The Unique Window Treatment Idea That Gives You Both Privacy And Natural Lighting

Window treatments are an important element in the interior design and lighting of a house. There are many different treatment ideas to choose from, and they provide both practical and aesthetic benefits. In addition to adding style and flair to a room, they can improve ambience and protect from the sun's ultraviolet rays. One great window treatment is a hybrid of curtains and blinds called a Roman shade, which comes with the advantages of both. And it can be combined with another option, the cafe curtain, to create a unique look.

To pair the Roman shade with a cafe curtain, divide your window space in half horizontally, and use each one to cover each portion. Normally, this involves the Roman shade covering the upper part of a window and the cafe curtain on the lower portion. This window treatment combination is commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, where smaller-sized windows are ideal for the partitioned coverage provided by the Roman shade and cafe curtain. 

When used together, Roman shades and cafe curtains can create a multi-layered window treatment that enhances visual appeal, adds texture, and creates a more opulent feel. In addition, both covers complement the existing features of a room — Roman blinds continue the flat surfaces and straight lines and the windows and walls, while the curves of the cafe curtain produce a visual difference that breaks the monotony. The two layers work well together to balance curved and straight shapes, and as a result, the room becomes more aesthetically interesting.

Since you're dividing the window into two segments, the combined material and designs allow for more light control. The Roman shades and cafe curtains can be adjusted independently, so the combo allows dual functionality — the curtains block out the sun, while Roman shades can be lifted or lowered to change how much light enters the area. Alternatively, the positioning of the Roman shade and the curtain can be reversed, with the curtains placed on the upper half of the window and the Roman shades on the bottom.

By having two separate window treatments, there is also no need to sacrifice either privacy or lighting. The cafe curtain, with its thinner material, can give privacy during the day without cutting off the light completely, while the Roman shades can be used to fully block light if needed. Roman shades and cafe curtains also add insulation that can help save on energy costs. Typically made from lightweight materials, cafe curtains come in several designs and sizes, making it easy to choose one that works best with your Roman shades.

Choosing which type of window treatment to use should be based on your need, budget, and design preferences. Alongside visual appeal, window treatments also contribute to energy savings and help minimize the ultraviolet exposure of a home's interior. With the many available options, the blend of Roman shades and curtains can be a good alternative for those looking for unique, cost-effective window covers for their home.