Putting Blinds and Curtains Together: Do’s and Don’ts

When you're thinking about layering blinds and curtains together, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, you’re not just picking two separate items—you’re creating a look that needs to work in harmony, both visually and practically. Done right, this combo can add serious style points, improve insulation, and give you better control over light and privacy. Done wrong? It can just look messy and confused. Let’s walk through the do’s and don’ts so you get it right the first time.

Why Combine Blinds and Curtains?

Blinds offer precision. Curtains bring softness. Together, they solve just about every window problem you could face. If you’re after total blackout for a bedroom, extra warmth for a draughty living room, or simply a layered, luxury look that feels designed—not just decorated—then blending blinds and curtains is the way to go.

On top of that, it's a clever way to tweak the mood of a room through different seasons. Swap out heavier curtains for something lighter when summer rolls around, while keeping your blinds steady all year.

The Do’s of Pairing Blinds and Curtains

Do Choose Complementary Styles

Always think about how the two styles are going to sit next to each other. A sleek, modern blind needs something equally clean-lined in a curtain—think simple eyelets rather than fussy pleats. If your blinds have a textured, woven look, you might want curtains with a bit of weight and texture too. Trust us, a little coordination goes a long way.

Do Consider Function First

Before you get swept away choosing fabrics and colours, ask yourself: what do you actually need this set-up to do? If it's privacy you’re after, layering a thicker blind with semi-sheer curtains can give you flexibility. If it’s purely decorative, you might be able to get away with a lightweight blind underneath something more dramatic.

P.S. - we’ve got a full guide to measuring your windows for blinds if you’re starting from scratch and want the fit to be spot-on.

Do Use Neutral Colours for Blinds

When in doubt, keep your blinds neutral. Whites, beiges, greys—these shades play nicely with almost anything you layer on top. Curtains can be the star of the show, whether that’s with bold patterns, rich textures, or deep colours.

Do Mount Curtains Wider and Higher Than the Window

If you want your room to look bigger (and who doesn’t?), mount the curtain rod higher than the window frame and extend it wider. It tricks the eye into thinking the window is grander than it really is, and also keeps your curtains from blocking too much natural light when open.

Do Experiment with Textures and Layers

Flat on flat tends to feel, well... flat. Pair smoother blinds with chunkier curtains, or textured blinds with something sleek. Don’t be afraid to mix a natural woven blind with velvet drapes, for example. It adds interest without feeling overwhelming.

Do Invest in Quality Hardware

The curtain rod, brackets, and even the blind mechanism make a difference. Flimsy rods can bow under heavy curtains, and cheap blinds never quite roll up properly after a while. Choose solid, durable hardware—you'll thank yourself later.

The Don’ts of Combining Blinds and Curtains

Don’t Mix Competing Patterns

Mixing prints can work... if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t, it’s usually safer to let one element be the "loud" one and keep the other simple. Patterned curtains with plain blinds (or vice versa) is a foolproof way to avoid a visual car crash.

Don’t Block the Blinds

The whole point of blinds is to be able to use them easily. Heavy or too-close curtains can make raising and lowering blinds a daily annoyance. Give them breathing room.

Don’t Forget the Room’s Style

Your window treatments need to feel like they belong in the room. A sleek roller blind paired with heavy Victorian-style drapes in a modern minimalist home? Not the vibe. Always think about the bigger picture.

Don’t Overdo It

More layers don’t always mean better. If you’ve already got patterned wallpaper, a bold rug, and busy furniture, adding thick curtains and blinds might be too much. Sometimes, less is genuinely more.

Don’t Ignore Proportions

Scale matters. Floor-length curtains on a tiny window can overwhelm the space, while tiny blinds on a giant picture window will look lost. Proportions should feel balanced—not stretched or squashed.

Best Blind and Curtain Combinations

Roller Blinds with Floor-Length Curtains

Simple and elegant, this pairing works in almost any room. The roller blind gives you clean lines, while the curtains add warmth and height.

Roman Shades with Sheer Curtains

Roman shades feel a bit more traditional and luxurious. Adding sheer curtains softens the look without hiding those beautiful folds.

Venetian Blinds with Eyelet Curtains

This mix offers flexible light control and a slightly more casual, contemporary look. Great for living spaces where you want versatility.

Cellular Shades with Blackout Curtains (For Bedrooms)

When privacy and darkness are top priorities (hello, Sunday lie-ins), cellular shades combined with heavy blackout curtains make a dream team.

Tips for Choosing the Right Materials and Colours

Match or Contrast?

Matching blinds and curtains creates a seamless, elegant look. Contrasting colours or textures, on the other hand, can add a bit of edge and energy to a space. Both approaches work—you just need to pick a lane and commit to it.

Consider Fabric Weight and Opacity

Think about what the room needs. Light, airy fabrics suit kitchens and living rooms. Heavier, thicker options are better for bedrooms and spaces where you want to block out light.

Think Seasonally

It might sound a bit extra, but swapping out your curtains for heavier or lighter ones with the seasons can make your space feel fresher—and a lot more comfortable too.

Final Thoughts

Pairing blinds and curtains together isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating a home that feels considered, functional, and comfortable. Hopefully, with these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’re feeling a lot more confident about how to put blinds and curtains together the right way.

Need a little extra help getting started? Check out our full range of options—you can even order best-selling blinds today and take that first step towards your dream space.