5 window covering combos for a warm and cozy winter

My perfect winter day at home is spent curled up on the sofa with a good book or playing board games with my family when they're visiting. Snowy winter days will soon be here, and I'm looking forward to them. If the amount of food my outdoor cat is eating is any indication, we are in for a lot of snowy days! My cat knows his layers of thick fur and added fat will keep him warm.

For all the different activities in the house, window treatments not only frame the beauty outside the windows, but help keep us warm and cozy during the winter months. Layering window treatments can be an important part of insulating your home to keep the cold out in addition to filtering the light.

I’ll be sharing five window treatment combinations that help insulate and provide different amounts of light filtering. These combinations are all beautiful as well as warm and invitation on those cold winter days.

1. Layer Linen Panels with Sheers

Pairing linen panels with sheers is a timeless look that will never go out of style. This combination gives you the ability to filter various amounts of light. Closing the sheers on bright, sunny days (yes, we have a few of those in the midwest!) will cut the glare while still providing a thin layer of insulation.  Closing the linen panels filters even more light and creates a cozy atmosphere.

 I love the softness these sheers and panels add to the sun room. An already comfortable room is made even more welcoming.

View the beautiful backyard with sheers open. 

Made by Sew Nice for Ellie Kaplan Interiors

Sheers closed add softness and a degree of privacy and light control.  

Made by Sew Nice for  Ellie Kaplan Interiors



2. Combine Curtains with Roller Shades

The combination of roller or Roman shades with curtains or drapery panels is both practical and attractive. Solar shades or fabric shades with black out lining control the light. Curtains or drapery panels add another element of style to the room. Since shades usually extend only an inch or so past the frame, curtains or panels will also add a layer of insulation and help control more light

This is a perfect solution for a bedroom where light control is needed. Blocking out daylight is important for those who need to sleep during the day.

Pairing a roller shade with curtains gives you options of light control and layers of insulation.

Photography courtesy of Lafayette Interior Fashions.

Roman shade with black out lining blocks most of the daylight. Added panels control more light on the sides and top of the shade.

3. Select Sheer Roman Shades with Blackout Panels

Do you like daylight but need the room to be dark at times? The benefits of selecting sheer roman shades with blackout panels can take care of both of these options. Sheer roman shades are elegant and filter light without blocking it during the day. Closed black out panels block the light when you need the room to be dark.

I love the light and airy look of the sheer romans with panels open during the day. At night, the closed panels will block out the glare from bright street or security lights.

Drapery panels with a sheer shade is gorgeous! Form and function at it’s best.

4. Blend Blinds with Draperies

Traditional blinds are beautiful, timeless and provide many options for light control. Adding curtains or panels elevates the look, while providing additional insulation and light control.  This combination works wonders in framing the outside view while giving you a wide variety of light filtering options.

This look is crisp and clean. The curtains or panels add a touch of softness to the wood blinds while still keeping the sleek, tailored look.

Closing the matchstick blinds will provide privacy. Closing the panels will block out more light and provide more insulation.

The wooden blinds are perfect for this tailored room but don't provide enough light control by themselves.

Closing the black out lined Ripplefold panels blocked out more light and adds a touch of softness to the room.

5. Choose Curtains with Shutters

Traditional, southern shutters look great on their own in any room. Pairing them with curtains or panels adds sophistication and class. This combination provides varied aesthetics based on the time of day and outside lighting in addition to layers of insulation.

These shutters are beautiful and the room is complete. Drapery panels add a level of style to the look transforming the room from nice to wow!

Southern style shutters are a classic look with clean lines.

Adding panels with shutters softens the look and adds a level of insulation and light control

As you can see, layering works for every type of window treatment and decorating style. If you need help making your rooms look cozy (with the added benefit of adding warmth), give me a call and we can get started.

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Until next time,

Laura