Quick Answer
There are pros and cons to both matching and contrasting your curtains with wall color. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what look you are trying to achieve in the room. Matching curtains and walls can create a seamless, blended effect, while contrasting curtains and walls can add visual interest and make the curtains stand out more. Consider factors like the room’s size, natural lighting, furnishings, and overall style when deciding whether to match or contrast.
Should You Match or Contrast Curtain and Wall Color?
When choosing curtain colors for a room, one of the first decisions is whether to select a color that matches or contrasts with the wall color. Both approaches have their merits, so consider the following factors when making your choice:
Matching Curtain and Wall Color
Matching your curtains to the exact wall color or a close variation can create a seamless, blended effect in a room. Benefits of matching curtain and wall color include:
- Creates a unified, harmonious look
- Makes the windows blend into the walls
- Gives the illusion of larger, airier space
- Ideal for minimally decorated, neutral rooms
- Works well in small rooms as it avoids visual breaks
A monochromatic look where the walls, curtains, and other elements share the same hue can feel soothing and elegant. It’s a great option for bedrooms and other rooms where you want a calm, relaxing vibe.
Contrasting Curtain and Wall Color
On the other end of the spectrum, choosing curtain and wall colors that boldly contrast can make the windows a dramatic focal point. Benefits of contrasting curtains and walls include:
- Creates visual interest and dimension
- Highlights the architecture and window shapes
- Adds vibrancy to a neutral wall color
- Feels lively and energetic
- Ideal for large rooms as it breaks up expanses
The contrast immediately draws the eye to the windows for maximum impact. This lively approach is ideal if you want the curtains to feel like a statement piece.
Factors to Consider
When deciding whether to match or contrast your curtain and wall color, keep the following factors in mind:
Room Size
- Small rooms can feel boxy and cramped with contrasting colors, so matching tones help maintain a seamless flow.
- Large rooms benefit from contrasting colors to create defined spaces and break up wall expanses.
Natural Lighting
- Rooms with ample natural light can handle bold, contrasting curtains.
- Rooms with limited natural light may appear darker and smaller with contrasting colors, so matching tones open up the space.
Furnishings
- If the furnishings are muted and minimal, contrasting curtain color helps enliven the room.
- In a heavily decorated room, matching the curtains to a main wall color helps unify the look.
Style
- Modern, minimalist rooms suit same-color curtains and walls.
- Traditional rooms can benefit from the accent of contrasting curtain color.
- Bold, colorful rooms easily handle high-contrast curtains.
Personal Preference
- If you prefer subtle, blended cohesion, match colors.
- If you want vibrant pops of color, choose contrast.
Curtain and Wall Color Combinations
Here are some examples of stylish curtain and wall color combinations to match or contrast your space:
Matching Curtain and Wall Colors
| Wall Color | Matching Curtain Color |
| Navy blue | Navy blue |
| Charcoal gray | Light gray |
| Sage green | Lighter sage green |
| Soft peach | Peach lace |
| Cream | Ivory sheers |
Contrasting Curtain and Wall Colors
| Wall Color | Contrasting Curtain Color |
| Light blue | Orange |
| Gray | Yellow |
| Taupe | Teal |
| White | Black |
| Beige | Purple |
Tips for Matching Curtain and Wall Color
If you opt to match your curtains to wall color, here are some tips:
- Choose a curtain fabric in the exact wall color for the most seamless look.
- Pick a curtain that’s a slightly lighter or darker version of the wall color to coordinate while adding subtle interest.
- Introduce matching patterns and textures like stripes, solids, or cut-velvet in the same color palette.
- Anchor the room with matching window treatments, then layer in contrasting accent colors with decor items like pillows and art.
- Hang floor-to-ceiling curtains to maximize the unified effect.
- Go for opaque curtains to blend with the wall rather than transparent sheers.
Tips for Contrasting Curtain and Wall Color
If you prefer to contrast your curtains against the wall color, here are some ideas:
- Choose curtain and wall colors from opposite sides of the color wheel for maximum contrast like blue and orange.
- Match one color from the curtains to an accent color in the room like pillows or artwork to tie the look together.
- Pick a vibrant curtain color to make the windows pop against a neutral wall.
- Use sheers behind the main curtains to softly blend the bold curtain color with the walls.
- Complement warm wall colors with cool-toned curtains and vice versa.
- Anchor contrasting curtains with wide mounting hardware and trim in a coordinating metal finish.
Conclusion
The choice between matching or contrasting curtain and wall color depends on your goals for the room. Matching unifies the look for a seamless flow, while contrasting creates visual interest and energy. Consider the room itself and how you want to feel in the space. Small, neutral rooms often benefit from matching for a cohesive effect. Large, brightly colored spaces can handle the punch of contrasting curtains. Incorporate your personal taste and style as well. With the right curtain and wall color pairing, you can create a beautiful, customized window treatment.
