Ready to change your windows into beautiful focal points? Combining roman shades with curtains creates a beautiful layered look that adds depth and beauty to any room.
This pairing offers both style and function, giving you control over light and privacy while making your space feel more polished.
Even if you want a cozy bedroom or a bright living room, this combination works best. The best part is that styling shades with curtains is easier than you think.
With some simple guidelines and creative ideas, you can achieve a designer finish in your home.
What are Roman Shades and Its Types?
Roman shades are fabric window coverings that fold neatly into horizontal pleats when raised.
They hang flat and smooth when lowered, creating a clean and tailored appearance. These shades come in various styles to match different decorating preferences. The six main types include:
- Flat Roman Shade
- Cascade Roman Shade
- Aventura Roman Shade
- Relaxed Roman Shade
- Tulip Roman Shade
- Pleated Roman Shade
Best Curtain Layering Styles for Each Room
Find out stylish combinations tailored to every room, improving light control, privacy, and overall ambiance beautifully.
Living Room
A living room sets the mood of a home, offering comfort, warmth, and connection for relaxing moments together.
1. Flat Roman Shade
Pair a neutral flat roman shade with flowing sheer curtains to create an airy and smooth living room.
The shades provide privacy when needed, while the sheers soften harsh sunlight during the day.
This combination works great for spaces where you want to maintain a bright atmosphere. Choose white or cream sheers to keep things light and breezy.
2. Cascade Roman Shade
Create a luxurious living room by pairing cascade shades with rich velvet drapes in jewel tones.
The cascading folds add texture even when the shade is down, while the velvet brings warmth and beauty.
This combination works beautifully in formal living spaces or rooms with traditional decor. The weight of velvet drapes frames the window perfectly.
3. Relaxed Roman Shade
Achieve a casual and inviting living room by combining relaxed shades with natural linen curtain panels.
The gentle curve of the shade’s bottom adds a soft touch that pairs perfectly with the organic texture of linen.
This style works well in coastal, farmhouse, or casual contemporary spaces. Keep both elements in light, natural tones for a cohesive look that feels effortless.
Bedroom
A bedroom is a personal sanctuary where comfort, style, and tranquility come together to create restful, inviting spaces.
4. Pleated Roman Shade
Combine crisp pleated shades with blackout curtains to create the ultimate sleep sanctuary in your bedroom.
The pleats add structure and visual interest during the day, while the blackout curtains ensure complete darkness at night.
This pairing is perfect for light sleepers or anyone who works night shifts. Choose coordinating colors so both layers work together seamlessly.
5. Relaxed Roman Shade
The soft, curved bottom edge makes bedroom windows look nicer, and the blackout fabric blocks out light so you can sleep better.
This shade creates a calm, cozy space that’s perfect for relaxing after a busy day, while keeping your bedroom looking casual and comfortable.
The gentle arc design adds a touch of elegance without being too formal, making it easy to match with any bedroom style or decor.
6. Aventura Roman Shade
Pair aventura shades with thermal curtains to create a bedroom that stays comfortable year-round while looking stylish.
The soft waves of the aventura style add gentle movement, while thermal curtains help regulate temperature and reduce energy costs.
This combination is practical for bedrooms facing extreme weather conditions. Select coordinating patterns or solid colors that complement your bedding.
Dining Room
A dining room brings people together for meals, conversation, and warm moments in a welcoming, comfortable shared space.
7. Flat Roman Shade
Make your dining room memorable by pairing clean, flat shades with bold, patterned curtains that showcase your personality.
The smooth shades serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing the patterned curtains to become a statement feature.
Choose patterns that complement your dining table decor and wall colors. Consider geometric prints, florals, or damask designs based on your style preference.
8. Cascade Roman Shade with Silk Drapes
Upgrade your dining room with the beauty pairing of cascade shades and luxurious drapes in coordinating colors.
The cascading folds create dimension, while the addition of a formal touch is perfect for special occasions. This combination changes an ordinary space into a venue.
Select rich colors like wine, gold, or deep blue for an impressive look. The silk drapes catch the light beautifully, adding shimmer during evening meals.
9. Pleated Roman Shade
These shades have neat, structured folds that never go out of style. You can easily adjust how much light comes in, making them perfect for traditional dining rooms.
They give you great flexibility, pull them up to let in lots of light for breakfast, or lower them for a cozy dinner atmosphere.
The crisp pleats add an elegant touch that complements both formal and casual dining settings. Either way, your windows will look beautiful.
Kitchen
A kitchen is the warm, functional heart of any home, bringing people together through cooking and shared moments.
10. Flat Roman Shade
Style your kitchen windows with flat shades on top and beautiful cafe curtains on the bottom half.
This combination provides privacy while allowing natural light to flood your workspace. The flat shades keep things practical in this high-traffic area.
Choose washable fabrics for both layers since kitchens can get messy. This setup is perfect for windows above the sink where you want light but need coverage.
11. Relaxed Roman Shade
These shades have a soft, curved shape that looks great in farmhouse or cottage-style kitchens.
They work especially well when paired with checkered or flowery cafe curtains.
The casual, laid-back look creates a warm and welcoming feeling. This makes them ideal for kitchens where families spend time together throughout the day.
Bathroom
A bathroom serves as a personal retreat, blending comfort and functionality to create a restful, refreshing daily experience.
12. Flat Roman Shade
Protect your bathroom privacy by pairing flat shades with waterproof curtains in moisture-resistant fabrics.
The smooth shades offer coverage, while the waterproof curtains add an extra layer of protection from humidity.
This combination is essential for bathrooms with windows near the shower or tub. Choose fabrics that resist mold and mildew to keep your space healthy.
13. Pleated Roman Shade
Create a spa-like bathroom by combining pleated shades with vinyl shutters that can handle moisture exposure.
The structured pleats add beauty, while the shutters provide adjustable light control and ventilation.
This pairing works exceptionally well in bathrooms where humidity is a concern. Select neutral colors that make the space feel larger and more serene.
14. Relaxed Roman Shade
Pair relaxed shades with decorative privacy film on the lower portion of bathroom windows for a modern solution.
The soft curve of the shade adds visual interest, while the film provides permanent coverage without bulk.
This combination is perfect for small bathrooms where space is limited. Choose frosted or patterned film that complements your shade color.
Benefits of Combining Roman Shades with Curtains
Pairing these two window treatments together creates a winning combination that solves multiple design challenges at once.
- Enhanced Privacy: Two layers provide better coverage, especially at night when interior lights make rooms visible from outside
- Improved Insulation: The double-layer approach helps keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer by creating an air pocket
- Increased Versatility: Multiple adjustment options let you control light levels throughout the day for different activities and moods
- Added Dimension: Layering creates visual depth and interest that single window treatments cannot achieve on their own
- Design Flexibility: Mix patterns, textures, and colors between layers to create custom looks that reflect your personal style
Choosing the Right Fabric Combinations
Selecting the right fabrics for roman shades with curtains requires thinking about both function and appearance in your space.
Start by considering the amount of light control and privacy you need in each room. Bedrooms might need heavier fabrics.
Consider the cleaning requirements of each fabric since some rooms need more maintenance than others.
Natural fibers like cotton and linen work well for casual spaces, while silk and velvet suit formal rooms.
Pay attention to how fabrics drape and fold, as this affects the overall look. Choose fabrics with similar care instructions to make cleaning easier.
Coordinating Colors and Patterns
The right combinations bring harmony, depth, and visual interest to any roman shade and curtain pairing.
| Style Approach | Roman Shade Choice | Curtain Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Monochromatic | Solid neutral tone | Same color, different shade |
| Contrasting | Light solid color | Dark solid color |
| Pattern Mix | Small-scale pattern | Large-scale pattern in the same colors |
| Neutral Base | Textured solid | Bold pattern or color |
| Tone-on-Tone | Medium solid | Lighter or darker version of the same color |
| Complementary | Cool color solid | Warm color solid |
Styling Tips for a Perfect Finish
Follow these practical guidelines to ensure your roman shade with curtains looks professionally designed and polished.
- Proper Hardware: Use sturdy brackets and rods that can support the combined weight of both window treatments
- Correct Measurements: Hang curtain rods 4-6 inches above the window frame and extend 3-4 inches beyond each side
- Layering Order: Always mount shades closest to the window with curtains hanging in front for proper functionality
- Consistent Height: Keep all window treatments at the same height throughout a room for a cohesive, organized appearance
- Finishing Details: Add decorative holdbacks, tiebacks, or finials to curtain rods for a polished, complete look
- Regular Maintenance: Clean both layers according to fabric care instructions to keep everything looking fresh and new
Conclusion
Styling a shade with curtains brings together the best of both worlds for your windows.
The variety of roman shades available means you can always find the perfect match for your curtain choice.
Mix textures and patterns thoughtfully to express your personal style. With these ideas and tips, you can create a beautiful window that improves your entire space.
Ready to pair your roman shades with curtains? Start with the style that best matches your room’s mood.