How to Choose Curtains for Your Living Room
Choosing a stylish set of curtains for your living room can completely transform the space, adding style, warmth, and a touch of your personal taste!
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:
- 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. - 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! - 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. - 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. - 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!
