How to Choose the Right Color When Buying Blinds

Ashley Dennis | 07 Jan 2020 | How To

Are you a decor risk-taker? Choosing a window treatment color that's juuuust right can be one of the most fun yet most difficult decisions you'll make when shopping for window treatments. Should you choose something neutral or take a risk with trendy pattern that could become dated in a few years?

Fret no more! We've got six tips to help you choose a window treatment color you'll love for years to come.

1. Match To Your Window Trim or Molding

A failsafe strategy that many lean on, is matching blinds or shades to the color of the window trim. Since most trim is white or off white, you can't go wrong with this neutral look, and you'll be guaranteed not to clash with other decor. Choose this option if you don't want your windows to be the focal point of the room. If you've got analysis paralysis, this is a classic look that won't be going out of style any time soon.

modern living room with white faux wood blinds in large windows.

Pictured: Levolor 2 1/2" Faux Wood Blind in White.

Note: There is no such color as a "plain white". Every color can have a warm or cool tone to it so we always recommend ordering a few samples to hold against your trim so you can be sure you are choosing the right white. Colors can also look different on every computer or mobile device screen and again in person under different lighting conditions. So don't skip samples, even if you're just choosing white.

2. Coordinate With Your Wall Color

Matching blinds to your wall color is a still safe, but makes a little more of a style statement. Tone-on-tone looks are majorly in style, and this is an easy way to embrace the trend. Alternatively, you can also go a few shades lighter than your wall color for a cohesive look that doesn't feel too heavy. Our Designers can help find a close match if you know your paint color name!

Wood bedside table in front of a window with a black wall and dark slate colored roman shade.

Pictured: Blinds.com Premium Roman Shade in Tantalum Slate.

3. Match To Flooring or Other Existing Fixtures

Have gorgeous wood floors, carpeting or cabinets? Matching window treatments to other finishes or furniture is a great way to bring natural wood tones to your windows. Woven wood shades, wood shutters, wood blinds and even faux wood blinds have a wide range of natural colors and stains that can complement any decor style.

modern kitchen with light wood toned cabinets that match the floors and woven wood window shades.

Pictured: Blinds.com Deluxe Woven Wood Shade in Capri Maple.

For fabric window treatments, you can also match materials to accessories like pillows, books, rugs or accent chairs to make those colors pop. You can also try matching to a favorite rug or fabric sofa with a beautiful roman shade, roller shade or drapery.

contemporary living room with blue throw pillow, roman shade and other accents.

Pictured: Blinds.com Premier Roman Shade in Darien Lake.

4. Choose A Contrasting Color

In a white or neutral room, a bold color (like 2020's color of the year, Classic Blue) really makes a statement and ties the room together.

coastal bedroom with white walls and blue roman shades.

Pictured: Blinds.com Premium Roman Shade in Rio Atlantic.

However, this high contrast look works just as well with neutrals as solid colors. A wood blind in a dark stain or modern black shutter in an otherwise light room will make a statement, while still feeling classic.

modern kitchen sink with white cabinets and black shutters.

Get a similar look with Blinds.com Premium Wood Shutters in Midnight.

Consider layering wood tones with a contrasting drapery to make a window even more of a focal point. Pairing a bold color with a neutral layer will help stong colors feel more incorporated into a space.

contemporary entryway with yellow draperies and beige cellular shades in the window.

Pictured: Blinds.com Easy Rod Pocket Drapery in Casablanca Sun and Blinds.com Cordless Pleated Shade in Flaxen Ivory.

5. Size of The Room

Is your room small? (Looking at you, Tiny-Homesteads an RVers). Choosing a lighter color on your windows can make a space feel brighter, bigger and more open. Dark colors on tiny windows can make a space feel even smaller. So when in doubt, err on the lighter side.

before and after photos showing an RV makeover using roller shades.

Pictured: Blinds.com Light Filtering Roller Shades in Splendor White. Also available in Blackout.

But for bigger spaces or rooms with a lot of windows, consider a darker color to add depth and make a space feel cozier. If you have large glass panes like a sliding door, also consider what the room will look like when the blinds or shades are pulled closed and how much of that color you're going to see.

Contemporary living room with dark fabric blinds and beige furniture.

Pictured: Blinds.com Radiance Room Darkening Sheer Shades in Shadow Midnight 3". Also available in Light Filtering.

6. Talk to a Design Consultant

Still not sure which way to go? We recommend talking with a Design Consultant; their help is always free! Samples are also free and really are key to seeing what a color will look like in your home. Let our Design Consultants be a sounding board for your project: 844-551-3769.

Satisfaction Guarantee = Peace of Mind

Ordering with Blinds.com means you're covered by our Satisfaction Guarantee. This means if you're not happy with the color, quality or style of your blinds, shades or shutters we'll work with you to make it right! Just contact us within 30 calendar days of delivery.

Need professional measure and install for your window treatments? We've got you covered!

Read More:

How To Choose The Right White

How To Bring The 2020 Colors of The Year Into Your Home

Wood vs. Faux Wood Blinds

How To Make The Right Choice: Blinds vs. Shades

  • About Author

    Ashley is a Blinds.com Social Media Specialist. A weekend-warrior, she and her husband spend their time fixing up their townhome together. She is an artist and DIY craft fanatic who has converted her dining room into a tiny studio where she hangs out with her two assistant-cats. Sci-fi books, video games and hula hooping are also her jam. Follow her on Instagram @Adenn.fox or Youtube.