One window treatment style that goes extremely popular today is the layering curtains and unlined drapes. Curtain layering has become a favorite among designers for the wide spectrum of functionality it offers. By simply combining window treatments and arranging them in purposeful order, you could dictate how your window treatments hang and move, letting in the right amount of sunlight while giving you the privacy you need.

When you know the basics of layering curtains, you can just easily mix and match different types of window treatments and will never run out of ways to regularly give your home a fresh new look.

The first and most basic thing you’ll need to know about curtain layering is that it usually involves at least one opaque and one sheer window treatment materials.  As long as you don’t mind welcoming a few glimmers of outside light into the room, a layer of sheer curtains and other window treatment would definitely look more decorative than the solid look of lined and interlined drapes. Sheer curtains make the room look airy and bright while giving you privacy. The opaque layer, on the other hand, blocks out most of the outside light for undisturbed daytime sleeping.

Secondly, you’ll need to know that curtain layering basically includes three simple yet very creative steps. Read on to learn the steps for making beautiful, layered window treatments.

Step 1

First, you’ll have to decide which window treatment you wish to use as “base” for layering curtains. You may choose a sheer curtain, some lace or even shades.

Using shades for the layer’s base helps you achieve maximum privacy while insulting the window from outside cold and heat. On the other hand, sheers and laces allows for a soft glow within the room while filtering the glare of the sun. A lot of people prefer using sheers as undercurtain as it allows for a third layer- the option for blocking out the outside light using heavier materials. This way, you can have some natural light whenever you like without eliminating the option for blocking out light completely. Well, almost completely.

Step 2

After securing your base, you can now add the second layer of window treatment that complements your base well. You may use a valance to add interest to the upper portion of the window. Others use curtain panels over sheers to add weight to the window. Curtain panels are also used as second layer over shades.

Step 3

To complete one beautiful project, add your choice of third layer. You may choose a lace or sheer curtain, a shade, or a valance. Just make sure you don’t duplicate the type of window treatments you have already used on the first and second layers. On your third layer, feel free to get really creative and put your favorite window treatment to the surface.

Now that you know the basic of curtain layering, you can now make an endless number of combinations to make your windows look exciting and fresh all the time!