Experts Share How to Choose the Right Window Treatments for an Open Floor Plan

Should all of your window treatments match?

Your window treatments don’t have to match perfectly. You can choose to pair different styles, colors, and textures, but you want to carefully consider these before you make any decision.

The biggest deciding factor is not whether your window treatments match, but what use you're looking for in your window treatments. Different spaces have different needs — whether it's climate control, UV protection, privacy, or simply light control.

It's important that you don't choose your window treatments merely because of stylistic choices but rather blend style with functionality. So while you’re deciding on a style of window treatments, make sure you’ve considered the actual needs of the space. Secure a practical choice that will last the longest in your home and give you the most satisfaction stylistically.

Should I match all the curtains in adjoining rooms?

Your curtains or other window treatments in adjoining rooms don't have to be exactly the same, but similar styles or colors will work well.

In some situations, you may want to mismatch on purpose. For example, you may want to bring attention to a specific window or even a set of windows. Additionally, if your adjoining room has distinctive features that definitively separate your windows (i.e. a cased opening, or a vaulted ceiling) there's no need to worry about matching.

However, if your window treatments are on the exact same wall right next to each other, you'll want to consider getting the same window treatment put on both.

Curtains are standard from box stores, but consider choosing custom draperies instead. Made from high-quality fabric, you get better functionality and style from your draperies. Draperies are also a unique feature that instantly elevates your space and optimizes your window treatment’s climate control and privacy.

Curious to know more about the many differences between curtains and drapery? Learn more here.

Layer your window treatments for more style.

Drapes are an excellent way to keep your areas looking cohesive.

By layering drapes with other window treatments, you can choose to change the window treatment underneath depending on what function you need the most. Roman shades will give you an elegant feel to your layered windows and can be an excellent stylistic choice.

On the other hand, roller shades are great for low-lit areas such as kitchens or some living rooms, while solar shades would be wonderful for large windows in direct sun.

Roller shades and solar shades are a great addition to layered window treatments. If more privacy is necessary for one room and you're layering it with drapery, you can choose solar shades in one space and roller shades in another. Because solar shades are a subset of roller shades, they look extremely similar, yet function differently, making them the perfect pairing for layering in open-concept spaces.

Layering your window treatments will also give you more opportunity to create complimentary rooms throughout your home, especially if you're keeping your draperies as your consistent factor. If you choose to change the color of your drapes from space to space, keep the same window treatment underneath to help you tie your rooms together.

What about mixing and using different window treatments in the same room?

If your room is smaller and more compact and your windows are all similar in size, it will feel more natural to keep your window treatments consistent throughout the room.

However, if your room is larger and has windows that need to be either highlighted or muted, mixing styles and choosing different window treatments can work.

For example, if you have a bay window in your bedroom and a complementary set of windows on the next wall, having two different styles might be exactly what you need. You’ll tie the windows on the wall together while bringing into focus the unique bay window.

If you have French doors off of your dining room, you might not want the same window treatment on them as the windows right next to it. Because different windows in your house need different solutions, it makes sense that your window treatments will need to be different as well.

You can mix window treatments in the same room, especially if you decide to layer your window treatments. By layering, you can still keep one element the same to bring your home together. A complementary color palette will do wonders for this situation.

Love the idea but wish you had a design expert to help? Connect with our designers here for a complimentary consultation.

Use a consistent element to mix and match your window treatments seamlessly.

If you like consistent design styles throughout your home, doing similar window treatments all throughout your house makes sense. However, if you'd like a more distinctive look in each space, you can select different window treatments from room to room. The key is to keep one consistent design element throughout your home.

This doesn't mean you have to use the same exact roman shade or wood blind for every window treatment. Instead, focus on one part of the window treatments that all have a similar theme. This could be:

The Texture

Similar textures will give your window treatments a consistent character. Keep texture the same throughout your space to ensure your window treatments won't feel out of place. This might mean woven shades on some windows, while layering natural linen draperies in other spaces for a more formal feel.

The Type

If you want to keep your window treatments all similar types, for example, roman shades throughout your home, it can add a calming effect, but you can still choose different colors in your color scheme. That way, none of your window treatments will stand out particularly against the others, yet each room has a distinct color scheme.

The Color

If you prefer to have your window treatments in a variety of colors, keep them in the same style or texture to make your window treatments cohesive. Conversely, if you’d rather mix up your window treatment styles, choose a color that can be repeated on multiple window treatments for consistency.

When it comes to color, keep your window treatments timeless.

Putting up window treatments in an open concept layout is a tricky business. You'll want to choose something that not only resonates with you stylistically but also functions in each space.

When it comes time to make your choice, choose a color that's timeless.

Think about it this way — you should be able to change accents and main pieces without directly clashing with your window treatments.

This is especially important in open-concept layouts. You won't want to change your window treatment whenever you want to update a rug or change out the throw pillows. The easiest way to do this is to choose a color scheme that allows for change.

If your window treatment has a timeless quality, it will be able to withstand changing accessories and furnishings in the room without looking dated or out of place.

Choosing neutrals permits you to keep your window treatments for as long as they last physically, rather than changing your window treatments preemptively because of trending color schemes. This is beneficial for both the environment and your wallet.

Focusing on neutrals provides the perfect opportunity to embrace a consistent element in all of your window treatments. If you want something a little bit more fun for a room, choose a nursery or office, perhaps. If you really want to tie it into the rest of your home, keep one element of consistency — color, texture, or style. That way you can still have fun doing something a little bolder, but keep your space cohesive at the same time.

Keep in mind that getting a bit bolder will be best for rooms that are not exposed by your open concept but rather in separate rooms and not adjacent to open areas unless you choose to do “bold” throughout the entire home.

When should my window treatments stay the same? And when can I choose to use different window treatments?

Windows that are right next to each other should have the same window treatment, especially if they are on the same wall.

Same size windows should have similar window treatments, but if they are spread around your home you can get away with different-yet-harmonizing window treatments.

A standalone window is a perfect opportunity to add a different window treatment. Because it’s not directly corresponding with a matching window, highlighting it with its own window coverings can work well.

Don’t let your open concept space intimidate you. Let us help you discover the best window treatments for your open concept home.

Our design team of professionals has seen many wonderfully cohesive spaces in open-concept homes. Finding you the right window treatments and helping with the process from start to finish is our top priority.

When you select custom window treatments with Stoneside, you get peace of mind knowing each product is designer-approved and expertly installed.

Don’t delay any longer — your perfect window treatments are here for you. Book your consultation and get your very own design consultant who will help you every step of the way.