Elegant Curtain Ideas to Enhance Your Bedroom

Many homeowners throw up a set of Venetian blinds and call it a day. But settling for boring window coverings means missing out on countless amazing design trends you could explore.

First and foremost, window treatments must be functional. Still, high-quality curtains can completely reinvent a room, especially in a space like the master bedroom. Keep reading to discover how you can incorporate some of today’s top bedroom curtain ideas into your own home decor.

1. Come Over To the Dark Side

Many decorators fear dark drapery because they believe it will make the space feel claustrophobic. In actuality, dark bedroom curtains are a great way to turn a utilitarian decor feature into one of luxury.

As with any decor choice, look to the room’s color palette for inspiration. In a space populated by black and white decor—shades of grey included – black curtains are an excellent choice. For bedrooms with accents of blue, red, and green, select deep jewel tones from the same color family.

2. Embrace Height

If you’re looking to get the most from your bedroom’s limited space, floor-to-ceiling curtains might do the trick. Choose lightweight, neutral fabrics to bring an airy quality to the space while also creating an opportunity for more natural light.

You can also think of floor-to-ceiling curtains as a type of accent wall. For this look, reach for large, standout prints and contrasting colors. They’ll complement the rest of your bedroom decor without fading into the background. With the right approach, even dark shades can make the space feel larger than reality.

3. Serene and Versatile

Rather than turn to white as your go-to neutral, take a moment to think about how grey, cream, or beige curtains can elevate a room. To ensure your new window treatment matches the existing color palette, choose a neutral shade of the same temperature.

Selecting a lighter or heavier fabric can also completely transform the look of your window curtains. Sheer curtains allow more natural light to enter the room without giving up your sense of privacy. On the other hand, thicker drapes block out more unwanted light and can even help maintain your bedroom temperature during the hot and cold months.

4. Adding Flair

If your bedroom doesn’t have a curtain rod pocket and you want to disguise the fittings, consider hanging a pelmet or valance. Pelmets are simple structures installed atop interior window frames to cover the curtain rod and fasteners. Valances are short curtains that hang along the entire curtain rod, creating a uniform look above your other curtain panels.

While pelmets are usually upholstered wood, whether the fabric matches or contrasts with your curtains is up to you. Wallpaper or paint can also blend a pelmet into the surrounding wall.

Many bedroom curtain sets come with a matching valance. To make your own, choose a short curtain (or hem a full-length one) in a contrasting color or pattern. Valances are an easy way to achieve the layered curtain look without adding extra bulk.

5. Simplicity in Style

Accent colors are a valuable tool in home design. If you design your space around a single color or color family, your window curtains are a great canvas to focus on.

Anytime you work with solid colors, texture is your friend. Thick velvet curtains are a popular trend because they bring a luxurious look and feel to even the most boring color palette. On the flip side, sheer fabrics can add some much-needed dimension to solid-colored drapery.

Since the curtains themselves will be rather plain, be sure to get creative with the hardware. Curtain rods and tiebacks in a complementary finish look intentional rather than simplistic.

6. Playful Touches

Pom-poms and fringes might be staples of nursery window decor, but these trends can also translate to the master bedroom. For a more mature take, opt for smaller pom-poms or fringes in neutral colors.

You can use macrame as a valance or curtain panel to add texture and bohemian appeal to otherwise plain curtains. It won’t do much to block out the light or prying eyes, though, so try layering macrame over shutters or sheer drapes to maximize its functionality.

If you want a touch of the pom-pom or fringe aesthetic without going full-throttle, look for curtain tiebacks that fit the look. A curtain tieback set adorned with pom-poms or fringe offers a subtle nod to the boho trend without worrying about overdoing it.

7. Artistic Impressions

Modern geometric patterns are super popular, but barely scratch the surface when it comes to unique fabrics. Maximalist florals are also very on-trend right now and look stunning paired with a dark color palette.

Look at your bedroom’s current decor and color scheme to narrow down the ideal print for your space. Prints in a neutral color palette are the easiest to incorporate into existing decor, but don’t let that fact stop you from following your heart.

8. Classic Appeal

When asked to come up with bedroom curtain ideas, traditional curtain panels are likely the first to spring to mind. In many spaces, though, Roman shades make a great alternative. Whether you opt for fabric, woven bamboo, or another material entirely, Roman shades are undeniably stylish and easy to use.

This curtain style also offers a unique design opportunity in how you pleat, fold, tie, or bunch up the bottom. Depending on your decor goals, you can transform the look of your window treatment without even swapping shades.

9. Space-Savvy Solutions

Not every home has a blessing like full-length windows, and that’s okay. By strategically placing your bedroom curtains, you can ensure your small bedroom looks and feels as open as possible.

Before you do anything else, it’s important to understand and work with the shape of your bedroom windows. Aim to have your curtains fall at or several inches below your windowsill.

If you want the illusion of taller windows without floor-length curtains, there’s another option. Hanging the curtain rod slightly above your window can work miracles. A carefully placed valance or pelmet can hide the fact that you installed your curtain rod several inches above the window frame.

10. Delicate Beauty

Despite what you might believe, lace is remarkably versatile (even in ways that buck the feminine stereotype). Ultimately, the type of lace and how you style it will determine the final look.

Floral lace is a staple of farmhouse decor, especially when paired with a textured fabric like burlap or canvas. On the other hand, geometric-patterned lace melds perfectly with modern Scandinavian design.

Lace curtains are a great way to invite natural light in while still enjoying some privacy. But, they certainly won’t replace blackout curtains. Play around with layering lace and heavier fabric to get the most out of your bedroom curtains’ functionality.

11. Airy and Ethereal

Not all spaces require hyper-functional bedroom curtain ideas. In spaces where natural light is a must and privacy is of little concern, sheer curtains provide the perfect compromise. White or off-white sheer curtains are a popular choice but don’t write off colored fabric.

Of course, you can always enjoy the best of both worlds by layering sheer drapes over blackout curtains or Venetian blinds. Or, layer multiple sets of sheer curtains over each other for customizable light filtration. Either way, this allows you to block out the outside world when needed while also enjoying the airiness of sheer curtains when you don’t.

12. Timeless Elegance

White curtains generally look best in one of two ways. First, as a stark contrast to medium or dark-colored walls. Or, second, as a modern window treatment installed alongside ultra-bright white walls and ceilings.

However, if you choose to use white drapery in your bedroom decor, select your fabric carefully. Textured or embroidered fabrics can add a touch of intrigue to an all-white curtain without impeding your clean color palette.

13. Reaching New Heights

Long curtains can help give the illusion of extra-tall windows. But in a bedroom that has floor-to-ceiling window frames, full-length curtains are a must.

Mounting your curtain rod flush to the ceiling will give your window treatment a dramatic look with minimal effort. If you want to get the most from your tall windows, avoid pelmets and valances that will make them look shorter.

To cover large windows, you’re going to need a lot of fabric. When open, consider securing your curtains with tiebacks to maintain a tailored shape. Even if your windows are not truly floor-to-ceiling, your drapes should ideally reach the floor.

14. Harmonious Pairings

Maximalism is in, and your window treatments are a blank canvas. Rather than hang up plain shades, try matching your window treatment to other decors in the room.

Wallpaper and bedding are two great sources to draw inspiration from. Consider using the same fabric for your duvet cover and your bedroom window curtain. If you can’t duplicate a specific pattern, use layered curtains with various fabrics to recreate the color scheme as a whole.

FAQs

How do I choose the right bedroom curtains for my bedroom?

Choosing the right curtains for your bedroom involves considering both practical and aesthetic factors. Start by measuring your windows to determine the appropriate curtain length and width. Decide on the level of privacy and light control you desire—heavier curtains provide more privacy and light-blocking capabilities, while sheer curtains allow light to filter through. Consider your bedroom’s color scheme and style; curtains can complement or contrast with the existing decor. Additionally, think about the fabric—silk and velvet offer a luxurious feel, while cotton and linen provide a more casual look.

How should I hang and style my bedroom curtains?

When hanging bedroom curtains, ensure the curtain rod is installed securely and positioned slightly above and wider than the window frame to allow the curtains to stack neatly when open. For a traditional look, let the curtains touch the floor. Alternatively, you can choose to have them hover just above the floor for a more contemporary feel. If your windows are small, opt for curtains that extend beyond the window frame to create an illusion of larger windows. Consider using curtain tiebacks or holdbacks to frame the window when the curtains are open.

How do blackout curtains work and are they suitable for the bedroom?

Blackout curtains are designed to block out a significant amount of light, making them ideal for bedrooms. They have a tightly woven fabric and sometimes include an additional layer to prevent light penetration. These curtains are especially beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to light or those who need a dark environment to sleep. Blackout curtains can also contribute to reducing outside noise and providing extra privacy.