When selecting curtains to go with green walls, there are a few key factors to consider: the shade of green on the walls, the level of light in the room, and the overall style or aesthetic you want to achieve. Carefully choosing curtains that complement the green walls will pull your whole room together.
The Shade of Green
The specific shade of green you choose for your walls is the first major factor in determining what curtains will look best. Darker forest greens and deep emeralds pair well with curtains in a similar deep green shade. For lighter greens like sage, mint, or seafoam, look for curtains in complementary lighter neutrals like cream or taupe. Dusty olive greens work with earth tones like khaki and brown. Here are some of the most popular green shades for walls and the best curtain options for each:
| Green Wall Color | Curtain Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Forest Green | Hunter green, olive green, dark brown |
| Emerald Green | Deep green, dark teal, navy |
| Lime Green | Chartreuse, bright yellow, white |
| Mint Green | Light blue, sky blue, off-white |
| Sage Green | Butter yellow, cream, taupe |
| Olive Green | Khaki, tan, light brown |
If your walls are a bolder kelly green or even neon green, go for equally vibrant curtain colors like magenta, tangerine, or electric blue to play up the fun, funky vibe.
The Room’s Lighting
The amount and type of natural and artificial lighting in a room should impact your curtain choice. Rooms with ample sunlight can handle light-blocking curtains in rich hues, while darker spaces need help from sheer under-curtains or lighter shades. Here are curtain considerations for different lighting scenarios:
- South-facing rooms awash in natural light can use heavier curtains in darker complementing colors to prevent glare and filter the light.
- North-facing rooms with little direct sun should choose lighter sheer curtains to maximize ambient light.
- Rooms with only artificial lighting require light-colored or sheer curtains to avoid feeling cave-like.
- Bathrooms and kitchens with a mix of natural and task lighting should layer sheer and opaque curtains to find the perfect balance.
Take measurements during both day and evening to determine the room’s full range of light. Install dimmable lights and consider blackout lined curtains if excessive brightness is an issue.
Intended Decor Style
The overall style you want to achieve dictates many curtain design factors: color, pattern, length, fullness, and fabric. Here are some popular decor styles and the best curtain types for each:
- Contemporary: Hang long, full, solid-colored curtains high above the window frame for a clean look.
- Modern: Try boldly colored or printed sheer curtains spanning floor to ceiling.
- Rustic: Natural linen or burlap curtains in earthy solids or plaids work well.
- Romantic: Floral printed sheer curtains with valances and tie-backs create a soft feel.
- Eclectic: Mismatched patterns and whimsical fabrics like lace reflect the style’s diversity.
- Coastal: Airy linen or textured cotton curtains in nautical stripes or solids suit the mood.
- Industrial: Unlined linen or burlap curtains offer durability and a finished vibe.
- Bohemian: Long, colorful, patterned curtains with trim exude free-spirited style.
Consult fabric swatches at design centers to visualize combinations with your green walls. Order samples online before fully committing to a curtain style.
Curtain Color Combinations
Beyond simply matching or coordinating with your wall color, consider creating an interesting color scheme. Contrasting hues like red and green have bold impact, while tone-on-tone palettes featuring shades of green, white, and brown have an elegant, soothing effect. Here are some inspiring color combinations to try with green walls:
- Green and Yellow – Citrus yellow draws out the vibrancy of green for a spring-like look.
- Green and Purple – These two complementary colors play off one another in an inviting, regal way.
- Green, Brown, and White – Mixing neutral earth tones with green grounds the palette.
- Green and Blue – Analagous cool tones create a relaxing vibe.
- Green, Black, and Metallic Gold – Sophisticated and glamorous; perfect for a formal space.
Green is endlessly versatile, suiting traditional checked curtains, playful polka dots, floral and paisley prints, and anything in between. Layer curtains for additional depth and think outside the box for your perfect pairing.
Ideal Curtain Fabrics
Fabric choice impacts the drape, durability, light-filtering capabilities, and overall look of your curtains. Ideal fabrics to consider include:
- Linen – Made from natural fibers, linen offers variable transparency and a casual, rustic vibe.
- Cotton – Affordable, breathable cotton comes in endless color and pattern options.
- Velvet – With a plush texture and elegant drape, velvet makes a luxe statement.
- Wool – Naturally insulating, renewable wool suits winter insulation needs.
- Silk – Shimmering silk curtains create an airy, delicate aesthetic.
- Polyester – Budget-friendly polyester wears well and mimics other fabrics’ looks.
Heavier opaque fabrics like velvet help darken a room, while sheer voile and muslin preserve the most natural light. Calculate fullness, heading type, and layers wisely based on your goals.
Curtain Styles to Consider
From tailored to whimsical, here are some specific curtain styles that work beautifully with green walls:
- Patterned: Small-scale prints like florals, geometrics, or ikat patterns add visual interest against solid green walls.
- Textured: Look for crushed or slubbed cottons, raw silk, ribbed velvet, or embroidered fabrics.
- Layered: Sheer over opaque curtains filter light while optimizing privacy.
- Floor Length: Long, puddling curtains make a glam statement in formal spaces.
- Gathered with Tiebacks: Romantic gathered headings with coordinating tiebacks create softness.
- Graphic Print: Bold black and white stripe or buffalo check prints contrast sharply.
Measure carefully, allow for shrinkage, and check that hardware can support heavy curtain weights as needed. High-quality custom curtains can realize any style vision.
Special Considerations for Bathrooms
Steamy bathroom humidity and moisture require curtains made from mold- and mildew-resistant fabrics. Polyester blends, nylon, acrylic, and treated cottons are ideal options that minimize deterioration in bathrooms. Avoid silk or linen curtains in bathroom settings. Install ceiling fans, crack windows, and keep shower doors closed to mitigate excess moisture buildup.
For safety, choose non-flammable shower and tub curtain materials like polyester rather than vinyl. Opt for weighted hems or magnets to keep shower curtains from billowing into water streams. Look for washable fabrics and launder frequently to prevent soap scum and mineral buildup. Provide ample overhead lighting to reduce shadowy areas.
Conclusion
The optimal curtains to pair with green walls depend on the exact shade, the room’s light, your style, favored color schemes and fabrics, and special considerations like moisture in bathrooms. Layers of sheer and opaque curtains in complementary hues help strike the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and your design vision. Thoughtfully chosen window dressings help green walls look their best while adding warmth and style to any room.