Choosing the right curtain color can transform the atmosphere of your home. Whether for the living room, bedroom, or any other room, curtains occupy a large vertical surface and draw the eye. When well-coordinated with the decor, they provide the finishing touch that makes all the difference.
Curtains aren't just for filtering light or preserving your privacy – they're true decorative elements that define the atmosphere of a room. The right curtain color can visually enlarge a space or, conversely, make it feel cozier. For example, light colors like white, cream, or beige amplify brightness and create a feeling of spaciousness, while dark shades like navy blue, dark green, or black create a more intimate and sophisticated ambiance. Choosing the right color allows you to adjust the atmosphere to suit your desires: a warm and inviting living room, or a soothing and intimate bedroom – it's all about the right shades.
Furthermore, the color of the curtains helps to balance the room's palette. Decorators often use the 60-30-10 rule : 60% of a dominant color (often the walls), 30% of a secondary color (the curtains or a large piece of furniture), and 10% accent colors. Thus, bold curtains can represent up to 30% of a room's color palette. They can either echo an existing color to create harmony or introduce a new hue for contrast. In short, don't underestimate the visual impact of your curtains: well-chosen curtains punctuate the atmosphere and reflect your style.
Finally, changing the color of your curtains is a simple way to refresh a room without a complete overhaul. It's an opportunity to express your personality. Don't hesitate to be creative and mix and match colors—after all, your home reflects who you are. In short, the color of your curtains is a major decorating asset that enhances the style of the room and ties the different elements together.
Before you fall in love with a pair of curtains, take a look around the room. What are the dominant colors on the walls, the floor, and the furniture? For a harmonious decor, the curtain color should complement what's already there . Here are the main elements to consider:
The walls – This is often the first reference point. If your walls are white, good news: white walls, what color curtains should you choose ? Almost any shade will work, as white is a neutral base that makes any color stand out. Take advantage of this to add personality: for example, terracotta curtains to warm up the atmosphere or navy blue for an elegant contrast. On the other hand, if your walls are colored, you need to find a curtain color that harmonizes with them. You can stay within the same palette (curtains in a shade lighter or darker than the wall color) or play with contrast using a complementary color. For example, opposite a teal wall, copper orange or ochre curtains will create a lovely contrast, while beige or pearl gray curtains would blend in more discreetly. A tip: look at the color wheel to identify the complementary color of your wall (mustard yellow complements a deep blue, hence the often-recommended combination of navy blue walls and mustard curtains). Finally, with neutral walls (beige, light grey…), you can either stay in these soothing tones, or dare to use a bright colour of curtains to add some pep – these “all-purpose” walls tolerate measured contrasts well.
Furniture – Consider the colors of your main furniture pieces, especially the sofa and rug, as curtains are often visually similar to these elements. Ideally, the curtain color should complement the furniture to create a harmonious echo or contrast. If your sofa or armchairs are a bold color (for example, a teal or olive green sofa), neutral curtains (linen, off-white, light gray) will tone it down while still highlighting the furniture. Conversely, if the sofa is a neutral shade (gray, beige, etc.), it's an opportunity to add a dynamic touch with the curtains. A beige sofa with mustard yellow curtains, for example, is a very successful combination: the beige provides a subtle backdrop, and the mustard adds warmth and vibrancy. Just make sure the colors don't clash . For instance, reddish wood furniture won't pair well with bright purple curtains – if in doubt, opt for a shade present elsewhere in the room or a well-chosen complementary color.
Flooring and accessories – Even the floor can influence the overall look. Warm wood parquet will be enhanced by curtain colors reminiscent of nature (greens, terracotta) or, conversely, by light colors (cream, white) to brighten the space. Gray tile or concrete flooring often calls for warmer window colors ( beige , terracotta, ochre) to avoid a cold atmosphere. Furthermore, consider your decorative accessories (cushions, paintings, vases): you could choose curtains that pick up one of their colors to create a connection and tie the entire decor together . For example, if you have a few touches of blue in the room (cushions, decorative objects), blue curtains echoing these accents will create visual continuity. In short, take into account all the major colored elements in the room – walls, furniture, flooring, textiles – to choose curtains that blend harmoniously into the overall design.
Faced with the wide range of colors available, one question often arises: is it better to opt for neutral-colored curtains or, on the contrary, to dare to choose more colorful and striking ones ? Each option has its advantages. Here's some information to help you decide based on your interior and the desired effect:
Curtains in neutral tones – white , ecru, beige, pearl gray, taupe… Neutral curtains are a safe bet. They bring a discreet and modern elegance to your space. White voile or light gray double curtains create a bright, serene, and timeless atmosphere. The huge advantage of understated shades is that they adapt to all decorating styles and won't become tiresome. Anthracite gray, taupe, or black curtains, for example, create a chic neutral backdrop that will stand the test of time. Another advantage: these calming colors allow other decorative elements to take center stage. With neutral curtains, colorful furniture or objects can stand out more. If your room already has a lot of color or a strong accent wall, neutral curtains will prevent adding visual clutter. Finally, to avoid them looking too simple, you can play with the material : beige linen, a deep grey velvet, a textured weave… Noble and textured fabrics will add character even in a sober shade.
Bright or dark colored curtains – Do you want to add character? Colorful curtains are an excellent way to inject personality into your interior. They can serve as a focal point in a somewhat understated decor. For example, brick red or emerald green at the windows draws the eye and sets the tone for the room. Warm and vibrant shades like terracotta, mustard yellow, orange-red, or teal are very trendy and bring a dynamic and original touch. Don't hesitate to use these bold colors, especially if the rest of the decor is understated: terracotta curtains in a living room with white walls will instantly inject warmth and conviviality. This terracotta tone is also appreciated because it warms the atmosphere while remaining elegant, particularly in winter where it works wonders to warm up a white or beige decor. Dark colors like navy blue, fir green, or burgundy, on the other hand, create a warm and enveloping atmosphere conducive to cozying up – perfect for an elegant living room or a cozy bedroom. Simply keep in mind that dark curtains will absorb more daylight: therefore, they are best reserved for rooms that are already bright enough, or balanced with light-colored walls to avoid making the room too dark. Finally, colorful curtains don't necessarily mean solid colors: you can choose colorful patterns (floral, geometric, etc.) to combine several colors at once, provided you echo these colors elsewhere in the room for a sense of unity (see the following section).
In short, neutral curtains are suitable if you're looking for simplicity, timelessness, and brightness, or if the room already features bold colors. Colored curtains are appropriate if you want to add depth, originality, or accentuate a particular style. In all cases, consider overall coherence : either the curtains should recede to highlight other elements, or they should become the focal point around which the room's color palette is built.
Patterned curtains (floral prints, geometric patterns, stripes, etc.) can add a lot of charm and personality to a room, but they are trickier to coordinate. Don't panic, a few simple rules will help you avoid a fashion faux pas:
Dare to use patterns on a simple base – If your decor is rather simple and plain, don't hesitate to try patterned curtains to liven things up. An original print can become the focal point that adds depth to the decor. For example, in a living room with white walls and plain furniture, curtains with tropical or graphic patterns will bring a welcome touch of originality. As one expert advises, if the decor is understated, you can be very bold with patterns or bright, trendy colors. However, if the walls or sofa already have a strong pattern (patterned wallpaper, patterned rug), avoid adding even more different prints to the curtains. Plain curtains or curtains with a very subtle pattern are preferable to avoid visual clutter.
Finding a common thread – To ensure your patterned curtains blend seamlessly, identify a common color between the curtain pattern and the rest of the room. For example, if your curtains have touches of blue and green in their pattern, make sure one of these colors is already present elsewhere (emerald green cushions, a blue vase, etc.). This color echo will create unity and act as a link between the curtains and the decor. Similarly, you can choose a pattern that reflects a theme in the room (foliage to complement your houseplants, ethnic patterns to enhance a bohemian style, etc.). The important thing is not to introduce a pattern that has no connection to the rest of the room – this could create a jarring effect.
Balancing Patterns and Solids – Finally, remember to balance patterned areas with solid colors around them. If your curtains are heavily patterned, opt for solid-colored cushions, a solid-colored sofa, etc., perhaps in one of the colors of the pattern. Conversely, if you have other heavily patterned elements in the room, solid-colored curtains can tone things down. It's always a question of balance: too many different patterns without coherence can create a visual cacophony. When in doubt, start with subtle patterns or introduce them in small touches (for example, patterned curtain tiebacks or light sheers with a subtle pattern) before moving on to large curtains with a bold print. And remember that geometric patterns, stripes, and polka dots often bring a modern, dynamic touch, while floral or tropical patterns create a warmer or more exotic atmosphere – choose according to the style you want to achieve.
By following these tips, your patterned curtains will become an asset to your décor, enhancing the style of the room rather than a jarring element. When well-coordinated, they can truly make a difference and reflect your unique taste.
Example: In this living room with sage green walls, long linen-beige curtains add a soft, natural touch, harmonizing with the cream sofa and pale green cushions. The result is a soothing and balanced atmosphere, where neutral tones and green complement each other without clashing. This type of color combination illustrates how a colorful wall can be enhanced by curtains in muted shades, creating a harmonious decor.
To finish on a high note, here are some concrete examples of winning combinations of wall, furniture, and curtain colors. These color duo (and trio) ideas will help you visualize the possibilities and avoid any decorating faux pas. Draw inspiration from these tried-and-tested pairings:
White walls + terracotta curtains – Since white walls are very neutral, terracotta curtains will warm up the room and make it more inviting. Terracotta is a warm shade that instantly adds character without being dazzling. Paired with white, it creates a soft yet noticeable contrast, ideal for a bohemian-chic living room or bedroom. In winter, in particular, this combination works wonderfully because the terracotta visually "warms up" the surrounding white or beige tones. Complete the palette with a few accessories in natural fibers (rattan, light wood) and touches of brass for a top-notch warm atmosphere.
White wall + navy blue curtains – What color curtains go with a white wall? Navy blue is an excellent choice for creating contrast while remaining elegant. Dark blue curtains create a beautiful contrast against a white wall ; it's a strong color, yet surprisingly easy to coordinate. In a living room with pristine white walls, navy blue curtains will add a touch of sophistication and depth without visually overwhelming the space. This timeless combination (white + navy blue) evokes a style that is both modern and classic – think chic coastal decor, or contemporary interiors that often incorporate midnight blue as an accent. Don't hesitate to echo navy blue in small touches elsewhere (blue patterned cushions, an abstract painting with blue) to tie everything together.
Sage green wall + light linen (beige) curtains – Sage green, a soft blend of green and gray that's very much in vogue, pairs perfectly with neutral and natural tones. Linen-colored curtains (a very light beige verging on ecru) will highlight the soothing aspect of sage green without overpowering it. This color duo evokes nature and serenity: the sage green walls create a Zen-like setting, while the linen-beige curtains allow light to filter through and maintain a bright atmosphere. Add a cream sofa or armchairs, a few green plants, and light wood accents, and you have a very harmonious Scandinavian or country chic interior. The neutral shades support and enhance the sage green, for a fresh and balanced decor.
Beige sofa + mustard yellow curtains – Do you have a beige or light gray sofa that you find a little too tame? Spice up the decor with mustard yellow curtains! The beige sofa provides a neutral base, and mustard yellow, a variation of earthy ochre, will create a warm and trendy contrast. This combination is increasingly seen in decorating magazines, as it subtly blends the understated elegance of beige with the warmth of yellow . Mustard brings vitality and a welcoming feel to the living room, without being as vibrant as lemon yellow. It pairs well with other elements in wood tones, white, black, or even khaki green. In short, the beige sofa + mustard curtains duo is a simple way to brighten up a neutral interior while maintaining an elegant look.
Pearl gray walls + ochre yellow curtains – Pearl gray (very light gray) is a modern and understated wall color, but it can appear a bit cold if left untouched. To harmonize the curtains with the decor in this setting, nothing beats a touch of ochre or mustard yellow on the windows. Gray and yellow are complementary colors that work beautifully together: the cool gray of the wall highlights the warm yellow of the curtains, and vice versa, creating a balanced contrast. Ochre yellow curtains will warm up the atmosphere and add vibrancy without being garish. Complete the look with a few printed cushions mixing gray and yellow for a visual connection, and perhaps some touches of white for brightness. This combination is ideal in a contemporary living room or open-plan kitchen, for a decor that is both understated and cheerful.
