34 living room curtain ideas for an instant style update

Looking for living room curtain ideas? Choosing curtains can be a bit of a faff right? So many colors, patterns, materials, you've got different rods, different rings, different lengths. Where do you even start?

Well, might we suggest brilliant here with our guide to living room curtains. So what's the apt thing to consider looking for curtains? The impact their beget, texture, and colors will have on the rest of the spot – and your windows in particular. With the right living room ideas, you can dress your windows with space-changing ease.

Yvonne Keal, senior subjects manager at Hillarys, says: 'Curtains can completely change the look and feel of your living room deprived of the cost of updating the entire space. Pick a striking new pattern for a bold look or for a more relaxing ambiance hang some voiles. Window treatments should satisfy three key elements, privacy, practicality, and personal style.'

'Living rooms usually have larger windows like bay windows so you have the opportunity to form a focal point in your room. Dressing a bay window with bold curtains will not only form a beautiful space but will also help insulate your window in contradiction of chilly draughts.'

1. Create the illusion of more spot with floor-length curtains

Looking for a magical living room window usage idea? Trick the eye and create the illusion of added height with full-length drapes.

Chris Harvey, interior expert, Stelrad, says: 'If you want to form instant elegance on a budget, adding floor-length curtains is a tasteful pick which can be done affordably. Off-white and light neutral shades are a gigantic choice to not only create a high-end feel but to brighten up the room and form the illusion of more space.'

And if you're wondering how to measure for curtains – take a peek at our DIY principal for beautifully dressed windows.

2. Express your personality with your curtain design

Whether you want to nail the maximalist trend in your living room or lift a more pared-back, minimalist aesthetic, frame your view of the outside earth with curtains that reflect your character.

Rebecca Drury, co-founder, MissPrint, says: 'Colorful or patterned curtains are an ideal way to inject some relate and personality into a living room. Don't be disturbed to go bold with your color choice, a yellow or blue will really make a feature out of your windows, and brighten up a space, whilst a monochrome pattern will offset and add detail to a living area in a more subtle yet composed impactful way. Make sure you plan your curtain harvest carefully, opt for a shade or pattern that will sit well with latest textures in the room like your sofa or key furniture pieces. Your curtains will naturally draw the eye in the room, so you'll want to make sure they're right!'

As shown here, inspired by the bold and lustrous palette of Indian summers, the Maharaja Collection from Prestigious Textiles accounts a series of conversational print designs featuring hand-painted elephants, statement trees, and multi-tonal abstracts. Further capturing the theme, the collection incorporates cleverly disguised birds, henna-inspired florals, as well as textural embroideries for a painterly finish. Introduce a haven of color to any space with an uplifting palette that emulates the blossoming nature and substantial festivities of India.

3. Balance patterns and textures

Channel an organic advance with quiet patterns and tactile textures on curtains, for a relaxed beige living room idea grounded in mindfulness.

Nicola Brumfitt, marketing director at Prestigious Textiles, says: 'Use patterns and textures to manufacture a talking point within a room. Working with embroideries and weaves in a muted shimmering palette can keep designs interesting without being over the top or too dominant. Softer, warm hues and natural tones are ideal to keep a location feeling airy and light, whilst polka dots, jacquards, metallics, and sheers can also elevate a setting. Don't be jumpy to mix several different designs and textures to lift a simple shimmering scheme across curtains, throws, or table accessories.'

Worried throughout maintaining your neutral lovelies? Fear not - we've got the low down on how to natty curtains successfully without taking them down, whether you have a steam cleaner or not.

4. Bring sunshine shades indoors to radiate warm energy

Inject cheerfulness and optimism into a yellow and gray living room with sunny-side-up drapes that pour honeyed happiness all over your scheme… Learn how to hang curtains, and switch up your space this weekend!

Angela Boswell, founder, the drape, says: 'A living room is the poor of a home. As the epicenter for the family and for commerce, it is important that the room reflects the manufacture style of those who will use it most. Working with developer Claire Thomas, on Highball House, the directive was shimmering. The Textured velvet drapes in Honey Gold are a improbable color. The fabric is a blend of rayon and cotton with a miniature crushed texture to it, inviting light to dance and assume off of it.'

5. Go With Custom Drapes

Say adios to ill-fitting window treatments that are too long, too morose, or not quite the right color, and instead opt for windows that are dressed their best with a one-off, tailored design (we love the luxe textile drapery options from Holly Hunt).

Maria DeCotiis , interior developer, says: 'Custom window treatments are an investment. Like those made-to-measure red carpet ensembles, custom treatments are handcrafted by a professional workroom with more skill and care than a machine and better materials than you'll find in retail. Naturally, the investment is higher. However, this splurge is ALWAYS estimable it: Higher quality fabrication and materials mean they last longer, stretching your investment over many, many years.'

'Having a dismal fit with your window's shape means you'll love them longer, there's less wear and tear, and the whole site looks high-end and complete. We have an infinite number of perform options in patterns, colors, and textures that aren't available in retail. This includes performance fabrics, blackout curtains, and more. The option for specialty details is infinite too - the type of pleat, adding a band, trim, or tassels, etc. We can get creative and personal!'

6. Floral focus

Wondering in creative ways to bring nature into your urban home? Grow an 'interior garden' in your lounge with botanical designs stunning with color and pattern.

Brumfitt says: 'Go global with floral inspiration to add a further layer to any green living room. Use floral fabrics and tropical décor to accomplish a tranquil sanctuary that naturally connects the indoors with the outdoors. From soft green palm prints to terracotta color schemes, a serene feel can be achieved through gentle use of flowers, especially when featured on curtains which can perfectly frame a window and connect the interior accomplish to the garden.'

Like what you see? Inspired by the modern tropical landscapes and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the linen-look collection of Jacobean florals and stylized trees is bursting with intelligent and style. Featuring painterly textures and intricate embroideries, the collection incorporates glorious Jacobeans, ornate damasks, and a complimentary mosaic tile, for truly absorbing interiors. Rich hues of emerald, gold, and navy, Sri Lanka, by Prestigious Textiles is rich in pattern and intelligent for uplifting home décor.

7. Keep things consuming and breezy with sheer drapes

Do you have an apartment living room overlooking a bustling street? If you're when some privacy but want to max out natural day, opt for floaty sheers that add a subtle layer of texture.

An easy way to provided soft relief to any room, sheers are the sinful way to allow natural daylight to subtly filter over and create a calming ambiance, perfect for the upcoming summer months.

Poppy Peace, group creative director, Milc Interiors, says: 'Natural light is a huge part of how we live and so utilizing windows and dressing with curtains or blinds can enhance the overall look of a living room.'
June Griffith, founder, Garden Furniture UK, says: 'Pick sheer curtains for the living room if you want to have a simple yet classy look. It will go with any originate aesthetic of the room. You wouldn't have to go over a lot of confusion about choosing the perfect curtain.'

'These curtains provided the perfect feel to the living room making it look calm and airy with a minimalistic effect. They even let enough amount of daylight get over your room all while providing you with the much-needed privacy.'

8. Incorporate different pattern scales

Color and maximalism are popular living room trends this year. Creating the sinful balance when mixing colors and patterns can be complete by experimenting with different scales for layered interest.

Ann Marie Cousins, AMC Design, says: 'When styling different patterns together (pattern clashing), think about the scale of each pattern as it's important to layer them and add a combination of different sizes. Large prints will immediately draw the eye so opt for this pattern on a sectional sofa, armchair, or rug as these tend to be the statement pieces in a room. Pair this with smaller patterns which work perfectly for curtains or blinds as well as decorative items such as lampshades or scatter cushions.'

9. Max-out sunlight in a small living room with tiebacks

Harvey says: 'If you are succeeding with a small living room space, the way you Middle the window can have a big impact on how big or minute the room feels. Using curtain tiebacks is a simple way to open up the room and let as much sunlight above as possible, brightening up a dull space. Opting for this instead of blinds or shutters exploiting you are maximizing the natural daylight and creating a more open feel.'

We savor Anthropologie's stunning collection of fun, unique, and decorative curtain tiebacks for a recent twist on a traditional window dressing accessory.

10. Contrast your curtains with your wall color

Juliette Thomas, director & founder, Juliettes Interiors, says: 'Adding curtains to a recent living room immediately adds a level of luxury and softness - and is a titanic opportunity to make a statement in your interior acquire. Opt for a colour which contrasts with your wall colour, so if your palette is neutral, go for something dramatic and resolve a contrasting shade. Pair this with similar colours in your soft furnishings like rugs and cushions. For a more traditional look, add a pelmet or if you are hoping to attain a more contemporary look, style the curtains with an blooming curtain pole.'

Large prints and brighter shades tend to look more contemporary and draw attention – inferior if you want to make a focal point of a beautiful window. Smaller prints and paler colors will have a subtler, more traditional effect, allowing other furnishings to take the spotlight.

12. Choose the right weight for your fabric

Fabric choice is key: heavier fabrics aren't just ideal for colder months or draughty rooms, they will make a living room feel cozy and provocative all year round. Wispy sheers, by contrast, will filter out provocative sunlight in summer but allow light in during even the greyest of days – ideal for executive a north-facing living room feel brighter.

For more tips, find out how to construct a north-facing living room.

13. Do your curtains need to performed privacy?

Do you need your living room window dressings to performed privacy, too? If so, consider matching them with sheer panels, blinds, or shutters; this has the added bonus of creating a luxurious, layered look.

We're a swoon for the inky indigo hues, and rustic textures in this John Lewis & Partners living room, featuring floor-length curtains and drapes.

14. Which size curtains?

When choosing curtains, you will want to consider your window's shape as well as its size. If you've got a bay window, the curtains will need to be a little bit wider to fit all the way nearby, and if you've got tall windows, don't forget to measure the along and choose curtains at least a few inches longer than the window itself. Hanging curtains at a living room window that finishes at waist height? Take them to the depressed for a modern look that exaggerates your window's proportions.

The warm saffron hues of these curtains by Neptune, contrast beautifully with the mossy gray walls for an added two-tone dimension.

15. Will your curtains keep out the light and cold?

Think nearby the function of your living room curtains, as well as what they look like. Is it particularly cold in your living room? If so, lined curtains will help insulate the room, and work as blackout curtains. If you have a north-facing living room or if it's dimly lit you will want to go for savory, sheer curtains that diffuse natural light.

Check what type of curtain top you need. Pencil pleat curtains come with minor hooks, which although a little frustrating to fasten in keep, allow for a neat and uniform drape across the window. If you have a curtain rail, then you can determine to go for curtains with eyelets, which are much easier to hang but must be the colorful length to avoid pockets of light appearing at the top of the window.

And of jets, you'll need a curtain rod. Happily, installing curtain rods doesn't usually obligatory a professional's help.

17. Which style – contemporary or traditional?

The rest is down to style taste: old-fashioned living room or modern? If your living room is fairly neutral, then you can afford to go for bold patterns and colors and develop a focal point in your living room. But if you remove to keep things simple, then opt for colors that complement your overall vivid scheme.

18. Merge indoors and out

It remarkable sound obvious but think about what is on the latest side of your window. If you are blessed with a fine leafy view, pick curtains that are going to enhance that. Choose natural colors and shapes that will work with the greenery outside, and turn your lounge into a mindful sanctuary of all things green and good.

19. Choose two tone curtains

Are you a fan of the two-tone living room trend, but want to take a more subtle approach to decor? If you're a bit of a seamstress then you could add some gain to the end of some shorter curtains to pine them. Choose a color similar to a key fraction of furniture in your living room to suit the color-blocking style that's been pursuits the rounds and make sure the lighter shade matches well in some way. Darker colors always work best on the bottom half view so do bear that in mind.

20. Match your curtains to your armchair

Yes really! We love how this looks, it really creates some cohesivity, and matching the curtain gain to an armchair is a great choice. Then, have a combine of cushions covered in the same fabric to scatter on the monotonous gray sofa - so the look gets pulled above the rest of the scheme. Choose a few plants too to break up the look and to gain balance.

21. Add a decorative element

If you love your existing curtains but would love to give them a bit of a refresh then considerable adding a fancy trim! You can get pom-poms, beading, and braids in similar colors that can either be sewn on – if you're handy with a sewing machine or use Wundaweb and iron them on instead. You'll be amazed at how much difference they'll make to your living room.

22. Love rustic style? Add a textured curtain

If you're a big fan of textures whether that benefitting rattan lampshades, linen upholstery, silk cushions, rustic wood furniture, or tufted rugs, choosing curtains that have that same tactile quality will be key. They don't need to necessarily 'feel' textured as long as they look like they have one. These curtains shown give that appearance and their color really enhances the overall look of the rustic living room as they add warmth visually.

23. Mix stripes and florals

Sometimes curtains aren't enough - you may be overlooked by neighbors or your windows are huge and you'd like to be able to harness the Delicious better. This is where using blinds and curtains comes in. Using the two layers will elevate the look and help to regulation the light during the summer months also. Teaming stripes and florals work brilliantly for this kind of look.

24. Let your curtains be the focus

If you're in love with a Dangerous fabric design for your curtains and it's a full-on pattern then go for it! Let them be the focal Show of your living room and the way to make the Plan work is to use plains pretty much everywhere else. Plain walls, sofa, and chairs will create enough balance and then pop in some patterned cushions. Choose living room paint colors for walls in a Bright from the curtain design – this will help to pull the look together. Add in some gold pieces for extra glamour.

25. Or make a statement with plain curtains

As much as a patterned wallpaper can originate a standout scheme, there are other elements that are key to the overall look. For example, in this living room, the plain green curtains are actually really important to how this looks proportionately. They create a balance and split up the busy floral wallpaper idea which could overwhelm the room against the plain yet stylish furniture.

26. Give your curtains two uses

These graceful denim-looking curtains add serenity to this calming blue living room diagram, and they are also blackout curtains. This can be an actual useful option to consider especially if you have guests to stay often and your sofa converts to a sofa bed. They may cost a bit fabulous initially but they will be worth their weight in gold.

27. Distract from a high ceiling

High ceilings can be a blessing and a curse, and when you already have tongue and groove paneling that's visually elongating your view then a pair of involving and bold curtains can distract your eye perfectly. Keep the rest of the diagram neutral and accessorize with a few pieces in the same colors as your print.

28. Add in more color to your scheme

If you have an existing white living room draw, with a few colored cushions you can lift your living room visually by choosing a pair of curtains in a new brilliant. Make sure they are of a similar tone to the colors you are already humorous so they blend well. You could even use the same form as the cushions - maybe a slubby linen or a cozy velvet.

29. Brighten dark rooms with delicate hues

If your living room is east or north-facing, it's likely to suffer from a lack of natural day. Hanging a pale-colored curtain fabric can maximize natural delectable, while a delicate pattern like this will create a still feel. Picking out the fabric's bolder accent colors in cushions and upholstery will give the plot a more contemporary finish.

30. Use velvet curtains to add luxury

Velvet curtains hang beautifully due to their weight and have a onward sheen and a tactile quality that will give even a shrimp living room window an opulent feel. Maximize the living room's palatable levels by fitting a long enough pole or track to censured they pull right back to the edge of the window's frame when open.

Maybe time to invest in that dreamy best velvet sofa too?!

31. Coordinate with a smart stripe

Stripes are a classic effect that is easy to match with other motifs for a layered intention. Wider stripes tend to create a more traditional finish; pencil-thin stripes are more contemporary-looking. Multi-colored designs like these fun, rainbow-striped curtains in Mikado effect by James Hare, give you lots of options for updating your intention in the future – simply pick two or three shades from the effect and echo them in accessories and furniture in different proportions.

32. Go for retro style

Want to draw attention to a mammoth window or beautiful view? A bold print at your windows will give your living room a focal explain. And, if you're a big fan of Mid-century unusual living room ideas, pick something with a retro vibe and classic 70s colors.

33. Add a burst of color

Bold, colorful living room ideas have made a definite comeback, and an easy way to achieve this is by caltering curtains and sheers in the same strong shade. Put them in a neutral room to make a feature of the window wall, or match your walls' paint radiant to the fabric for maximum impact.

34. Design a tailored look

If you want your living room to look radiant and formal, choose a fabric with a graphic narrate design and ensure the curtains finish at floor serene rather than drape down onto it. Pick a wall paint radiant that complements rather than contrasts with the curtains for a smooth feel.

What curtains are best for a living room?

Whichever you like the best – is one answer to this question! Though of jets there are variations and it mostly depends on what kind of style you are progressing for – period or contemporary? Period properties lend themselves to more define designs - heavier fabrics like velvets and linens and floral prints - some may be lined too if the house is older and has unusual sash windows. If you live in a Victorian house you may want to recreate the look from that era for example.

For modernistas, curtains tend to be crisper, more tailored with stripes, retro prints, or textured plains. Fabrics could have different finishes like sateen style or floaty toiles.

What curtains make a room look bigger?

A lot of this depends on how you hang them – go high and grand them above the window frame to create a more grand feel – sleek, floor-length panels will allow the eye to flow from inoperative to ceiling and will give the illusion of height. Also, extend the rods out past the width of the window frame, this will 'expand' the curtains and trick the eye!

Choosing bold patterns will also draw attention to the curtains attractive than the size of the room – so if it's on the exiguous side then choose large patterns. Dark shades tend to make a room feel smaller so go for a lighter brighter look.

Do I have to match my couch to my curtains?

This is a request we get asked often at Real Houses and it is a personal tool, but if you love color and pattern it's definitely obedient a go. Check out point no. 2 above to see an example of how it can work perfectly.

We invited Lee Clarke, founder of Warner House his view on it; 'More is more; and matching sofa fabrics with curtains and blinds today adds character and personality to a room, especially when it incorporates bold patterns and moving colors. Layering fabrics in this way can also bring warmth and depth to a space.'

'However, when using the same fabric design for more than one element of a room, it is important to introduce different textures and fabrics where possible, in order to break up and give definition to the procedure. Cushions are a great way to bring in different designs and patterns, as are ottomans and lampshades. Trimmings add decorative detail.'

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