Creative Curtains to Showcase Your Dining Room
The dining room is one of the most important spaces for entertaining and bringing family and friends together. The right curtains can help set the perfect mood and bring your dining decor to life. Whether you want to make a bold statement or prefer a subtle, refined look, the curtains you choose for your dining room windows will have a big impact.
When selecting dining room curtains, creativity and practicality need to work hand-in-hand.
Consider the Space and Style
Before shopping for curtains, take stock of your dining room's current design. Note the size and layout, including the shape and number of windows. This will determine the number and dimensions of panels needed.
Also identify the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Formal dining rooms may call for luxurious curtains in damask or jacquard fabrics. For contemporary spaces, clean-lined linen or cotton curtains offer an unfussy look. Cottage-style dining rooms can handle playful printed curtains. Whatever your style, choose curtains that will enhance the existing furniture and decor.
Space Considerations
- Bay windows: Allow using full-length curtains for drama.
- Wide windows: Hang curtains beyond the window frame to accentuate height.
- Small spaces: Opt for light colors and fabrics to avoid overwhelming.
Style Considerations
- Formal: Damask, jacquard, velvet, and silk in rich hues.
- Casual: Cotton, linen, lace in neutrals and patterns.
- Modern: Solid sheers and drapes in bold solids.
Functionality First
Before finalizing your dining room curtain style, identify what functional priorities matter most. Do you need insulation from drafts or sunlight? Total blackout for late evening dinners? Sheer curtains to filter light during brunch hours? Once your functional requirements are defined, you can select the right curtains to serve those needs.
Privacy and Light Control
- Blackout curtains or shades for total darkness and privacy.
- Insulated drapes to guard against cold/heat while minimizing light.
- Layer sheers behind drapes to filter and soften incoming light.
Determine Length and Volume
- Floor or puddle length for a luxurious effect.
- Sill length for cottage-style simplicity.
- WIDE window panels for generous volume and clean folds.
Calculate Panels and Hardware
- Rod extend 3-4 inches past window edges.
- Each panel should be 1.5 to 2.5x window's width.
- Overlap panels in center for best light blockage.
Carefully measuring your windows and calculating the yardage needed for your desired curtain style is crucial for achieving the right fit. Having an extra panel or two on hand allows for future adjustments or replacement if curtains become damaged or faded over time.
Material Matters
The fabric you select affects the look, feel, and function of your dining room curtains. Assess fibers, weaves, and special finishes to choose materials aligned with your goals.
Fiber and Weave Options
- Cotton: Breathable natural fiber that drapes well.
- Silk: Luxurious with beautiful sheen, but delicate.
- Linen: Durable, casual texture that resists stains.
- Velvet: Elegant and plush with rich color saturation.
- Sheers: Lightweight polyester or cotton voiles.
Consider the amount of natural sunlight your dining room receives when selecting fabric thickness and colors. South facing rooms may require insulated drapes, while north facing rooms can opt for lighter sheers. Test swatches at home to see how colors appear in your specific lighting.
Special Finishes
- Blackout lining: Blocks external light from penetrating.
- Insulated lining: Provides protection from heat/cold.
- Noise-reduction: Absorbs external sounds.
Coordinate complementary fabrics when layering curtains. For example, hang solid blackout drapes behind loosely woven sheer panels. Or pair delicate silk drapes with sturdy linen sheers.
Design Details
Fabric is just the beginning when dressing your windows. Well-chosen colors, prints, and accents take your dining room curtains to the next level. Have fun playing with unique details and flourishes!
Colors and Patterns
- Saturated solids or subtle neutrals to set tone.
- Patterns like ikat, floral, graphic prints for interest.
- Metallic sheens and embroidery for shimmer.
- Gradations on panels for an ombre effect.
Look to your existing dining room color palette for inspiration when selecting curtain hues and patterns. Accent colors in a print can pick up on artwork tones or furniture finishes for a coordinated look.
Stylish Touches
- Eye-catching tassels, tie-backs, and trim.
- Textural ribbons, cords, or beading on panels.
- Contrast backing on sheers for a color pop.
When adding embellishments, edit judiciously so curtains still feel cohesive. Simple curtain rods, finished edges, and pleating also add polish.
Cohesive Design
- Coordinate with wall colors for harmony.
- Repurpose/vintage textiles as unique accents.
- Layer sheers and drapes in complementary hues.
Repeating dominant dining room colors in your curtain fabrics connects everything beautifully. But don't be afraid to break the rules - high-contrast curtains make a dramatic statement!
Window Treatments Beyond Curtains
Don't limit yourself to just curtains when dressing dining room windows. Consider additional treatments like valances and shades to add functionality and further style.
Valances, Swags and Scarves
- Valances mount above window to "headboard" effect.
- Swags and cascades for soft, tailored framing.
- Shaped scarves mask curtain rods or poles.
Mount swags and cascades on a separate rod or attach directly to the main curtain header. Tailor placement and fullness to your window height and shape.
Shades and Blinds
- Roller, roman, pleated, and cellular shades.
- Wood or faux wood blinds for clean lines.
- Optimal light filtering and blackout.
Layer curtains over shades or blinds to combine softness with adjustable light control. Avoid busy mixes of multiple treatments for each window.
Small and Bay Windows
- Cafe curtains: casual top down style.
- Short curtain panels with valance.
- Asymmetrical treatments for corner windows.
Adjust scale and proportions for small or uniquely shaped windows. Float small rods near the glass instead of mounting heavy drapery hardware.
Are your sewing skills up for crafting your own dining room curtains? Or will you work with a professional for custom-made perfection? Evaluate time, budget, and abilities.