Choosing the right curtain color to match your living room décor can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! The color of your curtains can make a big impact on the overall feel and aesthetic of the room. When selecting curtain colors, you’ll want to take into account the existing color scheme and palette of the living room as well as the overall style you’re trying to achieve. With some strategic planning and an understanding of color theory, you’re sure to end up with curtains that complement your space beautifully.
What are the most popular living room color schemes?
When deciding on curtain colors for your living room, a good place to start is identifying what color scheme you already have established in the space. Here are some of the most popular living room color schemes and how best to coordinate curtains with them:
Neutrals – This timeless scheme uses creams, tans, light browns, and greys as a calming and versatile base. Curtains in solid neutral hues or subtle patterns are a safe bet. Stay away from bold colors and busy patterns.
Earth tones – Greens, browns, tans, and terra cotta are prevalent in this natural scheme. Look for curtain fabrics in these tones or textures like linen. Solid earth-toned curtains or those with organic patterns like leaves pair well.
Monochromatic – Sticking to varying tones and shades of one color creates a sophisticated, elegant look. Choose curtains in the same color family, in lighter and darker values.
Analogous – Analogous schemes use 3-4 hues next to each other on the color wheel, like different shades of blue or green. Curtains in any of the colors in the scheme will complement each other nicely.
Complementary – Complementary color schemes balance opposites from the color wheel, like blue and orange or red and green. Choose curtains in one of the colors to contrast with the opposite colors used on walls, furniture, etc.
How do curtain colors impact the mood of a room?
Beyond just matching the existing décor, curtain colors can also be used to evoke certain moods in your living room space. Here’s how different hue palettes generally affect the ambiance of a room:
| Curtain Color | Mood Created |
|---|---|
| Neutrals | Calm, relaxing |
| Light blue | Peaceful, tranquil |
| Green | Natural, rejuvenating |
| Yellow | Warm, cheerful |
| Red | Exciting, bold |
| Purple | Royal, mysterious |
So if you’re looking to create a soothing sanctuary, go for cool hues like blues, greens or neutrals. Warm tones like reds, oranges and yellows will energize the room and create a vibrant, upbeat ambiance.
How do curtain colors impact light in the room?
The hue of your curtains will also impact the quantity and quality of natural and artificial light in your living room. Here’s a quick rundown of how different colors affect the lighting:
White or pale curtains allow the most natural light to filter into the room, creating an airy, open feel. They also give true color rendering under artificial light.
Medium to dark colors like red, green and brown will absorb and filter more light, creating a warmer, cozier effect in the living room.
Blackout curtains in dark hues completely block outside light for maximum privacy. But they can make a room feel darker and smaller.
Sheer under-curtains or liner curtains in a lighter color hung behind darker drapes is a good way to still allow some natural light in while getting the cozy, filtered effect from the richer outer curtain color.
How do curtain colors complement different furniture?
The existing furniture, flooring and paint colors in your living room should factor heavily into your curtain color selection. Here are some recommendations on pairing curtains with common living room elements:
Neutral furniture – If your furnishings are in creams, greys and tans, opt for curtains in a color from your accent palette, like blue, green or yellow to add a pop.
Wood furniture – Warm wood tones look great with earthy or nature-inspired curtains in sage, light brown or sand colors.
Leather furniture – Go for rich, darker curtain colors like burgundy, navy or forest green to complement the luxurious feel of leather.
Bold painted walls – If your walls are painted a bright accent color, stick with neutral curtains or a color a few shades lighter or darker than the wall color.
Patterned furniture – Choose solid curtain colors if your furniture features bold patterns and prints. Stick with a color drawn from the patterns.
How do curtain lengths affect the look and feel of a room?
In addition to color, the length and amount of your curtains can make a big impact on both the aesthetic and functionality of your living room. Here’s an overview:
Floor length curtains – Elegant and luxurious, these panels can soften the look of high ceilings and make the room feel cozy. But they also block the most light.
Puddle curtains – These end right above the floor, creating a casual pooled effect. They let in more light than floor length.
Sill length panels – Cut right at the windowsill, these are casual and country-chic. They maximize light and views.
Cafe curtains – About 30 inches long, cafe panels offer privacy while maintaining an open, airy ambiance. Great for kitchens and sunrooms.
Drapes and sheers – Layer sheers behind opaque drapes to control privacy and light filtering. Open just the sheers during the day for brightness.
How do patterns and prints impact the vibe?
While solids curtains create a seamless, tailored look, patterns and prints can be a great way to incorporate your personality and style preferences into the living room. Here are some common patterns to consider:
Floral patterns – These feel inherently feminine, romantic and spring-like. Large floppy blooms feel boho, while ditsy florals are cottage-chic.
Geometric prints – Bold geometric shapes and lines lend a modern, sleek aesthetic. Great for contemporary spaces.
Plaids and stripes – Classic windowspane plaids and nautical stripes evoke a casual, country mood.
Global/ethnic prints – Colorful paisleys, ikats and batiks add a worldly, adventurous vibe.
Mix and match patterns and textures for lots of visual interest. But beware of going overboard into distracting chaos. Start with patterned pillows and just one printed curtain panel for balance.
How should you coordinate curtain and wall colors?
When it comes to wall color, there are a few approaches to coordinating with your curtain choice:
Match – Purchase or paint your walls the exact curtain color for a cohesive, seamless palette. Especially effective with bold saturated colors.
Complement – Choose wall and curtain colors from opposite sides of the color wheel for a lively, vibrant contrast.
Varying tones – Use the same base hue but vary the shades, like light blue curtains with deeper blue walls. Gives depth.
Neutral backdrop – Let brightly colored patterned curtains pop against a neutral wall like grey, tan or cream.
Avoid choosing both curtains and walls in competing loud patterns or colors, as it tends to look chaotic. Pick a color as the star, and make the other a simple supporting player.
How do you coordinate curtains across adjoining rooms?
When your living room flows into other spaces like a dining room or kitchen, you’ll want some cohesion between rooms for a pulled-together look. Here are some tips:
– Stick with the same curtain color but vary patterns/textures between rooms.
– Vary intensities of the same hue, like light blue in one room, navy in the other.
– Repeat the same print or motif in different colorways for each space.
– Hang room dividers or partitions in a coordinating color on adjoining openings.
Having at least one unifying element like color, shape or texture repeating across the open rooms creates harmony without being too matchy-matchy.
What are the best curtain colors for small rooms?
Small living rooms require some special consideration when selecting curtain colors. Dark, saturated hues can make a petite room feel closed in and cramped. Here are some small space curtain tips:
– Stick with light, bright colors like white, ivory, light grey, and soft pastels.
– Monochromatic palettes keep things visually open and airy.
– Sheer, filtered curtains disperse light evenly throughout the room.
– Avoid large bold patterns and prints, which can be overwhelming.
– Printed half-length panels draw the eye up, creating the illusion of higher ceilings.
– Hang rods high and wide to maximize light and feelings of openness.
With the right color and length, your curtains can make a small living room feel expansive, breezy and relaxed.
Conclusion
Hopefully this overview gives you a good starting point for selecting the perfect curtain color to coordinate with your existing living room décor while also setting the desired mood and aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different hues and patterns. The key is keeping the whole palette cohesive. And always consider the unique size, layout and style of your space when making design choices. With a thoughtful, holistic approach, you’re sure to end up with beautiful living room curtains that elevate and complete the feel of your home.
