Choose living room curtains based on your desired level of light control, privacy, and aesthetic. Textured linens provide a relaxed, airy feel, while heavyweight velvets add formal elegance and warmth. Always hang floor-length panels high above the window frame to make your space feel larger and more polished.
Which type of curtain is best for living room? A popular fabric choice for living room curtains is velvet for its weight, structure, and richness in texture. However, if letting in light is your primary need, a lighter, sheer fabric is preferred.
“If your curtains are too close to your sofa's color, the room can look a little flat. A subtle difference in tone or texture works beautifully. A gray sofa with charcoal curtains feels layered and smart, while a beige sofa with cream curtains gives you that soft, light look without washing things out.”
Today's drapery trends go beyond fabric—they're also about the details. Finishes like matte black, natural brass, oil-rubbed bronze and gold are popular choices that help tie the entire room together. The header style—the top of the drapery that attaches to the rod—also plays a major role in the final look.
Tips to Choose Curtain Colors
Dark curtains in a naturally well-lit room can create an elegant contrast, while light-coloured curtains can make a dimly lit room feel brighter. Texture and Fabric: The texture and fabric of your curtains can influence the overall ambience.
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Sheer layering, textured linens, soft velvets, warm neutrals, bold patterns and full-height drapery are shaping interiors this year. Discover inspiration for living rooms, lounges and bedrooms, and explore smart tracks and wave headings for a refined, tailored look.
Pinch pleat curtains are perfect for elegant, traditional spaces like formal dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms. Their tailored, evenly spaced pleats create a polished, timeless look.
Some of Stewart's homes utilize interior blinds for light regulation and privacy. Others feature windows framed by exterior shutters, operable versions of which can also be used for light control, ventilation and privacy.
Drapery continues to rise as a focal point in rooms, and ornate details are key in 2026. Think intricate trims, tassels, fringe, and banding on rich fabrics like silk and velvet. We also expect to see even more patterned fabric and bold colors being utilized.
Thankfully, Stewart was quick to ease our curtain concerns. She says, “They're beautiful, I don't have anything against them, I just don't live with them… I like to look outside. Every window [in my home] looks out to something nice, and it's just all open to the view.”
Neutral tones like gray, beige, and taupe are timeless and always in style. These classic colors work well with evolving trends and are easy to update with new throw pillows or blankets. Investing in a neutral sofa is a smart choice if you want a piece of furniture that will remain chic for years to come.
Too much furniture
Cluttering the space is the biggest mistake everyone makes. When it comes to furniture less is more, you wouldn't want to make the space feel small. Try to keep good circulation, the layout of your home should never feel cramped. You need enough space to freely move around.
Look for the color of the walls, furniture, blankets, and decorative pieces. There, items create the colors of the room, so your curtains need to fit in instead of colliding. Begin by noticing the three main colors in the room. Many times, a dominant color comes from your wall colors or main pieces of furniture.
Switch out your single curtain rod for a double rod. Then add a set of sheers closest to the window. For the front rod, hang heavier drapes made of polyester, velvet, silk or chenille. Curtains with a light filtering liner also feel thicker and heavier, so they hang nicely and feel more expensive.
Colours that Make Your Living Room Feel Welcoming
Warm shades like beige, peach, and soft yellow create a friendly and inviting atmosphere, making them ideal for social spaces.
Even though ornate valances were once a staple in traditional-style homes, they are now considered outdated. "Avoid overly ornate valances, which can feel dated and heavy," says interior designer Danielle Chiprut. "They can feel at odds with today's preference for light, airy interiors."
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Martha Stewart, 83, has nothing to hide. She's always been unabashedly candid about her life and career, including her divorce and her 2005 stint in prison for insider trading. And now, the lifestyle guru is opening up about being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease vitiligo for the very first time.
4. Choose Luxury Fabrics Like Linen or Velvet Curtains. Fabric is everything. Heavier, textured materials like velvet curtains, linen curtains, or jacquard fall in rich folds that scream “luxury.” Flimsy fabrics, on the other hand, often look cheap no matter how you hang them.
Should Drapes Be Lighter or Darker Than Walls? Lighter drapes make a room feel airy, especially with darker walls. Darker drapes, on the other hand, add drama and depth, especially with light-colored walls. The trick is to pick a shade that complements your walls without clashing.
Eco-friendly materials like jute and cotton are also trending, bringing a natural, grounded vibe to modern homes. To elevate your window curtains design to opulent heights, opt for rich, textured fabrics like jacquard or velvet that catch the light beautifully.
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
For a modern, minimalist decor style home, we recommend modern curtains that take the route of quiet sophistication. Plain neutral curtains, mostly in light colours like white, beige, cream, and soft grey reflect this understated aesthetic.
Interior design 2026 at a glance
Think repair, reuse, and timeless styles with these on-trend features: Comfort-led minimalism that feels calm, practical and easy to live with. Natural textures that bring warmth and character to everyday spaces. A balanced blend of old and new for a timeless, lived-in feel.