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Drape and curtain ideas


30 styles and tips for every room in the home |

(Image credit: John Lewis | James Merrell | Future)

Curtain ideas are essential for most homes; practical as well as super versatile, your curtains can really make or break a scheme, so thinking carefully about the design, shape and style of the curtains in your space is important.

Curtains work brilliantly at pulling a scheme all together, they can hold colors and patterns found in the rest of the room and create a unified, cohesive look with one swift swish. They can also be used to help accentuate the height of a room, the appearance of average windows, and adding much needed texture to a plain and simple space.

When planning window treatment ideas, curtains can bring in beautiful texture, color and pattern, as well as act as simple and neutral coverings, so whether you want a subtle touch that no one really notices, or a stand-out focal point, there are many options for all.

Curtain ideas 

From pencil pleat to eyelets, tab tops and box pleats, there are many different materials and types of curtains to choose from.

Natasha Painter, head of marketing at Curtains 2go says, 'when it comes to choosing curtains for your home the first thing to think about is why you need them. From delicate sheers and voiles to luxurious velvets and elegant linens, the possibilities are endless. To help narrow down the options, think about the function of the curtains. Are they to add privacy for an overlooked space, light blocking for a bedroom or simply to add some color and pattern to your room.' 

You want your curtains to complement the style of your room as well as find practical solutions and designs for light-blocking, privacy and zoning. 

Painter goes on to say, 'you should also consider the mood and decoration of the room, for example thicker linens and velvets suit more traditional spaces and voiles often look better in a contemporary, minimalist setting.'

Generally, curtains should be higher and wider than the window, so for working out how to measure for curtains, some key things to consider include the curtain length and width and the position of the curtain rod or rail.

To inspire your new scheme, and to help with the curtain ideas in your home, we have gathered a collection of curtain designs that show a range of styles across the home.

1. Create a contrast with your curtains  

(Image credit: James Merrell)

For a larger window space, using curtains of two different styles and colors can make for an elegant contrast and an eye-catching design feature in a room, a great look for modern curtain ideas.

In this colorful children’s bedroom by Kate Guinness , the curtains combine a calming cream with a bright and unexpected use of color and pattern for the leading edge of the curtains. The Rick Rack fabric by Kit Kemp injects a playful element of fun to the space, and ties in with the pink and yellow palette used throughout the room, with the cream instilling a sense of balance and harmony.

2. Bring in the beauty of the outdoors 

(Image credit: John Lewis )

For a timeless look, a patterned curtain that takes inspiration from the beauty of the outdoors, and features a floral or botanical print, can effortlessly integrate into spaces both classic and contemporary.

Here, the John Lewis & Partners Oxlisa Readymade Eyelet Curtains elegantly frame the picturesque view from the window of the green garden, with the use of green for the delicate leaf pattern establishing a beautiful connection between the two spaces.

3. Use your curtains to uplift a neutral space

(Image credit: Susie Novak Interiors)

Your curtains can transform the look of a room with added color and texture, and can be a great way to uplift a neutrally styled space with an accent color - one to remember for neutral room ideas.

Emma Clarke, director at Warner House says, ‘curtains can bring color, warmth, drama and joy to your room. More than just a finishing touch, they can be the focal point providing your scheme with charm and texture.’

In this modern dining room, designed by Susie Novak Interiors , the bright orange, patterned curtain ideas for French and patio doors work in unison with the colorful artwork to inject personality and eye-catching visual interest into the space, great for dining room curtain ideas too. With so many beautiful curtain prints and patterns to choose from, many curtains can be seen and appreciated as unique works of art throughout the home.

4. Embrace a maximalist look 

(Image credit: Archive by Sanderson Design Group)

Layering pattern on pattern, and using a bold color palette can create an impactful and daring look for maximalist decor ideas, and your curtains can be an integral part of the design. 

With maximalist botanical wallpaper proving to be quite the trend, why not extend this to your curtain ideas, as shown wonderfully in this stand-out bedroom space by Sanderson Design.  

The William Morris printed curtains elevate the use of color, print and texture that radiates throughout the space. Creating a dynamic contrast with the Golden Lily wallpaper from Sanderson Archive , the curtains in this joyful bedroom demonstrate how more is more when it comes to maximalist design.

5. Combine the classic and contemporary 

(Image credit: Curtains 2go)

To unite different eras and design styles for a rich and eclectic look, why not use a modern print or color for your curtains in a more traditional, period property.

The Hummingbird Charcoal Curtains by Curtains 2Go add an eye-catching, tropical design to this elegant, vintage-style, traditional bedroom space. Perfectly complementing the dark green paint used on the walls, this patterned curtain design enhances this bedroom space with color, shape and flowing texture.

6. Use your curtains to zone 

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

When many of us think of curtain locations, we think of windows, however, from doors to beds, to curtain closet ideas, curtains can be used throughout the home to make a room feel more private and cozy, as well as being used to help zone a space. 

In this country bedroom, designed by Sims Hilditch , the wooden poster bed has been dressed with soft, sheer curtains. Adding a tactile element of texture to the room and helping to establish a tranquil and private sleep space, these curtains nod to a traditional canopy bed design but with a more simple and organic look, an inviting look for bedroom curtain ideas.

7.  Coordinate with your wallpaper

(Image credit: James Mcdonald)

Many similar patterns can be used across both wallpaper and curtains, with both features able to bring in a beautiful element of texture, color and character into a room. 

For a statement, layered look, why not use a matching print and coordinate your curtains with your wallpaper.

As shown in this delightful study by Kate Guinness, an orange and green Seville wall fabric, installed by The Textile Wall Company , matches the curtains to establish a luxurious, plush look that feels both cozy and unique.

8. Opt for sill-length curtains 

(Image credit: Future)

It is often perceived that floor-length curtains are best in interior design, however, sill-length curtains can be just as stylish and a practical option for many. 

Creating a more casual look, sill-length curtains work well if you have a radiator below your window, or if you have a smaller sized room.

In this cozy children’s bedroom, the short curtains integrate perfectly into the space, a great look for cottage curtain ideas. As additional curtains have also been used below the bunk bed, the shorter style window curtains leave room for these to be appreciated and easily drawn back. An inviting, comforting bedroom space filled with texture, shorter curtain designs such as this can be a more practical option when designing children's bedrooms.

9. Elevate your curtains with a pelmet 

(Image credit: Christiana Syrris, Ti Archive)

Curtain pelmets, often used in classic interior spaces, are used to conceal the top of the curtain. Adding a luxurious, decorative touch to your windows, pelmets can also be used for insulation around windows, great for older buildings and large window curtain ideas.

In this traditional home, interior designer Christiana Syrris has used a beautiful, deep mustard hue on the walls, curtains and pelmets. With the different materials used adding depth and interest to the singular color palette, the pelmet used on this window elevates the design with gorgeous grandeur and tradition.

(Image credit: Genna Margolis, photography by Amy Bartlam)

Pairing white curtains with white walls can establish a relaxed, understated look that can work in interiors of all ages and styles; a timeless look for bedroom window treatment ideas. Whether you want to open up a smaller bedroom, or just celebrate the timeless beauty and versatility of working with white, white curtains are guaranteed to grow with an interior space for years to come. 

For this small master bedroom by Genna Margolis of Shapeside Design , she states of the design, ‘the goal was to brighten up the space, keep it minimal but interesting where every piece serves a purpose, and overall give it a calming and open feel.’

The white curtains blend in beautifully with the painted walls in the bedroom, creating a light and airy feel that is both calming and comforting, great for white bedroom ideas.

11. There’s nothing dull about neutral curtains

(Image credit: Mark Alexander)

A neutral scheme is both sophisticated and stylish, and these beautifully hung drapes by Mark Alexander add a wonderful texture to this calming scheme. Not only do drapes work on a practical level, but they also have impact visually - even if they’re in a soft shade. 

This neutral living room has quite a low ceiling, so to combat that they’ve been hung from top to bottom with no gaps, and the taupe color allows the eye to flow around the rest of the space, a perfect look for living room curtain ideas.

12. Create a cohesive scheme by matching the curtain color

(Image credit: Future)

Your curtains should be integral to the rest of your scheme, and not ‘jar’ visually (unless that’s the look you want). The trick is to stick to a palette, like this elegant but strong living room which works with blues and reds. Integrating these colors across all elements allows for distinct patterns to sit so closely together in harmony.  

This charming living room shows how the colors can flow around the room: from the pale stripe curtain idea to the striped storage bench, along with the bold rug and fabric on the seating.

The window valance idea here also softens the space, creating a pretty, country style finish.

13. Make sure you get the fabric weight right

(Image credit: Villa Nova)

‘When choosing the right fabric for a space you need to ask what you want from the fabric,’ advises Hayley McAfee, design director at Villa Nova .

‘If you are looking for warmth, heavier fabrics such as wool or velvet will reduce draughts. You could also use medium weight fabrics, if lined or interlined. On the other hand, lightweight fabrics will allow daylight to filter through in a living room like the one shown. If draughts are not a concern then try a sheer or unlined curtain, which you can then layer with a blackout blind to stop the light coming through.’

14. Opt for light and airy curtain ideas in a small bedroom

(Image credit: Louise Bradley )

When choosing your drapes, you need to consider your space. In a small but perfectly formed bedroom that has a lovely airy feel with whites and off-whites, you really don’t want to hang dark and heavy curtains, as London based interior designer Louise Bradley explains.

‘In order to create a delicate yet tailored aesthetic, choose a softly textured sheer full length curtain. This will allow light to gently illuminate the space while also providing privacy and layering. For a comfortable night’s sleep, add a roller blind within the window, where the level of transparency can be bespoke to your personal preference.’

15. Go for a layered look with a matching blind

(Image credit: Penny Morrison/Mike Garlick)

Curtains and blinds are a perfect place to begin adding for creating cool color and pattern contrast into your space. 

‘Curtains are an opportunity to bring a layer of softness and coziness to every room, and when teamed with a blind you get a double layered effect,’ says Harriet Sale, interior designer and head of product design at Penny Morrison .

‘You can introduce color and pattern on a large scale, and from which you can choose a complementary paint color for the walls and coordinating fabrics for other upholstery in the scheme – plus a blind. I like to use loose floaty linens for a relaxed look, and for more formal settings I use silks and velvets.' 

Think carefully too about how to hang curtains. 'Pay attention to the curtain headings for the look you are trying to create,' says Sale. '[Think about] whether you are hanging the curtains on a pole or on tracks, and whether you are going to have a valance or not.’

‘Texture can be created in a design by pairing more delicately patterned floral curtain fabrics with small checks or block colors for the other soft furnishings, like the ottoman upholstery or scatter cushions,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch. 

‘Why not use two types of patterned fabric for your curtains? A larger scale print when seen from the outside and a smaller scale design on the inside adds interest to a design and provides a taster for what can be seen within.’

16. Add character with a bold, sumptuous print

(Image credit: Warner House)

Using a bold, sumptuous print for your curtain ideas can make for a stylish design feature and focal point in a room, as well as allowing for you to express your style and personality through a beautiful print.

Emma Clarke states, 'be generous with your widths to avoid lackluster, thin curtains and show off color and design with sumptuous fullness. One great curtain idea is to add character with headings and trims. We love the pinch pleat heading: triple pinch for a heritage look, double pinch for a sleeker finish.’

17. Choose linen for an airy feel

(Image credit: Natalia Miyar)

‘I always think of window dressing as the final finishing touch to your room. The color is important, but for me the fabric and drape is at the top of my curtain list to get right,’ says Molly Freshwater, creative director at Secret Linen Store . 

‘My first rule of curtains is that they should be long to the floor and in the case of 100% linen curtains, even longer.

'If it’s an airy, bright feel that you want in the room, it has to be 100% linen. These curtains let the light dapple through, and give you privacy at the same time. They can be drawn back to almost nothing during the day, and if you want to tie them they are so light, you need only use a lovely ribbon.

'If you need to keep the light out completely, a blind behind the linen will do this job and leave your room looking light and airy as and when you want it.

'To make the room feel bigger, choose a color that disappears against your walls when drawn. Whatever you choose, if it’s space you’re after, avoid thick heavy drapes.’

(Image credit: Sara Cosgrove)

‘I love the contrast of using sheer and solid curtains together as it adds an extra dimension to an interior. It helps you to control the light and therefore the overall ambience of the space,’ says multidisciplinary interior designer, Sara Cosgrove . With practices in both Dublin and London, Cosgrove’s studio has a fluid house style and loves to integrate old and new into their spaces. 

‘When using a solid curtain fabric we love to add a trim to the leading edge to add an extra detail,’ she says.

19. Use contrasting prints for curtain lining

(Image credit: Blendworth)

If you’re opting for country florals when having your curtains made, give them a fresh, modern look by adding the element of surprise with a contrasting print on the reverse.  

‘When mixing and matching prints in a scheme, it’s vital they are in the same complementary color palette to ensure harmony throughout,’ says Yasmin Smith, head of design, Blendworth .

20. Go two tone on curtain panels

(Image credit: Jake Curtis)

Sometimes the most simple designs can be the most effective. On a large, floor-to-ceiling window or door, adding a two tone curtain brings energy into the room. For a sophisticated scheme, stick to a neutral on the majority of the curtain, and add in a contrasting shade for the top third to ensure you still benefit from the color without it distracting from the rest of the space.

21. Add a trim to plain curtain ideas

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

If you prefer plain fabrics to patterned but are concerned your drapes may ‘disappear’ against painted walls, or look a little drab, add a color block trim in a vibrant contrasting shade at the top (or at the bottom) of your curtains to make them pop, as shown here with this eye-catching fuchsia pink and soft grey combination.

22. Add decorative detailing for interest

(Image credit: Villa Nova)

Looking for curtain ideas to jazz up existing drapes? From pompoms and piping to fringing and braids, trims are a beautifully simple way to personalize plain fabrics and inject some individuality into your space. However, there are many more ways to use them than just on the edges of your curtains. 

The placement of this charming tufty braid has transformed these neutral sheers. ‘With plain fabrics you can have more fun by using the trim as a stripe effect, creating a design in its own right,’ says Hayley McAfee, design director, Villa Nova .

23. Finish with a flop over frill

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnot)

For rustic romance, consider a flop-over-frill at the top of your curtains. Popular in France, this detail looks best with ticking or a smart stripe in a contrasting color picked out from the main fabric and can be hung using curtain tape with positions for the hooks.  

Having your made-to-measure curtains finished with a leading edge (along the vertical side) in a heavier, darker fabric will not only protect them, it’s another way to introduce a contrasting shade.

24. Curtains in a bathroom? Of course!

(Image credit: JL Design)

It’s a bit of a myth that you can’t hang drapes for bathroom ideas, you simply need to be clever about how you do it. As with anywhere in the house, they can really enhance and add a decorative touch as you can see in this bathroom designed by Jessica Davis, founder of Nashville-based JL Design.

As bathrooms are generally the smallest room, you want to make sure you get the balance right with your bathroom curtain ideas – you don’t want heavy dark drapes as they will suck the light out of the room, and leave it dark and dingy. Opt for curtains with a light feel and a simple pattern that won’t take over. A bathroom is meant to be a restful place after all, not one that stimulates with bright color and pattern.

25. Incorporate a door curtain

(Image credit: Warner House)

A door curtain can help to create an enhanced feeling of coziness and warmth in a space. Adding texture, pattern and style to your doorway, a fabric curtain can also help with draft exclusion, preventing cold air passing through an entryway. 

An elegant way to frame and add an element of softness to a doorway, a door curtain can help to create a more inviting entrance into your home. 

As shown in this entryway, the Celeste Charcoal fabric curtain by Warner House uplifts the doorway with pattern and welcoming texture.

26. Make a dark corner feel vibrant with a mix of patterns

(Image credit: Madeaux)

We asked Richard Smith, founder and creative director at Madeaux,   how to integrate curtains with a scheme full of patterns.

‘I love combining lots of different-scale patterns and prints to create a rich, dynamic and balanced scheme,' said Smith. 'By layering contrasting wallpapers and fabrics across your walls, upholstery, curtains and other decorative touches, you can create a maximalist interior full of personality and warmth, perfect for social spaces such as living or dining rooms.

'Create a visual link by choosing complementary tones and combine different weaves, embroideries and prints to add depth. Here, the greens on the wall and the chairs are elevated by the earthy tones seen on the rug and the sophisticated textural weave of 'Firenze' on the curtains, resulting in a seamless design scheme. 

'Choose softer neutrals on the curtains to give the illusion of more light but experiment with texture and decorative trimmings here to add interesting detail and more of a design statement.’

27. Use curtains to trick the eye

(Image credit: Kelling Designs)

‘If you have windows at various heights, then I'd always use these to give the illusion space,’ advises Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at London-based Kelling Designs .

'For the higher window, take your curtains right to the ceiling as this will make the room feel taller and make the most of the ceiling height. For lower windows, fit the curtain rail to above the window leaving the wall above exposed as this will help balance the space and give a sense of grandeur. ’

This living room shows an elegant example of bay window ideas, with the colorful patterned curtains and soft green pelmet beautifully framing the window and the view outdoors.

28. Match curtains to a bed canopy

(Image credit: Billy Bolton)

Don’t stop at curtain ideas for windows when adorning a bedroom. In a neutral room, ensure visual interest by including layers and fabric and texture, like with this draped canopy which forms a focal point without overwhelming the room. 

‘The canopy was designed as a contemporary take on a more traditional style bed, creating a warm, elegant, inviting space,’ says Riley Brooks, co-founder of Liberty Brooks, who worked with TR Studio on this project. 

29. Use curtains to add a characterful touch to a kitchen space 

(Image credit: Alicia Taylor)

When it comes to organizing which rooms in the home need curtains, kitchens are often very low down on the priority list - or not on the list at all! Depending on the design of your kitchen and your personal preference, there is no rule to say curtains cannot be brought into this hub of the home.  

A great option for open-plan designs, or a kitchen-diner, kitchen window curtain ideas, can add a welcoming element of texture and softness to this functional space. With lighter, neutral designs proving popular for recent kitchen curtain ideas, you can be as subtle or as bold as you like.

30. Block light in bedrooms with blackout fabric

(Image credit: Loom & Last)

Fancy neutral hues and lightweight fabric in your bedroom but are concerned about morning light waking you? 

You need curtain ideas with blackout lining, so you can snooze soundly however bright it is outside. This can be built into blinds if you'd rather keep the curtains filmy, but if your room gets good light during the day, and is spacious enough, a heavier curtain with blackout fabric will look fitting and offer insulation against the cold, too.

What curtains are in style?

Over the last few years we’ve seen a resurgence of beautiful blousy style curtains, ones that are full length and with stunning prints and weaves. However, simpler farmhouse curtain ideas and country curtain ideas are also very much en vogue. Try to find designs that make the room complete and are integral to the rest of the scheme, because curtains should be as important as the furniture and accessories, not an afterthought. They can make a neutral scheme suddenly feel uber stylish, or add that level of luxury that you can’t achieve anywhere else. 

For some more guidance on choosing and planning the curtain ideas for your home, our curtain mistakes to avoid guide has plenty of advice.

How do you choose curtain fabric?

Consider the style and period of your home, as well as the other colors, textures and patterns in the room. ‘The best color for curtains is at least one shade lighter or darker than the walls,’ says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott .

Lining your curtains will gives a fuller, more luxurious look. Consider interlining too – an extra layer of insulating fabric (sometimes called bump) between the lining and surface material – as this will reduce chills, and even noise, from outside. Unlined curtains are also one of the things that makes a house look cheap.

Emma Clarke says, 'almost any fabric can be used as a curtain provided it has beautiful drape. Best quality curtain lining and interlining materials give a luxurious finish, enhancing the beauty of the fabric and accentuating shape and fullness.'

What is the best material for curtains? 

The best material type is the one that suits your chosen room best. A big draughty house will benefit from heavy velvet curtains with lining to create that cosy feel during the cooler months and add a touch of luxury.

On the other end of the scale, linen in all its glory is perhaps one of the most popular choices and it’s easy to see why – slubby and glorious, it hangs beautifully and comes in an array of subtle shades. Voiles are a good curtain idea for bathrooms, and if you fancy a spot of glamour in the bedroom opt for silk-lined drapes. 

What are the different curtain styles?

Eyelets or pencil pleats are standard on ready-made curtains, so a decorative heading on made-to-measure curtains suggests quality, whatever your fabric. Choose from double and triple pleats, flop-over frills or informal gathers.

Clarke says, 'add character with headings and trims. At Warner House we love the pinch pleat heading: triple pinch for a heritage look, double pinch for a sleeker finish. And add luxurious brush fringe or smart animal print tape to the leading edge for a polished effect.'

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

With contributions from

55 Curtain Designs to Inspire Your Next Home Makeover

1

Tiny Checks

Douglas Friedman

In the media room of his New York City home, TV personality Thom Filicia dressed his windows in floor-length curtains patterned in the tiniest of gray-and-white checks, a move that—pro tip—not only gives the illusion of more generous windows, but also adds subtle texture to the largely neutral scheme.

2

Prettily Patterned Roman Shades

Pascal Chevallier

Leave it to a Dior executive to have shades that look like haute couture! In the breakfast room of her Paris flat, Mathilde Favier selected a floral fabric by the late, great French decorator Madeleine Castaing to inject feminine flair to a classic Roman shade.

3

Gauzy Neutrals

Read McKendree

The views from this Pebble Beach, California, house are too good to be tampered with. So design firm Workshop/APD ensured that the curtains wouldn’t interfere. Follow suit by selecting a long, semi-sheer neutral for a laid-back vibe.

4

Textured Roman Shades

Stephen Kent Johnson

For a rustic, layered look, opt for thick, textured fabrics, as designer Ryan Lawson did in this Connecticut Colonial. The natural fibers pair perfectly with the homeowners’ bohemian artworks and accessories.

5

Geometric and Floor-Grazing

Mike Van Tassell

Designer Gail Davis used subtly patterned, floor-length curtains to create the illusion of height in this New Jersey home office. The diminutive green print, meanwhile, works to draw the eye outside.

6

A Touch of the Tropics

Douglas Friedman

No one uses pattern quite like Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Here in this dreamy Maui home, he worked to bring the lush tropical colors inside in both the window treatments and in the bed curtains, which are in a JAB Anstoetz fabric.

7

Pistachio-Hued

Pierrick Verny

The unapologetically maximalist home of French lighting designer Marie-Lise Féry features plenty of unexpected color combos. We especially love how she used curtains in pistachio (a textile by Métaphores) and dusty pink (a Kvadrat fabric) hues to pick up the colors in the rest of the room.

8

Boho Border

Amy Neunsinger

If all-over pattern isn’t quite your thing, take a cue from design duo Nickey Kehoe and opt for sweeping curtains with an ornate border, as seen here in star chef Suzanne Goin’s Los Angeles home. Pattern recognition alert: The curtains nod to the checked edging on the lampshade.

9

Rust-Colored Velvet

Yves Drieghe

Antiques dealer and designer Jean-Philippe Demeyer called a medieval hunting lodge home. So it’s no surprise that the windows also featured details fit for an aristocrat, like these sumptuous rust-colored draperies. But if you choose to go heavy, make sure you lighten the mood with bright furnishings.

10

All-Over Pattern

Haris Kenjar

Can clashing patterns on your furniture and windows actually work? Yes, according to Heidi Caillier, who selected an abundance of bold prints in this Fox Island home outside Seattle. The trick is balancing scales and patterns, as with the large floral Scalamandré print on the sofa and the smaller, geometric Katie Lee fabric on the window treatments.

11

Peachy-Keen Sheers

Thomas Loof

Another fun idea: Choose curtains that are a tint or two lighter than your walls, as Summer Thornton did in this Chicago home. Note that the cashmere curtains’ lower trim picks up the exact color of the de Gournay damask wallcovering.

12

Stripes Galore

Douglas Friedman

This 1920s Palm Beach villa has a flamboyant history (it used to belong to a duped countess) and flamboyant interiors to match, ever since interior designer Mark D. Sikes overhauled it. Also matching? The furnishings, walls, and window treatments, all in a Fermoie stripe. Do it if you dare!

13

Flipped Prints

Isabel Parra

For a home in the Hamptons, up-and-coming designer Remy Renzullo looked to the decorating greats of the 20th century (think Billy Baldwin and Sister Parish) and his own childhood home. Here, in a bedroom, he played with a French ​​Provençal fabric, upholstering the bed and curtains in a dark blue pattern and covering the walls in its reverse.

14

Farmhouse Sweet

Mikkel Vang

Not all curtains need to be dramatic or floor-grazing. Here in the guest bedroom of a New York farmhouse, designer Virginia Tupker hung mid-length drapes. Their length creates a perfect sight line across the room, and their pattern—a Les Indiennes cotton—introduces just the right amount of country-chic sweet.

15

Lush Botanical Print

Ricardo Labougle

There are patterns aplenty in this Paris apartment designed by Lorenzo Castillo. To keep things classy, not clashy, the designer selected prints in the same teal, red, and cream colors, as with the GP & J Baker linen curtains. Follow suit to pull off a similarly elegant look.

16

Buttery Yellow

Jennifer Hughes

At first blush, Darryl Carter’s 1913 Washington, D.C., townhouse appears to be largely neutral. But the designer relied on subtle, citrus-hued textiles to bring in a ray of warmth, as he did with the floor-length butter-yellow curtains.

17

Opulent Florals

Mikkel Vang

Designer Nathan Turner liberally applied Nicholas Herbert’s floral Coromandel cotton to the walls and windows of this New York pied-à-terre to bring lightness to the room’s heavy, dark wood furnishings. After all, you can never have too much of a good thing.

18

Midas-Touched

Stephen Kent Johnson

You might think that floor-length curtains work best in a bedroom or a formal sitting room, but New York designer Tatyana Miron Ahlers shows that they can work in a kitchen too. Here, in her Manhattan apartment, she hung up golden draperies to complement cinnamon-colored banquettes and the multicolored flecks in the terrazzo flooring.

19

Regal Roman

Paul Costello

In her New Orleans home, the late author and hostess-with-the-mostest Julia Reed worked with designers Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman to create a space that nodded to tradition, but that was filled with her own flourishes. To give the living room that classic, timeless feel, she selected shades in a sunny Pierre Frey stripe.

20

Variegated Valence

Miguel Flores-Vianna

Ava Gardner once lived in this Madrid apartment, and designer Isabel López-Quesada ensured that the place kept the “earthiness” that once attracted the Hollywood starlet to the Spanish city—but with a hearty dose of glamour. Here in the bedroom, López-Quesada worked with a white base, but added panache with a matching curtain and valance in a Brunschwig & Fils fabric.

21

Organic Materials

Richard Foulser

Interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent used rolled seagrass rugs as shades for the windows of their Montauk retreat, which is filled with design details influenced by their trips to Portugal, Mexico, and Peru.

22

Pattern on Pattern

Michael Mundy

Yes, you can mix and match patterns when decorating a room. This living room in a Beverly Hills home designed by Michael S. Smith is a gorgeous example of deploying floral and nature-filled prints on both furniture and the walls, topped off by the patterned curtains in a Namay Samay fabric.

23

Sandy Hues

Ricardo Labougle

In a beach house on the coast of Uruguay, the earthy wall color was inspired by a bottle of sand from Petra, Jordan, and is complemented perfectly by the off-white curtains.

24

An Extension of the Walls

Julie Soefer

Interior designer Marie Flanigan chose to hang these curtains in a Houston family’s home as if they were coming out of the ceiling—all the better to frame the windows rather than block them.

25

Horizontal Stripes

Douglas Friedman

These ceiling-height curtains with horizontal stripes add a shot of flair in the otherwise all-white living room of an art collector’s Palm Beach home.

26

Earth Tones

Stephan Julliard

The pops of color of the sofa and pillows are the main focus of this living room in a London flat by designer Nebihe Cihan—everything else, including the curtains, acts as a neutral backdrop.

27

Blinds and Curtains

Eric Piasecki

In a Fifth Avenue triplex in Manhattan, the living room is wrapped by windows, so blinds were a necessity. Designer Katie Ridder also added curtains of a Pierre Frey fabric for a more unique and decorative touch.

28

Sheer White

Marili Forastieri

In the living room of a Long Island, New York, beach house designed by Rodney Lawrence, the eye is drawn directly to the ceiling, which was inspired by the mural in Grand Central Terminal. White curtains were the way to go here, so as not to take away from the mural.

29

Block of Red

Reid Rolls

Floor-to-ceiling curtains complement the red accents placed throughout the composition of this Cincinnati living room. They also pair perfectly with the adjacent Mondrian-inspired Porter Teleo wallcovering.

30

Creamy Neutral Canvas

William Waldron

ED A-Lister Nicole Fuller used a cream Dedar fabric for window treatments to create a monochromatic canvas so bright, accent pieces can pop in this Greenwich Village townhouse. The striped curtains also add subtle and sophisticated texture.

31

A Floor-Length Roman Shade

Lisa Romerein

A sheer striped window treatment is used to add privacy and create a tailored look in this Bel Air, California, office. While the shade is structured, the lightweight fabric feels relaxed as it filters the sun without completely blocking it.

32

Blue Trim

Simon Upton

Blue trim detail on the curtains adds structure to this abstract art–filled living room. The striped border also creates a decorative frame for the windows.

33

Deep Blue

Andrew Boyd

Just because you have a statement wall doesn’t mean you can’t have vibrant curtains as well. In this blue living room, the almost matching curtains complement the already bold space, adding a textural element for depth.

34

Fruit-Inspired

Alec Hemer

These bright curtains channel our favorite summer fruits, adding to the quirky and vibrant decor of the space. The curtains are made from a thicker fabric, which is ideal if you’re looking to darken the space or cool it down.

35

Almost Matching

William Abranowicz

In actress Minnie Driver’s Hollywood home, the living room has a generous dose of vintage fabrics and patterns. The curtains and the shades come in complementary colors and patterns, which add a dynamic twist without overwhelming the already pattern-filled room. While the shades are heavy and designed to block sunlight, the curtains remain sheer and airy.

36

Soft Palette

Sasha Bikoff Interior Design

When decorating a home, designer Sasha Bikoff looks to nature to create softer palettes. “If you revert back to nature and see how all those colors work together organically, you can easily apply them to a space as well,” she notes. This Impressionist-style living room is light and whimsical, just like a garden.

37

Stormy Shades

Giorgio Possenti

This moody Russian living room uses minimal color and maximum pattern to achieve a dark, modern vibe. The curtains are made with rich, silky fabrics, with a pattern that accents the small touches of ornate decor.

38

Luminous Golden Curtains

Pascal Chevallier

In the library of a Parisian home, the sofa is upholstered in a cotton damask, the armchair is covered in a silk velvet, and the slipper chair is based on a Mongiardino design; the desk is Louis XV, the chandelier is Louis XIV, and the 19th-century rug is Persian.

39

Blue-and-Cream Patterns

James Merrell

In a Long Island, New York, home, the family room’s custom furnishings include a sofa upholstered in a Lee Jofa fabric, a tufted sofa in a Chapas Textiles weave, a leather ottoman, and a pair of armchairs covered in a Kravet linen blend; the 1950s cerused-oak side table and 19th-century copper lantern are French, the curtains are of a Home Couture fabric, and the wallpaper is by Phillip Jeffries.

40

Accent Stripes

James Merrell

In an Ibiza, Spain, home, limestone floors covered in custom Spanish esparto rugs from Antonia Molina, walls in a sandy lime plaster, and a wood-beam ceiling set a rustic tone in the living room. Custom sofa by Atelier Tapissier Seigneur and curtains in a quilted Braquenié fabric; the Oeil cocktail table by Pierre Chapo is vintage, and the painting over the mantel is by Alex Katz.

41

Blue Standout

John M. Hall

The dining room walls in designer Garance Aufaure’s Paris home are sheathed in a linen toile and hung with a collection of Moustiers ceramics. The custom curtains are of a blue linen.

42

Matching with the Furniture

James Merrell

In the living room of a weekend home in Bridgehampton, New York, designed by Steven Gambrel, the custom sofa is upholstered in a Mark Alexander fabric, and the same Arabel Fabrics linen is used for both the curtains and the armchair.

43

Silky Look

Ricardo Labougle

Custom designs fill this vibrant London townhouse, including a sofa covered in a Donghia patterned velvet, another upholstered in a Le Manach silk velvet, and a round banquette, which is topped with a 1940s French bronze sculpture. The curtains are of a Jim Thompson silk, and the walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White.

44

Curtain Room Divider

William Abranowicz

In an industrialist San Francisco loft, a curtain is used to divide the living area, offering privacy and a simple design transition between the rooms. The bookcase is a custom design, the sculpture on the floor is Odalisque I by Manuel Neri, and the floors are polished concrete.

45

Monochromatic

Simon Upton

In the master suite of an Upper East Side home, the curtains in this monochromatic blue room perfectly match the decor. The armchairs are a 1950s Gianfranco Frattini design, and the painting is by Friedrich Kunath.

46

Red Striped

Simon Upton

In a historic English estate with modern accents, jovial red curtains of a Bennison fabric brighten the living room. The walls are painted in Tablecloth by Paint & Paper Library, and the artwork above the mantel is by Fred Ingrams.

47

Airy Curtains

Richard Powers

The breathy, translucent beige curtains in this Palm Beach apartment echo the lucid nature of a nearby glass chair by Jacques Adnet and René Coulon. The 1970s Italian cocktail table is by Gae Aulenti, and the concrete wall plaques are by Radu Comsa.

48

Tan and English

Ricardo Labougle

In the living room of a London townhouse, neutral curtains add a bout of English elegance to the space, which is furnished with a vintage sofa by Ico Parisi and Otto Schultz chairs covered in a Clarence House fabric. The light fixture is by Vilhelm Lauritzen.

49

Quadrille

Eric Piasecki

In this Manhattan townhouse, curtains of a Quadrille fabric with just a touch of blue play off the bold turquoise walls, painted in C2 Paint Luxe in Bewilder. The sofa and club chair, both by Anthony Lawrence-Belfair, are covered in Holland & Sherry wools.

50

Linen with a Pattern

Miguel Flores-Vianna

In designer Penny Morrison’s Welsh country home, the living room curtains are of a linen print by Penny Morrison Fabrics. The fuchsia tones echo the pink hues throughout the space without distracting from the rich green walls.

51

Plaid

Simon Upton

52

Effortless White

Joshua McHugh

In a Long Island bachelor pad that was updated to accommodate family life, airy white curtains in the living room are juxtaposed with leather club chairs based on postwar Scandinavian designs.

53

Mustard Yellow

William Waldron

The mustard-yellow curtains in this New York City penthouse are of a Pindler linen; a quartet of mirrors hang over a Louis XVI mantel.

54

Neat Blue

Björn Wallander

A foyer opens to a blue-tinted living room, which features crisp blue curtains, in this Oakland, California, home. The walls are painted in White Dove and the ceiling in Stone Brown, both by Benjamin Moore.

55

Creamy White

Björn Wallner

White-and-gray curtains blend seamlessly into this Upper East Side apartment that gives old-school decorating an all-white makeover. The white chandelier is in the style of Diego Giacometti, and the rustic Chinese-style chairs surround a marble table from R. E. Steel Antiques.

Anna Fixsen Deputy Digital Editor Anna Fixsen, Deputy Digital Editor at ELLE DECOR, focuses on how to share the best of the design world through in-depth reportage and online storytelling.

Do-it-yourself curtain draping: diagrams, photos, step-by-step instructions

Curtain draping plays an important role in window decoration, and a beautiful window opening is the key to a stylish interior. Volumetric or crossed curtains will decorate any design. What are the ways of draping? A few practical tips from professional designers.

Curtains on the windows are elegant, comfortable and useful. They not only decorate, but protect the premises from sunlight, strong winds and prying eyes of strangers.

Drapery Rules

  1. Plain fabrics are best draped. A bright pattern and a noticeable relief in themselves are an interior decoration. If you drape a printed canvas, it will look too clumsy and often out of place. A harmonious interior can be easily spoiled by drapery of colored curtains or curtains.
  2. Use soft fabrics for soft, neat folds. Batiste, velor, velvet and silk are the most suitable materials. When draping dense fabrics such as brocade, pronounced folds and an overly decorative look are obtained. Although, in fairness, it should be noted that for some interiors this drapery option will be suitable.
  3. To make drapery at home, use a special curtain tape. Each fold is already laid in it and you do not have to calculate every centimeter of fabric yourself. In work, such a tape is extremely simple: the braid is sewn to the edge of the canvas, and then one thread is pulled out, forming the necessary folds in terms of volume.
Textiles can very advantageously emphasize the style of any room.

Please note that drapery ribbon varies:

There are many ways to decorate, which help to give the room originality, to create a certain style.

However, you can drape curtains with your own hands not only with the help of curtain tape, there are a few more simple decorative elements that will make spectacular folds on a curtain or curtain:

All of the above elements allow you to create one-of-a-kind curtains that complement your interior and set your mood.

Additional elements of drapery

To make it even more decorative, you can use additional elements such as pelmets, swags, half swags, jabots, ties and puffs.

Drapery means an unusual look of the curtain, due to the many ways of laying the folds.

Pelmet

Pelmet is an elongated strip of fabric attached to the cornice and the top of the curtain.

It is important to choose the right material for the lambrequin. It should be combined with the overall style of the room, as well as with the main fabric of the curtains. It is not recommended to use dense and textured fabrics, because they are not very good at draping: they are rough and do not allow you to create any shapes. And soft flowing fabrics, such as silk, organza, chiffon, voile or satin, perfectly complement any curtains. In addition, the material is pleasant to the touch.

Lambrequin is a decorative drapery placed horizontally at the top of the window opening.

Important: natural fabrics are prone to fading, so it is better to choose materials with synthetic additives.

The color of the lambrequin should be combined with the color scheme of the interior: not to get lost against the general background, but not to “scream” about its existence.

Designers recommend choosing a shade for pelmets and other decorative elements that is slightly darker than the main curtains and other interior textile elements.

If there is an ornament on the curtains, then it must match the ornament of the wallpaper or wall color, and also complement the pattern on the carpet.

Swag

This element is considered part of the lambrequin. It is a semicircle, assembled from neat folds, also in the form of a semicircle. When cutting the swag, it should be 45 degrees in order to get a spectacular and regular addition to the curtains.

Svag is a design element of curtains, located on top of sliding canvases, on a lambrequin.

Depending on the size, the number of these elements also changes. For example, on a large curtain design, there may be two or three of them. If there is a small distance between them, then, as a rule, it is filled with other decor: ties or chill molds.

Swag is an element of curtain decoration, which is a gathered fabric with one or two ends hanging freely.

Semi-swag and crossover

Semi-swag, as the name suggests, is only slightly different from the swag - free space is left in the upper part of the structure. The semi-swag can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In the first case, the design is distributed evenly along the entire length of the eaves, and in the second, the free part of the semicircle is shifted to the right or left.

Half-shoes look like a creeper, smoothly wrapping around the eaves.

Throws - the simplest element: a light canvas is simply thrown one or more times over the eaves.

Throw curtains - one of the many types of decor, which looks like a piece of fabric thrown over the design of the cornice.

Jabot and tie

Jabot is a one-sided cascade that can be stepped or beveled. This design is usually placed on the sides of the curtain trim. This decor attracts attention and visually expands the window opening. Sometimes it is placed in the center of the curtain ensemble between the swags.

For sewing a jabot, you can choose both translucent light fabrics and dense ones with good drape.

The tie differs from the jabot only in width. It is located on the sides of the curtains, in such a way that its long side is located close to the curtains, and the short side is slightly outside.

You can sew an attractive curtain tie yourself, having previously made a successful pattern and selected the right material.

Puffs

This decor is located at the top of the curtains and looks like a piece of fabric with many different folds. Due to the folds, various geometric shapes are formed: rhombuses, zigzags. Puffs can also be in the form of flowers or braids. Very often, puffs made of plain fabric are complemented by a light curtain fabric with an unobtrusive pattern. In order to get an elegant decoration, you have to work hard. It is important to follow the existing pattern exactly, since even one incorrectly laid line will spoil the whole picture.

Puffs on the curtains give the curtains a luxurious look, bring an atmosphere of sophistication and festivity into the room.

This type of drapery is made both by hand and by machine. The main requirement for the material: it should easily form folds of different directions.

Curtains decorated with puffs fill the room with elegant luxury, it is no coincidence that they are often used to decorate classic interiors.

Drapery in any of its forms and manifestations is a spectacular decor for curtain construction. If you make it yourself, then you are guaranteed a unique and stylish design. Today there is a huge selection of all kinds of decorative elements and techniques for finishing curtains, you are guaranteed to find your own way to make the window opening functional and interesting.

Properly selected fabric texture, length and selected method of draping windows will help make the room cozy, comfortable and beautiful.

Video: how to drape curtains and tulle beautifully

50 design options for curtains with drapery in the interior

design options, how to drape with your own hands

Curtains on the windows are smart, comfortable, useful. They not only decorate, but protect the premises from sunlight, strong winds and prying eyes of strangers.

Textiles can very advantageously emphasize the style of any room.

Many will say that decorating a window space is not difficult: there are many ways of decorating that help to give the room originality, to create a certain style. One of them is drapery, which implies an unusual type of curtain, due to the many ways of laying folds.

Curtains have become an integral part of the interior.

Even an inept hostess is not deprived of the opportunity to get at her disposal curtains that will make her home cozy: professional designers are always ready to help her.

Curtains can be dense, heavy, focus attention on themselves, or they can create the effect of lightness, weightlessness.

But most prefer to do this amazingly exciting work on their own, putting their heart and warm hands into the work. However, it should be borne in mind that with the seeming simplicity of work, there are many nuances, the knowledge of which will help you choose the most interesting option.

Curtain drapery turns a simple fabric into an unusual product.

Contents

How to drape curtains with your own hands

Usually, making curtains for windows is the final touch in the design of a room.

Tape can be used to create different draperies for curtains.

In order for the work to bring joy and become the pride of the hostess, arouse the admiration of the household and guests, you need:

With the right choice of color and method of drapery, you can create a window opening in any interior.

Drapery schemes, the best options, a beautiful combination

To make the room look really elegant and tastefully decorated, you need to take into account some features of the color scheme, room area, and its functionality.

The main condition is a sufficient supply of curtain width.

So, for example,

A minimum of two fabric widths is required for all curtain rod designs.

Curtain drapery adds splendor and can be combined with a smooth curtain or completely cover the window with waves of folds.

More opulent and formal designs often require an assembly factor of 2.5-3.

Examples of how to drape curtains with your own hands can be found in numerous photos posted on the Internet. You can choose the most suitable curtain design scheme on the Internet.

Drapery is a variety of folds.

Curtains are usually fixed fixed and accessories such as staples, tiebacks and other types of "holders" made of various materials are used.

If you want to create something original, you need to dream up, play with the canvas.

They perform several functions at once:

The thickness of the tape and the number of cords for broaches depend on the method of decorating and the density of the fabric.

Drapery supplies, additional accessories

To beautifully drape doors or window openings, you need to prepare all the necessary supplies:

If thick, heavy, long curtains are planned, it is better to buy a wide curtain tape with several rows of cords.

Depending on the functionality, curtains are designed differently in different rooms.

Curtains play an important role in the interior, so the drapery of the curtains must be impeccable.

The living room requires a special elegance, underlined luxury and comfort, but also a sense of proportion - at the same time. Plain curtains with drapery are perfect for her.

Accent techniques in the design of the window opening are used depending on the overall design of the surrounding space.

In a small living room, light, light curtains made of thin fabric or filament curtains would be more appropriate. If the room is large and bright, you can use soft muted tones in the decoration, visually reducing it somewhat.

Curtains and drapes embellished with drapery add an exclusive touch to the interior.

Crossed curtains are suitable for it, which will be a good solution for windows facing the sunny side. Sitting crosswise, the curtains will create a pleasant soft twilight in the room, add comfort. And if they are used to decorate the bedroom - and some intimacy.

The abundance of folds looks beautiful in a room with a high ceiling.

Such an arrangement can help change the proportions of an overly high window opening, adding width to it and visually adjusting the height.

The so-called French braid looks rich. In this case, the curtain is collected in fan folds, located at certain intervals.

Professional designers masterfully create folds by hand.

Important! The composition on the window will look harmonious if you accurately calculate the width of each fold, as well as the distance between them. The product looks most impressive if its length is 2.5 times the length of the cornice.

Curtain compositions can be decorated with folds in all rooms, including the kitchen. Many people think that this technique for kitchen windows is unacceptable, and they are deeply mistaken. Properly selected fabric texture, length and the chosen method of draping windows will help make the room cozy, comfortable and beautiful.

One curtain at different times can be draped in several ways, and it will look different, creating the illusion that the textile has been replaced.

Colored or plain fabric is suitable for a window opening in the kitchen,

Draped tulle for a small kitchen and weighty curtains in the living room stand out with the help of a ribbon.

For fastening, use a variety of tiebacks, fasteners, ribbons, curtain hooks, which retain the shape of the composition and allow air to function freely and not interfere with natural light.

How to drape fabric: a step-by-step guide for beginners

You can learn how to drape drapes using the numerous workshops that are posted on YouTube. You need to start with the simplest options, for example, with drapery, which can be done on a short curtain for the kitchen.

To create drapery, you can use tiebacks, classically gathering curtains from the sides at the level of the window sill or below, symmetrically or asymmetrically.

  1. A curtain tape is attached to its reverse side.
  2. A drawstring is made through which a thin cornice or cord is threaded, with which the curtain will be fixed in place.
  3. Cord tension forms folds, the number and width of which are determined arbitrarily.

A winning interior composition is created, the perspective of the view from the window opens up, the regulation of penetrating natural light is formed.

How beautiful it is to assemble curtains with magnets

Among the accessories used in decorating, magnets have become more and more popular lately. They not only securely fasten the fabric, but also make a beautiful accent on the curtains.

Even simple curtains will look solemn if complemented with decorative ties.

A detailed description of how to beautifully drape curtains can be found in the step-by-step photos.

Learn more