Patterns and Solids: What You Can Do With These Window Treatments

Patterns? Solids? Which one is the right window treatment choice for your home? Before redecorating your home, take a look at what you need to know about your style options.

Do You Have to Pick Either a Pattern or a Solid?

The decision between patterns and solids doesn't always start with an either-or question. While a pattern-solid combination may seem busy, it doesn't have to overwhelm your home's decor. Some interior designs may benefit from this mix-and-match option. Consider both patterns and solids if:

You plan to hang window treatments in layers. Do you like the look of a sheer panel paired with voluminous drapery? Instead of two of the same solid colors, pick one solid for the interior curtain and a pattern for the exterior drapes.

The room is an eclectic style. A mix-and-match approach can complement a fun, funky eclectic style. Hang a lively patterned curtain on one window and a bold color on another.

You can tie the color palette through the window treatments and the rest of the space. Create continuity with color. Choose a palette such as neutrals, blues, deep reds, or fiery autumn colors, and pick patterns that include the hues. Add in a solid blind or panel with the same color theme.

Even though you can combine patterns and solids, you don't have to. If the mix-and-match strategy looks off or overly busy, separate the two and decide which one is the right window treatment choice for the space.

Can You Combine More Than One Pattern?

Now that you know more about pattern-color combos, you may want to consider another mix-and-match approach - patterns and more patterns. While you can effectively combine patterns into a stylish interior aesthetic, you need to proceed cautiously. An overdose of patterns can quickly go from dramatic or bold to busy.

Before you choose a dozen different patterns to hang on your windows, consider:

• A pattern group. Instead of random patterns that don't seem to match, choose a coordinating pattern group. This could include stripes, dots, and florals.
  
• The scale of the patterns. Instead of several different small patterns, choose a variety of sizes.
  
• The color and intensity. Contrasting colors and multiple intensity levels (bold, neutral, or pastel) can overwhelm a room and make it almost impossible to focus on one area. Instead, stick to one window treatment color palette.

As you select patterned window treatments, think about the rest of the space. Will you hang a patterned wallpaper? Does the furniture have a patterned texture? If the room is already filled with multiple patterns, you may want to tone down your window treatments.

Can You Combine More Than One Solid?

Whether the room is already packed with patterns, you prefer a neutral type of decor, or you just don't like the look of a busy curtain, you can opt for solid-only window treatments. But this doesn't necessarily mean you're stuck with one color. Like patterns, you can combine multiple solid color treatments in one room. To combine solids effectively:

• Stay within the same tone. Do you prefer cold or bright colors or pastels? Create a continuous solid color space with similarly toned window treatments.
• Think about sheen and the material. Combine more than one treatment on the same window by layering different sheens or textures of solid material. Start with a soft shiny sheer and add a heavier, textured drape as a second layer.
  
• Look at the color combinations carefully. Even though emerald green and ruby red are both bright tones, the combination of these colors will create a Christmas-like feel for the room. While this may work on a seasonal level, this isn't something you might want for permanent window treatments.

A mix-and-match solids strategy may not fit well in a high-patterned space or room with existing bold colors. Instead, add neutral or monochromatic single-color curtains, drapes, or blinds.

Are you ready to redecorate with window treatments? Contact Sylvan's & Phillip's Drapes & Blinds for more information.