how to choose curtain color

How To Choose Curtain Color

Picking the right curtain color was tough for me. My first apartment had beige walls and neutral furniture, which made the room feel dull and lacking in life. I didn’t know how to choose a curtain color that would fit.I went with navy blue curtains. The change was instant. The room felt warmer and more inviting. The curtains brought the whole space together.

Why Curtain Colour Matters: Setting the Mood in Your Home

It can change the way a room feels. Light colours bring a fresh, open vibe. Dark makes a room feel cosy and warm. The right colour creates the right mood.

Colours affect how we feel. Bright brings energy. Soft brings calm. For example, navy blue curtains made my living feel inviting. The right colour helps set the tone of your space.

Look at your walls, furniture, and lighting. White walls pair well with both bold and neutral curtains. Curtains should complement, not clash, with your style.

Lighting matters too. Rooms with lots of natural light look good with light. Rooms with less light need more light to feel cosy. 

Consider Your Room’s Existing Palette

Choosing the right starts with understanding your room’s colours. Look at the walls, furniture, and decor. These elements will guide your decision. For example, if your walls are neutral, boldly add contrast and energy. On the other hand, if you have colourful furniture, Neutral curtains might balance things out.

For rooms with white walls, You have flexibility. You can go for bold, dark tones to create drama or light colours to keep the space airy and open. Neutral tones like grey or beige also work well with white walls, providing a clean, Timeless look.

02. Understand the Impact of Light

Natural light is a huge factor in how we look. Light walls bring light to rooms with low natural light exposure. Soft colours, such as white, beige or light pastels, can give the room a more open feel. On the other hand, rooms that have lots of natural sunlight can take darker tones. Deeper colours, Deep tones such as navy, charcoal, or emerald can help balance the brights and add a cosy feeling throughout the home.

03. Consider the Room’s Purpose and Mood

Different rooms are designed with different purposes, and they can paint a picture, a mood. In the bedroom, small pastel, grey or white tones are contributing to an overall peaceful vibe. For living rooms and kitchens, colours like yellow, red or blue can add energy and life. Ultimately, it’s about finding a curtain colour that matches the energy.

04. Match Curtain Colour to Your Furniture and Décor

Your furniture and decor should inform your decision. If you’re furniture is darker in colour, lighter colours create a contrast and stop the room from feeling too heavy.  If your furniture is light, darker shades add depth. To make sure that the room feels balanced when it comes to patterns and textures. Ensure that your curtains do not have a face-off with other elements, such as throw pillows or rugs, but complement them.

05. Think About Curtain Fabric and Texture

The material of your colour curtains changes the way the colour appears. Gently hanging fabrics, such as linen or cotton, give a casual look, and lighter-weight fabrics can appear even more gentle. Heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade are more formal and luxurious, particularly in dark, rich colours. Select a fabric that aligns with the vibe, and if the texture will work with the overall feeling of the space.

06. Don’t Forget About Accents and Trim

A small accent can guide your curtain choice. Look at your throw pillows, rugs, or artwork—these can help you choose a colour that complements the rest. Curtains with trims or patterns can also add personality. For example, simple solid curtains with a decorative trim can give a clean yet stylish look.

How To Get the Perfect Curtain Colour Every Time

Use Fabric Swatches to Visualise the Curtain Colour Before Committing

Before deciding, always try with fabric samples. Take them to your room and compare them against your walls, furniture, and lighting. This way, you can see what the colour looks like in your room, in different lighting conditions. It’s easier to make a decision when you can see in person how the colour works against your skin.

Take a Photo of Your Room with and Without Curtains

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how the curtains will transform the room. As enthusiast online quarantiners the world over know, one simple trick is to take a photo of the pad both with and without draperies. It gives you an unencumbered vantage of the way the colors mix with the other decor in your room. It also forces you to see any contrasts or harmonies there may be, some of which might be more difficult to see when you’re in there.

Consider Seasonal Changes

It can shift with the seasons. Lighter, airy curtains feel fresh and bright during the summer months. Fabrics like linen or cotton in soft pastels or whites work great for this. In the winter, you may want to switch to warmer, deeper tones like burgundy, charcoal, or gold. These create a cosy, inviting atmosphere that matches the season’s mood.

Types of Curtains and When to Use Them

Sheer Curtains

It lets in soft, natural light. They create an airy feel in any room. These are perfect for spaces where you want sunlight without losing privacy. Use them in modern living rooms, dining areas.

Blackout Curtains

It blocks out all light. They are great for bedrooms where total darkness is needed. Use them in media rooms or nurseries to control light for better sleep or movie time.

Patterned Curtains

It add style and personality. They bring texture to a room. Use them in living or offices where you want to make a statement. Pair with simple furniture to avoid clashing designs.

Solid Curtains

It is classic and easy to match. They work well in any room. Choose them for a clean, balanced look. Solid helps other decor pieces stand out.

Conclusion

Choosing the right curtain colour is simple. Start with the colours already in your room. Look at your walls, furniture, and lighting. Pick a colour that matches the mood you want to create.

Trust your instincts and have fun experimenting. You can always change the as your style evolves. Curtains are a small change, but they can make a big difference in how your room feels.

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