Can you combine plantation shutters with other window treatments? It is a question that many Australian homeowners have asked themselves more than once. It is an intriguing idea to mix and match various window treatments, and whether there’s such a rule you might break in doing so. The answer to that question is a definitive “yes.” It is possible to coordinate plantation shutters with other window treatments, but only if it is expertly done to achieve the best results. The question isn’t whether you can coordinate, but how.
Choosing the Right Window Treatments to Coordinate with Plantation Shutters
Choosing the best window treatments to match with plantation shutters is the foundation for styling your home interior. It helps create a uniform, streamlined look for your home interior design.
Plantation shutters conjure a warm and inviting space into any home interior design. The right window treatment can complement them and provide a touch of sophistication or a contemporary feel.
Curtains are an obvious choice for pairing with plantation shutters. Layering plantation shutters with curtains is highly debated in the home interior design industry. Some claim they add texture and balance to the overall style, while others say they clash.
The main advantage of adding curtains to your plantation shutters is that they add texture and depth. This is recommended to create a warm and mature ambience in your living space. Since many curtain options are available, ranging from sheer to blackout, you can experiment with various drapes to match the styling and practical needs of your home. Adding curtains mainly works best with neutral-coloured plantation shutters.
On the other hand, you must be wary that layering curtains with plantation shutters doesn’t suit many contemporary home styles. It especially does not work with minimalist home designs. Many homeowners also frown upon the added maintenance required with two window treatments.
While there are other types of window treatments, such as roller shades, panel track blinds, and wooden blinds, drapery and curtains are the ones you can easily coordinate with plantation shutters. It is a safe bet if you want to experiment with layering your plantation shutters with another window treatment.
How to Coordinate Curtains with Plantation Shutters
Follow these expert tips when styling curtains with plantation shutters to elevate your home décor.
Consider the Colour and Finish of the Plantation Shutters
Choosing a colour palette is of paramount importance in interior design. Coordinating curtains with plantation shutters requires masterfully picking the right colour combinations that make a visual impact. A well-executed colour scheme can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
If you have neutral-coloured or white plantation shutters, picking the colour of the curtains is easy. You have an empty canvas to choose different colour schemes for the curtains. You can choose between light- or dark-coloured curtains. It depends on the colour of the interior walls and the interior design of your home. Use these as a guide in picking the right colour of curtains.
Choosing the colour is also impacted by your practical needs. Do you want more natural light in your living space, or do you want to maintain maximum privacy? If the first one is your preference, choose light-coloured curtains with lighter materials, such as sheer and linen. On the other hand, choose blackout curtains with darker hues to achieve maximum privacy with minimum natural lighting.
Since plantation shutters have adjustable louvres, it is easier to integrate them with curtains because you can adjust the louvres to match your needs.
Consider the Mounting Options
The mounting options for the curtains are critical in choosing what to pair with plantation shutters. The correct mounting option prevents the curtains from becoming entangled with the plantation shutter louvres.
A long curtain rod is the best mounting option when adding curtains to plantation shutters. It ensures the curtains are placed well above the window, avoiding contact with the topmost frame of the shutters.
The width of the mount should also allow the plantation shutters to open wide without the curtains getting in the way. That way, you can open the shutters wide to let some breeze into your home.
Choosing the Best Curtain Accessories
Adding accessories to curtains improves functionality and creates a neat look for your windows. Tiebacks are an excellent investment for your curtains because they help clear the window from obstruction, especially if you want to open your plantation shutters wide.
Another must-have accessory is holdbacks, which are great for Australian homeowners who want to cinch their curtains. Holdbacks are made of fabric or rope connected to a metal hook on the wall. They help secure the curtains and clear the view of the window. These accessories are excellent if you want to showcase the beauty of the plantation shutters.
Choosing the Style of Curtain
Another factor to consider when pairing them with plantation shutters is the curtain style. Hanging panel curtains work best with plantation shutters because they can be easily drawn to access the louvres.
One of the main reasons curtains are a popular choice for coordinating with plantation shutters is that they offer maximum versatility. In contrast, other window treatments are difficult to open and don’t provide easy access to the shutter louvres.
Hanging panel curtains can be conveniently drawn to reveal the adjustable louvres, unlike roller shades that hang in front of the shutters.
Consider the Functionality of Plantation Shutters and Curtains
Coordinating plantation shutters with curtains and drapery enhances the value of the interior design of the home. However, this should not be done at the expense of practical functionality.
Choose curtains that improve the functionality of plantation shutters. For example, if your shutter style allows maximum natural light, the best curtains to pair it with would minimise the light transmission to control the heat and light inside your home.
On the other hand, you could choose sheer curtains because they maximise natural light, especially if your plantation shutters limit the light that enters your room.
