Successfully Layer Your Curtains With These Simple Tips

A room's design scheme is not complete until you hang up curtains that tie everything together. This final touch provides cohesion and harmony that add to the visual appeal of a room. However, it's pretty common for homeowners to hang simple sets of two-panel curtains in front of their windows. But why stop there? You can take your curtains to the next level by layering them. This is an easy way to make cheap curtains look designer. If you are new to this design technique, take a few tips from Christina Couvillion, the CEO and Creative Director of Davinci Interiors. While speaking exclusively to House Digest, the expert revealed the different curtain layers that make up an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, how to incorporate color, the importance of proper proportions, and more.

Couvillion even provided insight on her experience layering curtains for clients. "We often layer customs to provide a sumptuous look to a space," she explained. "We especially recommend laying curtains if the client wishes to have one layer for light filtering with sheers and another for room darkening." If you have been wanting to try out curtain layering but never knew where to start, you are in luck. This is just a taste of Couvillion's many well-informed curtain arranging tips. So, let's dive into more of her advice.

Layering curtains like a pro is not as simple as just sliding multiple panels onto a rod and installing it above a window. You will need to be a bit more methodological to reap the benefits of this design technique. To do so, it's important to understand the different functions of sheer curtains and opaque curtains. "The sheers can cut glare while still allowing the client to enjoy a beautiful view," Couvillion explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "This is achieved by having a dual rod system mounted on a wall or dual track mounted on a ceiling/cutout. Each layer can move independently offering a lot of flexibility." Opaque curtains, on the other hand, can be used to darken a room.

The order of your curtains is important, too, and sheer fabrics should be used for your base layer. "Sheer panels create a soft, airy backdrop that complements the heavier top layer," Couvillion shared. Use heavier, opaque curtains for your next layer. This is also where you could use fabrics with designs or patterns that complement your living space. "This layer can highlight your room's decor theme or serve as a bold focal point," the expert said. Couvillion shared that when layering curtains, you will need to use rods that can withstand the weight of the large volumes of fabric, like double curtain rods or a layered rod system. 

Couvillion went on to provide a few curtain styling and decorating tips you can use to achieve the exact layered look you want. Her first suggestion is to mix textures for contrast. "Combine materials like silky sheers with velvet drapes or linen panels with cotton curtains," the expert shared while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "Contrasting textures add visual interest and sophistication to your window treatment." Her second styling tip may push you to get creative with color combinations. Couvillion suggested selecting color combinations that are either complementary or contrasting. "Neutral sheers paired with bold-colored drapes or tonal combinations can create a cohesive and balanced look," she also shared. 

As for the pros of curtain layering, Couvillion explained that the method offers, privacy, light filtering, and noise reduction. The con is that you'll have to spend a bit more money on additional curtain panels and installation hardware. The creative director concluded her advice by stressing the importance of keeping proportions in mind. She explained each curtain layer needs to be the right size for the corresponding window. You will need to ensure that the styling of the curtains is compatible with the window as well. For example, thick, bulky panels of fabric aren't the smartest choice for small windows, because they can overwhelm them and possibly be a curtain mistake that makes your home look cheap. Lastly, "Keep in mind the depth of the pleats with regard to the hardware track specifications so that both layers have appropriate clearance and can move smoothly," Couvillion cautioned.