When it comes to choosing curtain colors for your home, neutral tones are always a safe bet. Neutral curtain colors complement most decor styles and provide a subtle backdrop that lets other decorative elements in the room shine. Choosing the right neutral curtain color depends on the overall look and feel you want to create in your space. Earthy neutrals like tan and brown work well for traditional rooms, while grays create a chic modern aesthetic. Off-whites lift and brighten, and beige provides a warm, inviting foundation. Read on for a guide to the best neutral curtain colors and tips for coordinating them throughout your home.
Benefits of Neutral Curtain Colors
There are several key benefits that make neutral curtain colors a versatile choice:
- Provide flexibility – Since neutral colors are inherently easy to match, neutral curtains allow you to change up accent colors and patterns over time without having to replace the curtains themselves.
- Visually expand space – Light to medium neutrals reflect light to make rooms feel more open and airy.
- Create flow – Neutral curtains establish color continuity between rooms when used throughout a home.
- Offer balance – Neutrals add breathing room when combined with bold prints or bright accent colors.
With their adaptability and clean look, it’s no wonder neutral curtains are a staple in many homes.
Best Warm Neutral Curtain Colors
Warm neutral curtain colors featuring undertones of red, yellow, or orange can add comfort and invite guests in. Here are top choices to consider:
Beige
From soft sand to deeper camel hues, beige curtains provide an approachable, welcoming backdrop in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and other gathering areas. Layer in accent colors like sage green, rosy pinks, or terra cotta.
Light Brown
Look for light tan and fawn brown curtains to establish a soothing, grounded foundation. Pair with navy blue, forest green, or mustard yellow accents for traditional appeal.
Greige
A versatile blend of gray and beige, greige has enough depth to ground a space without going too dark. Greige plays well with accents ranging from creamy ivories to rich berry tones.
Champagne
With a touch of golden undertone, champagne makes a softly shimmering neutral. Use champagne curtains to brighten dark rooms or pair with blush, slate blue, and camel accents.
Best Cool Neutral Curtain Colors
Cool-toned neutrals with hints of blue, green, or purple establish an elegant, relaxing mood. Popular choices include:
Light Gray
Pale grays work wonders for creating serene, uncomplicated spaces. Accent with coral, mint green, pale yellow, and other pastel brights.
Charcoal Gray
For a sophisticated, city chic vibe, go for charcoal gray. Coordinate with mustard, rust orange, teal, maroon, and other rich jewel tones.
Dove Gray
Soft, peaceful dove gray makes the perfect neutral for bedrooms. Pair with crisp whites and gentle blue-greens.
Silver Gray
With a hint of sheen, silver gray curtains add subtle luminosity. Combine with lilac, seafoam, slate blue, and crisp black and white.
Best All-Purpose Neutral Curtain Colors
Some versatile neutrals work equally well in warm or cool color schemes. These include:
Ivory
Creamy ivory reads as a soft white. It creates brightness while also lending warmth. Accent with sage, coral, brick red, navy, and other intense colors.
Oatmeal
Natural, earthy oatmeal blends warm and cool undertones. It pairs nicely with terracotta, olive, plum, and bright turquoise.
Khaki
With warm tan and cool green undertones, khaki offers an adaptable neutral base color. Coordinate with reds, blues, oranges, greens, and sunny yellows.
Mocha
Deep coffee-inspired mocha works as a dark neutral with both warm and cool palettes. Try bright fuchsia, jade, citron, and grass green as accent colors.
Tips for Coordinate Neutral Curtains
To create cohesion when decorating with neutral curtains:
- Repeat colors – Use the same neutral tones in curtains, throws, pillows, and other accents throughout a space.
- Vary textures – Combine smooth silk curtains with cozy cable knit throws and rustic jute rugs.
- Add patterns – Introduce subtle patterns like herringbone, stripes, botanical prints on pillows and throws to keep spaces from feeling too flat.
- Layer lighting – Use table and floor lamps to add warmth alongside neutral curtains.
- Introduce wood tones – Bring in wooden furniture, floors, shelving, and decor to complement neutral backdrops.
Conclusion
When selecting the best neutral colors for curtains, consider the room’s existing elements along with the ambiance you hope to achieve. Layering multiple neutrals while repeating colors throughout a home helps rooms flow together in a cohesive way. At the same time, varying textures and bringing in accent patterns prevents a neutral color palette from becoming boring. With an array of warm, cool, and universally versatile shades to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect neutral curtains to elegantly frame your windows.
