Perfect Curtain and Plantation Shutter Pairings: Your Complete Guide
Last Update: April 2025
Hi there! I'm James, the owner of Dolcewe.com. For over 10 years, I've helped customers find the best custom curtains for their homes. Today, I want to share my tips on pairing curtains with plantation shutters. This combo can make your windows look amazing while solving common window problems.
Many of my customers ask how to use both curtains and shutters together. It's a smart choice that can transform your rooms. Let's dive into everything you need to know about this stylish window treatment duo.
Key Takeaways
| Main Section | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Why Pair Curtains with Plantation Shutters? | Combining curtains with shutters gives you better light control, enhanced privacy, and can reduce energy bills by up to 15%. This pairing also adds sound blocking properties and creates a more finished, designer look for your windows. |
| How to Choose the Right Curtains for Your Shutters | Match curtain style to your room's overall design—clean lines for modern spaces and more detailed options for traditional rooms. Choose colors that complement your shutters based on our pairing chart, with white shutters offering the most versatility for curtain color selection. |
| Best Curtain Styles to Use with Plantation Shutters | Panel curtains offer the most flexibility, while sheers provide a softer look with filtered light. Consider café curtains for kitchens and bathrooms where you need partial privacy, or Roman shades for a cleaner, more minimal profile with your shutters. |
| How to Hang Curtains with Plantation Shutters | Mount curtain rods 4-6 inches above windows and extend 6-12 inches beyond each side for the most flattering look. Use tiebacks to frame your shutters when curtains are open, and ensure curtain placement never interferes with shutter operation. |
| Measuring for Perfect Custom Curtains | Measure the full width you want covered and add 8-12 inches, then multiply by 1.5-2.5 for proper fullness. For length, decide between sill, apron, floor, or puddle length based on your room's formality and practical needs. |
| Styling Ideas for Different Rooms | Choose bold, floor-length curtains for living rooms to make a statement. Use blackout curtains with shutters in bedrooms for maximum darkness, and select washable, practical fabrics for kitchens and water-resistant options for bathrooms. |
| Seasonal Curtain Changes | Switch to lighter fabrics and brighter colors in spring/summer to maximize natural light. Transition to heavier fabrics and richer tones in fall/winter to improve insulation and create a cozier atmosphere while keeping your shutters consistent year-round. |
Why Pair Curtains with Plantation Shutters?
Combining curtains with plantation shutters gives you more than just good looks. It offers many benefits for your home.
Better Light Control
Shutters let you adjust slats for basic light control. Adding curtains gives you even more options. You can have bright light, soft filtered light, or total darkness when needed.
More Privacy
Shutters provide daytime privacy while keeping light. Curtains add an extra layer when you want complete privacy at night.
Energy Savings
The layers created by both treatments help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This can lower your energy bills.
Sound Blocking
The extra fabric from curtains helps reduce noise from outside. This makes your rooms quieter and more peaceful.
Style Upgrade
The combination looks much more finished than either option alone. It adds depth and makes your windows a true focal point.
One of my customers in Texas paired light blue curtains with white shutters. She told me her cooling bills went down by 15% in summer. Plus, her street-facing bedroom became much quieter at night.
How to Choose the Right Curtains for Your Shutters
Picking the perfect curtains to go with your plantation shutters doesn't have to be hard. Here are some simple things to think about:
Room Style Matters
Look at your room's style first. Is it modern, traditional, or somewhere in between? For modern rooms, choose simple curtains with clean lines. Traditional spaces work well with more detailed or patterned curtains.
Modern rooms: Solid colors, minimal patterns, straight lines
Traditional rooms: Patterns, pleats, more formal fabrics
Casual spaces: Lighter fabrics, relaxed hanging styles
Window Size and Shape
Your window's size affects what curtains will look best.
- Tall windows can handle floor-length curtains.
- Smaller windows might look better with shorter curtains or valances.
For wide windows, make sure you get curtains wide enough to frame the entire window. For odd-shaped windows, custom curtains (like those we make at Dolcewe) can be your best option.
Color Coordination
The colors you choose can make or break your window treatment look. Here are some winning combinations:
| Shutter Color | Best Curtain Colors | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| White | Navy, gray, pastels | Clean, classic look |
| Natural wood | Green, blue, earth tones | Warm, natural feeling |
| Black | White, cream, bright colors | Bold, dramatic contrast |
| Cream | Most colors work well | Soft, versatile foundation |
Would you like to create a calm feeling in your bedroom? Try white shutters with soft blue curtains. Want a bold statement in your dining room? Pair dark shutters with bright curtain panels.
Best Curtain Styles to Use with Plantation Shutters
Not all curtain styles work equally well with plantation shutters. Here are the top styles my customers love:
Panel Curtains
These are the most popular choice. They hang from a rod and can be opened or closed easily. They give you the most flexible light control and privacy options.
Sheer Curtains
These light, see-through sheer curtains soften the look of shutters. They add a gentle layer while still letting light through. They work well in living rooms and sunrooms.
Café Curtains
These cover only the bottom half of windows. They work well in kitchens and bathrooms where you want some privacy but still need light.
Roman Shades
For a cleaner look, Roman shades can be used instead of traditional curtains. They fold up neatly when not in use.
I helped a customer in Florida pick sheer white curtains for her beach house living room. The plantation shutters handled privacy, while the curtains softened the bright sunlight. Her room now feels airy yet private.
How to Hang Curtains with Plantation Shutters
Getting the hanging right is key to making this combination work. Follow these steps for the best results:
Step 1: Mount the rod higher.
Place your curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window frame. This makes your window look taller.
Step 2: Extend beyond the frame.
Your rod should extend 6-12 inches past each side of the window. This lets you pull curtains fully away from the window.
Step 3: Choose the right length.
For the most elegant look, curtains should either just touch the floor or have a small break of 1-2 inches.
Step 4: Add tiebacks or Holdbacks
Tiebacks and holdbacks hold curtains to the side while framing your shutters nicely. They create a more finished look.
When hanging curtains with shutters, make sure you can still open and close the shutters easily. The curtains should never block shutter operation.
Measuring for Perfect Custom Curtains
Getting the right measurements is super important. Wrong sizes can make even beautiful curtains look bad. Check our curtain size calculator
How to Measure Window Width
- Measure the full width of the rod you want to cover
- Add 8-12 inches for proper coverage when closed
- Choose 1.5x or 2x fullness. At Dolcewe.com, our curtains come with default 1.5x of fullness. Customers can always choose 2x fullness for luxurious look.
How to Measure Length
Decide where you want your curtains to end:
- Sill length: To the window sill
- Apron length: Just below the window apron (trim piece)
- Floor length: Just touching the floor
- Puddle length: 1-3 inches extra fabric pooling on the floor
The most popular length is floor length. It looks clean and works in most rooms. Puddle length looks more formal but needs more cleaning.
At Dolcewe.com, we make custom curtains that fit your exact measurements. Starting from just $26.99, you can get the perfect size for your windows.
Styling Ideas for Different Rooms
Each room has different needs when it comes to window treatments. Here are some ideas for different spaces:
Living Room
The living room is where you want to make a statement. Try:
- Bold curtain colors with neutral shutters
- Heavier fabrics like velvet for a formal look
- Floor-length panels for drama
Bedroom
In bedrooms, focus on light control and privacy:
- Blackout curtains with shutters for maximum darkness
- Soft, calming colors for a restful space
- Curtains that extend well beyond the window width
Kitchen
Kitchens need practical solutions:
- Café curtains that don't block counter space
- Washable fabrics that resist stains
- Light, airy curtains that brighten the space
Bathroom
Bathrooms need moisture-resistant options:
- Water-resistant fabrics
- Shorter curtain lengths to avoid floor moisture
- Privacy-focused designs
One of my customers in Chicago used white shutters with navy blue curtains in her living room. For her bedroom, she chose the same shutters but with blackout curtains in a soft gray. This shows how you can keep some elements the same while meeting each room's needs.
Seasonal Curtain Changes
You can update your curtain and shutter pairing as seasons change:
Spring/Summer
Use lighter fabrics and brighter colors. Linen sheer curtains work well to let in breeze while diffusing strong sunlight.
Fall/Winter
Switch to heavier fabrics that help keep heat in. Darker or richer colors add warmth to your space.
For budget-friendly seasonal changes, keep your shutters the same color year-round. Then switch out just the curtains to match the season.
Ready to Transform Your Windows?
Pairing curtains with plantation shutters gives you the best of both worlds. You get the classic look of shutters with the softness and flexibility of curtains.
At Dolcewe.com, we've been making custom curtains for over 10 years. Our prices start at just $26.99, and we can make any size you need. This means you'll get curtains that work perfectly with your plantation shutters.
Would you like help picking the right curtains for your shutters? Visit our website or reach out directly. I'm happy to help you create window treatments that look amazing and solve all your window covering needs.
Remember, the right curtain and shutter combination can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary. It's a change you'll enjoy every single day!
FAQ
Can I pair curtains with plantation shutters?
Yes, pairing curtains with plantation shutters can enhance the appearance of your home while providing added benefits such as improved light and privacy control, energy efficiency, and sound insulation.
What factors should I consider when pairing curtains and plantation shutters?
When pairing these window treatments, it is important to consider factors such as room style and decor, window shape and size, functionality and privacy needs, and coordinating colors and patterns.
What is the best way to hang curtains with plantation shutters?
Hanging panel curtains are recommended to allow easy access to the shutters. The curtains should be mounted upward and outward to create a visually taller window and room. Adding tiebacks can create a more formal look and frame the windows.
How do I measure and select the right curtains for plantation shutters?
It is important to measure the windows accurately and choose the right length and type of curtains to complement the plantation shutters. Custom curtains are often recommended to ensure a perfect fit and enhance the overall aesthetic.
What are the benefits of pairing curtains with plantation shutters?
Pairing curtains with plantation shutters offers benefits such as improved light and privacy control, energy efficiency, and sound insulation. It also adds an extra layer of style and sophistication to your home's interior design.
