30 Living Room Curtain Ideas to Instantly Elevate Your Space
Plus, designers share styling tips for how to hang curtains.
If you’re looking for a simple but statement-making upgrade for the living room, consider swapping out your curtains. We’ve gathered our favorite living room curtain design ideas from designers to showcase how window treatments can completely transform a space. Sheer curtains can make a space feel airy and open, while heavier fabrics can make a space feel more luxe. You can also use them to bring in a color or highlight an element of your living room, like a particularly stylish piece of furniture or wall art.
"Whether you want them to simply accentuate an already well-designed area, or add some flair, curtains can be one of the easiest ways to make your home look like a designer got their hands on it," says Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors.
Pro tip: To hang curtains like a designer, install curtain rods about 4 to 6 inches above your window and ensure your panels are at least a few inches wider than your windows.
Ahead, check out the living room curtain design ideas designers love. If you’re looking for more ideas to upgrade your living room, read up on designer-approved living room decor ideas to try and the layout mistakes designers want you to avoid.
Hanging High
For instant drama and the illusion of a larger space, hang curtain rods at least six inches above your windows. Here, designer Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors goes for gray sheers with purple undertones to allow natural light to pass through.
RELATED: Modern Living Room Ideas to Mix, Match, and Make Your Own
Coastal Chic
Blue-and-white geometric curtains are a gorgeous finishing touch in this nautical-inspired living room. To stay on theme, designer Caitlin Kah layers in pale blue hues in the form of throw pillows, books, an end table and lamp.
Total Blackout
As much as we cherish natural light, total darkness is a must for movie night. Take note from design firm Truss Interiors and opt for floor-to-ceiling blackout drapes that easily open and close.
Color Contrast
Utilize curtains to create a living space filled with contrast, as design firm Daley Home does here. Light gray drapes are hung high on industrial-inspired black curtain rods that match the black window trim.
Semi-Sheer Shades
Nix the drapes and instead, go for light-filtering shades that allow natural light to fill the room while affording a bit of privacy. Here, The Residency Bureau opts for textured shades in a modern living room where floor-length curtains could have felt too busy.
Refined Neutral
While curtains can serve as a focal point, they can also look beautiful when blending into the background. Beige drapes hung on sleek black rods add an elegant appeal to this cozy living room designed by Element Design Network.
Classic Black and White
In this trendy living room by designer Kerrie Kelly, black-and-white patterned curtains double as artwork. They serve as a stylish backdrop for the equally as chic blue velvet curved sofa.
Bold Stripes
You may not expect that daring drapes complement a floral patterned wallpaper, but this striking living room is proof. You never go wrong with classic vertical striped curtains, especially when elegantly paired with a valance.
Stylish Symmetry
When a space is filled with patterns, colors and textures, solid-color curtains can help to balance the look. Here, designer Katie Davis dresses two windows identically for added symmetry.
White on White
Floor-length, sheer white curtains add a sophisticated flair to this airy living room by Curated Nest. The walls and sofa in complementary neutrals unify the space.
Statement Orange
Bold orange patterned drapes steal the show in this inviting living room. The brown leather upholstery used for the armchair and ottomans, along with the graphic throw pillows, complement the long window treatments.
Doubling Up
For double the style and function, adorn your windows with Roman shades and floor-length drapes. In this neutral living room, Collected Interiors takes the opportunity to pair textured shades with elegant off-white curtains.
Layers of Pattern
To let this living room's statement art and tufted pink sofa really shine, designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt opted for simple black-and-white geometric curtains.
Pops of Blue
This living room may be dominated by a mix of whites and beige tones, but pops of blue — including curtains — prevent it from feeling sterile.
Touch of Ombré
If you've been longing to test the ombré trend in a small way, take inspiration from this living room's curtains. The white upper portion blends well with the white walls and mantel, while the pink part acts as the perfect complement to the room's blue and gray seating.
Go Green
Nothing beats statement accents like a lime green sofa and curtains to make a design scheme shine.
RELATED: Light and Dark Green Living Room Ideas for a Relaxing Refresh
Subtle Print
Curtains in a muted print prevent this neutral beach house from feeling lackluster. Plus, the small curtain rings and expansive curtain rods framing the room make it possible to reconfigure the drapes as needed.
Elegant Balloon Shades
Off-white balloon shades and mixed floral touches add drama to this vintage-inspired living room.
All for Stripes
In this lively living room, colorful striped curtains draw the eye to the windows and play a role in the room's red-green color palette.
Classic Gingham
Believe it or not, gingham is a versatile print that's perfect for curtains. In this living room, the choice of black and white creates a focal point among the shades of green and gray.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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