Choosing a nice pair of curtains for my living room has been quite the journey! I was originally looking for something modern and stylish but also cozy, curtains that would tie the room together with my existing decor. After all, curtains can make a huge difference in how a space feels and looks. Here’s what I learned along the way – and a few tips that might help you find the perfect curtains for your own space!

Consider Your Space’s Existing Decorating Style

Before diving into curtain types, it’s good to keep in mind your overall decorating style of your room. I looked at the decorating I already had: the wall color and the color of the furniture, to make sure that whatever I picked wouldn’t clash. My living room has a modern, minimalist vibe, so I knew I wanted to choose curtains that would keep that feel going without overpowering the room. If your current space has a more traditional, boho, or eclectic feel, you might have more freedom to go bold!

Why I Love Boho Curtains

One curtain style that really caught my eye during my search was boho curtains. There’s something so special about boho curtains that makes them feel very laid-back, it must be the earthy tones, fringe, and unique patterns. I’m a fan of the natural vibe and soft feel they bring to a room – they make any space feel like you want to relax and enjoy your stay. If you’re like me and love mixing a bit of natural textures, boho curtains are a curtain style you should definitely consider. They’re also surprisingly versatile and work with a wide range of decorating styles; they can look great in more eclectic settings but can fit into a modern decorated room as well, especially if you go for something with neutral colors.

Different Curtain Styles to Consider

Once I figured out the general style of curtains I wanted, I started exploring different styles. Here are a few common curtain styles available on the market:

1. Sheer Curtains
   Almost see-through but provide just enough privacy, sheer curtains are perfect if you want some natural light to come through but still need some coverage. They’re very light weight, airy, and go well with almost any type of decorating style. I found that they work really well combined as an additional layer with heavier curtains, which I sometimes use if I want more light control.
2. Blackout Curtains
   If your living room is turned south and gets a lot of natural sunlight or faces a busy street, blackout curtains can do wonders for your space. They’re usually thick and often lined with blackout fabric, blocking out light and noise. I didn’t end up choosing them, but I can see how they’d be ideal if you love a dark, cozy atmosphere – or if you love watching movies and like to block out all daylight for that cinema feel!
3. Boho Curtains
   As I mentioned earlier, boho curtains are my personal favorite curtain type. Boho curtains have a relaxed, artistic vibe with their earthy colors, interesting patterns, and sometimes even handwoven designs. I love this type of curtains because they add so much character to a space, especially with their woven textures and tassels that give them a bit of character. They are not that common in every store, but they’re worth looking for if you want something unique.
4. Velvet Curtains
   For a touch of romantic elegance, velvet curtains add instant luxury and look so expensive. They’re usually heavier, making them great for privacy, and they feel so soft and plush. This time, I didn’t purchase velvet curtains, but they’re on my list for a future project. They add a lot of drama to a space – perfect if you want your living room to feel grand.
5. Patterned Curtains
   Sometimes, all it takes to tie a room together is a bold patterned curtain. I looked at a few different patterns, especially geometric and floral designs, but I was careful not to go too bold since I didn’t want them to clash with my decor. If your space is missing a little something, patterned curtains can really make a statement piece in your room.

Choosing the Right Color and Length

After you have chosen a curtain style, think about what color you would like to choose. For my last decorating project, I kept it simple and stuck with neutrals, which makes it easy to match other decor down the line. But if you want to make your curtains a statement piece in your room or a focal point, don’t be afraid to go bold with deep blues, rich greens, or even mustard yellows.

When considering the length for your curtains, floor length is usually the best choice because it gives the room a more sophisticated look. It’s a good idea to hang them high, close to the ceiling, as it can make your room feel taller and will make your windows look taller as well. I made sure to measure from where I’d hang them all the way to the floor so I didn’t end up with curtains that were too short (or dragging way too much!).

Think About the Functionality of Your Curtains

Finally, I think about how you will be using this space. Since I spend a lot of time in my living room, I wanted curtains that would let in light but still offer a bit of privacy since I also face a busy street. That’s why I went with a mix of sheer curtains and slightly heavier panels I can close in the evenings and only use the sheer ones during the day.

Wrapping Up

In the end, I personally chose a combination of simple neutral paneled curtains and layered them with boho curtains. It gives my living room a bit of personality while still keeping things modern and laid-back. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to curtains – it’s all about finding what feels right for you and your space and decorating style. I hope these tips help you as much as they helped me!

Photos By: Unsplash

They take up a ton of space, and when closed, make a giant statement. As a result, having the right curtains is very important.

While you can go down to the store and choose from a sample of different curtain options, why not opt for some personalized window curtains? You can ensure they look exactly how you want, in terms of color, style, size, and shape.

But if you are going to customize your own curtains, you need to ensure they elevate the look of your space, and not hurt it. With that in mind, this article is going to go over some tips on how to decorate your house with personalized window curtains.

Ensure The Curtains Fit the Decor/Style

The first thing to keep in mind when decorating your home with curtains is to make sure that you pick curtains that match your style and fit with your space. If your home is full of neutral decor and furniture, a neutral set of curtains will often look the best.

They can have some unique designs or patterns, but do your best to keep them from clashing with the color or decor in the room. Of course, it’s your space and you can decorate it how you see fit, but matching or ensuring the colors are complimentary is a good idea.

While matching curtains with your space is crucial, don’t forget about the function of curtains. While some are purely decorative, others may aid in soundproofing your space, keeping light out, and keeping your interior temperature consistent and comfortable. They still need to perform this function in addition to fitting well in your room.

Get the Right Size and Shape

The style, size and shape of the curtains are another very important thing to think about. Curtains come in a variety of styles and there are many different types of curtains out there to choose from for your home. Some are a single panel, some are a double panel, some can be tiered, and some may even resemble scarves. No matter your tastes, there are certainly some curtains that you will adore.

In addition to style and shape, take time to measure how large your custom curtains should be. They should completely cover the window, without being too large. Most full-length curtains for large windows should graze the floor, without being too long that they get caught or tripped on. On the other hand, avoid making them too short as this can look awkward. Always take some measurements and record them to ensure you make the right choice.

Maintain Consistency Throughout the Home

In home decor, consistency is key. Every room should look like it belongs with the last. Different decor is fine, but they should all have a similar look and overall theme. This helps keep the home comfortable, and stops each space from looking disjointed.

This is the case with curtains, as well. From room to room, you want to ensure your curtains are similar. They don’t need to be exactly the same, but should be close enough to fit well together. Colors should be close, the fabric should be the same or similar, and the style/size shouldn’t change much at all. All of this can help your space feel cohesive, which is quite important in interior design and home decor.

In conclusion, we hope this article has been able to help you learn how to best decorate your home with charming and personalized window curtains.

Photo: Greg Natale

It isn’t always easy to determine what kind of window treatment would work best in any given room but with this quick guide, you will learn the key points to consider. Whether you are buying window treatments for a new home or for an interior design project now underway, here is your roadmap to success.

Define Your Purpose

Before you can even begin looking for the right window treatments for any room whatsoever, you need to look at just what it is you are trying to accomplish. Are you looking for blackout curtains to keep all light out of a bedroom or to offer maximum privacy? Perhaps you want to allow some light in or maybe even a combination of the two. Other times, it isn’t the light you are worried about, but rather décor. Whether you are seeking functional window treatments or design elements, defining your ultimate purpose is the place to start.

Photo: Hush Homes

How to Choose the Right Length Curtains and Drapes

When it comes to curtains and drapes, there are several points to be aware of. Do you want floor length drapes or are you looking for curtains that hang just to the sill on the interior of a window frame? When choosing floor length curtains, always be mindful of any furniture which needs to be placed directly in front of that window. Whether it is a sofa, table, lamp or chair, will the curtain interfere with anything placed in close proximity? Do you have dogs, cats and little children running about that will get tangled in the material

Choosing Curtains to Match Your Décor

Once you’ve set your mind on curtains or drapes, it is essential to begin looking for material that will complement your décor. Altogether too often function is chosen over form which detracts from all the work you’ve put into creating a lovely space. What you should know here is that you can use a combination of blinds and/or shades with curtains and drapes if you are looking for greater control of light in addition to the decorative element of fabric covering a window. To get a better idea of the various types of fabric you can choose for window coverings, check out the selections on sites like https://curtains.com/.

Photo: Via Houzz

Rods and Drawstrings

Then there are rods and drawstrings to consider. Are you looking for tiered curtains that have a valance as well as drapes or curtains? Perhaps you want drawstrings attached to the floor for ease of use. When it comes to choosing curtain and drapery rods, it is important to know that the rod you choose will work well with the design of the curtain or drape you intend to use. Drapes which are opened and closed with a drawstring will probably not work well with all kinds of rods, so make sure to order rods when ordering your window coverings. If you’ve chosen the wrong rods, your drapier will be able to assist you in choosing the right type for the window coverings you’ve chosen.

Photo: Via Houzz

When Working with Blinds

Whether using blinds with or without curtains, the one thing you will want to understand is that there are various types that serve different functions. Some, as mentioned above, allow a little light in while others have better light-blocking characteristics. If you want total blackout, it is suggested that you use shades instead of vertical or horizontal blinds. Sometimes blinds are even used in conjunction with drapes and curtains on sliding glass doors so this is where you would begin to think about what it is you are trying to accomplish. Most curtains and/or drapes will not give you the amount of protection from light infiltrating a room as would blinds but when used in conjunction, you can have the greatest level of control possible.

Taking Measurements for Your Curtains

Learning to take measurements for your curtains or drapes can be both an art and a science. Not only will you need to know how far above and below your window you want your curtains to be placed, but you will also need to consider the fact that not all rooms are as level as they should be. Bear in mind that older homes ‘settle’ over time and so one window may be a few centimetres longer or shorter on one side of the window. This is especially prevalent in older homes with wide windows, but structural settling can happen in any home no matter how old or new. It’s all about the foundation underneath. Take the time to learn how to measure curtains for ideal placement and you will get the perfect fit every time.

There you have six things to consider when choosing window treatments of any kind from blinds to shades to curtains and drapes. Once you understand how to blend form and function, you’ll be able to choose the right curtains every time.