30 Living Room Curtain Ideas to Transform Your Space

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Find the right window treatments with these easy-to-execute living room curtain ideas.

01. Pinch Pleat Curtains

Living room with crowned molding ceiling in dark green.
Credit: Julie Soefer
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your living room with pinch pleat curtains. These feature fan-shaped pleats at the top that give the curtain panel a structured and tailored look. Hung with rings, they add classic charm and visual interest.

In this rich green living room, the curtains mirror the sophistication of the coffered ceiling and detailed picture molding. They are a perfect fit for formal or traditional design styles.

02. Curtains Paired with Blinds

curtains and blinds together
Credit: John Bessler
Layering Roman shades with gauzy curtains can offer the best of both worlds—privacy and style. The shades add natural texture, while the sheer drapes soften the room’s appearance.

This pairing allows for flexible light control while elevating the overall decor. It’s ideal for transitional or coastal-inspired interiors.

03. Ceiling-Height Living Room Curtains

eclectic living room with striped black and white chairs
Credit: Brie Williams
Mounting curtains at ceiling height visually stretches the walls and gives the illusion of taller ceilings. This trick works especially well in spaces with French doors or tall windows.

Dark, patterned drapes here bring a bold statement, contrasting beautifully against the lighter elements in the room, while maintaining functionality.

04. Curtain Panels with Decorative Trim

Living room with colorful sofa

Credit: Robert Peterson
Upgrade basic curtains with decorative trim running along the edges. Think fringe, beads, pom-poms, or tassels—these additions add personality and texture.

Decorative trim allows you to personalize your curtains without investing in a completely custom design. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

05. Sheer Living Room Curtains

sheer L-shaped curtains
Credit: Michael Partenio
Sheer curtains are perfect for softening sunlight and creating a bright, breezy ambiance. They work especially well in rooms that need privacy without complete light blockage.

Here, the pleated sheers enhance the room’s airiness while introducing a graceful texture to the window area.

06. Curtains with Tiebacks

Green room with armchair and rolling cart
Credit: Adam Albright
Tiebacks are both functional and decorative. They gather curtains to the side, letting in more light and offering a chance to introduce accent colors or materials.

This feature can create a symmetrical look or bring attention to your window framing. Use rope, fabric, or even metallic tiebacks to suit your style.

07. Curtains That Match the Wall Color

living room with fire place and black wall
Credit: Annie Schlechter
Creating a monochrome look by matching curtains to wall color can make a space feel larger and more cohesive. It also helps the curtains blend rather than stand out.

In this moody room, dark curtains seamlessly flow into the painted walls, adding a sophisticated layer of depth and softness.

08. White Living Room Curtains

Living room with blue ceiling
Credit: Michael Partenio
White curtains are classic for a reason. They reflect light, contribute to a serene aesthetic, and work across a range of interior styles, from coastal to contemporary.

Here, white floor-length panels frame the room without detracting from the architecture or color palette.

09. Double-Panel Living Room Curtains

blue-grey walls and velvet sofa
Credit: Brie Williams
Double-panel curtains create a balanced and luxurious look, especially when they include unique features like patterned trim.

These creamy drapes have a subtle geometric border that coordinates with pillows and artwork, tying the space together.

10. Break Puddle Curtains

living room with blue rug and silver light
Credit: Hector Sanchez
Break puddle curtains fall just over the floor—about an inch longer than necessary. This creates a casual elegance without overwhelming the space.

They’re easier to maintain than full puddles and still offer that touch of softness that makes a room feel polished.

11. Sliding Door Curtains

Open concept living room with blackout curtains
Credit: Jay Wilde
Large sliding glass doors deserve tailored window treatments. Floor-to-ceiling panels offer privacy, insulation, and style.

In this open-concept space, wide curtains ensure full coverage while preserving the room’s sleek, modern appeal.

12. Curtains with an Attached Valance

Living room with brown leather sofa, blue bookshelves
Credit: Werner Straube
Attached valances can enhance the verticality of your curtains and offer additional design flair. They frame windows beautifully and add a layered effect.

Here, bold colors and textures boost the drama and complement the dark-painted bookshelves.

13. Curtains That Kiss the Floor

elegant living room
Credit: Emily J. Followill
Curtains that just graze the floor—also known as kissing the floor—offer a tailored and tidy appearance. They’re easy to open and close without getting dirty.

This style is a go-to choice for modern, minimal, and transitional interiors.

14. Curtains on a Brass Rod

living room with lavender purple walls
Credit: David A. Land
Don’t overlook your curtain hardware. A brass rod adds warmth and elegance and complements other metallic finishes in your decor.

In this modern living room, the gold tones harmonize with furniture details and lighting fixtures.

15. Grommet Curtains

white chair in front of lavender painted wall
Credit: Jacob Fox
Grommet curtains are sleek and simple. The built-in metal rings allow for smooth sliding and eliminate the need for extra hardware.

These are perfect for high-traffic areas or when you want to maintain a clean-lined look.

16. Blackout Living Room Curtains

den with patterned curtains and wall art
Credit: Nick Johnson
Blackout curtains offer more than light control. They also insulate against temperature changes and dampen noise.

Ideal for media rooms or spaces with large windows, these thick, patterned drapes are both functional and stylish.

17. Curtain Panels with an Organic Pattern

Bedroom with green leaf print curtains
Credit: Brie Williams
Organic prints like florals or foliage introduce a whimsical, calming vibe. Creamy curtains with a green vine motif bring a touch of the outdoors inside.

Use patterns to soften hard edges or break up solid colors.

18. Curtains Hung on a Tension Rod

White living room
Credit: Meredith Corporation
For renters or temporary setups, tension rods are a lifesaver. They install without damage and can be used inside window frames.

This solution is especially handy in small spaces or apartments with strict rules about drilling.

19. Patterned Living Room Curtains

Coastal living room
Credit: Nathan Schroder
Colorful prints can define your space. In this coastal living room, pale blue trim and block-printed drapes create a vibrant, curated look.

Patterned curtains are great for adding layers and matching with decorative accents like pillows or rugs.

20. Symmetry Created with Curtains

Modern farmhouse living room
Credit: Jay Wilde
Flanking a central feature like a fireplace with curtain panels creates visual symmetry and enhances the focal point.

In this farmhouse-style living room, beige linen curtains soften the stark white shiplap and add subtle warmth.

21. Curtains Hung Near the Ceiling

Farmhouse living roomFarmhouse living room
Credit: Kerry Kirk Photography
Hanging your curtain rod higher than the window frame can add vertical height to a room.

Measure carefully, and consider mounting the rod halfway to two-thirds of the way to the ceiling for the most impact.

22. Light Curtains Paired with a Dark Ceiling

Living room with black ceiling
Credit: Jim Franco
Play with contrast by pairing a dramatic dark ceiling with airy, white curtain panels. This keeps the room from feeling too heavy.

The curtains brighten the lower half of the room, maintaining balance and openness.

23. Living Room Roman Shades

Modern black and white living room
Credit: Brie Williams
Roman shades are compact, structured, and stylish. They work well in minimal spaces or where curtains would overwhelm the design.

Here, white shades with black lining echo the color palette and offer precise light control.

24. Color Block Living Room Curtains

Brown and cream living room
Credit: Werner Straube
Color-block curtains inject bold style while tying together diverse elements in the room.

These brown and cream panels strike a balance between modern drama and traditional elegance.

25. Curtains with Rings

rustic brown living room with leather sofa
Credit: Victoria Pearson
Ring-top curtains combine formality with function. They glide easily and provide a soft, gathered drape.

Here, creamy beige curtains lend a cozy yet upscale touch to a leather-clad boho room.

26. Bold Patterned Curtains

brightly printed curtains in living room
Credit: David A. Land
Don’t shy away from prints! Bold curtain patterns can create drama and draw the eye upward, making the space feel larger.

These graphic panels add excitement while maintaining harmony with the overall color palette.

27. Wall Curtains

wall curtains
Credit: Adam Albright
Curtains don’t always need to cover windows. Use them as a design element to frame art or soften a painted accent wall.

Velvet panels in a complementary hue add color, texture, and a hint of luxury.

28. Black-and-White Living Room Curtains

living room gray couch black table
Credit: Brie Williams
Graphic black-and-white prints offer a modern, clean feel. Look to accessories like pillows or throws for design continuity.

These curtains mirror the patterns on nearby cushions, tying the room together subtly.

29. L-Shaped Curtains

L-Shaped living room curtains
Credit: Katie Charlotte Fiedler
Windows that wrap around corners need a special solution. L-shaped rods accommodate multiple angles and provide continuous coverage.

Green patterned curtains here define the cozy window nook and inject vibrant personality.

30. Geometric Double-Panel Curtain

seating area with wicker chair and white sofa
Credit: Annie Schlechter
Simple borders in black and white give plain curtains a designer upgrade. Paired with gold rods, they exude elegance and structure.

This setup complements the metallic finishes elsewhere and creates a polished, balanced look.

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