DesignDash Guide: Our Top Tips for Layering Drapes During Summer

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Layered window treatments don’t go out of season. They just evolve. In summer, selecting and layering drapery is all about striking a balance between movement and function. You want to diffuse light without losing the breeze, add elegance without the heaviness, and frame your client’s view without blocking it altogether. Thoughtfully layered drapes do all this and more.

Whether you’re styling a beach house or refreshing a high-rise apartment in the city, these tips will help you approach drapery in a way that feels seasonal, effortless, and well-considered. Read on for our DesignDash Guide to layering drapes during the summer.

Our Seven Top Tips for Layering Drapes During Summer

Start with a Sheer or Semi-Sheer Base

Light-filtering sheers are the foundation of summer-friendly window dressing. Choose fabrics like linen, cotton voile, or soft gauze that allow sunlight to pour in while offering just enough privacy. Neutral tones—ivory, soft white, sandy beige—blend seamlessly into most interiors and create a breezy, open feeling.

Tip: Mount the sheers as close to the ceiling as possible to elongate the window and let the fabric puddle slightly for a relaxed, elegant look.

Add Lightweight Linens or Soft Blends

Instead of heavy velvets or thermal-lined panels, opt for linen or linen-blend drapes as your second layer. These fabrics breathe well and bring texture to the room without the visual weight. Choose natural hues or warm-weather tones like muted terracotta, faded indigo, or soft sage to echo the season.

For added flexibility, consider pinch pleats or back-tab headers, which offer structure but allow for easy movement.

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Consider Tiebacks or Holdbacks

In summer, layered drapes don’t need to stay closed. Use minimal metal or fabric tiebacks to gently pull back the outer panels during the day, framing the window and letting sheers do the light filtering. This not only allows for air circulation but also adds a sculptural dimension to your window treatments.

Tip: In more traditional spaces, consider using vintage hardware or natural rope for tiebacks. In modern rooms, choose matte black, brushed brass, or acrylic holdbacks for a clean finish.

Keep the Color Palette Light and Airy

Summer drapery should feel like an extension of the landscape—light, muted, and organic. Stick to a palette that reflects your environment: coastal whites and blues, desert neutrals, soft leafy greens. Avoid overly saturated tones or dark patterns that absorb heat and weigh the room down.

Layer with Shades for Function

If privacy or sun control is a concern, layer your drapes over solar shades or woven woods. Roller or Roman shades in natural materials like bamboo, grasscloth, or textured linen offer a clean base and filter UV rays without sacrificing style.

This combination—shades + sheers + lightweight drapes—gives you full flexibility, letting you adjust your lighting, privacy, and ambiance throughout the day.

Play with Length and Volume

Summer is a great time to loosen up on rigid lengths. Floor-skimming panels feel relaxed and resort-like, especially when paired with sheer fabric that moves in the breeze. For a more tailored effect, use a crisp hem that just grazes the floor—but avoid any excess pooling that could trap heat or dust.

Extra-wide panels or double-width sheers create a generous, airy look and add a sense of luxury, especially in large rooms or open-concept spaces.

Don’t Forget Accents and Hardware

Lightweight drapes still deserve thoughtful hardware. Slim metal rods, natural wood finishes, or tension rods in tight spaces all play a role in the final effect. For double layering, use a double rod or install a ceiling-mounted track to keep everything sleek and unobtrusive.

If you choose not to layer multiple drapes, consider designs with stunning trim like the space pictured above. That can add all the visual interest you need.

Bonus: Ceiling mounts also visually heighten the room and make smaller spaces feel more expansive.

Final Thoughts

Drapery doesn’t have to be heavy to feel layered—and in summer, it shouldn’t be. Focus on breathable fabrics, soft structure, and light-enhancing tones. Whether you’re working with shades, sheers, or simple linen panels, the key is to keep it natural and responsive to the season.

With the right materials and a relaxed mindset, you can create layered window treatments that feel as effortless as summer itself.