Mix and Match Window Treatments? Good Questions

Q: Can I mix/match shades & blinds on different sets of windows in the same room? We just moved into a new condo in Brooklyn, and while we wanted a brownstone, we thought all this light coming from the bay window and set of windows/door onto a terrace would give the condo enough character to call home. We are planning to have a carpenter build-in seating and shelves around the bay window, which we hope will give it that old school Brooklyn feel. But, what to do with window treatments?

As you can see, we've got all neutrals so far, and we were planning to introduce color through the rug and cushions on the to-be-built window seating. But we saw this bright blue roman shade at the Shade Store and it got us thinking... blue shades? How bold and potentially eye-popping (the sample is hanging in the window).

But the blue seems a bit too much for both sets of windows. Could we then do blue on the bay window and perhaps a sheer white roman shade or even light brushed elm blinds on the other windows+door, or would that be tacky?

(Oh, and how do you like my partner's brilliance of picking up a paper lantern as a temporary solution while we pick out lighting?)

Sent by Ali

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Comments (16)

What beautiful and unusual windows. If this is your living room can I suggest leaving them bare (a la the Netherlands).

My personal, unprofessional (not a decorator, just love my house) opinion is not to do that. Pick a blue that is soft enough for both sets of windows or make the window seat the bright blue that you love.

A couple of reasons:
1. Your windows aren't really far enough apart to create a different zone, where mixing shades might work. Ex. We have an open plan, and I'm considering different curtains for the dining area, which is set off from the living room.
2. If you end up hating it, that's an expensive mistake. I'd go safe for a costly improvement like shades/drapes.

As for what to do, I'd go with curtains that you can pull allll the way to the side, so that when open, nothing blocks those windows. I wouldn't want to block an inch of those windows! They're amazing! (Though I totally agree that built-ins are the way to go to clean it up a bit!)

I would be inclined to give the bay window more traditional curtains to the sides (they don't even have to be operational), and then give the rest of the windows more contemporary roller shades. My rationale is with so many windows, you want them to operate like a wall too, so keep them flat and fairly neutral. My fear for that blue with the current yellowish walls is that you are going to be using primary colors which usually tend to give off a childish vibe. Since I don't think that is the look you are going for, try some dark greens or greys - perhaps a bold pattern - to get some interest going. Though it is probably safest to buy a rug first and work back since rugs are harder to find.

If you love that blue, paint a wall that color. It easy enough to paint over if/when you move on from that choice.

Blinds or shades are functional more than aesthetic, they should blend with the trim in the room. You have wonderful light in the space, maximize it with neutral blinds/shades.

For pattern or color on your window walls - use soft treatments like panels or sheers with a texture or pattern.

I have also seen people hang artwork or mirrors over windows which can add some focus if that is what you're going for.

If you want to splurge a little you can just get the shade store to whip you up something custom.

http://www.theshadestore.com/

Window coverings are expensive. Paint a wall.

I love the idea of different window coverings on the different sets of windows. It is quirky and unique, and I think that you could pull it off with a little planning. I would recommend something understated for each set of windows, nothing too reflective or satiny. But especially if you are breaking your room into two seating areas it would help define those two spaces. Good luck!

It's one thing to do different types of windows coverings (ie: draperies and roman shades) in the same fabric within a room...
...but doing different fabrics makes it look like you just picked up whatever was on sale and threw them up willy-nilly.

Personally, it doesn't appear that you get much light in this space - I don't see the need for blinds, just some draperies at the bay that meet the sill and at the other window that do the same
(I sure hope you plan on getting rid of the empty beer bottles and procuring some tables for your lamps)

Great windows! I usually go for the no-window-treatment option, but you do need light and privacy control here.

Let the windows be the star of the room. Go with simple window treatments that won’t compete with or overpower them. You want something that almost disappears when not in use. And no mix-n-match.

I recommend flat roller shades in a neutral fabric. Window coverings are expensive and you’re going to be living with them for some time, so stay neutral (no blue). Because of the bay window, you’ll probably need to mount separate shades on each window (as opposed to one shade covering the full wall). More shades = visual clutter. Another reason to keep the shades super simple.

I think you should get cellular shades that you can open/close at different positions. Like open at the top/closed at the bottom a la cafe curtains for privacy and light during the day.

I would go for a neutral painted room with a similar color for the shades that pull up or pull down. Then you could have all the privacy and have the top of the shade down for light.

I think you can mix and match, but you have to be careful not too make it look accidental or like you just took what you could get. If you can make it look very deliberate (maybe curtains on one set, blinds on another) then I think it'll look pretty and fun. Good luck and send pics when you've decided.

the lack of space above the window will mean that even with a roman blind fully up it will cover some of the window, which you may not desire given that you like the light you get through the bay window - also as it is a bay you will need more than one blind.
Yes you can have different types window treatments in one room, however a strong blue on one window and white on the other is like to be too much of a contrast to form any cohesion in the room.

i'd like to recommend you leave some windows bare and others with some treatments.

http://windowcoveringsslidingglassdoors.com/

Hi I have decorating company for over 15 years doing custom Upholstery,Drapes and Shades, have a windowseat built with a nice soid or texture box cushion seat and couple of small decoratives pillows for the sides , for the windows have solid neutral Silhoutte Shades they can be operated in 3 ways privacy semiopaque or sheer between the slats.
Any questions You can callme
Omar
646-2294993
www.plazahomeinteriors.com

I think investing in a blue window treatment is a significant investment in something that you may grow tired of. Paint is cheap. I love the idea of painting a wall blue if you love the blue. Someone mentioned shades. I think shades or blinds would be a great idea. The two banks of windows probably should match. Match the shades/blinds but have some fabric panels on either side of the bay or a fabric valance for softness. Shades come with the top up/bottom down option that would be good to let light in without feeling like you are living in a fish bowl at night. Try Bali Blinds. They have a My Decorator option on their webiste and an Ask the Expert option on their FB page. "Try out" the products you like with the virtual decorator, pick swatches and Bali will send them to you free of charge. http://www.baliblinds.com/Blinds-and-Shades/Cellular-Shades/ProductLine.do?productLineId=59