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Shutters and roman blinds in same room?

12 years ago
I've got a large living area with 2 completely different sets of windows - and I would like to dress them differently. I was thinking plantation shutters on 3 windows on one side of the room - and roman blinds on the other set of curved windows (as shutters would not work). Wondering if this would look or too crazy? The house was built in 1905 and the curved windows are antique and salvaged from an old hospital. Thanks for any advice.

Comments (17)

  • 12 years ago
    These windows would be the ones with shutters.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    one or the other, it would appear incomplete if mixed.
    Gretchen thanked Specialty Doors
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Gorgeous window! :) I'm not a big fan of mixing romans and shutters, actually anything and shutters. I think the "privacy layer" needs to be the same. You can then do things differently with the decorative window treatments, if you wanted to. You *might* be able to put shutters on those curved windows, I'm not sure. You may want to check with a shutter professional in your area. Actually, I think you'd have a better chance with shutters than romans. In all the years (and ways) I've made romans, they wouldn't be able to curve - at least not these days with all the new cord standards. Good Luck! - Gretchen
    Gretchen thanked User
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    I have white wooden shutters (with wide louvers) on the lower half of all my cottage windows, nothing above….except for natural rattan blinds in some rooms. Sheer curtains kept to the sides make a smart finish. A great breezy look.
    Start with the shutters and play with the rest.
    I'd also think about evergreens to make the other houses disappear and some red berry bushes for the birds in winter. (shutters covering top to bottom with uneven window heights..no…with blinds you can fudge the alignment to make it flow around the alcove. Hang them at the taller level and open to an even height below.)
    I like a pretty casual look, not studied.
  • 12 years ago
    Another thought: the curve of the windows is lovely and most apparent at the bottom. Sad to lose that feature and shutters can't "curve" (except as custom and very, very costly)…..privacy would be a driving factor for me. Needs some deliberation.
    A built-in banquette would wonderful w/1/2 shutters. Bi-folds allow more flexibility.
    Gretchen thanked illraiseu1
  • 12 years ago
    I've lived in this house a year and still can't figure out these windows. Drapery is difficult as not enough wall space and large moldings. I like the oddness of the curved windows and different heights... We are on a main street and need privacy however. I love shutters and think they would give some character to the bay of 3 windows - but don't want to hide the curved windows. Still flummoxed.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    We think romans & shutters will work famously in your space. Both have a tailored feel that will help to finish out the room. Romans are great for tricky windows because they can pretty much be installed anywhere. Keep in mind, you will still have to do custom if you want them to curve with the architecture of the windows. A good drapery workroom should be able to help you out, no problem! To keep the look consistent, I would stick with a solid color roman with a contrast banding. This will keep the eye from drawing too sharply from a standard shutter to a loud fabric print. Cafe curtains are another option in place of roman shades and will also have a similar feel as the shutters because they won't provide FULL privacy (this might not be the best idea if the windows are street facing). All in all, it seems like you have a good handle on your design aesthetic. Hope you have fun decorating!

    Design It Yourself Decor | loomdecor.com | blair@loomdecor.com
    Gretchen thanked Loom Decor
  • 12 years ago
    Here is a shot showing both sets if windows.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    3/4 cafes on a curved rod could give you privacy, and keep the varied heights exposed on the hospital windows. It is a style in keeping with older interiors. I disagree about not having the space for panels on the other window set. The oversized trim makes them stand out as an up-do, which panels could correct. They would have to be sized to your specs, but could work. Shades or 3/4 might also work for you on this set. What I am not liking about the shutter idea for you is that it will accentuate that molding, and draw further attention to 'new wine in old bottles".
    The hospital set was a beautiful find, and I think whatever approach you choose should make the most of them, with the newer set in a supporting role.
    Gretchen thanked studio10001
  • 12 years ago
    Shutters work best (IMO) when the width of each panel (defined as 1/2 window width) is approx. 20%-25% it's height. If they aren't tall and skinny they tend to look heavy and not unlike many commercial/industrial/penitentiary applications.

    I've never seen curtains on curved windows. But when the window frame is flat, w/in a curved wall, a curtain rod can be installed parallel to the window frame.

    In your case, I might use tension rods w/in the curved frame for sheer pull-backed curtains (if at all); then, at the portal leading to the niche, I would hang sheer curtains along with solid panels held open w/ tie backs.
    Gretchen thanked acroteria
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Curved rods can be custom made and are not cost prohibitive. They would also nicely accent your beautiful windows. Here is a photo of 2/3 length cafe curtains to give you an idea of what they might look like in your windows. I think shutters would look nice in the other room and would be a nice complement to the cafe curtains. Of first consideration is always how you use the room and what privacy or light controls issues must be dealt with. Second to that is the design style which works best after the privacy and light control issues have been taken into account. Your rooms and windows are beautiful!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    What a beautiful space and I particularly like the antique curved windows. It is quite common for one treatment on a front elevation and another on the back elevation. The key is to keep harmony in the color selection and the lines. For the front elevation where you are considering shutters, it would appear that you don't have enough depth to keep the shutters inside the trim around the window. Depending on your louver size, you would need somewhere between 1 1/2"-3" in depth. I would only consider shutters if you have enough depth to keep the shutters even with the front edge of the trim.
    For the rear, curved windows, Romans would be a fine selection, but a Hunter Douglas Silhouette shade with a 3" vane (shown in picture) would be a soft effective covering that would compliment shutters nicely.
  • 12 years ago
    Personally i would not match shutters and blinds its one or the other. I a great fan of shutters but if you have a window with a great view I would seriously think of putting blinds so that you can draw them up and see the outside. If you are going for privacy then I would place the shutters hope this helps Styled By Cris Walker
  • 12 years ago
    Somehow linking these two sets of windows needs to be accomplished for continuity. I love shutters! They are the best for durability, light control, privacy and architecture. Shutter would beautify your space and are timeless. Outside mounted frame will work terrific on your front window; can you place 1/2 shutters "hospital windows" and then add an outside mount curtain panel to soften this wonderful sitting area?
  • 12 years ago
    Windows in the same area look odd unless done with the same material (but they CAN be different treatments--Romans in one, side panels in another, for instance, look fine when in the same fabric). In your case, however, I would just do side panels (on both). The curved windows are great, will be accentuated by a curved curtain rod, and the other side will win Best Curtain in a Supporting Role.
  • 12 years ago
    PS the photos don't show much but I already love your house.