When decorating a living room, one of the key decisions is whether to have the curtains match the color of the walls. There are arguments on both sides of this debate. Some interior designers swear by matching curtains and walls, creating a cohesive look. Others argue contrast is more visually appealing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal taste and the overall style you want to achieve.
The case for matching walls and curtains
Having living room curtains in the same color, or a similar shade, as the walls can create a harmonious look. Here are some of the benefits of matching wall and curtain color:
- It looks neat and coordinated. Matching curtains and walls gives a put-together, intentional feel to a space.
- It makes the room feel bigger. Matching walls and curtains helps create an uninterrupted visual flow, which can make rooms appear larger and more open.
- It’s a foolproof option. For those without a good eye for design, matching the walls and curtains is a simple, easy choice that’s difficult to get wrong.
- It’s versatile. A neutral color scheme with matched walls and curtains can act as a blank canvas and transition seamlessly between design styles or seasons.
- It’s calming. Matching walls and curtains creates a peaceful, relaxed ambiance.
If your priority is creating a tranquil, minimalist living room with clean lines, matching the walls and curtains can help achieve this aesthetic. For many people, walking into a space where the walls and window treatments are the same color evokes an immediate sense of harmony.
Reasons to avoid matching curtain and wall color
Having contrast between curtains and walls has its own set of advantages. Here are some reasons you may want to avoid matching curtain and wall color:
- It’s more visually interesting. Different curtain and wall colors add visual layers and dimension to a space.
- It highlights architectural details. Contrast draws attention to the windows, showcasing trim and allowing curtains to stand out.
- It creates vibrancy. Complementary or clashing colors have more energy than matching tones.
- It lets you be bold. Contrast allows you to take more risks and use bright, daring curtain colors.
- It delineates spaces. Differentiating the walls from the windows helps separate seating areas from one another.
For those seeking an eclectic, vibrant living room, clashing the wall and curtain color allows you to incorporate more personality. The contrast immediately livens up the space.
Factors to consider
When deciding whether to match living room curtains to the walls, here are some things to take into account:
- Wall color – What is the existing wall color? Is it neutral and easy to match or bold and bright? Start with the wall color you have or are planning to use.
- Window size – Are the windows small accent pieces or huge floor-to-ceiling walls of glass? Large expanses read as an integral part of the architecture.
- Curtain style – Are the curtains dainty sheers or thick, opaque drapes? Sheers blend into the walls easily while opaque fabrics stand out.
- Natural light – Does the room get abundant sunshine or is it dim? More natural light allows you to use deeper, saturated colors.
- Furniture – Do you have colorful, patterned furniture or more simple, muted pieces? Take your existing palette into account.
- Personal preference – Do you lean toward modern, neutral spaces or love bold, eclectic rooms? Consider your own decorating style.
Tips for matching curtains and walls
If you opt to match your living room curtains to the wall color, here are some tips for pulling off the coordinated look:
- Use the exact same paint color on the walls as the curtain fabric for a seamless match.
- Choose curtain and wall colors in the same color family but slightly different shades, such as light blue walls with navy blue curtains.
- Add visual interest through texture. Try silk drapes combined with a painted accent wall in the same hue.
- Incorporate contrasting metals and woods rather than relying on color alone for dimension.
- Hang ceiling-height curtains extending to the floor to minimize contrast between the walls and windows.
- Select a neutral palette of different whites, beiges, and grays for a subdued look.
Ideas for contrasting curtains and walls
If you want to intentionally clash your curtain and wall colors, here are some ideas:
- Pair navy walls with mustard yellow curtains for an unexpected combo.
- Choose pale pink walls with lime green curtains in a whimsical living room.
- Offset bright white walls with inky black curtain panels for dramatic contrast.
- Hang patterned sheers over vibrant painted walls to soften the divide.
- Choose saturated curtain and wall colors like cherry red and royal purple for an eclectic vibe.
- Anchor a dark accent wall with light gray curtains to offset the drama.
Curtain ideas for popular wall colors
Here are suggested curtain color pairings for some of the most popular wall colors:
| Wall Color | Matched Curtain Ideas | Contrasting Curtain Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| White | White, ivory, cream, pale gray | Black, navy, mustard, blush pink |
| Gray | Light gray, charcoal gray, silver | Coral, yellow, teal |
| Beige | Ivory, tan, light brown | Sage green, sky blue |
| Navy | Light blue, periwinkle, steel gray | Scarlet, gold, green |
| Olive green | Sage, mossy green, brown | Rust, pink, purple |
Use these as a jumping off point, and don’t be afraid to get creative with unique color combinations that suit your personal style.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether to match living room curtains to the wall color comes down to individual preference. If you want a soothing, blended look, go for matching tones. If you prefer something more bold and spirited, opt for contrast. Take into account your wall color, window configuration, furniture, and overall decor style when making a decision.
Often, you can’t go wrong following your instincts. Don’t overthink it too much. Select curtain and wall colors you genuinely love. Remember, trends come and go but your personality remains. Decorate in a way that makes you happy and reflects your lifestyle. With some thoughtful coordination, your living room curtains and walls can live together in harmonious style.
