Are your windows wearing yesterday’s trends? Dressing them right can seriously revitalize your space and simultaneously highlight its best features. Here’s how to make an informed choice, including how to choose curtains for the living room and beyond.
Designer Tips on How to Choose Curtains
Setting up the perfect window treatments involves more than just picking a fabric. Explore our designers’ tips on how to choose curtains for the living room or bedroom, ensuring that every detail enhances its interior design in both function and style.
1. Consider the Fabric Material
Choosing the right fabric dictates how well your curtains will hold up over time and how well they function in terms of light filtering and privacy. Heavier fabrics like velvet provide insulation and block more light, while lighter materials allow more natural light to sift through. In general, thicker fabrics are best used for bedrooms and living rooms where you desire both privacy and a substantial look. Conversely, lightweight fabrics are perfect for kitchens and dining areas where you want more ambiance and less bulk.
Choose curtains that align with your preferred interior design style. Not sure what that is? Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to find out today!
Pro tip: When buying curtains, always hold a fabric sample up to the light in your window to see how it filters light.
2. Measure Twice, Hang Once
Always measure your windows before purchasing curtains. Determine how high above you’d like the curtains to hang, and ensure they touch the floor or the sill, depending on the look you’re going for. Remember to account for the extra fabric needed for hemming and headings, as this will affect the final look.
Pro tip: For a more dramatic, fuller look, choose curtains three times the width of your window.
3. Select the Right Curtain Rod
Ensure your rod extends beyond the window frame on both sides to balance proportions and give the illusion of a larger window. Its diameter should complement the weight and style of the fabric; heavier fabrics need sturdier rods. As for the hardware finish, it can either match your existing decor elements or provide a striking contrast.
Pro tip: Invest in adjustable rods for flexibility, especially if you want to change your window treatments seasonally.
4. Match the Curtain Style to the Room
Consider if you prefer a formal pleated look or a more relaxed vibe with tie-tops or grommets. Think about both style and function—a formal living room setting, for example, thrives on pleated drapes in luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet. In contrast, for more casual spaces like a family room or teen’s bedroom, lighter curtains with tie-tops or grommets offer a laid-back feel and are easy to maintain.
Pro tip: Coordinate your curtain style with your interior’s theme—choose geometric patterns for a modern look or gingham/floral prints for a more traditional setting.
How to Choose Curtain Color
Here’s how to pick hues that complement your decor and enhance the atmosphere of your space. Whether you’re refreshing a room or rounding out a new design, these tips will guide you through the process of choosing curtain colors with confidence.
5. Complement the Walls
Select curtains in a slightly darker or lighter shade than the walls for a harmonious look. For a striking contrast, choose a bold color that aligns with other decor elements in the room. However, be mindful of the color balance and intensity when selecting your curtains to ensure they enhance rather than overwhelm.
Pro tip: Use a color wheel to find complementary colors that bring balance and energy to your space.
6. Consider the Mood
Think about the ambiance you want to create. Soft, cool colors typically bring calmness, while vibrant colors can convey drama and energy. Lighter shades are typically used to make a room feel larger and more open, whereas darker shades can make it feel cozier and more contained. Always remember that a curtain color can also help manipulate the perceived dimensions of the room.
Pro tip: Choose blue or green hues for relaxing environments and bold and warm colors for a stimulating atmosphere.
7. Use Patterns Wisely
Patterned curtains can add interest and movement if your room features solid-color furnishings and walls. Conversely, if your room already has multiple patterns, consider solid curtains to ground the layout. The size of the pattern should complement (or alter, if needed) the room’s size—large patterns in an ample area and smaller patterns in a more compact space will help maintain a balanced visual weight.
Pro tip: Introduce organic patterns to soften modern spaces or geometric patterns to add structure to more traditional decors.
8. Factor in Sunlight
Sunlight can fade fabrics over time. Consider the orientation of your windows to choose materials that can handle the sun exposure in your specific climate. If the room gets plenty of light, it’s wise to avoid bright colors, as they tend to fade faster. Light-colored fabrics are less prone to fading and can help reflect sunlight, also keeping the room lighter and cooler.
Pro tip: Invest in UV-protective window film to help reduce fading.
How to Choose Curtains for Living Room
Picking the right curtains involves a blend of color, material, and style considerations that should harmonize with your living space’s ambiance and lifestyle needs. This section will guide you through the nuances of selecting curtains that look great while suiting specific requirements.
9. Scale the Curtains to Your Space
Heavier, more ornate fabrics work well in larger rooms, where they match the scale better. In addition, heavier drapes can divide spaces in open-plan areas, offering flexibility in how you use your living environment. In smaller rooms, on the other hand, it’s better to opt for lighter textiles to keep the room from feeling overwhelmed.
Pro tip: Use curtain panels to create the illusion of higher ceilings by hanging them well above the window frame.
10. Enhance Your Furniture
Wondering how to choose curtains for your living room to tie the elements cohesively? Consider the dominant, secondary, and accent colors in your room’s color scheme to ensure a harmonious flow. Pick curtain colors that complement the tones of your furniture, or juxtapose them if you’re aiming for a bold look.
Pro tip: Match your curtains with a key piece of furniture, such as a sofa or an area rug.
11. Layer Your Window Treatments
Layering curtains with blinds or sheers can provide additional privacy and light control, simultaneously elevating the living room’s aesthetic. This technique allows you more flexibility throughout the day. Choose materials that complement each other and coordinate with the rest of the room’s decor for a polished look.
Pro tip: Use sheer curtains underneath heavier drapes in the same tone for a versatile yet subdued window treatment.
12. Reflect the Room’s Functionality
Choose window treatments that not only beautify the area but also cater to its primary purpose. If the room is used for frequent hosting and entertaining, luxurious materials can enhance it with a sense of grandeur. Conversely, if it’s more of a family gathering space, opt for durable and washable fabrics that can withstand frequent use.
Pro tip: Consider remote-controlled curtains for a touch of luxury that is especially practical in high-traffic family rooms.
How to Choose Curtains for Bedroom
Understanding how to choose curtains for your bedroom means considering both aesthetics and functionality. This section provides key insights into choosing curtains that harmonize with your sleeping chamber.
13. Prioritize Privacy and Light Control
Opt for thicker, darker curtains to block out light for better sleep, or choose layered window treatments for versatility. Materials like blackout fabrics are ideal for keeping your bedroom dark and serene. They block light and help insulate the room, potentially also saving on energy costs.
Pro tip: Combine blackout curtains with shades or blinds for ultimate privacy and darkness.
14. Create a Restful Environment
Use soothing colors that promote sleep and relaxation. Soft blues, greens, and neutrals are known for their calming effects and can help you unwind at the end of the day. Avoid overly bright hues or stimulating patterns that might make it difficult to fall asleep.
Pro tip: Extend curtain fabrics onto soft furnishings like cushions or a throw to create a cohesive and restful environment.
15. Coordinate With Bedding
Harmonizing your curtains with your bedding can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. That doesn’t imply these elements must match perfectly; they should complement each other in style and color. Consider the primary hues in your bedding and choose curtains that feature similar shades or patterns.
Pro tip: If your bedding is patterned, opt for solid-colored curtains that pick up a key color from the pattern. Conversely, if the bedding is solid, you might choose patterned curtains to introduce complexity to your decor.
16. Consider Length and Style
Choose a length that complements your bedroom’s design and meets your functional needs. Long curtains are known to create a sense of drama and luxury. Curtains that puddle on the floor also add a romantic touch but require more maintenance to keep clean. Nevertheless, shorter curtains are often more practical, especially if there are heaters or furniture below the window.
Pro tip: In bedrooms, opt for curtains that barely touch the floor for a clean look that requires minimal upkeep.
How to Choose Curtains FAQs
Q: How often should I replace my curtains?
A: It depends on the material and exposure to sunlight, but generally, it’s good to replace curtains every 5-7 years.
Q: Can I mix curtain patterns in the same room?
A: Yes, you can mix patterns if they share a similar color scheme or style, but keep it balanced to avoid a cluttered look.
Q: Should all curtains in a house be the same?
A: Not necessarily. It’s okay to vary curtains between rooms to reflect different decors or functional needs, though some prefer continuity throughout the home.
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