For someone with imagination and style, window treatments are much more than devices for blocking light or providing privacy. They can really help define your home’s (and your) personality. If you’re looking for a way to add depth, flexibility, and a polished finish to your windows, layering is a great way to go.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we work with homeowners across communities throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington to create custom window treatment solutions that combine function with style. When you understand the virtues of different treatments, you’ll discover that layering shades, blinds, and drapery isn’t just a design trend; it’s a practical way to get more out of your window treatments all year.
Why Layering Works
Layering window treatments means using two or more different coverings on the same window. Think a sleek roller shade paired with soft side panels or classic wood blinds beneath flowing drapes. The combo approach gives you the best of both worlds:
- Light control that adjusts throughout the day
- Privacy when and where you want it
- Style and softness that a single product often can’t achieve alone
- Insulation and energy efficiency in all four seasons
In the varied climate of the Inland Northwest, that versatility is a big win.
Popular Layering Combos in Inland Northwest Homes
1. Roller Shades + Drapery Panels
Clean, modern roller shades provide light control and privacy, while full-length drapes add softness, texture, and a finished look. This combo is especially popular in homes with large living room windows or sliding glass doors.
2. Wood Blinds + Sheer Curtains
This may seem like an odd combo at first, but think about it: wood or faux wood blinds are timeless and practical, enabling you to control light, but, despite being high-end, can have a slightly “too practical” look. Layering them with sheer curtains allows as much light as you want, but softens your room’s look. Sheer curtains also enhance privacy when blinds are open during the day and soften the glare of harshness of any light that comes in. This pairing works well in both modern homes and more traditional interiors.
3. Cellular Shades + Blackout Drapes
Ideal for bedrooms or media rooms, this combination provides insulation, light filtering, and complete blackout whenever needed and gives a soft, rich look. It is also great for shift workers who need to sleep during daylight hours or families with young kids whose bedtime rolls around while the sun is still shining on long summer evenings.
Style Meets Seasonality
These are just some of the combinations that can enhance your interior spaces. Layering also helps you adapt to seasonal changes. Use light, airy treatments during the warmer months to keep rooms cool and bright. Add thicker drapes or liners in the winter for extra insulation and coziness.
We often recommend interlining or thermal drapery panels to homeowners who live in mountainous or elevated areas and other northern microclimates where cold weather lingers longer.
Custom Options for a Tailored Look
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we make layering easy by offering custom-measured solutions built to work together. We’ll help you select the base treatment, such as a shade or blind, that gives you the utility you are looking for in a given room, and professionally install it so you can focus on adding the perfect topper or drape to complete the look. We carry a wide variety of fabrics, colors, and textures that will coordinate beautifully with each other and can help ensure your pairing suits your preferred style that matches your home’s architecture, from rustic lake cabins to modern townhouses.
Need Inspiration? We’ll Bring the Samples to You
Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a whole-home refresh, our in-home consultations are designed to simplify the process. We have locations in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, and Lewiston, and serve all the surrounding communities. We bring years of experience, product knowledge, and design advice right to your door.
Contact Best Blinds & Awnings today to schedule your consultation and discover why we’re known throughout this region for our attention to detail and commitment to quality.