Curtain Colours that Brighten up Your Living Room
Choosing the perfect curtain colours can elevate your living room from drab to dramatic. The right shades can shift the entire ambiance, creating an environment tailor-made for relaxing, entertaining or productivity.
But selecting colours that work in harmony with the rest of your space is an art and science. How do you pick shades and patterns that unify your decor instead of colliding chaotically?
Below we'll explore expert tips for choosing curtain colours to complement your existing style. You'll also discover options for every space, whether you crave cozy and intimate or light and airy vibes. Read on for inspiration!
Reasons the Right Curtain Colours Matter
At first glance curtains seem secondary to larger decor elements like sofas or rugs. But these oft-overlooked window treatments influence your living room in vital ways:
- Impact mood and ambiance - The tone set by cool blues versus warm reds directly impacts how people feel in your space.
- Affect perceived brightness - Dark colours absorb while pale shades reflect light from windows and fixtures for a daytime or dim effect.
- Expand the feel of small spaces - Lighter curtain colours "lift" low ceilings by drawing the eye upward.
- Set the colour palette - Complement existing decor or inspire a complete revamp by choosing a starting hue.
- Add personality - Vibrant tones and fun prints infuse cheer and give your room unique character.
- Control privacy and lighting - Opaque fabrics provide coverage and insulation whilesheers mainly decorate.
Consider Primary Purpose and Room Size
Before even browsing swatches, consider what you want your curtains to accomplish. Do you need:
- M aximum privacy from neighbours or street traffic? Layer lighter sheers behind blackout curtain panels.
- To filter harsh light on blistering sunny days? Medium-density fabrics in neutral tones softly diffuse the glare.
- Complete darkness for napping or movie watching? Choose thick, tightly woven fabrics that black out all light.
The size of your living room should guide choices too. Bold purple statement curtains make sense for large, open concept spaces. But vivid shades risk overwhelming a small room - instead opt for muted citrine yellow to keep things airy.
Analyze Existing Furniture and Accents
The starting point for choosing harmonious curtain colours lies in what's already in your space. Carefully analyze each element:
- Which wall and flooring colours dominate? Aim to complement or contrast.
- What wood furniture tones prevail? Pick up those hints of oak or walnut in your curtain shade.
- Do certain accent colours pop in artwork or pillows? Draw inspiration from bright spots.
Allow new curtain colours to build upon the colour story already playing out across decor. Or make them the starting point by choosing a commanding shade the rest of the room must adhere to.
Foolproof Neutral Curtain Colours
Unsure where to begin? You really can't go wrong enhancing living rooms with these versatile neutral curtain shades:
Crisp Clean White
White curtains reflect light beautifully, creating an airy, expansive feeling. This crisp neutral works wonders at showcasing natural light. Choose varying opacities for layered dimension.
Warm Ivory Tones
Slightly mellower than white, ivory also feels cozy and welcoming year-round. Pair ivory sheers with rich wooden blinds for textural contrast.
Soothing Grey Shades
On-trend grey gracefully complements existing wood and painted furniture without overpowering. Mix cool and warm greys or add texture with embroidered details.
Natural Beige and Tan
Bring out the gorgeous grain in wood floors and furnishings with beige or tan. These earthy hues provide an organic backdrop while allowing bolder accent colours to shine.
Best Vibrant Curtain Colours
Want to use curtain colour to set a specific mood? Each vibrant hue imparts a unique feel from festive to tranquil. Consider these captivating living room options:
Cheerful Leaping Lemon Yellow
Buttery yellow curtains cultivate happiness and creativity, perfect for arts and crafts spaces. Crisp white trim prevents overwhelming.
Eye-Catching Ruby and Garnet Reds
Make a wildly vibrant statement with rich red. These warm, decadent tones inspire people to settle in for long conversations by the fireplace.
Contemplative Slate Blues
Cool, grounded slate blues have a soothing yin energy that promotes relaxation and introspection. Pair with khaki accents and plenty of pillows.
Renewing Emerald and Forest Greens
Reconnect with nature by bathing your living room in verdant green hues. Green refreshes the spirit, improves focus and sparks inspiration.
Creative Ways to Mix and Match Colours
When it comes to window treatments, don't feel limited to solids or even matching sets. Eclectic colour combinations add flair. Try these creative approaches:
Different Colours in the Same Tone Family
Pick two colours from the same family like coral and salmon or teal and seafoam green. Vary textures and opacities too for extra dimension.
Thoughtfully Contrast Light and Dark
Make a statement with gorgeous contrasting schemes like ivory and chocolate or navy and lilac. Accent with metallic touches for sheen.
Incorporate Playful Patterned Fabrics
Cheerful floral curtain panels enliven rooms with vibrant shapes and colours. Ground patterns in solids with one dominant print colour tying everything together.
Sprinkle in Unexpected Patterns
Update traditional spaces with whimsical accent prints - try leaves above the couch or abstract watercolours flanking the window paired with neutral solids.
A few final interior design pointers for pulling your living room curtains together:
- Extend rod width generously beyond windows for an expanded feel.
- Layer sheer newlines and billowing backdrops for lighting control.
- Customize heading height and curtain length based on furniture.
- Embrace details like bold trim, tasseled ties and textural tape for flair.
Choosing that perfect living room curtain colour ultimately comes down to setting the right ambiance. Whether going bold or neutral, light or dark - the shades should harmonize with existing elements while achieving your functional and decorative goals.
Ready to refresh your space with new window treatments? Grab some fabric swatches and have fun seeing colours in your home lighting. Don't be afraid to get creative in finding that ideal hue to breathe new life into your living room!