Choosing the right curtains to match your wall color can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With some basic color theory and design principles, you can easily find curtain colors that complement your walls beautifully. The key is to consider the undertones in your wall color and find curtains in harmonizing or contrasting shades. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for matching curtains to wall color and provide plenty of tips and examples along the way. Read on to learn the secrets of seamlessly coordinating your window treatments with your wall paint!
Determine the undertones in your wall color
The first step is identifying the primary undertones in your wall color. Most paint colors have a mix of undertones, but there is usually one dominant shade that characterizes the color. Here are the most common undertone families:
- Warm tones: yellow, peach, orange, terra cotta
- Cool tones: blue, green, purple, gray
- Neutrals: white, cream, greige, tan
Look at your walls in both natural and artificial light. What undertones do you see coming through? If you painted recently, check the paint name or number for clues. Names with words like “peach,” “sage,” or “slate” often indicate the main undertone.
You can also hold up colored swatches next to your wall and see which ones make your wall color pop. The swatches that create the most contrast likely share the same undertone family.
Select curtain colors that complement the undertones
Once you’ve identified the predominant undertones in your wall color, you can choose curtain colors that complement them beautifully. Here are some foolproof combinations:
- Warm wall tones: Pair with other warm hues like peach, yellow, terracotta, or match the depth with analogous tones like red-orange, goldenrod, or mustard. Warm metallics like copper and bronze also complement warm walls.
- Cool wall tones: Match with other cool shades like pastel blue, sage green, lavender, light gray, or go bold with navy or emerald green. Cool metallics like silver, steel gray, and pewter are serene complements.
- Neutral wall tones: Layer on more neutrals in lighter or darker shades. Off-white, camel, and light taupe will keep the palette relaxed. Mix in pale cool tones like powder blue or muted jewel tones like slate gray or mauve for interest.
Choosing curtain colors within the same undertone family as your walls creates a synchronized, harmonious look. The tones match each other without clashing.
Use contrasting tones for drama
Using contrasting curtain colors that go against the wall undertones adds exciting visual tension. For warm-toned walls, cool shades like slate blue or deep purple make the walls really glow with warmth. For cool-toned walls, warm shades like mustard, terracotta, or olive green energize the space.
Just be sure not to choose curtain colors that are direct opposites on the color wheel (like red and green) as these can vibrate against each other. Instead, look for tones that are slightly contrasting but still have some complementary qualities. Deep berry purple with warm peach walls, for example, is striking but harmonious.
Factor in light exposure
The amount of natural light your room gets should also guide your curtain color selection. Light colors show up best in rooms with ample sunlight, while rich, saturated hues do well in low-light spaces.
Sheer curtains in light colors can keep a bright room feeling airy and fresh, while blackout drapes in emerald or navy are enveloping and cozy in a darker den or bedroom. Evaluate the room’s light before committing to heavy, dramatic curtains—they can overwhelm a sun-drenched space.
Create an accent wall
Painting one wall in a contrasting color is a fun way to introduce a splash of your curtain color. For example, use a deep blue curtain on windows flanking a moody navy accent wall. The shades don’t have to match exactly—the accent wall just borrows some drama from the vibrant curtains.
This is a great option if you want to harmonize your curtains with some walls but create contrast with others. The visual interest makes the room feel bold and put-together.
Repeat your curtain color in accessories
Tying your curtain color into other accessories around the room creates a pulled-together look. Use throw pillows, area rugs, throws, lamp shades, vases, or artwork in similar color tones. The repetitions of color create great flow and harmony. Just don’t overdo it—you want a balanced sprinkling of the tone versus matching everything.
For example, bring in some plum purple with pillows and vases if you have eggplant-hued curtains. Or complement olive green curtains with an area rug in a lighter celery shade. The color echo looks curated.
Get creative with patterns and textures
While solid curtains are a classic choice, don’t be afraid to venture into patterns and textures as well! Curtains with stripes, florals, paisleys, or other prints can pull out accent colors from your walls. Just be sure the overall pattern color scheme complements your wall tones.
Textured linen or velvet curtains can also introduce compelling depth and dimension while harmonizing with your walls. Mix textures and patterns for lots of visual interest while still respecting your overall wall color.
Sample curtain swatches
Ordering curtain fabric swatches is always a great idea before purchasing full drapes. Many companies offer free swatch cards so you can see how the colors complement your space. Hang swatches over your windows or hold up to your walls before deciding.
If possible, order swatches in a few coordinating colors so you can experiment. Seeing the actual fabrics in your room is hugely helpful when finalizing the perfect shade. Drapes can look very different in real life than they do online!
Test out temporary panels before committing
Thankfully, you don’t have to commit fully to expensive, custom drapes right away. Testing out some budget-friendly solid or patterned curtain panels from big box stores can give you a sense of what works before splurging. Live with the temporary panels for a few weeks and make sure you love the color interplay before finalizing a pricier custom set.
Temporary rod pocket panels are an easy shortcut for experimenting with color before committing. No sewing or messy removal if you change your mind!
Conclusion
With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to choose curtain colors that perform a beautiful dance with your existing wall color. Keep the undertones, light exposure, and color concepts covered here in mind as you shop for drapes. Be bold or subdued with your color contrasts depending on the mood you want to create. With the right complementary or contrasting shade on your windows, your walls and curtains can live in perfect harmony!
