This blog post covers everything around curtain ideas for the living room.

You know that moment on a lazy Sunday when the sun comes through those light, flowy curtains and everything just glows? Or when it’s freezing outside and you pull the thick curtains closed and suddenly your room feels like the coziest little bubble ever?

Curtains are kind of underrated. They’re not just there to cover your windows, they literally change the entire vibe of a room.

So I put together this guide because honestly, picking curtains can be overwhelming. There’s way too much to think about.

In this blog post I’m going to walk you through the practical stuff first: What fabrics actually work, the different header styles (because apparently that’s a thing) and what hardware you need. Plus a super simple cheat sheet for measuring because nobody wants to buy curtains that are too short.

Then we’ll get into the fun part: Colors and patterns. I’ve also rounded up 13 living room curtain ideas that actually look good in real life. And I’ll show you how to style them for different situations, like if you’re dealing with weird windows or trying to make a small room feel bigger.

And at the end? All the stuff people usually mess up (with easy fixes), plus how to keep your curtains looking decent without spending your life washing them. Because what’s the point if they fall apart in a year, right?

You need more tips on decorating your living room? On my blog, you’ll find, for example, inspiration on how to style a bookshelf or how to decorate a round coffee table, along with creative dining table centerpiece ideas and fresh living room wall decor tips. Have a look around if you want to, I’m happy that you’re here!

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Mini Buying Guide: Fabric, Header, Hardware

Picking curtains isn’t just about finding a color you like and calling it a day. The fabric, how they hang, what you hang them on… All of that actually matters way more than you’d think.

Here’s a quick breakdown to make your life easier:

Fabrics (and what they actually do)
Think about what you really need here. Want that breezy, light-filled vibe? Go with something like voile or linen. That lets all that natural light in. You’re trying to sleep past sunrise or block out streetlights? You’ll want blackout or dimout curtains. And if you’re dealing with a noisy street or drafty windows, velvet or thermal fabrics are your friends because they actually help with insulation.

How they hang (header styles)
This is one of those things nobody thinks about until they’re standing in the store totally confused. You’ve got simple options like eyelets or those hidden tab things that slide right on. Or you can go fancier with pinch pleats for that classic look or even those modern ripple fold tracks that make everything glide super smoothly. It’s not just about looks, it literally affects how easily you can open and close them.

What holds them up (hardware)
Rod or track? That’s your first call. Then there’s all the little stuff: Brackets to mount it, connectors if you’ve got a wide window, rings if you need them, maybe some decorative finials on the ends if you’re into that.

Quick safety info
If you’ve got kids or pets running around, skip anything with long cords dangling down. Go cordless or get them shortened. Those magnetic tiebacks are pretty genius too, they keep things tidy and safe without looking babyproofed.

Measuring & Planning: Cheatsheet

Getting the measurements right is just as important as choosing the fabric, hardware or style. I wrote down a simple cheatsheet with easy formulas to guide you through planning.

Rod Width
Window width + (2 x 10 – 15cm) for extra coverage. This extra “stack-back” gives you a clear view outside and makes the room feel more spacious.

Mounting Height
Hang the rod 10-20cm above the frame for a balanced look or mount it right under the ceiling to create the illusion of maximum height.

Length (Hem)
Float: 0-1cm above the floor (easy to maintain)
Kiss: just touching the floor (elegant and precise)
Break: +1-2cm on the floor (a softer drape)
Puddle: +5-15cm pooling on the floor (dramatic, but more dust-prone)

Fullness (Width)
Total fabric width = rod width x 1.5-2.5. Use 1.5-2 for eyelets and 2-2.5 for pleated styles.

Per Panel
Divide the total fabric width by the number of panels you plan to hang.

Color & Pattern Strategy

Curtain colors and patterns? They can literally make or break a room. I’ve seen it go both ways. So it’s worth spending a minute thinking it through so you’ll get the results you’re wishing for.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Matching vs. standing out
You’ve basically got two routes here. Go tone-in-tone, like cream curtains in a beige room, and everything feels calm and kind of flows together. Bonus: it makes the room look bigger. Or go the opposite way and pick something that contrasts with your walls. That’s when your curtains become the thing people notice first.

Big patterns vs. little ones
Here’s the deal with patterns: The bigger and bolder they are, the more they scream for attention. Your curtains become THE thing in the room. Which is cool if that’s what you want. But if you’re already working with a lot going on, smaller prints are your friend. They add texture and interest without making the space feel like visual overload.

The layering trick
Here’s what I recommend: Put the sheer, floaty curtains right against the window. Then hang your heavier drapes in front of those. What happens? When it’s daytime, you pull back the heavy ones and you’ve got this gorgeous filtered light situation, bright but not harsh, with just enough privacy. Then at night you close everything up and it’s like being wrapped in a blanket. So cozy.

Some color combos that actually work
You can’t go wrong with warm tans, beiges, soft grays, actually that whole neutral family. They work with literally anything and won’t feel dated in three years. You’re into plants and that whole earthy aesthetic? Botanical prints and greens are perfect for that vibe. Or if you want something more modern and graphic, go bold with blacks, whites or strong monochromes.

Curtain Ideas For The Living Room

Alright, so we’ve covered a lot already, right? And you know what? I keep coming back to this one thing: Curtains actually matter way more than you’d think.

Most people treat them like something to throw up so the neighbors can’t see in. But they’re honestly one of the biggest mood-setters in your living room. Maybe THE biggest.

So I went through and found 13 curtain ideas for the living room I’m genuinely into. Here we go!

1. Light Linen Curtains

There’s something about light linen curtains that just works, you know? They’re soft but not too much, bright without being harsh. They don’t weigh the room down like heavier fabrics can.

Honestly, they’re probably my go-to for living rooms because the light situation is perfect. You get all that sunshine but it’s filtered and gentle, not blinding.

And here’s the thing: They look best when you keep it simple. Like, throw them on a plain wooden rod. Maybe stick a plant or two nearby. That’s it.

2. Lace Pattern: Curtain Ideas For The Living Room

So, let’s talk about lace curtains. I don’t know, there’s just something about them, right? They make any window look fancier, even those weird awkward ones nobody knows what to do with.

The key is to not overthink it: Hang them up, step back, done. They’re pretty enough on their own.

Here’s the catch though (and this is important!): Lace does basically nothing for privacy. Like, zero. It’s pretty, the light looks amazing coming through, but your neighbors can absolutely see your entire living room. Especially once it gets dark and you turn the lights on. So yes, it’s really more about looks than actually blocking anything out.

I’m weirdly obsessed with lace on small windows because the fabric is so light and floaty that it doesn’t crowd the window or make it feel smaller. Which is great when you’re already tight on space.

Massive windows with floor-length lace is where it really shines. It looks insanely elegant. Pro tip: You want them to end right above the floor, like maybe an inch or two. Not dragging on the ground, but not awkwardly floating either. That little detail makes a big difference.

Anyway, if you’re going for that romantic, kind of old-world vibe, lace is it.

3. Cheerful & Colorful Patterns

You want to wake up your living room a bit? Colorful, patterned curtains will do that in like two seconds.

Small windows can totally handle bold patterns. I know it sounds backwards (like wouldn’t that make them look smaller?), but it actually does the opposite. Bright florals, wild stripes, whatever you feel like. It makes that little window feel intentional and fun instead of sad and forgotten.

The trick is not going overboard everywhere else. If your curtains are screaming for attention, keep your walls relaxed. Maybe put in a couple pillows that pick up one of the colors from the curtains, but that’s it.

4. Heavy Valuable Curtains

Okay so if you want your living room to feel fancy and pulled-together, heavy curtains are where it’s at.

There’s this thing that happens with thick, luxe fabrics that you just can’t get with anything lightweight. The room feels elegant, sure, but also (and this is the part I love) SO cozy. Like wrap-yourself-in-a-blanket cozy. It’s that weight and texture doing all the work.

Velvet, brocade and those really substantial fabrics never go out of style. Plus they’re not just pretty, they actually make the room warmer and way quieter. Which is kind of a bonus you don’t think about until you have them.

Here’s what I’d do: Get a nice decorative rod, nothing too plain. Add some subtle tiebacks to hold them open during the day. It frames the whole window in this really polished way.

Heavy curtains just hit different. Especially in winter.

5. Accent In Greige

Okay, greige. I was skeptical at first but now I’m kind of obsessed. It’s one of those colors that just works.

It makes a room feel calm without being boring.

And here’s why I love it most: It goes with everything. Really, everything. Your couch is brown leather? Fine. You’ve got black picture frames? No problem. You’ve got a steel lamp? Yes, that works too. It’s extremely versatile.

But here’s the thing: You can’t just do all greige or it gets bland real fast. So I always recommend to bring in items with texture, like a chunky knit pillow, maybe a rug that’s got some pattern. Just something to break it up a bit.

6. Delicate White Touch

You know what’s funny? Sometimes the most basic choice ends up being the best one. White curtains are like that.

I always come back to them because they just get along with everything.

And the nice thing is they give you this clean, calm backdrop so if you want to go wild with colorful pillows or art or whatever you like, you can. The curtains aren’t competing.

Big windows especially are where white curtains really shine. All that natural light comes through but it’s softer and not harsh, so the room still feels open and airy instead of closed off.

7. Blue Pattern: Curtain Ideas For The Living Room

A little blue in a curtain pattern could be soft and beachy or bold and modern. It depends on the shade and design.

Patterned blue curtains work really well in living rooms because they add character.

I recommend to pair them with light neutral colors, some wood furniture and maybe metallic accents if that’s what you like. Layer them with plain sheer curtains behind or put some matching pillows on the couch. That ties it all together.

Blue patterns just look good, they’re that pop of color that makes the room feel finished instead of plain.

8. Harmonious Overall Appearance: Tone In Tone

You know when curtains kind of melt into the wall color? Like they’re part of the room instead of just hanging there. That’s what we’re going for with this idea.

Going tone-in-tone makes everything feel calm and pulled together.

You can do plain curtains or go with a pattern like in the picture, the pattern actually pops more when the color matches the walls.

Just put in some pillows or a rug in the same color family and you’re done. The whole room just feels complete.

9. Curtain Panels

Curtain panels are the classic option, especially if you’ve got big windows. You can layer sheer ones behind solid ones to control how much light comes in. It’s pretty flexible.

I like adding some decorative pieces nearby to finish it off and make it look intentional.

Or if you want it cozier, do what they did in the photo: Stick an armchair there with some soft pillows and a throw blanket and add a floor lamp. Voilà, you’ve got an instant reading nook.

10. Layered Curtains

If you want your room to feel more open and interesting, layer your curtains.

It’s one of those things that gives you options. Just put sheers behind heavier curtains and you can change the light and privacy whenever you need to. In the morning, just pull back the heavy ones. In the evening, close everything up.

And you can mess around with colors and patterns. Start with neutral sheers, then add something bolder on top. Looks way better than just one flat layer.

I advice to use some simple tiebacks to keep everything from looking messy. They hold the layers in place.

11. Leaf Pattern: Curtain Ideas For The Living Room

Curtains with leaf patterns kind of bring the outside in.

They work in living rooms because the shapes feel alive and moving, but they’re not screaming for attention or anything.

My tip: Pair them with wood furniture or some actual plants. This keeps everything feeling connected.

And don’t go crazy with color everywhere else. Let the pattern do its thing while the rest stays pretty neutral.

12. Bold Monochrome

Bold black and white curtains? Yes, I’m totally into that. They make everything feel sharp and clean.

I advice to keep your furniture simple so it doesn’t compete. And add some texture here and there (you don’t want it feeling too cold or sterile).

You could also throw in a soft blanket or a rug with some pattern, but I recommend to stick to the same colors though.

13. Two-Layers: Colorful & Pattern

Two curtain styles layered together, one bright, one patterned, makes your living room way more interesting to look at.

It’s a smart move because you get to use those bold colors you like without it being too in-your-face. The pattern mellows it out.

Try a deep jewel tone with something geometric or leafy that’s more subtle. And keep the rest of your decor neutral so the curtains are what catches your eye.

Styling Recipes For Common Living Situations

Picking curtains isn’t always about what’s trendy. Sometimes it’s just about what actually works in your space. Small apartment? Got pets? Kids running around? Those things matter way more than whatever’s popular on Social Media right now.

Here’s what I’d do for different situations:

Tiny rooms: Hang your curtains as high as you can, basically touching the ceiling. Run the rod like 10-15cm past the window on each side. Use sheer fabric and keep colors close to your wall color. That makes the whole room feel bigger and lighter.

Dark rooms: Sheer curtains are your friend, they let that natural light in. Then add some lighter furniture or metallic hardware that reflects light around.

Big wall of windows: Get a track system with those ripple-fold curtains that go the entire wall. This looks clean and shows off how much space you’ve got instead of breaking it up.

Renting: Tension rods or those clip brackets that don’t need holes. When you move out, take them down. They’ll leave zero damage and you can keep your deposit.

Pets or kids: Washable fabric that can take some abuse is what you need. Don’t let them puddle on the floor where they collect dirt and get yanked on. Cotton or cotton blends hold up well and still look decent.

Curtain Mistakes & Chic Fixes You’ll Love (With Checklist)

Even when you think you’ve got it figured out, curtains can still go wrong in annoying ways. But most of these problems are easy to fix once you spot them.

Here’s what usually goes sideways:

Curtains are too short: When they’re floating above the floor looking awkward, it just feels unfinished. Either get them hemmed longer or add a strip of fabric at the bottom that coordinates.

They look flat and sad: Not enough fabric makes curtains look cheap. Add another panel or buy wider ones. They need some volume to look right.

Hung too low: Putting the rod right above the window makes your ceiling look lower than it is. Move it up closer to the ceiling, suddenly the whole room feels taller.

Too much pattern everywhere: Busy curtains plus busy rug plus busy furniture? Your eyes don’t know where to look. Calm down one thing, maybe go solid on the curtains or get a neutral rug.

Fabric’s turning yellow: Sun damage. Get some lining for your curtains or stick UV film on the window. Saves them from fading and falling apart.

I put together a quick checklist so you don’t have to remember all this. Just run through it and you’ll catch the mistakes before they happen:

✅ Too short → Re-hem or extend with a border
✅ Not enough fullness → Add a panel or order wider widths
✅ Mounted too low → Raise rod for more height
✅ Too many patterns → Calm one surface (panels or rug)
✅ Yellowing/discoloration → Add lining or UV-protection

Care, Durability & Sustainability

Take care of your curtains and they’ll last way longer while still looking decent.

Run a vacuum over them or give them a quick brush every once in a while to get the dust off. How often you wash them depends on what they’re made of, light sheers get dirty faster than heavy velvet.

A handheld steamer is amazing for getting wrinkles out without dealing with an iron and a board. It’s way easier.

Add lining if you haven’t already, it stops the sun from bleaching out the color. And put some lubricant on those hooks or rings so the fabric doesn’t get shredded from sliding back and forth.

You care about sustainability? Go for natural fabrics, look for Oeko-Tex certified materials and buy hardware that’s actually built to last instead of cheap items you’ll replace in a year.

Closing The Curtains

Picking curtains isn’t just about blocking light. It changes how your whole living room feels.

Breezy linen, bold black and white, whatever you choose: It sets the vibe and either makes your windows pop or just blends in.

It depends on what you’re going for and what matches the rest of your space.