Choosing the right curtain color to match your home’s decor can be an exciting yet daunting task. The color of your curtains can make a surprising difference in the overall look and feel of a room. You want your curtains to coordinate well with the existing colors and style of the space while also adding visual interest. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when picking curtain colors to ensure you make the best choice for your home.
Consider the Room’s Primary Use
Think about the main purpose of the room when selecting curtain colors. Is it a bedroom meant for rest and relaxation? Then opt for soothing, neutral earth tones or cool, calming blues. Is it a living room designed for entertaining? Go for fun, vibrant shades like crimson or turquoise to encourage conversation. You’ll also want lighter, casual colors for casual spaces and rich, luxurious colors for formal spaces. Match the energy of the hue to the room’s function.
Coordinate with Existing Decor
Take a look at the current palette in the room. What are the dominant colors in the wall paint, furniture, artwork, and accessories? Choose curtain colors that complement what’s already there. You want your curtains to work cohesively with the rest of the aesthetic. If the room decor features pops of bold color against neutral walls, bring in those same bright shades. If the room has a monochromatic look, continue the flow with curtain colors in the same tone. Tie everything together.
Try Different Color Combinations
Here are some examples of curtain colors that coordinate beautifully with common room palettes:
- Soft sage green curtains in an antique white and wood accent room
- Rich navy blue curtains in a space with gray walls and black furniture
- Metallic gold curtains in a room with cream walls and marble/brass accents
Consider the Lighting
The room’s lighting will impact how the curtain color appears. Rooms with ample natural light can handle darker, bolder curtain colors without appearing too heavy and intense. North-facing rooms with low light demand lighter curtain colors to keep the space feeling open instead of gloomy. Meanwhile, rooms with warm incandescent lighting put warm curtain tones in the spotlight. Adjust your curtain color intensity based on the room’s lighting.
Lighting Tips for Curtain Colors
- North-facing rooms = light, bright curtain colors
- South-facing rooms = deep, dramatic curtain colors
- Warm lighting = warm-toned curtain colors
- Cool lighting = cool-toned curtain colors
Match the Room Style
Let the room’s overall decor style inform your curtain color selection. For modern, contemporary spaces, choose brilliant saturated solids or bold geometrics. In artsy bohemian spaces, go for an eclectic mix of patterned, colorful curtains. For traditional rooms with antiques, pick classic colors like ivory, navy, burgundy, forest green or mustard yellow. Your curtains should blend seamlessly with the room’s aesthetic.
Curtain Color Style Suggestions
| Room Style | Curtain Color Ideas |
|---|---|
| Modern | Black, gray, white, red, electric blue |
| Bohemian | Patterns, floral prints, fringe, earth tones, jewel tones |
| Traditional | Ivory, navy, burgundy, forest green, mustard yellow |
Factor in the Windows
The size, number and placement of the room’s windows impact the look of curtains and guide color choice. Large, expansive windows demand bold curtain colors to anchor the space. Multiple windows are best unified with uniform curtain colors. Bay windows and corner windows call for coordinating curtains that complement each area. Window height also determines color; taller ceilings pair well with saturated shades while lower ceilings need lighter tones to avoid appearing cluttered.
Window Tips for Curtain Color
- Large windows = bold, intense curtain colors
- Multiple windows = uniform curtain colors
- Bay/corner windows = coordinating curtain colors
- High ceilings = deep, saturated curtain colors
- Low ceilings = light, bright curtain colors
Create a Focal Point
Strategically using curtain color is a great way to draw attention to a specific area of the room, like behind the bed or sofa. Contrast the curtain color sharply with the surrounding wall color to make it stand out. For example, vibrant red curtains against a neutral gray wall create a dramatic focal area. Or hang light cream curtains inside a dark charcoal gray frame for instant spotlighting. Complementary or clashing colors make that spot pop.
Consider Light Control
Factor in privacy needs and your desired level of light control when finalizing curtain color. For full light blocking, choose opaque fabrics and darker colors in blackout curtains or drapes. Sheer curtain panels in light colors like white let daylight filter through while obscuring views. Medium-tone shades offer softened daylight and visibility. Just remember lighter colors admit more light while darker colors dampen natural light.
Curtain Opacity for Light Control
| Opacity | Fabric | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Sheer | Lightweight fabrics | White, ivory, light gray, pastels |
| Medium | Light cotton, linen, blends | Neutrals, medium-tone solids |
| Opaque | Heavy fabrics | Dark colors, blackout materials |
Curtain Color DO’s and DON’Ts
Here are some handy dos and don’ts to keep in mind when selecting curtain colors:
DO:
- Do pick colors that complement your existing decor.
- Do consider undertones that work with your room lighting.
- Do choose bold colors for large windows/high ceilings.
- Do select lighter colors for small windows/low ceilings.
- Do use color to create a focal point in the room.
DON’T:
- Don’t choose jarring colors that clash with other elements.
- Don’t pick dark colors for naturally dim rooms.
- Don’t use pale colors for rooms meant to be dramatic.
- Don’t overlook the need for light control.
Tips for Hanging Curtains
Once you’ve picked the perfect curtain color, make sure you hang them properly so they look seamless and professional:
- Hang rods at least 4-6 inches above the window frame.
- For floor-length curtains, rods should be 2-3 inches above the top of the window.
- Aim for puddling with an extra 3-4 inches of curtain length.
- Lightly steam curtains before hanging to remove wrinkles/creases.
Conclusion
Choosing curtain colors for your home involves assessing the room itself, coordinating with existing decor, factoring in practical elements like lighting and windows, and selecting a color that enhances the desired aesthetic. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for curtains, and you’ll be sure to find a color that perfectly complements your space. With the right shades hung properly, your curtains will not only look fabulous but also improve the overall feel of any room.