What color should you match your curtains to?

Author: Amie Kovacek  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

It is recommended that you get curtains that are slightly darker or lighter than your wall shade to avoid making the room feel dull. White curtains are classy and clean. They have the ability to brighten up any room (even a beige one). To go bold in a beige room you can also try getting orange curtains.

Should your curtains be lighter or darker than walls?

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.

What is the rule for curtain color?

The rule of thumb is to choose curtains that are in the same colour family as the walls. Yet, be sure to choose a slightly lighter or darker share of the wall to create a tone-on-tone effect. In the past, the trend was to choose curtain colours in the opposite or complementary on the colour wheel of your wall paint.

Should curtains be lighter or darker than a couch?

Whether curtains should be darker or lighter than your couch really depends on your design goals. Darker curtains can add sophistication and create a cozy atmosphere, while lighter curtains can open up the space and create a breezy, airy vibe.

Should curtains match carpet or furniture?

'Curtains do not necessarily need to match the carpet; however, we do recommend them to be a color that is pulled from another element in the space,' says Andrea West, interior designer and founder of Andrea West Design.

How to Match Curtains with Your Home Decor?

What should my curtains match?

Exact match: For a seamless, understated look, match the curtains exactly to the wall color. This technique can make the room appear larger and more unified. Lighter or darker: Choose curtains that are a few shades lighter or darker than your wall color to create depth and interest without a stark contrast.

Is it normal for the carpet to not match the drapes?

Drapes and carpets deserve their own personalities and need not be identical twins in color, pattern or texture. At the same time, they should be like best friends that always get along brilliantly.

What color curtains make a room look bigger?

Neutral tones like ivory white, and beige make a bedroom look bigger. This is because lighter tones create an illusion of vast and brighter space.

How to pick curtain color?

Pick curtains at least one shade lighter or darker than the walls to prevent them from blending in and disappearing. If you're choosing white curtains, remember that light colors tend to be less opaque than dark colors. You might need to add a curtain liner to a white curtain if you have privacy concerns.

Should throw pillows match curtains?

Match Draperies and Pillows

Using the same material will help unify the color scheme. This approach works particularly well with neutral colors. With this strategy, the goal is to keep the pillows and draperies as close in color and fabric as possible.

What is the rule of thumb when buying curtains?

A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more) to achieve a look of proper fullness. Example: If your window measures 36" wide (window width x 2 = 72"), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72".

When not to use white curtains?

We advise against white curtains in areas frequented by small children as accidents can happen. Pets are also a consideration, especially if they love to hide behind curtains (like our poor old labrador did); unfortunately the oils in their fur can transfer grubby marks onto your pristine curtains.

Is it better to have plain or patterned curtains?

For a vibrant, energetic space, patterned curtains might be the way to go. For a serene, understated environment, plain curtains could be the better choice. Don't be afraid to mix and match—sometimes combining both can create a unique and balanced look.

Which color is best for curtains?

Black, white, grey, brown, and beige are all neutral colours. Neutral curtain colours as per Vastu are considered the best. You can combine them with colors of your choice to add a pop of color here and there to make it brighter, if needed.

Should I get beige or white curtains?

Beige curtains can create a clean, minimalistic look for your room. It is recommended that you get curtains that are slightly darker or lighter than your wall shade to avoid making the room feel dull. White curtains are classy and clean. They have the ability to brighten up any room (even a beige one).

Do curtains look better short or long?

Ultimately, the choice between short and long curtains comes down to personal preference and the specific style of the room. For example, a modern, minimalist room might benefit from the neat lines of short curtains, while a traditional, luxurious living room might be better suited to long, flowing drapes.

What color curtains go with everything?

What Colour Curtains Go with Everything? Selecting a neutral colour palette is usually the best approach when choosing curtains that will stand the test of time. Neutral curtains are versatile and can complement a wide range of wall colours and decor styles.

Should your curtains be the same color as your couch?

Conclusion Your Curtains be the Same Colour as Your Sofa

Whether you choose to match or contrast, the key is to create a cohesive and visually appealing interior that reflects your unique style and makes you feel comfortable in your home.

What color curtains make a room look brighter?

Using light toned curtains helps to brighten the window area and make the room look bigger. White, classic and refreshing, plain white curtains are perfect for helping to brighten the room.

What color house looks the most expensive?

Colors that make your home look more expensive
  1. British green (Racing green) This is a color trend that is reflected in the increased popularity of indoor plants and the desire to spend more time outdoors. ...
  2. Pale pink. ...
  3. Sky blue. ...
  4. Accessible beige. ...
  5. Light coral.

How to make curtains look expensive?

Hang Them High

Hanging your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible make your ceilings appear higher, giving a more spacious feel to the room. The average ceiling height is 8-feet tall. So it's recommended to hang your curtain rod close to the ceiling and use curtains that are 95 inches long.

What color makes a room feel cozy?

Choose neutrals with undertones of yellow, pink, or red to add warmth. Creamy whites, soft beiges, and gentle taupes can serve as a soothing backdrop for any room, making the space feel more intimate and cozy.

Should curtains match carpet or walls?

Curtains must also complement another home décor like furniture, carpets, sofa, and decorative items. No law states that you can only match your curtain depending on the colour of your couch and wall. At the end of the day, it all depends on your style and preference.

Are drapes out of style?

For window coverings that block out light but can be pulled up or away to let in plenty of sunlight when preferred, look to traditional fabric window covering styles with blackout liners. “Single or double pinch-pleat drapes and Roman shades are timeless classics that never go out of style,” Lynch says.

Should all the curtains in my house match?

While buying curtains or blinds that match any interior design is possible, we recommend most people stick with a single theme. Nevertheless, if you've never cared much for being told what to do, you maverick, then you'll need to find creative ways to divide your home while maintaining a cohesive theme.

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