“To be admitted to Nature’s hearth costs nothing. None is excluded, but excludes himself. You have only to push aside the curtain.” – Henry David Thoreau
Shades, blinds, curtains, or drapes: Where do you begin when even the very treatment goes by so many names?
Updating your window treatments can provide a stunning makeover for an entire room. However, finding the perfect set can be a challenge. If the set is too small, the room can look bare or unfinished. But, if it’s too much, the room becomes crowded and busy.
You’ll want to begin by measuring your space. Then the fun starts, and you’ll decide the style, color, fabric, and even its surrounding decor. With all of these decisions, good thing there’s so many ideas available.
Now, let’s take a look at some of our favorite curtain ideas to help you decide.
1. Bay Window Curtain Ideas
When dressing up your bay windows, decide between framing the entire bay or each individual window. The size of the windows and amount of light desired can help with your decision. If you enjoy plenty of natural light, then you’ll want to opt for hanging the drapes across the entire bay.
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The location of the window will help you determine what styling of curtains to choose. Floor-length curtains work best if the bay window is in the living or bedroom; but, a valance style is better for the kitchen or bathroom area. You can enhance the elegant feel with tiebacks and tassels.
2. Bohemian Curtain Ideas
If you love the look of macrame, you’ll want to consider a Bohemian style for your bedroom curtain ideas. In fact, the curtains are one of the main features for achieving the look.
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The essence of the boho design centers around natural features and colors. This holds true for the draperies as well. You’ll want to keep the room light and pair it with warm neutral tones.
Traditional style Bohemian curtains will include ruffles, fringe, or filet lace. These materials will allow for plenty of natural light.
If you want a heavier weight curtain, but still want the boho feel, don’t worry! You can still achieve the look with a thicker white curtain decorated with a tribal or Aztec pattern.
3. Cafe Curtain Ideas
Cafe curtains are commonly referred to as kitchen curtains. While they’re perfect for any small window, you’ll mainly find this style above the kitchen sink – hence its name.
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Pinch pleats are common in cafe curtains options, but the design patterns and colors can vary. Intricate detailing, such as a lace border, can also enhance its aesthetic.
Since these curtains are small and lightweight, hanging them is simple. You’ll want to keep the hardware to a minimum as it can overwhelm the short curtain. Small curtain clips or hooks will work and will easily attach to the fabric. Then, you can hang the cafe curtains with a tension rod.
4. Canopy Bed Curtain Ideas
Now that you’re ready to update your curtains, you’re probably wondering what you can do with the old ones? Well, you can use them for a canopy bed!
Both adults and kids love the dreamy feeling you get while underneath a canopy bed. Styles and sizes range from a small crown to the traditional four-poster canopy. Sheer white curtains are the most common, but not the only curtain idea.
For more ideas involving canopy beds, check out Top 66 Teen Girl Bedroom Ideas.
5. Farmhouse Curtain Ideas
We all know that cozy feeling we get inside a country farmhouse. The warm neutral tones, plaid decor, and overall rustic charm are perfect for providing instant comfort. You’ll want to be sure this carries through onto your window treatments.
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A beautiful, tie up valance pairs perfectly with a small kitchen or bathroom window. Keeping the fabric neutral in color works to soften the unique design. Colored or textured ties add a subtle contrasting feature to the window covering.
Plaid or checkered fabrics are common in farmhouse design. However, such a bold print can become a distraction. For this reason, it’s best to pair this fabric on smaller windows or in rooms with less decor.
6. Kids Room Curtain Ideas
Decorating a kids room can be difficult and tough to balance. Things need to be practical, durable, and safe. On the other hand, your kid needs to love everything in the room, including the curtains.
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You’ll first want to determine which style is best. Grommets are helpful if your child is the one opening or closing the curtains, as then it’s easy to move along the rod. If your kid is too young or if safety is a concern, you can opt for a Roman shade. It then can remain up high and out of your child’s reach. Just beware that pull cords can present choking dangers, so it’s best to opt for curtains without them.
Regardless of the chosen style, you’ll want to be sure the design is kid-friendly and fun. Choosing the decor and drapery in their favorite colors is always a win.
For more ideas designing spaces for kids, check out The Top 74 Kids’ Bathroom Ideas.
7. Luxury Curtain Ideas
Did you know you can have custom made curtains, tailored to fit any room? While they are more of an investment, they provide a luxurious feel. These gorgeous curtains will stand out within a bedroom or living space.
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Color options have no specific limits, but you’ll want the curtains to blend with the theme of the room. Heavy drapery fabric, such as velvet, helps block light and insulates the windows. However, if you want something lighter but still luxurious, go for silk.
When it comes to luxurious designs, intricate details abound. Pom poms or similar bordering patterns heighten the elegance and rich feel. You’ll also want to pair the curtains with striking tie backs, such as tassels.
Don’t skip the addition of custom window treatments for hanging the curtains. A scalloped valance is perfect for hiding any unsightly rods or hardware. These features can clash with the elegant style, so you’ll want to be cautious if they do show.
8. Minimalist Curtain Ideas
Simplicity at its best is the idea around the minimalist style. Stick to soft hues, simple details, and avoid vibrant patterns. This look is easy to carry over into your window curtains and can work for any room.
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Beige, creams, and other neutral colors are best for your minimalist curtains. You’ll want to stay away from most designs unless they’re very subtle. If you’re looking for a way to create visual interest, consider adding a patterned border. There aren’t hard rules for fabric choices, but you won’t want anything too busy. Linen or organic hemp can both be great options.
For more minimalist ideas, check out The Top 60+ Best Minimalist Bedroom Ideas.
9. Modern Curtain Ideas
Modern design has similar features to minimalism, but a stronger emphasis on sharp details. Bold contrasting colors are popular and look sleek while flanking a window. This style is perfect for living or bedrooms.
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You’ll want to stay away from all-over patterns as it becomes too busy, but you have the option to play around with colors. Generally, you’ll want to pair according to your room. If neutrals are at the forefront, stick with that for your drapery. However, if the room showcases deep, dark hues, don’t be afraid to carry that over into your curtains as well. The goal is to blend with the room’s flow.
Don’t worry if you can’t decide on one color. Color blocks fit in well to a contemporary design and look very stylish. While there are many options for two-toned curtain panels, you can even hang a double curtain rod. If you’re using a double rod, keep the curtain behind the main drapes a simple white.
Modern styles emphasize sharp, defined lines. This is easy to transition throughout your drapery with stiff pleats. You can further dramatize the lines by keeping the curtain length long.
10. Pelmet and Valance Curtain Ideas
A pelmet and a valance are aesthetically similar, and both provide a way to hide the curtain’s hardware. A valance is a short decorative curtain that hangs along the top edge of the window. The detailing of the valance is customizable to fit into any room. Scalloped valances are popular in traditional and luxury design styles, thanks to their elegant appearance.
A pelmet is a decorative barrier that also prevents outdoor airflow from coming in. This window treatment is popular amongst modern designs due to its boxy shape and straight lines.
With the wide range of styles and accessories available, you’re sure to find the perfect set.
11. Printed Curtain Ideas
Featuring a bright printed design is a fun addition to consider for your curtain ideas. The most common style of print is geometric in nature. Typical patterns include basketweave, brocade, checkered, and chevron.
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Bring back the classic rubber duck or kitchen lemon pattern with a novelty printed curtain. This style fits perfectly within a bathroom or hung on a kitchen window. They help to liven up a room and serve as a conversation starter.
To not distract from or clash with the curtain’s intricate detail, keep the hanging hardware simple. You’ll want to avoid broad accessories or window treatments such as valances. Instead, opt for something simple such as a rod pocket style and a plain curtain pole.
12. Roman Shade Curtain Ideas
Roman shades are a great alternative to the traditional curtain panel. They hang flat against the window and create horizontal folds when raised. This feature helps them maintain a sleek, clean appearance.
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They’re a versatile shade option and can work well within any room. You can find them in many styles and colors, and you can even pair them with traditional drapery.
You can choose to mount the shade within the inside of the window trim or out. Mounting inside avoids hiding your beautiful trim. However, mounting outside gives the look of extra height.
13. Sheer Curtain Ideas
Sheer window treatments are lightweight and translucent. While commonly featuring lace, this curtain is an elegant and versatile choice. It works to accent many different design styles throughout the home.
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You will want to consider the placement of sheer curtains, as they allow in lots of light. They’re a great option for your living room curtain, but not the bedroom if your sleep is easily affected by sunlight. However, you can layer the sheer with a heavier fabric to provide extra shade and privacy.
Since the design is simple, there aren’t many restrictions on how to hang the panels. Most styles have attached grommets, allowing the curtain to slide across the rod easily.
Curtain FAQs
Do curtains need to match throughout the house?
If you have an open-concept apartment or home, you’ll want your curtains to match for a cohesive, continuous aesthetic. If you have several rooms broken up throughout, worry less about matching your curtains to the rest of the home and more with matching them to the room’s design.
What are the top tips for hanging curtains without the hassle?
Curtains can be tricky to hang correctly on your first try. The main tip is to make sure your measurements are accurate. You’ll want to pick curtains that are wider and fuller than your window frame but aren’t too long. Pick quality hardware and brackets to avoid drooping or having them fall down.
What are some ways I can save money on my window treatments?
You can save a lot of money with DIY window treatments. You’ll get to pick your favorite fabric or drop cloth for a custom look at a fraction of the price. You can even avoid the high costs of a curtain rod with a DIY option.
