10 Living Room Curtain Ideas That Instantly Transform Your Space

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

Brie Williams
Brie Williams

The best living room curtain ideas become an integral part of both the function and aesthetic of a room. Their primary purpose is to block light and create privacy, but they're also a design element that should complement your space. The living room is typically the central gathering place of the home, so you want the curtains in that space to imbue a sense of warmth while staying true to your style.

With so many different types of curtains and window dressings, it can be hard to know where to start or what kind best matches your style. If your living room is more formal, you may opt for pinch-pleat curtains. But if your living room has a casual feel and gets a lot of use, you might look for ring curtains that can be easily pulled open or closed throughout the day.

To help you find the right look for your space, we're sharing our best living room curtain ideas to inspire your next living room refresh.

Related: The 8 Best Curtains of 2023 for Every Room in Your Home

Sheer Living Room Curtains

<p>Michael Partenio</p>

Michael Partenio

Sheer curtains bring a soft, textured look to your space. They diffuse light and add a touch of privacy without darkening a small space. These pleated curtains look elegant while keeping the room bright and airy.

Curtains with Rings

<p>Victoria Pearson</p>

Victoria Pearson

Using creamy beige is a living room curtain idea that adds elegance and privacy to this bohemian living room. Pinch-pleat curtains look high-end as they're often custom-made, yet the ring top adds a relaxed touch, making it easy to pull these living room curtains open and closed as needed throughout the day.

Curtains Paired with Blinds

<p>John Bessler</p>

John Bessler

Can't decide between curtains and blinds? You don't have to. Gorgeous woven Roman shades add a soft and natural vibe to this room, while gauzy curtains add texture and understated elegance. This living room curtain idea provides privacy and light blocking while incorporating a flowing look.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Blinds for Your Windows

Bold Patterned Curtains

<p>David A. Land</p>

David A. Land

This lively space proves that you shouldn't shy away from prints, even when it comes to living room curtain ideas. Hung at ceiling height, these printed curtains add drama to the space and make the room look bigger. When hanging curtains at ceiling height, be sure to pay attention to the length of the curtains, as you'll want them to just touch the floor.

Wall Curtains

<p>Adam Albright</p>

Adam Albright

Curtains don't have to be used to cover a window, as this living room curtain idea shows. Here, velvet curtains hang along a painted wall to add additional color and texture while framing the one art piece in the space. The pinch pleats of these curtains give a sense of grandeur to the room. Hanging curtains in a hue that complements your paint color is an easy way to create a more elevated accent wall.

Related: How to Clean Curtains and Drapes for Spotless Window Treatments

Ceiling-Height Curtains

Brie Williams
Brie Williams

Make your ceiling look sky-high by hanging living room curtains at ceiling height. Here, window treatments are cleverly hung over French doors to provide privacy when necessary. Dark patterned curtains are a good choice if you think solid blackout curtains will be too stark. The floor-to-ceiling look makes more of a statement, but be sure to order curtains that are long enough to skim the floor because they can look unfinished or slightly off if they're too short.

Double-Panel Living Room Curtains

Brie Williams
Brie Williams

Double panel curtains in a creamy neutral elevate this living room without stealing the show. If you look closely, you'll see these curtains have a geometric border that complements the pillows and abstract art. In rooms where furniture blocks a window, leave a little space between the furniture and the wall to allow the curtains to open and close without snagging.

Related: How to Make Hidden Tab Curtains

Black-and-White Living Room Curtains

Brie Williams
Brie Williams

Fun living room curtain ideas are a fun way to experiment with prints on a larger scale, especially if you opt for a sleek modern rod to let the pattern shine. If you're unsure where to begin, look to your favorite pillow or throw blanket for inspiration and build from there. These curtains call back to the graphic design of the throw pillows, but the smaller print keeps them from overwhelming the space.

L-Shaped Curtains

<p>Katie Charlotte Fiedler</p>

Katie Charlotte Fiedler

If you have a window seat or alcove surrounded by windows on three sides, a traditional straight-across curtain rod may not be the best solution. Here, green patterned L-shaped curtains run along a minimalist black rod to give the room more depth. If your walls are painted a neutral hue, it can be fun to add color, texture, or pattern with living room curtains.

Related: 3 Common Curtain-Hanging Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Geometric Double-Panel Curtain

Annie Schlecther
Annie Schlecther

If you want something more memorable than plain white curtains, opt for a living room curtain idea in a flowing white fabric with a simple border. These double-panel curtains in a classic black and white pattern are understated but chic. The simple gold rods give this space an elevated look while tying in the metallic finishes of the lamps and wall sconces.

Window Treatment Ideas for Other Rooms

Dress windows in the rest of your home for a finished look that adds privacy and light control where needed, like in bathrooms. Primary bedrooms need both the warmth and functionality of window treatments, including corner windows where light will pour into the space. In the kitchen, curtains and blinds must be washable, whether your style is rustic or more playful. If your room has multiple windows side-by-side, these window treatment ideas will work.

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