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These Simple Curtain Styles Will Instantly Refresh Your Living Room

living room curtain ideas
30 Simple Living Room Curtain IdeasErin Konrath Photography

Whether you have small or big windows, statement drapery might be the finishing touch your space needs. Not only will the right window treatments elevate your living room design, they can help create the illusion of a larger room, provide privacy and filter sunlight. No matter your home style, we've rounded up an array of living room curtain ideas that will transform your space.

Ranging from simple to striking, floor-length curtains are a popular choice for the living room. That might mean off-white sheers that allow natural light to pour into your space, moody blackout curtains ideal for movie night or something in between, like patterned light-filtering drapes. We've included modern curtain designs showcasing grommet panels, fabric blinds and Roman shades, plus more traditional treatments, like valances and balloon shades. Once you've selected a style, consider a color and pattern that matches your overall design aesthetic — whether you'd like your curtains to act as a focal point or blend into the background.

"Whether you want them to simply accentuate an already well-designed area, or add some flair, curtains can be one of the easiest ways to make your home look like a designer got their hands on it," says Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors. Keep in mind: To hang curtains like an interior designer, install curtain rods at the correct height (about 4 to 6 inches above your window) and ensure your panels are at least few inches wider than your windows.

Hanging High

For instant drama and the illusion of a larger space, hang curtain rods at least six inches above your windows. Here, designer Kristin Harrison of Bungalow 10 Interiors goes for gray sheers with purple undertones to allow natural light to pass through.

RELATED: 50 Modern Living Rooms Filled With Fresh Ideas for 2023

a living room with a chandelier and a table and plum brown curtains
Angela Newton Roy Photography

Coastal Chic

Blue-and-white geometric curtains are a gorgeous finishing touch in this nautical-inspired living room. To stay on theme, designer Caitlin Kah layers in pale blue hues in the form of throw pillows, books, an end table and lamp.

living room with coffee table storage
Carmel Brantley

Total Blackout

As much as we cherish natural light, total darkness is a must for movie night. Take note from design firm Truss Interiors and opt for floor-to-ceiling blackout drapes that easily open and close.

RELATED: Best Blackout Curtains for the Best Sleep Ever

living room with blue walls and dark curtains
Emily Minton Redfield Photo

Color Contrast

Utilize curtains to create a living space filled with contrast, as design firm Daley Home does here. Light gray drapes are hung high on industrial-inspired black curtain rods that match the black window trim.

a living room with a black coffee table and a large window
Molly Culver

Semi-Sheer Shades

Nix the drapes and instead, go for light-filtering shades that allow natural light to fill the room while affording a bit of privacy. Here, The Residency Bureau opts for textured shades in a modern living room where floor-length curtains could have felt too busy.

RELATED: White Living Room Ideas for Every Home Style

living room idea blue couch
Miranda Estes

Refined Neutral

While curtains can serve as a focal point, they can also look beautiful when blending into the background. Beige drapes hung on sleek black rods add an elegant appeal to this cozy living room designed by Element Design Network.

living room curtain ideas
Erin Konrath Photography

Classic Black and White

In this trendy living room by designer Kerrie Kelly, black-and-white patterned curtains double as artwork. They serve as a stylish backdrop for the equally as chic blue velvet curved sofa.

RELATED: Best Curved Sofas to Ensure a Chic Living Room Design

studio apartment ideas, space witha blue couch on the tight and seating on the left with a rug between
Kerrie Kelly Studio

Bold Stripes

You may not expect that daring drapes complement a floral patterned wallpaper, but this striking living room is proof. You never go wrong with classic vertical striped curtains, especially when elegantly paired with a valance.

living room curtain ideas
Dan Duchars

Stylish Symmetry

When a space is filled with patterns, colors and textures, solid-color curtains can help to balance the look. Here, designer Katie Davis dresses two windows identically for added symmetry.

neutral living room with green bench and fireplace mantel
Kerry Kirk

White on White

Floor-length, transparent white curtains add a sophisticated flair to this airy living room by Curated Nest. The walls and sofa in complementary neutrals unify the space.

living room curtain ideas
Jacob Snavely Photography

Statement Orange

Bold orange patterned drapes steal the show in this inviting living room. The brown leather upholstery used for the armchair and ottomans, along with the graphic throw pillows, complement the long window treatments.

living room curtain ideas
Hearst Owned

Doubling Up

For double the style and function, adorn your windows with Roman shades and floor-length drapes. In this neutral living room, Collected Interiors takes the opportunity to pair textured shades with elegant off-white curtains.

living room with white curtains and fabric shades
Nicole Dianne Photography

Layers of Pattern

To let this living room's statement art and tufted pink sofa really shine, designer Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt opted for simple black-and-white geometric curtains.

living room curtain ideas
Amanda Anderson Photography

Pops of Blue

This living room may be dominated by a mix of whites and beige tones, but pops of blue — including curtains — prevent it from feeling sterile.

living room curtain ideas
Rachel Shingleton

Touch of Ombré

If you've been longing to test the ombré trend in a small way, take inspiration from this living room's curtains. The white upper portion blends well with the white walls and mantel, while the pink part acts as the perfect complement to the room's blue and gray seating.

living room curtain ideas
David A. Land/Otto

Go Green

Nothing beats statement accents like a lime green sofa and curtains to make a design scheme shine.

RELATED: Light and Dark Green Living Room Ideas for a Relaxing Refresh

living room curtain ideas
Rachel Whiting

Subtle Print

Curtains in a muted print prevent this neutral beach house from feeling lackluster. Plus, the small curtain rings and expansive curtain rods framing the room make it possible to reconfigure the drapes as needed.

living room curtain ideas
Lisa Romerein

Elegant Balloon Shades

Off-white balloon shades and mixed floral touches add drama to this vintage-inspired living room.

living room curtain ideas
Nelson Hancock

All for Stripes

In this lively living room, colorful striped curtains draw the eye to the windows and play a role in the room's red-green color palette.

living room curtain ideas
David Brittain

Classic Gingham

Believe it or not, gingham is a versatile print that's perfect for curtains. In this living room, the choice of black and white creates a focal point among the shades of green and gray.

living room curtain ideas
Sarah Dorio

Mellow Yellow

Curtains in an understated shade of yellow are the perfect counterpart to this room's pink accent wall. A colorful mix of throw pillows are the perfect way to bring the colors together.

living room curtains
Nick Keane

Pattern Play

Plaid fabric takes these Roman shades to the next level, while contributing to the room's attractive layers of pattern.

country living, living room curtain ideas
Hearst Owned

Matching Prints

If you love a pattern, use it over and over again. Take a cue from this cozy living room's matching floral curtains, lamp shade and throw pillow.

living room curtain ideas
Rachel Whiting

Understated Pattern

Neutral curtains, featuring a gentle navy blue pattern, elevate this living room. While walls paired with punches of pink and fresh greenery pull the look together.

living room curtain ideas
Michael J Lee

Curtain Tieback Effect

Thanks to a simple rope curtain tieback, this well-decorated living room benefits from ample sunlight and a sophisticated style. And contrary to popular belief, this traditional style doesn't look outdated at all!

living room curtain ideas
Alun Callender

Striking Hues

Take note from the color wheel and pair two complementary colors, like purple with yellow and orange. From its orange patterned curtains to the purple florals and seat cushion, this living room is a lesson in decorating with color.

living room curtain ideas
Eric Roth

Old-World Style

This olive green curtain and valance set are adorned with plaid details to suit this living room's old-world vibe.

living room curtain ideas
Hearst Owned

Botanical Detail

Blending modern with traditional, this chic living room is complete with botanical print curtains that stand out against beige walls.

living room curtain ideas
Adrian Briscoe

Shades of Warmth

Orange floral curtains bring a dose of cheer to this light-filled interior. To tie the space together, white furnishings are paired with warm-toned fabrics, from the area rug to the throw blanket.

woman's day, living room curtain ideas
Hearst Owned

Tassel Trim

Considering this living room's eye-catching floral wall covering, solid-colored curtains with a mini tassel fringe trim are the right choice.

woman's day, living room curtains
Hearst Owned

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