9 Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Living Room Curtains

Transform your living room into a stylish and functional space with the perfect set of curtains!
Stylish curtains in a living room
Photo: Kit Kemp

If you’re searching for the ideal curtains to complete your living room, there are a few important factors that will influence your decision. From measuring the windows and selecting fabrics to experimenting with colors and patterns, it’s essential that these elements match other components in the space. Don’t forget about blinds, shades or shutters either! With this guide full of ideas on how to choose perfect curtains for any home décor style, achieving your dream look is easier than ever.

How to Choose Ideal Curtains for Your Living Room?

1. Measure Your Windows

Before investing in living room curtains, it’s crucial to accurately measure all window dimensions. Calculate the width of your window frames and length from top of the frame to whatever point you’d like them to reach; draping gracefully to the floor or ending just above a windowsill are both great options! Taking accurate measurements will ensure that whichever curtains you choose fit perfectly for optimal aesthetics.

Vibrant yellow living room curtains
Photo: Getty Images

2. Determine the Style of Your Living Room

When selecting curtains for your living room, the style of your space should be taken into consideration. Whether you have a modern and minimalistic interior with streamlined forms and monochromatic tones or an ornate traditional room filled with intricate designs and patterns, it’s essential that the curtains chosen effectively enhance the ambiance of the entire area rather than clash against it.

Living room couch and curtains
Photo: Vecislavas Popa

3. Consider the Functionality of Your Curtains

Before you decide on a particular style of living room curtains, think about their functionality. Do you want sheer curtains that allow plenty of natural light to enter the room? Or do you need room-darkening curtains to block out the sun’s rays? This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best curtains for your needs.

colorful curtains in living room
Photo: Emma Lee

4. Choose the Right Fabric

If you’re looking to give your living room a modern and minimalist decor, then lightweight materials such as linen or cotton are great options for curtains. However, if you want more insulation while also blocking out the sun’s rays, then heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade should be considered. No matter what fabric you choose for your curtains, it will greatly contribute to the overall look and feel of your space!

Elegant velvet curtains
Photo: Getty Images

5. Experiment with Patterns and Colors

While neutral-colored curtains are always a safe choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and colors. Bold ones can add visual interest to your living room, while bright colors can bring energy and vibrancy to the space. Just make sure to choose curtains that complement your house, furniture, and other accessories in the room.

living room view with curtains
Photo: Vecislavas Popa

6. Ready-Made vs. Custom Curtains

When furnishing your living room, you have the option of selecting between custom-made or ready-made curtains. Custom curtains provide a unique and personalized look that is tailored to perfectly fit your windows with any fabric, pattern, or color imaginable; however they tend to be more costly than their pre-fabricated counterparts. Ready-made options come in multiple sizes and styles for a budget friendly price tag which may require some compromises on achieving an ideal fit or desired shade/pattern.

How to measure curtains schematic
Photo: Getty Images

7. Consider Other Window Treatments

If you’re looking to spruce up your living space, curtains may not be the only way of achieving that goal. Try going for blinds, shutters or shades instead! These window treatments can bring a unique and stylish flair to your room while providing additional benefits like light control and even privacy.

windows without curtains
Photo: Max Vakhtbovych

8. Coordinate with Other Elements in the Room

When selecting your living or dining room curtains, it is important to take into account the other design elements of the space. For instance, if you have a bright and busy area rug in the room, pick solid-colored curtains to prevent creating too much visual chaos. On the contrary, if your furniture and walls are neutral hues then consider choosing curtain fabrics with bold patterns or colors for an eye catching touch!

small curtains
Photo: Carlos Caamal

9. Choose Curtains that Match Your Personal Style

Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing living room curtains is that they perfectly match your personal style. Whether you prefer classic, traditional styles or more modern, contemporary looks, it’s important to choose curtains that make you feel at home and reflect your personality. So don’t be afraid to mix and match, experiment with different colors and patterns, and have fun with your window treatments!

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