Combining Shutters and Drapes

Hi Christine,

What kind of drape treatments should I use with shutters? Do you decorate different with blinds vs. shutters?

Thanks,

Lori

Hi Lori,

You can use the same drapery panels with shutters as you would with blinds. Be sure to check your depths. You want the drapes to overlap the shutters, but make sure they stick out further than the shutters- and are not leaning on them.

Generally speaking, when you have shutters, you won't need the drapes to actually function, and you can consider hardware that is only decorative.

Depending on your style, and the room, you might want shutters that don't extend the full length of the window. These partial shutters can be really charming.

Check out the blue and white photo in this post for a good layered look. Also- look outside the box and consider shutters that don't have louvers- or consider shutters in a color other than white or off-white....

You frequently see shutters without drapes- but if you are a follower of my blog- you know that I like to layer window treatments. In the photos above and below- it looks like they would have to choose between sconces and layering. A tough call. ;)

Remember that inside mounted shutters are more expensive than those that are built-out- but are much easier to layer with- and a much nicer more tailored look overall. Also keep in mind that if you like to open the shutters entirely- and the windows are very tall- it could be inconvenient. Drapes combined with shutters are best for clients that like to just move the louvers and keep the shutters closed most of the time.

Photos courtesy of Country Living and Traditional Home