Updating your living room is more simple than you think. Making small adjustments such as rearranging your furniture, adding new throw pillows, and changing your curtains can actually significantly enhance the overall look and feel of your space.

Depending on which curtains you choose, they can either soften the light for a warm ambiance or brighten the space with airy, light fabrics. Additionally, you can easily switch them out to match the changing seasons or trends.

This blog will cover the popular types of living room curtains and provide you with expert tips on how to choose curtains for your living room. We’ll also provide valuable insight into the different fabrics and curtain lengths and how they can complement your living room’s current interior aesthetic. 

Popular Curtain Styles For Living Room

The right curtains don’t just enhance your windows; they can redefine your entire living room. Each of these styles provides distinct advantages in both design and function. Take a look at some of our top curtain style picks:

1. Pinch Pleat Curtains

Pinch pleat curtains feature tightly sewn pleats at the top, giving them a structured and elegant appearance. This design helps the curtains drape smoothly, giving your living room a polished and cohesive look. 

This type of curtain is also highly customizable as it can be made from a wide variety of fabrics, from lightweight sheers to heavier materials like velvet. This type of curtain also works well with decorative curtain rods and rings. 

2. Blackout Curtains

As the name suggests, blackout curtains are designed to prevent all light from entering your room. This is a popular choice for condo curtains as they help block out the city lights and street glare while also providing additional insulation. 

Their thick fabric also ensures that your living room is shielded from outside noise, providing a peaceful atmosphere.

3. Sheer Curtains 

Sheer curtains are a type of window treatment that’s made from light, see-through fabrics such as voile or chiffon. It’s a great choice for homeowners who still want some natural light to flow in while getting just enough privacy. 

This type of curtain fabric is usually recommended to be layered with heavier curtains, as sheer curtains alone may not provide enough privacy. 

4. Valance Curtains 

Valance curtains are short, decorative treatments that cover the top of a window. It adds a stylish accent without blocking light. They’re great for living rooms, as they enhance style, hide hardware, and can be layered with other curtains for a finished look.

5. Layered Curtains 

If you prefer a more sophisticated look, then consider combining different living room curtain styles by layering them. There are multiple combinations you can try, like mixing light sheers with blackout curtains to balance natural light and privacy. 

You can also experiment with different curtain patterns for your living room and combine solids with prints to add more depth and personality. 

Factors You Need To Consider When Choosing Your Living Room Curtains

Before picking and purchasing your living room curtains, it’s important to know the difference between curtains and drapes, identify the type of fabric you’ll choose and familiarize yourself with the various placement and hanging techniques.

Here’s an easy-to-follow guide that simplifies the process, making it easier for you to find the ideal curtains for your living room.

Know the Difference Between Curtain & Drapes

While homeowners often use the terms curtains and drapes interchangeably, there’s a notable difference between these window treatment options. Mistaking one for the other can result in unsatisfying and mismatched decor.

Curtains are the most common type of window treatment. They are typically made from lighter fabrics and provide a decorative touch to a space. They hang from a rod and can be easily drawn open or closed to control light and privacy. 

On the other hand, drapes are considerably heavier compared to your typical curtains. This type of window treatment is usually made from thicker, more luxurious fabrics such as velvet, silk, or brocade. The added lining also improves insulation and can help block more light, which enhances privacy. 

Look at the Various Curtain Fabric Options 

There are many different curtain fabric options, such as cotton, linen, velvet, silk, and sheer materials. The right fabric will improve the look of your space and play a crucial role in managing light and insulation. 

Here are some different types of curtain fabrics:

• Cotton: Cotton curtains offer a soft, natural feel that can go well with most interior design themes. This option is great for homeowners who only want subtle light filtering. It is also relatively easy to clean and maintain. 
• Linen: Linen is a highly durable fabric that still provides a textured, airy feel. It is naturally resistant to bacteria and mildew, which makes it a long-lasting, hygienic option for window treatments. Linen is also excellent for diffusing light. 
• Velvet: Velvet’s luxurious and plush texture makes it a great choice for homeowners who want to create a rich, dramatic look.  Its excellent light-blocking and insulating properties make it ideal for colder climates or classic and traditional homes. 
• Silk: Silk is known for its elegant and smooth texture, making it ideal for homes with sophisticated decor. It drapes effortlessly, creating a graceful, flowing look that reflects light in a way that enhances the room’s atmosphere.
• Sheer Materials (Voile, Organza): Voile, organza, and other sheer materials are light and airy, making them ideal for diffusing natural light without entirely blocking it out. 

Determine the Ideal Curtain Length for your Living Room

As with the fabric type, there are also different curtain lengths available. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to selecting the ideal length; it all depends on the style of your living room, your window’s height, and your personal preferences. The curtain lengths below will give you a clearer picture of how to effectively  style your curtains to match your living room: 

• Puddling or Trouser-Length: These curtains are intentionally longer than the distance from the rod to the floor, allowing the fabric to gather on the ground in a dramatic “puddle.” This luxurious style is perfect for creating an opulent, formal atmosphere.
• Breaking: Curtains that “break” are typically an inch longer than the floor, allowing the fabric to rest gently on the surface. This style offers a more polished and tailored look with a hint of softness.
• Grazing: “Grazing” curtains just barely touch the floor, offering a sleek and consistent appearance. This length is great for creating a clean, contemporary look that’s visually pleasing and easy to maintain.
• Floating: Floating curtains are designed to hang just above the floor, usually within an inch of the surface. This style gives the illusion that the curtains are hovering, adding a modern and airy feel to the room.

Key Takeaways

Selecting curtains for your living room should not be a stressful experience. It’s about finding the right balance between style and functionality. Whether you’re drawn to the refined look of blackout curtains or the airy feel of sheers, don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different combinations to achieve the best look. 

You can also get professional assistance from our team of experts at Prestige Decor to help you select the ideal window treatments for your living room. 

Schedule a consultation now, and we’ll provide personalized recommendations tailored to your unique style.