtains or vice versa. This creates a visually appealing color flow from shade to curtains.

Contrast Interest

Don't overlook contrast in texture and style too. Pairing a billowy relaxed roman with crisp paneled curtains makes for dimensional intrigue.

Styling Looks for Different Rooms

The roman shade and curtain pairing takes on a unique look depending on the room design. Here are some style suggestions for different spaces:

Formal Living Room Arrangements

Stately spaces call for symmetrical floor to ceiling curtain panels in damask or jacquard fabrics. Centered relaxed roman shades in solids or subtle patterns balance the grandiose mood.