When decorating a room, one of the key design principles to consider is color harmony. The colors and tones used throughout a space should complement each other to create a cohesive look. This includes the colors of curtains, furniture, walls, accents and more. So when selecting curtains, an important question to ask is: should curtains be darker than furniture?
The Short Answer
The short answer is – it depends. There are no hard and fast rules that curtains must be darker than furniture (or vice versa). However, there are some general guidelines that can help create an aesthetically pleasing color palette.
In many cases, choosing curtains in a darker shade than furniture can create a nice contrast and visual interest. The darker curtains will stand out against lighter furniture and give the room depth. This look works especially well for bold, dramatic spaces.
On the flip side, having lighter curtains paired with darker furniture can give a soft, airy feel to a room. The lighter fabrics keep the space feeling bright and open. This is ideal for small spaces where you want to avoid too much visual weight.
Overall, the most important factor is creating a balanced color scheme where all the tones work together seamlessly. Carefully consider the existing colors and style of the space when selecting fabric shades. The goal is to have cohesion between all the design elements.
Design Considerations
Here are some key factors to consider when determining if your curtains should be darker or lighter than your furniture:
- Room size – In smaller rooms, lighter curtains can keep the space feeling open and airy. Darker curtains can feel too heavy and overwhelming unless the furnishings are also dark.
- Window size – Larger windows suit bolder, darker curtain shades as they don’t get overpowered. Smaller windows look better with lighter shades.
- Room use – Formal living rooms and dining rooms often suit richer, darker shades. Casual family rooms and bedrooms work well with lighter tones.
- Natural light – South facing rooms with ample sunlight can handle deeper colored curtains. North facing rooms may need lighter shades to maximize light.
- Ambiance – For a cozy, snug feel, go darker. Light and airy spaces need lighter curtain tones.
- Existing colors – Look at colors already in use for walls, floors, furnishings. Curtains should complement the palette.
- Personal preference – Consider the overall look you want to achieve and what appeals most to your aesthetic style.
Always view fabric swatches in the room before purchasing curtains. Colors look different in real life than on a computer screen. Test out different shades against your existing furniture and decor.
Darker Curtains than Furniture
There are several benefits to choosing curtains in a darker shade than your furniture:
Creates Contrast
Darker curtains paired with lighter furniture generates visual interest through contrast. The darker fabric will stand out boldly against the lighter upholstery, bringing definition to the space. The contrast adds depth and dimension.
Makes a Statement
Dramatic, deep colored curtains make a powerful style statement. They create an opulent, luxurious look in a living room or bedroom. Darker curtains convey richness and elegance.
Grounds the Space
Deep hued curtains provide weight that helps anchor the furnishings. This gives the room a grounded, settled feeling, unlike light curtains that can cause the furnishings to feel floating.
Provides Privacy
Thicker, darker curtain fabrics, like velvet, are excellent at blocking outdoor light. This creates privacy even during the daytime. Lighter sheers still allow some light through.
Minimizes Glare
In rooms with abundant sun exposure, heavier dark curtains help reduce glare. Light fabrics can’t block sunlight as effectively.
Lighter Curtains than Furniture
Choosing lighter toned curtains paired with darker furniture also has some advantages:
Feels Spacious
Sheer, light colored curtains don’t take up visual space the way heavy dark fabrics do. This helps rooms feel more open and expansive, especially smaller spaces.
Allows Light In
Light fabrics filter daylight beautifully, filling the room with natural illumination. Darker curtains can block too much sunlight resulting in a gloomy, dark interior.
Appears Bright and Airy
The lightweight, breezy look of pale curtains maintains an airy aesthetic. Heavy fabrics can drag down the visual height of a room.
Provides Contrast
Lighter curtains nicely contrast darker furniture. This creates the same depth as the reverse pairing but with a soft, relaxed vibe.
Visually Expands Small Rooms
For tiny rooms, light colored sheer curtains draw the eyes outward, giving the illusion of more space. Dark fabrics can make small rooms feel claustrophobic.
Choosing the Right Contrast
When selecting curtain and furniture combinations, the level of contrast depends on the look you’re aiming for. Here are some popular options:
High Contrast
Heavy dark curtains against light furniture creates striking visual contrast. The darker fabric catches the eye and pops against the lighter background.
Medium Contrast
Choose a medium contrast for a more relaxed scheme. Pair mid-tone gray curtains with off-white furniture for subtle definition.
Low Contrast
For a calm, peaceful look, keep contrast low by choosing curtain and furniture colors close on the spectrum. Light blue curtains with navy furniture offers gentle contrast.
Matching Tones
You can also match your curtain and furniture shades. The same tones will elegantly blend together. Just take care that the space doesn’t feel too monochromatic.
Whether you prefer high or low contrast, the overall look should appear blended. There shouldn’t be any jarring mismatches in tone.
Curtain and Furniture Fabrics
Fabric texture is another important factor when coordinating curtains and furniture. Consider how the fabrics complement each other in terms of visual weight and light reflectivity.
Heavy Fabrics
Pair substantial curtains in velvet, brocade or faux silk with similarly weighted upholstered furniture. The lavish fabrics will mirror each other beautifully.
Lightweight Fabrics
For a relaxed vibe, combine airy linen or cotton curtains with rattan or cane furniture. The breezy fabrics maintain the open, casual feeling.
Shine and Sheen
If furniture has a shiny, reflective surface, balance it with matte, textured curtains. This prevents too much light bouncing around the room.
Mix Textures
Don’t be afraid to mix textured fabrics either. A suede sofa, for example, can pair nicely with smooth satin curtains. Just ensure the colors complement each other.
Curtain Length and Volume
Not only should you consider color and fabric when selecting curtains, also think about their length and fullness:
Length
For dramatic impact, extra long floor-length curtains work well with low furniture like sofas or beds. Shorter curtains suit taller furniture like bookcases or cabinets.
| Furniture Height | Recommended Curtain Length |
|---|---|
| Low (beds, sofas) | Longer (floor-length) |
| Medium (sideboards) | Mid length (below furniture) |
| Tall (bookcases) | Shorter (at furniture height) |
Volume
The more fabric fullness of the curtains, the more weight they add. Sheer, unlined panels have an airy lightness, while pleated drapes with linings and interlining create far more visual weight. Match the volume to the existing furniture.
| Furniture | Curtain Volume |
|---|---|
| Delicate | Light, unlined panels |
| Medium | Double width with light lining |
| Heavy | Triple pleated with thick lining |
Tips for Choosing Curtain and Furniture Colors
Here are some top tips for selecting complementary curtain and furniture shades:
- View colors at different times of day – the color and intensity of natural light changes continually throughout the day. Fabrics can look very different in morning light versus evening light. Buy curtains to suit the primary use time of the room.
- Select warm or cool tones – stick to either warm earthy shades or cool bright colors rather than mixing them. The curtains and furniture should have the same undertone (warm or cool) to complement each other seamlessly.
- Lighten and darken – choose a curtain color that’s a couple of shades lighter or darker than the furniture. This close tonal variation creates enough contrast without being drastic.
- Add small pops of contrast color – use complementary accent colors in small doses, like throw pillows or rug, so the contrast doesn’t overwhelm.
- Repeat colors – if using patterned curtains with colored motifs, try to reflect at least one of the colors in the furniture’s upholstery.
- View in natural light – artificial lighting can distort colors in the evenings. Check your pairings during the day to get the most accurate impression.
Examples of Darker Curtain and Lighter Furniture Combinations
Deep Purple Velvet Curtains + Beige Sofa
The rich purple velvet makes a regal statement against the neutral beige upholstery. A pop of purple throw pillows repeats the curtain color.
Charcoal Linen Curtains + White Leather Chair
The muted gray linen contrasts the bright white leather while complementing the white walls. Pale wood floors balance the scheme.
Navy Blackout Curtains + Gray Couch
The dense navy velvet blocks outdoor light while contrasting the soft gray linen sofa. Blue and gray have similar cool undertones.
Forest Green Curtains + Tan Leather Sofa
Deep green brings nature inside against the warm tan leather. Accent pillows pick up both colors to tie the scheme together.
Examples of Lighter Curtain and Darker Furniture Combinations
Ivory Sheer Curtains + Charcoal Velvet Sofa
The ivory curtains keep the space feeling light and airy against the dramatic charcoal sofa. Matching ivory shelves balance the weight.
White Linen Curtains + Walnut Frame Sofa
Crisp white linen contrasts beautifully with the rich walnut frame while matching the walnut flooring.
Beige Linen Curtains + Black Leather Armchairs
Warm beige linen softens the bold black leather chairs. Amber glass table lamps bring in more earthy tones.
Light Gray Velvet Curtains + Dark Blue Couch
The muted gray velvet harmonizes nicely with the deeper blue upholstery without too much contrast.
Conclusion
When selecting curtain and furniture combinations, either darker curtains paired with lighter furniture or vice versa can work beautifully. The most important guidelines are to consider the existing decor of the space, establish the right level of contrast for the desired ambiance, and ensure all the color tones harmonize.
Aim for a balanced, cohesive look rather than drastic contrasts. Unless handled with care, very dark curtains against very light furniture can look mismatched and disjointed. Similarly, matching all the colors exactly can feel flat and monotonous.
The right curtain and furniture pairing should enhance the room’s decor, create visual interest through contrast, and set the perfect mood. By thoughtfully selecting complementary shades and fabrics, you can design a window treatment that seamlessly fits your space.
