How to Pair Shutters and Curtains

Pairing shutters and curtains can transform a room, bringing together style and functionality in a way that elevates your entire space. While shutters offer structure, light control, and privacy, curtains can add softness, colour, and texture. When thoughtfully chosen these two elements work in harmony to create a refined, custom look that enhances both the aesthetic and practicality of your home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of pairing shutters and curtains, help you choose the right styles for your space, and share tips for achieving a balanced, cohesive look.

What are the benefits of combining shutters and curtains?

Whilst each can work beautifully on its own, there are many benefits to combining shutters and curtains.

Improved light control

Pairing shutters and curtains gives you full flexibility over managing light in a room, allowing you to adapt to different times of day or changing moods. Shutters can be adjusted to filter in natural light whilst reducing glare, which can offer a soft, diffused glow. Adding curtains gives you additional control – sheer fabrics will soften the light even further, while heavier blackout curtains can fully block the light when you need to.

Enhanced insulation and energy efficiency

Shutters provide a solid barrier that reduces drafts and helps to keep rooms warmer in winter, and curtains can add an additional insulating layer. Together, they reduce heat loss in colder months and can keep rooms cooler in the summer by minimising the heat that comes from direct sunlight. This can lead to reduced heating and cooling costs, especially in rooms with large windows or patio doors where additional temperature control is often needed.

Added privacy and noise reduction

Shutters and curtains provide a dual-layer effect that can enhance privacy, allowing you to let in light without fully exposing the room. Shutters will be particularly effective during the day, as they will provide privacy even when partially open. Curtains can then add another layer of seclusion when drawn at night.

This combination can also help to reduce noise inside. Shutters will help to block sounds from outside, while curtains add a soft barrier to dampen noise even further. This can be ideal for creating a peaceful environment in busy areas.

Increased aesthetic appeal

Combining shutters and curtains for your window dressing adds depth, dimension, and sophistication. Shutters offer clean lines and a classic aesthetic, while curtains bring texture, colour, and pattern. Together, they can give you endless options to personalise your space. The layered approach can elevate a room’s style, providing an opportunity to tie together various elements in your décor.

How to choose the right shutter style

When choosing the right shutter style, you’ll need to consider your design preference, current interiors, and the function of your room.

Full height shutters will cover the entire window, offering complete privacy and a streamlined look. Full height shutters provide a classic look, with a touch of modern elegance, with wide, louvered slats that can be adjusted for light control. These can be perfect for larger windows where maximum light control is needed.

Another popular shutter type is café-style shutters, which cover only the lower portion of the window. These can be ideal for rooms where you want to maintain privacy but allow in plenty of natural light, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Tier-on-tier shutters feature separate top and bottom sections that operate independently, offering maximum flexibility. For example, you could open the top tier for light while keeping the bottom tier closed for full privacy. These can help you to get the perfect amount of light in a space for just the right ambience, making them perfect for living rooms where it’s important to balance functionality and style.

Solid shutters feature solid panels and are perfect for achieving a traditional or period look. These will completely block out light and add a layer of insulation, for energy-efficiency and noise reduction. They work great in bedrooms to create a tranquil atmosphere with a classic aesthetic.

How to select the perfect curtains to match shutters

There are a few factors to consider when you are pairing curtains with shutters.

Colour coordination

When selecting curtains to match shutters, think about both contrast and harmony. Light or neutral shutters, such as white or cream, pair beautifully with bold or richly coloured curtains, creating a striking look. Alternatively, for a more subtle approach, you can opt for curtains in soft shades that match your shutters. This will create a seamless, calming effect.

In modern spaces, monochromatic colour schemes can be effective, whilst contrasting colours can make a bold statement in eclectic or traditional interiors.

Material type

The curtain fabric should suit the room’s function and atmosphere. For example, lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen can give a casual feel and can be ideal in kitchen or family rooms. Heavier materials such as velvet or brocade can suit more formal settings or rooms where you want a touch of luxury.

Sheer materials can work well with shutters by contrasting their structured look and adding softness. Heavy fabrics, on the other hand, will add extra weight and presence.

Pattern and texture

Patterned curtains can add personality and interest, especially in rooms where the overall décor may lean neutral. Stripes, florals, or geometric patterns can revitalise a space – small patterns add subtlety while larger patterns will make a bold statement. If your shutters are plain, patterned curtains can add a focal point in the room.

In terms of texture, pairing smooth shutters with textured curtains such as linen or silk will create a visually appealing contrast that will elevate the space.

Tips to achieve a cohesive look for your window

Pairing shutters and curtains is all about creating a cohesive look for your window and your interiors. There are a few considerations for you to achieve a seamless finish.

Contrast or blend

When pairing shutters and curtains, you can either create contrast for visual impact or blend them for a subtle, unified look. Contrasting styles work well in spaces with strong design elements or bold décor. For example, dark shutters with light curtains will create a striking look that draws attention to the windows. Alternatively, you can match the shutter colour to your curtains for a softer, more cohesive effect.

You should avoid the window looking mismatched, so whether you opt for a blend or contrast, aim to work from one colour palette. If you’re contrasting, choose one or two stand-out tones and incorporate them throughout the room. If you’re blending, aim for different tones of the same colour to ensure there’s dimension, and to prevent it looking too clinical.

Match your curtains and shutters to your interiors

Your shutters and curtains should coordinate with the rest of the room, so look for shades that already feature in your furniture, walls, and decorative accents. Neutral shutter colours such as white, grey, or beige are highly versatile, giving you flexibility to experiment with curtain colours and patterns.

If your room already has colourful furniture and wall art, neutral curtains can prevent the space from looking too busy. Conversely, in simpler rooms, curtains with patterns, or shutters in rich colours can add depth and interest.

Think about the mood you want to create – warm colours such as rust or gold can create a cosy vibe, while cooler tones such as blues and greens can add a sense of calm.

Maintain function and style

Whilst aesthetics is important, you shouldn’t prioritise style over functionality when it comes to your windows. You’ll want to ensure you have maximum control over light and privacy, with simple, easy use. For example, installing heavy curtains in a room where you want natural light will mean constantly drawing them back, which can be inconvenient. Or pairing sheer curtains with café-style shutters in a bedroom might not give you the privacy you need.

Think about how you use the room and choose the shutters and curtains that meet your practical needs first. You can then think about the style of each to ensure they’ll enhance your interiors with the finish you want.

Kingswood at Home designs, builds and installs bespoke, made-to-measure shutters tailored to your home. We have a vast range of finishes and colours available, so we’re sure to find the right window dressing for your unique style. Contact us for more information or book your consultation with our design team for a free, no-obligation chat.