Choosing between plain or patterned curtains comes down to your own personal style and the effect you want the curtains to have in a space. If you're looking for a way to bring in color, character and visual interest to a room, then patterned curtains can be a great option.
A plain curtain will be timeless, it won't go out of style and it's unlikely you will fall out of love with them in the way you might with an eclectic pattern.
Art Deco Revival: The resurgence of Art Deco design in 2023 curtains brings a touch of 1920s and 1930s glamour to any room, with geometric shapes, luxurious materials, and bold patterns creating a timeless elegance. The Art Deco Pearl Lined Eyelet Curtains Silver Grey exemplifies this trend.
Do curtains have to match your furniture? Curtains don't have to match your furniture. Still, if they are the same style, texture, or color or are in colors that complement your couch, they can add to your desired look and achieve a unified look.
There is a real range of combinations out there for your walls and curtains to take, and as Natalie Rebuck, principal of Re:Design Architects says, 'curtains should complement the wall color, but this doesn't mean they need to match the wall color. '
Which color curtains go with everything? Neutral curtains in tones such as beige, taupe and gray, as well as white and nearby shades such as ivory and cream can be the go-with-everything choice.
So, are there any set rules on whether your curtains should be lighter or darker than the walls? Ultimately, experts agree that your curtains can be whatever color you want them to be, it completely depends on the style, mood and function of the room you're decorating.
Mirror your wall color
Whether you embraced dark or light paint ideas, choosing curtains that match your wall color will blend both elements together as one, and work to establish a more calming and restful atmosphere where there are fewer visual disruptions.
Try to avoid curtains with heavily coloured horizontal patterns or large floral prints as these can dominate a room and make the space seem more cluttered. Instead, opt for light, airy designs and always hang them high.
A general rule of thumb is for curtains & walls to be one shade lighter or darker than each other, or be a complimentary colour to each other. Although light or dark curtains can influence the mood of a room, provided they match the colour, hues & shade of the walls, it will be a good choice.
Chevron, plaid, florals, artsy, animal prints, check, gingham – these are just some of the most fashionable prints in fashion for fall 22/23. Leopard print is one of the most trendy prints, or at least as fashionable as marble and checkboard print. ✔️ Think high colour, busy repeats and mich-match.
Curtain materials like organic cotton, bamboo and recycled fabrics are becoming increasingly popular choices for window treatments. Not only are these materials better for the environment, but they also offer a natural, organic feel to a space.
Sparked by a neo-70s revival from the Quentin Tarantino's “Once a upon a time in Hollywood”, expect this surface pattern design trend for 2023 to contain hues of mustard, orange and tan. Lookout for faded, aged, blurred lines, and pattern prints with a nod to historical dynasties of the past.
The colors are not altered (the light received by the room is nuanced without coloring it). But using curtains in white, neutral tones or soft earths is a trick that works to make the room bigger, visually enlarges it because it does not saturate and lets everything fill with light.
The answer isn't necessarily intuitive, especially since most windows in a home don't extend all the way to the ground, but more often than not, curtains and drapes look best when they reach the floor.
A window that is longer in length than width can benefit from longer curtains giving the window a larger feel. However, a very wide window that is unusually short may look better with shorter curtains. Keep in mind that in a small room curtains could potentially overwhelm the space.
Hang them high—and wide.
Longer panels will be able to reach the floor from a high rod, and make your space appear taller. Extend rods past your window casing by at least a foot, which allows panels to hang outside the window opening when pushed aside, letting the maximum amount of daylight in.
There are several trends in window treatments that focus on using environmentally friendly materials: Natural materials: Natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and hemp are becoming popular as they are sustainable and biodegradable. They also add a natural, organic look to the room.
Go with lighter curtains
Heavy curtains make the room feel dark when you want to lighten the room to make it feel brighter. Focus on the lighter curtain colors as well. A warm yellow or soft blue can help turn any room airier. You want your curtains to help spread light in your room while adding privacy.
When choosing bedroom curtains, start with material—cotton is the most common option. "Cotton is light, breathable, and easy to care for," says Emery. Opt for a machine-washable fabric if you prefer convenience. However, if you want a luxury vibe, consider a heavier, more sumptuous fabric.
Your curtains or other window treatments in adjoining rooms don't have to be exactly the same, but similar styles or colors will work well. In some situations, you may want to mismatch on purpose. For example, you may want to bring attention to a specific window or even a set of windows.
Light colours are considered lucky for curtains, especially in bedrooms. White, peach and light blue are ideal colours for curtains in bedrooms as well as living rooms.
Dark coloured curtains work very well in spacious interiors or high-ceilinged rooms to visually shrink the space and give it a cozier vibe. Use them to anchor the space without overwhelming the setting; repeat the colour of the curtains somewhere else in the room so they don't look out of place.
Cons: The disadvantages of white curtains, on the other hand, is that its colour is hard to maintain over time. The colour can fade and turn darker, especially when the colour is not maintained. The dirt in the curtain is also visibly seen, and they get dirty quickly, which is why they need to be cleaned regularly.