Coordinating Window Blinds and Shutters in One Room

If you grew up in a home that only used one style of window treatment per room — or throughout the house — it doesn’t have to be that way. Even though mixing window treatments might seem unconventional, when done right, it creates a sophisticated, layered look. There’s a learning curve for this, but at e.d.'s Paint & Decorating, our talented team members know how to do it right the first time.

But first, let’s consider the practical reasons for combining shutters and blinds in one space.

Combining Blinds and Shutters Makes Good Decorating Sense

Using shutters and blinds together lets you address different challenges within a single room. For instance, large picture windows often benefit from interior shutters, which provide architectural detailing and top-notch light control. Meanwhile, smaller windows or those in tight spaces work better with coordinating blinds that take up less room.

This mixed approach can also be cost-effective. You can invest in premium shutters for prominent windows while choosing quality blinds for less visible areas. That way, you can prioritize your spending to make the most significant impact.

What’s more, different windows need varying privacy levels. Street-facing windows benefit from shutters that block views completely when closed. For windows that look onto your backyard or face a row of trees, blinds provide enough coverage without the added expense. Smart, right?

The Golden Rules of Coordinating Blinds and Shutters

Getting shutters and blinds to work together takes some planning, but following these five golden rules helps:

1. Color coordination: Stick to one color or use a single color family, varying the shades slightly. Pair white shutters with cream blinds, or mix light gray shutters with charcoal blinds. The tonal variations can create elegant, out-of-the-box aesthetics.
2. Material pairing: Wood shutters and faux wood blinds make natural partners, as they share a similar warmth. Stick with faux or vinyl wood in rooms with high heat and humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Proportional scale: Match your slat widths so nothing looks out of place. Wide-slat shutters need blinds with wider slats; ultra-thin mini blinds will look out of place next to them.
4. Style alignment: Keep your design language consistent. For example, shutters with a traditional valance won’t suit blinds with a modern valance.
5. Strategic placement: Put shutters on your focal-point windows and use simpler blinds in corners or less visible spots. That strategy directs the eye where you want it to go.

A Few More Design Tips for Shutters and Blinds Pairings

Your blinds and shutters installation can’t appear haphazard. If you're installing shutters inside the window frame, do the same with your blinds; keep outside-mount treatments consistent across all windows. Matching your installation method gives you cleaner lines and a more finished look.

Lastly, remember the hardware finishes. If your shutters have brushed nickel hinges, so should your blinds. These details pull the whole look together and show you've thought through every element.

We Look Forward to Helping You Select Custom Blinds and Shutters

Don’t worry if this design challenge feels intimidating: let e.d.'s Paint & Decorating help you select coordinating treatments that fit your room's layout, style, and lighting control needs. We feature Hunter Douglas window treatments, flooring, and Benjamin Moore paint. Visit our showroom or contact us for a consultation in Lexington, Columbia, Chapin, Irmo, and West Columbia, SC.