Should Blinds Be Lighter Or Darker Than Walls?
When redecorating around our home, I love to think hard about the color on the walls, the flooring, and the furniture we’re putting in there. But the color of the blinds, and should blinds be lighter or darker than walls, are considerations I’m guilty of overlooking. Once closed though, our blinds cover a large area, and transform the feeling of their room entirely. I’ve learned that choosing lighter, darker, or closely color-matched walls are all possibilities, depending on the look you want to achieve.
Contents
- Should blinds be lighter or darker than walls?
- When to choose blinds that are lighter than the walls
- When to choose blinds that are darker than the walls
- Can blinds be the exact same color as the walls?
- Should all blinds in my house match?
There is no right or wrong answer to ‘should my blinds be lighter or darker than my walls?’, but there are a few things to take into consideration, which we’ll get into in this article.
Should blinds be lighter or darker than walls?
Something as simple as your blinds can completely change the ambiance and style of a room. Blinds darker than your walls can create a dramatic or cosy effect, whilst blinds lighter than your walls look fresh and modern. Blinds can even look chic in the same color as your walls, which we’ll get into a little bit later.
It’s a good idea to choose blinds which complement the overall style of the room and the color of your chosen walls. Getting it wrong can cause your windows to look out of keeping with the rest of your home, and grab attention for all the wrong reasons!
When to choose blinds that are lighter than the walls
Lighter-colored blinds are a great option for small rooms as they make the space look and feel bigger. By choosing blinds that are lighter than your walls, you will ultimately brighten up a room. Blinds lighter than walls work well in rooms with these themes:
- Fresh
- Coastal
- Scandinavian
- Minimalist
- Hamptons
Light neutral colors complement most furniture and decor well with little chance of clashing. Which is perfect if you’re not confident making bold design choices!
When to choose blinds that are darker than the walls
If you have a bigger room or a space that has many windows, then you’ll find that darker-colored blinds will add warmth, depth, and a level of coziness that you could never achieve with lighter-colored blinds. Blinds darker than walls work well in rooms with these themes:
- New York loft
- Industrial
- Mid-century modern
- Cabins
- Libraries
When you add darker-colored blinds to a window, it gives the window visual strength and transforms it into a design element of the room. Some designers recommend avoiding dark blinds in small rooms, but rules are made to be broken so don’t worry too much about this!
Can blinds be the exact same color as the walls?
If you want your blinds to be the same color as your walls, then there is nothing stopping you from doing so. By having blinds the same color as your wall, you can create a seamless transition between the two which in turn can make the wall look longer or larger. Very closely matching blinds work well in rooms which:
- Are very small.
- Have a feature wall on another wall.
- Use lots of layered neutrals for a calm finish.
There are a few exceptions where blinds the same color as the walls just definitely won’t work well, however, with one of them being when the window itself is relatively large, and the wall surrounding it is decorated with lots of other visual elements. The reason as to why your blinds being the same color as your walls won’t work well in this instance is because when you close the blind, the large, blank space will look barren compared to the other decorative pieces on the wall.
Blind color choices
Now that you’ve decided on whether you’re choosing light or dark-colored blinds, you’ll need to determine what type of material you want your blinds to be. This can dictate what colors you’ll be able to choose from too. There are metal blinds, fabric blinds, and wooden blinds, with the latter offering fewest color options.
Wooden blinds
Wooden blinds are limited in color, however, wood tones work well and compliment neutral decor and neutral wall colors perfectly. If you do decide to install wooden blinds, then it is a good idea that your wall color is of a warmer tone.
Metal and fabric blinds
Both metal and fabric blinds come in a range of different colors, meaning you can find a blind to suit neutral aesthetics, or you can find a blind that brings a pop of color to the room. Many people match the color of their blinds to the color of the trim, so if your trim was white, for example, you could install white blinds to create a modern and subtle look.
Should all blinds in my house match?
All the blinds in your home don’t need to match. Matching them can create a sense of harmony and cohesiveness throughout your home, but mismatching them can be cute, cosy and quirky. One thing to keep in mind, however, is how the blinds look from the outside. It may not bother you whether your blinds look mismatched from the outside, but don’t forget to consider it at all!
Should blinds be lighter or darker than walls?
Your blinds can be both lighter and darker than your walls, as it all comes down to personal preference and the vibe you’re trying to create in your chosen room. Remember that light-colored blinds will open up the room, making it feel airy and more spacious, and darker-colored blinds will add warmth and a level of coziness.
No matter whether you choose lighter-colored blinds or darker-colored blinds, your safest bet is to go up a shade or two from the color of the walls. Your blinds will become a huge part of your room, so really think about the atmosphere you’re trying to make and base your decision on that.
