Many A Shade Above clients ask our design team about pairing plantation shutters and blinds in the same room. Can it be done? Yes, but we recommend following a few guidelines. The decor should flow without awkwardness. And even though these window treatments are fundamentally different, sticking with common elements ties everything together.

Plantation shutters and blinds offer light control and privacy but differ in several ways:

• Shutters have solid, horizontal panels with adjustable louvers. They’re built onto frames and installed in window openings for a more permanent feel.
• Blinds have horizontal or vertical slats that tilt open and closed. They’re typically mounted inside or above the window frame.

Both come in different styles and materials, like hardwood, metal, composite wood, vinyl, and fabric.

To start this project, establish the room’s overall style. For traditional aesthetics, consider solid wooden shutters and blinds in coordinating finishes; a modern interior might look better with crisp white shutters and blinds.

Yes! There are two ways to try this:

1. Choose tones with the same undertones; otherwise, the effect might look uncoordinated. Choose a base tone, like gray, and explore variations like charcoal and dove gray. White plantation shutters work beautifully with neutral-colored blinds like beige or soft taupe.
2. For a striking effect, pair plantation shutters in a classic white finish with blinds in a contrasting color. Darker blinds, like charcoal, stand out against white shutters and add depth to the space. We often suggest this for contemporary interiors.

Avoid pairing reddish undertones with cool-toned wood because contrast can look mismatched. Warm woods like cherry or mahogany enhance similar rich tones; cooler woods like ash or maple go with other muted shades.

You can definitely install wood plantation shutters in the living room and wood or metal blinds in the bathroom; the latter is preferable for heat and moisture resistance. If using metal or vinyl blinds, choose finishes that complement the shutters’ color. Matte or textured finishes work well in contemporary settings; vertical fabric blinds also do. Remember to keep that underlying tone throughout.

Matching Shutters With Different Types of Shades

The same design principles apply to different fabric window treatments, like Roman shades. For instance, neutral shades like beige, white, or soft gray pair well with classic white shutters. Feel free to experiment with textured or patterned fabrics, incorporating the shutter or blind color. We can also show you other types of shades, like honeycomb, roller, woven woods, and sheers.

If you’re still hesitant about mixing window treatments, remember that it adds dimension and allows more light and privacy control. We invite you to step outside the box of perfectly matching styles; you’ll be amazed at how stylish this is when done right.

Explore Stunning Shades, Plantation Shutters, and Blinds at A Shade Above

Finding the right combination of shades, plantation shutters, and blinds is easy when you work with our expert design team. We feature Hunter Douglas Window Treatments and custom-made in-house shutters, and we look forward to meeting you. Contact us for service in the greater Charlotte, Cornelius, NC, and North Myrtle Beach, SC areas.

A Shade Above – Charlotte Headquarters
& Temporary Showroom

1253 Matthews Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

By Appointment Only