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05 Jan 2023

How to layer window treatments like a pro

INSPIRATION

Layering your window coverings can add depth, style and sophistication to any room in your home. As Luxaflex® Brand Partner Neale Whitaker says, “layering window coverings with a soft sheer curtain adds a beautiful softness, movement and texture to a room”. 

However, layering window coverings isn’t always easy to get right, and effective layering requires some careful thought and fabric selection. While every home is unique, and you will have your own style and preferences, here’s a quick guide to help you layer like a pro. 

Step 1: Select and consider your windows

Layering isn’t necessarily an ideal solution for all rooms of your home, so start by determining the windows for which you want to create a layered look. For instance, curtains aren’t always an ideal solution in wet areas like bathrooms or laundries. And while it’s possible to layer a sliding or bi-fold door, you’ll need to think extra carefully about the functionality of this option.    

Also, think about the stylistic elements you wish to carry across each of the rooms in your home. Are you aiming for consistency, or to make a statement with a distinctive look from room to room? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the most suitable types of window coverings, textures, and levels of opacity. 

Step 2: Start with a practical base layer

The first layer of your window coverings is the most important in terms of practicality. This is the functional element, and you need to think very carefully about what you are hoping to achieve. Do you want to make a decorative statement? Add drama or depth? Frame a window to create an illusion of height? Or add softness or warmth to a space? 

The Luxaflex® Softshades Collection is ideal as a ‘base layer and have a sophisticated look that blends well with a curtain layer. This collection includes:

Luxaflex® Duette® Shades 

The unique honeycomb structure of Luxaflex® Duette® Shades provides a contemporary striking look whilst providing efficient insulation by trapping air within the honeycomb cell.  

Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings 

An exclusive Luxaflex® product, Pirouette Shadings feature softly contoured, front-facing fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. During opening and closing, the vanes move in tandem for a fluid, graceful effect. Three-dimensional fabric vanes provide a striking and uniform interior look whilst softly filtering sunlight and providing privacy.

Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shadings 

Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shadings with signature S-Vanes combine elegance with a functional design that allows you to harness and beautifully diffuse natural light. A clever blend of on-trend design aesthetics and practicality, the innovative material used allows you to see outside, while restricting the view from the street for privacy.

Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings 

Take advantage of beautiful light control with Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings. The soft vertical fabric provides daytime privacy whilst allowing a soft view through. Easily adjust the level of privacy and light to suit your requirements by rotating the fabric vanes halfway. To block light, close the shades completely.

For bedrooms or media rooms, Roller Blinds are also a great base layer, and Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters and Timber Shutters work well in functional living spaces. 

Step 3: Choose your top layer

Once you have settled on the base layer for your window coverings, you can choose how you will complement each with a curtain layer. How much sunlight do you want to flow into your spaces? What level of UV protection do you need. Are you looking for a heavier drape, or a billowy sheer curtain?

Sheer fabrics can offer a sense of beauty and add an element of privacy - without necessarily obstructing your view to the outside. They are often an ideal choice for adorning a bedroom or living room window with a view. However, they aren’t the most ideal option for providing insulation during periods of high heat or cold. In a bedroom or media room, you may also want to opt for a heavier fabric which can help you block out any residual light. 

Step 4: Think about control options

The Luxaflex® offering has a wide range of control options - from manual wand operation right through to PowerView® Motorisation. When layering, it’s important to consider how you want your coverings to work together in terms of their control. For instance - on a hot summer’s day, do you just want to close your base layer, or do you want to close your curtains too? Speak with a Luxaflex® consultant who can help you bring your layers together into an easy-to-control solution.

Want to find out more?

Interested in finding out more about how to effectively layer your window coverings? Drop by a Luxaflex® showroom and speak with one of our consultants who can help you select the options that are ideal for your home.

Duette® Shades

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Pirouette® Shadings

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LumiShade® Window Coverings

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