Curtains play an important role in the overall vibe of a living room. They can be neutral and plan or patterned and bold, depending on the rest of the decor.
The right curtains can change the proportions of a room, block out light or add texture to a space. Think about hanging height, length, color, texture and practicalities before you shop for new drapes.
Color
The color of your living room curtain can have a big impact on the overall look of your room. Choose a color that complements the furniture or that matches the accent colors in the room. It’s also a good idea to choose curtains in colors that are close to the wall color, room trim, or crown molding color of the space.
For a modern look, consider choosing window treatments in a neutral shade of gray. It’s the perfect backdrop for a chic, stylish living room.
If you want to add a pop of color, go for yellow. This shade will make the walls look larger and it pulls the eyes away from the furniture.
Purple is another color that works well in a living room, especially if you have a large TV or fireplace. This hue is associated with royalty and it also conjures up images of knowledge, independence, creativity, mystery, enchantment, and wealth.
Red is another bold option that will give your living room a sense of power and energy. This shade is particularly suited to rooms that receive lots of natural light and are decorated in contemporary styles.
This living room designed by Ariene Bethea in North Carolina features blue and white curtains paired with what looks like brushstrokes of watercolor paint. They’re intriguing but not overwhelming and they work perfectly with the room’s other colors, including navy and pink.
These curtains are a great way to tie in a patterned rug or other accessories in a colorful space. They’re also a perfect choice for homes with children, as they’ll allow them to play and move around freely without worrying about getting caught in the curtains.
The right color can also help a room feel bigger and more open, says Christina Halasz of Halasz Designs. She recommends using a wallpaper that has a pattern run and a size that works well with the rest of the walls in your space.
You can create a feature wall or paper all four walls in a living room with wallpaper. Putting wallpaper on the entire wall can take some courage, but it can have huge impact.
Texture
Curtains are one of those elements that can make or break the look of a living room. From color to material, pattern and length, there’s a lot that goes into choosing the perfect curtain for your space.
Whether you want to add a pop of color, add visual depth or simply make your windows look more finished, curtains can be an important accessory in any room. Using them properly can make a room feel bigger, more sophisticated and less busy.
If you’re looking to create a warm, inviting feeling in your living room, consider adding light mustard or pale yellow curtains. These colors are a nice complement to gray and aren’t too bright, which can give your space a more relaxed vibe.
The right curtain can also help you achieve privacy, a key consideration for any home. Sheer fabrics let in plenty of natural light, while darker, opaque styles can be more effective at keeping out prying eyes.
Sheer curtains, as seen in this home by Eliza Crater Harris of Sister Parish Design, can be a good choice for rooms that have lots of glass, like this open-plan kitchen and dining area. They allow plenty of natural light to stream into the room, while still giving you the privacy you need for cooking or entertaining.
Another great way to use sheer curtains is to pair them with patterned drapes, such as stripes or florals. This is a great option for modern and contemporary homes, as it allows you to create an aesthetically cohesive look without detracting from the room’s style.
For a more traditional aesthetic, try choosing curtains in a fabric with texture. Textured curtains, such as this textured linen version from Leh Almost White, can add depth and dimension to your space.
In this modern apartment, interior designer Rachel Blindauer chose a neutral shade of gray and added a subtle pattern to her curtains. The resulting effect is elegant and simple.
When it comes to deciding on a color for your living room curtain, choose a hue that is consistent with the rest of your decor. This is especially true if you’re going for a minimalist or farmhouse look. You can also go with a bold color like red or blue to create an eye-catching focal point.
Pattern
The pattern of your living room curtain is an important aspect to consider because it can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of the space. It can also help you tie the room together, bringing it all together in one cohesive design.
Whether you choose a floral print or a geometric design, the pattern of your curtains can be an integral part of your home’s aesthetic. A floral pattern can be very feminine and charming, while a geometric design can look more sophisticated and modern.
If you’re going for a minimalist, neutral palette then choosing a plain curtain fabric is a great option. This keeps the space looking clean and fresh, enabling you to add color and texture with other accessories.
Another option is to go with a textured fabric, as this style will bring warmth and tactile appeal into the room. A textured material is more durable and can handle wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for rooms that see a lot of use.
It’s also a good idea to choose a curtain material that can be easily manipulated, especially when you want to open them up. For example, styles that have rings/pins allow you to easily glide them on and off the rod.
A bold fabric can be very striking and can really make a statement in a space. However, if you want to keep the room feeling balanced, it’s best to match the pattern of your curtains to the rest of the room.
In this living room designed by Ashley Whittaker, thin striped curtains are a perfect complement to the striped chairs and throw pillows in the space. They also bring a subtle contrast to the white walls and provide a beautiful backdrop to the red sofa in the room.
For more dramatic designs, try floor-length window treatments. These are a popular choice because they make a space appear taller and more expansive by drawing the eye upward. They can also be used to add drama to a room that has high ceilings.
Length
The length of your living room curtain can make or break your space, so you should consider your options carefully. There are many different types of curtains, ranging in size from tiers (short panels that only cover the bottom portion of a window) to Roman shades and valances that cover the entire window.
Standard curtain panels come in lengths ranging from 63 inches to 144 inches, so it’s easy to find a style that works for you. However, there are certain rules you should follow when it comes to length.
To achieve the best results, you need to measure your window correctly. Then you need to choose a rod that’s 8 to 12 inches longer than your window width, so it doesn’t block the glass when you open and close the curtains.
Professional designers like Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design follow one hard and fast rule for window curtains: They should graze the floor. This means that when the fabric reaches the floor, it should hang a bit below the floor and not touch the sill or radiator.
Short curtains are rarely attractive and can even be uncomfortable. If you decide to go with curtains that are too short, your room will look awkward and incomplete.
Choosing the right length is not an easy task, especially when you’re dealing with windows that are tall or narrow and you don’t want them to appear too long. Experts advise staying away from standard curtain lengths of 84 inches or 96 inches unless you have very low ceilings.
Another rule of thumb is to buy a curtain that’s at least two inches wider than your window. This will allow the curtains to be hung at a lower angle and make the space feel more spacious.
Finally, keep in mind that if you live in a home with radiators, it can be difficult to hang curtains long enough for them to touch the top of the radiator. That’s why it’s important to choose a curtain that hangs about an inch above the radiator when hanging.
There are some styles of curtains that fall just above the floor and bend at the bottom but don’t puddle. These curtains are a good choice for formal spaces, such as bedrooms or dining rooms, but they aren’t recommended in homes with pets or young children. They may gather pet hair and other debris from the floor, which can be hard to clean.