Monochromatic design is the epitome of simple beauty. By homing in on a single primary shade, monochromatic design visually harmonizes a space in an extremely cohesive way that showcases rather than distracts from the individual elements in a room and its unique features. One key element for most rooms in this aesthetic will be its window coverings, since like flooring or furnishings, they are visually dominant in the space.
Tips for Using Monochromatic Window Coverings
Color Palette – When people hear monochromatic, they think black and white or one color only, which can sound boring. But truthfully, though the design aesthetic is focused on a single primary hue with the actual color palette used is quite diverse, which is why good monochromatic design doesn’t read boring or dull. It speaks to a smart and intricate use of hue, shade, tone, and tint. So, when you’re planning the color scheme for the elements in a room like furniture, flooring, and monochromatic window coverings look to use the full range of your primary hue’s variations.
- Hue: The primary color being used
- Shade: When black is used to darken the base hue
- Tone: When gray is used to desaturate the base hue
- Tint: When white is used to lighten the base hue
Use Textures & Pattern – To keep color from lying flat, look for interesting textures and patterns in your monochromatic color palette. There is a diverse range of textures, patterns, and prints available in the different window treatment types from hardwood treatments to supple fabric shades, which makes monochromatic window covers a great place to play with these elements.
- Fabric Shades – Fabric brings color to life by adding dimensional texture, movement, and an element of natural light. Depending on the mood you want to set in a room and what other features will need to be balanced in the space (like flooring or furniture), drapery, Roman shades, and roller shades all offer textural interest and come in a range of fabric choices. Both drapery and Roman shades have a sophisticated, eye-catching appeal; and working with different lining options can allow for the striking addition of natural light which brightens colors changing their saturation levels throughout the day. For those looking to incorporate prints or patterns with their monochromatic window coverings, roller shades provide a flat front that hold the print or pattern’s true lines thanks to a lack of seamlines and folds.
- Wood Shades – Wood offers a lot of textural diversity in monochromatic design because the natural element can be finished in so many different ways. When it comes to monochromatic window coverings hardwood shutters and woven wood shades offer two dynamically different options for texture.
Balance the Space – When creating monochromatic design, it’s important to look at the room as a whole. For this style to be successful, the individual elements need to be copasetic in their color usage but balanced in their features. For example, if every element in a room is soft and pliable, like full velvet drapery with shag carpeting, the monochromatic design can read dull or heavy. However, by balancing a luxurious shag carpet with hardwood shutters (both in the same color scheme) the room overall reads more balanced thanks to a range of textural elements.
What Next?
Talk with the design team at Vignettes Home about bringing the simple grace of monochromatic design to life in your home. In addition to monochromatic window coverings the team can help you put in place an entire color inspired design aesthetic tailored to your home, your tastes, and your budget. Request a consultation today or stop by one of their two locations near Dubuque, Iowa or Galena, Illinois. Vignette Home serves Dubuque, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Davenport, IA; Platteville, IA; Galena, IL and the surrounding areas.