How to Pair Patterned & Solid Curtains? Ultimate Guide for Stunning Windows

Hi there! I'm James, the owner of Dolcewe.com. For over 10 years, I've helped customers find the perfect curtains for their homes. Today, I want to share my best tips on how to mix patterned and solid curtains.

This guide will show you how to mix patterns and solids like a pro. You'll get simple steps that work for any room in your home.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Solid & Patterned Curtains

Before we start mixing curtains, let's learn about the two main types.

What Are Solid Curtains?

Solid curtains have one color with no patterns. They are very useful in home decor because:

• They work well in any room
• They can make a bold color statement
• They help calm down busy rooms
• They're easy to match with other items

At Dolcewe.com, our solid curtains come in many colors and fabrics. You can pick from soft cotton, light linen, or fancy velvet. Each fabric gives a different look and feel to your room.

What Are Patterned Curtains?

Patterned curtains have designs on them. These can be:

• Flowers
• Stripes
• Dots
• Geometric shapes
• Nature scenes

Patterned curtains add fun and style to a room. They can be the star of your decor or add a small pop of interest. The right pattern can make a room feel bigger, cozier, or more lively.

Key Tips for Mixing Patterns and Solids

Now let's talk about how to mix these two types of curtains. Here are my top tips from years of helping customers.

Match Colors Carefully

The easiest way to mix patterns and solids is to match colors. Pick a solid curtain that matches one of the colors in your patterned curtain.

For example, if you have a floral pattern with blue and green flowers, a solid blue or green curtain will look great with it. This creates a link between the two styles.

Here's a simple color matching guide:

Pay Attention to Pattern Size

The size of a pattern matters a lot. Large patterns make a big statement. Small patterns are more subtle.

If you have a large, bold pattern, pair it with a solid curtain. This gives the eye a place to rest. If you have a small, subtle pattern, you can be more creative with your pairings.

Think About Room Size

Your room size should guide your curtain choices:

• Small rooms: Use smaller patterns or more solid curtains
• Large rooms: Can handle bigger patterns and bolder mixes

In small spaces, too many patterns can feel busy. In large rooms, you need stronger patterns to make an impact.

Room-by-Room Curtain Pairing Ideas

Different rooms have different needs. Let's look at how to pair curtains in each room of your home.

Living Room Curtain Pairings

Your living room is where you spend time with family and friends. It's a great place to show off your style.

For a balanced living room look, try these ideas:

• Hang patterned curtains on your main window and solid curtains on smaller windows
• Use the same pattern in different colors across windows
• Pick a solid curtain that matches your wall color for a clean look

I helped a customer last month who had a modern gray living room. We added blue geometric patterned curtains on the large windows. Then we used solid blue curtains on the side windows. The room looked pulled together but not boring.

Bedroom Curtain Pairings

Your bedroom should feel calm and restful. Curtain choices can help create this feeling.

For a peaceful bedroom, try:

• Soft, solid curtains in calming colors like blue, green, cream or gray
• Small, subtle patterns that don't catch the eye too much
• Blackout linings to help you sleep better

One of my favorite bedroom setups used light gray solid curtains with small blue striped curtains. The mix was interesting but still felt calm.

Kitchen and Dining Room Pairings

Kitchens and dining rooms are active spaces where people gather. Your curtains can add to the warm feeling.

For welcoming eating areas, consider:

• Cheerful patterns like fruits, checks, or stripes
• Solid colors that match your dishes or table linens
• Shorter curtains that won't get in the way during cooking

A recent customer had a white kitchen with blue accents. We added blue and white striped curtains to the main window. Then we used solid blue cafe curtains on the smaller windows. It looked clean but not boring.

Practical Tips for Buying Mixed Curtains

Now that you know how to pair curtains, let's talk about how to shop for them.

Measuring Your Windows Correctly

Before you buy any curtains, you need to measure your windows. This is very important for a good fit. Check our Drapery Size Finder for help

To measure for curtains:

1. Measure the width of your window
2. Add 8-12 inches on each side for better coverage. And then choose 1.5 times or 2 times of fullness. 
3. Measure from the curtain rod to where you want curtains to end
4. Write down all measurements before shopping

At Dolcewe.com, we make custom curtains to fit any window size. This means your curtains will always look perfect.

Choosing Quality Fabrics

The fabric of your curtains affects how they look and last. Here's what to think about:

• Cotton: Easy to clean, works in any room
• Linen: Light and airy, great for a casual look
• Velvet: Rich and warm, blocks light well

When mixing curtains, try to keep the fabric weight similar. This helps them hang the same way and look balanced.

Testing Before Buying

It's hard to know how curtains will look in your home just from pictures. That's why we offer fabric samples at Dolcewe.com.

Get samples of both the patterned and solid curtains you like. Hold them up to your windows at different times of day. See how the light affects them and if the colors match your room.

How to Fix Common Curtain Pairing Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. Here are the most common ones I see and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Using competing patterns. When both curtains have busy patterns, they fight for attention.

Fix: Keep one pattern and replace the other with a solid color taken from the pattern.

Mistake #2: Colors that clash. Sometimes the solid color doesn't work with the pattern.

Fix: Choose a solid color that appears in the pattern, even if it's just a small accent.

Mistake #3: Wrong pattern scale. A tiny pattern can get lost in a big room.

Fix: Match your pattern size to your room size. Bigger rooms need bigger patterns.

Mistake #4: Too much matching. When everything matches perfectly, it can look boring.

Fix: Add a third element like a different colored tieback or valance to break things up.

Have you made any of these mistakes? Don't worry. They're easy to fix with our custom curtains starting at just $26.99.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Pair Curtains

You don't need to spend a lot to get amazing windows. Here are my favorite money-saving tips.

Mix high with low. Get one special patterned curtain and pair it with a less expensive solid one. Your windows will still look custom.

Use what you have. Already own solid curtains? Add just one patterned panel on each side to transform the look.

Try accent pieces. Add tiebacks in a pattern that works with your solid curtains. This gives you pattern without the full cost.

Look for remnants. At Dolcewe.com, we sometimes have small lots of designer fabrics at lower prices. These make great accent curtains.

Here's a cost breakdown for different pairing approaches:

Which approach works for your budget? I'm happy to help you figure it out.

Real-Life Curtain Pairing Examples That Work Every Time

Let me share some fool-proof combinations that look great in any home.

Classic Combo: Navy blue and white striped pattern with solid navy curtains. This works in coastal, traditional, and even modern homes.

Soft and Elegant: Pale green leaf pattern paired with ivory solid curtains. This brings nature inside without overwhelming the space.

Bold Statement: Large red and gold damask pattern paired with gold solid curtains. Perfect for formal dining rooms or statement living spaces.

Modern Minimal: Gray geometric pattern with solid white curtains. This clean look works in almost any contemporary space.

Farmhouse Feel: Buffalo check pattern in black and white paired with solid black curtains. This gives you that cozy farmhouse look everyone loves.

Would any of these work in your home? These are just starting points. We can create custom combinations just for your space.

Seasonal Curtain Pairing Ideas

Change your curtains with the seasons for a fresh look all year.

Spring/Summer Pairings

Light floral patterns with soft green or blue solids bring a fresh feel. These colors make rooms feel cool even on hot days.

Fall/Winter Combinations

Rich plaids or leaf patterns with deep solid colors like burgundy or forest green add warmth. They make your room feel cozy.

Holiday Accent Ideas

Keep your solid curtains up all year. Add holiday-themed tiebacks or valances to celebrate special times without changing everything.

This approach saves you money while keeping your home looking fresh and current.

How to Get Started with Your Own Curtain Pairing

Ready to try pairing curtains yourself? Here's how to begin.

1. Take a photo of your room first. This helps you see the colors and style more clearly.

2. Identify the main color in your room that you want to highlight. This could be from your furniture, walls, or accessories.

3. Choose a pattern that includes that color plus complementary shades.

4. Select a solid that matches one of the colors in the pattern. It doesn't have to be the dominant color.

5. Order samples before committing. At Dolcewe.com, we send fabric samples so you can see how they look in your actual space.

Would you like help with your specific room? Send us a photo, and I'll personally help you create the perfect pairing.

Custom Curtain Solutions from Dolcewe

At Dolcewe.com, we make curtains that fit your exact needs. Our custom curtains start at just $26.99.

Why Custom Curtains Work Better

Custom curtains have many benefits:

• They fit your windows perfectly
• You can choose any fabric and pattern
• They hang better than store-bought curtains
• They last longer because they're made well

When mixing patterns and solids, custom curtains let you get the exact match you want. You can pick the perfect shade of blue to match your patterned curtains.

Our Easy Ordering Process

Ordering custom curtains might sound hard, but we make it easy:

1. Measure your windows (we have guides to help)
2. Pick your fabrics and patterns
3. Choose your curtain style (rod pocket, grommets, etc.)
4. Enter your measurements
5. We make and ship your curtains

Plus, we offer free shipping on orders over $199 and 10% off your first order.