Which Type of Curtains Are Best for Living Room? Top Picks and Buying Guide
Quick Answer
The best curtains for living room windows are usually floor-length, lined curtains in a medium-weight fabric such as linen-look cotton, chenille or velvet, hung from a pole fitted 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the window and extending 15 to 20 cm beyond each side, with a total curtain width of about 1.5 to 2.5 times the pole length; add a sheer layer for daytime privacy, and choose blackout or thermal lining if you watch TV in bright light or want extra warmth.
Key Takeaways
- The best curtains for living room spaces are floor-length and lined for a finished look.
- Total curtain width should be about 1.5 to 2.5 times the pole length for fullness.
- Hang poles higher and wider than the window to make it look bigger.
- Layer sheers with lined curtains for privacy by day and comfort by night.
- Blackout and thermal linings help with screen glare, sun fading and heat loss.
- Measure carefully: the best curtains for living room windows fit the pole, not just the glass.
Curtain Fabrics Compared
Fabric decides how the best curtains for living room windows hang, filter light and wear over time.
| Fabric | Look and feel | Light control | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linen or linen-look | Relaxed, natural texture | Filters light unless lined | Casual, Scandinavian and coastal rooms |
| Cotton | Crisp and versatile | Medium; better with lining | Most living rooms |
| Velvet | Rich and luxurious | Good; heavy drape | Formal and cosy rooms, colder climates |
| Chenille | Soft, slightly textured | Good, especially with blackout backing | Comfortable family rooms |
| Polyester | Practical, wide range of finishes | Varies; often available as blackout | Busy homes and budget makeovers |
| Sheer voile | Light and airy | Diffuses light, daytime privacy | Layering with heavier curtains |
Blackout, Thermal or Unlined?
- Unlined: light and breezy, but fabrics fade faster and give less privacy at night.
- Lined: hang better, protect against sun fading and look more finished.
- Blackout: block most light, cutting glare on TV screens and keeping rooms cooler in summer.
- Thermal: insulating linings help reduce draughts and heat loss in winter.
For many homes, lined or blackout fabrics are the best curtains for living room windows that face the sun or overlook the street.
Curtain Header Styles
| Header | Look | Fullness needed |
|---|---|---|
| Eyelet or grommet | Modern, even folds; slides easily on a pole | About 1.5 to 2 times the pole length |
| Pencil pleat | Classic gathered look; works on poles or tracks | About 2 to 2.5 times the track length |
| Pinch pleat | Tailored, formal folds | About 2 times the track length |
| Tab top | Relaxed, casual | About 1.5 times the pole length |
| Rod pocket | Simple; best for curtains rarely opened | About 2 times the pole length |
Eyelet and pencil pleat headers are often the best curtains for living room windows that you open and close every day.
How to Measure for Curtains
Accurate measuring is what turns good fabric into the best curtains for living room windows.
Width
- Fit the pole or track so it extends about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) beyond each side of the window.
- Measure the full length of the pole or track.
- Multiply by the fullness for your header style, usually 1.5 to 2.5.
- Divide by two if you're buying a pair of panels.
Length
| Length style | Where the curtain ends |
|---|---|
| Floor-length | Just above the floor, about 1 cm clear |
| Kissing the floor | Just touching the floor |
| Puddled | About 5 to 15 cm extra resting on the floor |
| Sill-length | About 1 cm above the sill |
| Below-sill | About 15 cm below the sill, clear of radiators |
Floor-length designs are usually the best curtains for living room windows, as they make ceilings look taller and the room feel finished. Avoid puddling in busy homes with pets or robot vacuums.
Curtains for Different Living Room Windows
Window shape changes which are the best curtains for living room spaces.
- Bay windows: use a bendable track or separate poles, with a panel for each section.
- Wide picture windows: use several panels on a strong, well-supported pole or track.
- Small windows: hang the pole higher and wider, and choose lighter fabrics.
- Patio and French doors: extend the pole well past the frame so curtains stack clear of the doors; eyelet headers glide most easily.
For patio doors, the best curtains for living room openings are usually eyelet, lined panels that open fully and don't snag on handles.
Choosing Colour and Pattern
- Blend in: curtains close to the wall colour make a room feel larger and calmer.
- Stand out: a contrasting colour or pattern creates a focal point.
- Pick up accents: repeat a colour from cushions, a rug or wall art.
- Think about light: warm tones cosy up north-facing rooms; cool tones calm sunny ones.
Neutrals such as cream, grey, taupe and soft green make the best curtains for living room schemes of almost any style.
Styling Tips
Small styling choices make the best curtains for living room spaces look custom-made:
- Hang the pole close to the ceiling to add height.
- Extend the pole well beyond the frame so open curtains don't block light.
- Layer a sheer behind lined curtains on a double pole.
- Use tiebacks or holdbacks for a tailored look.
- Steam curtains after hanging to remove creases from packaging.
Choose the right fabric, lining and header, measure carefully and hang high and wide. That's how to pick the best curtains for living room windows that look good and work hard. For more ideas, see our guides to cheap home decor and layered lighting for a living room.
Top Curtain Picks From Global Swanky
These are our top picks for the best curtains for living room windows. Browse more in our Curtains collection.
1. Light Luxury Chenille Blackout Curtains
The Light Luxury Chenille Blackout Curtains for Stylish Living are $49.45, soft, textured and ideal for TV rooms.
2. European Modern Elegant Curtain Panels
The Panels Set European Modern Elegant Curtains for Living Room are $20.34, a smart, simple choice.
3. 100% Blackout Curtains with Grommets
The 100% Blackout Curtains with Grommets are $23.10, with easy-glide eyelet headers.
4. Blue and Yellow Ombre Curtains
The Blue and Yellow Ombre Curtains are $21.18, adding colour to a neutral room.
5. Dark Blue Printed Blackout Curtains
The Dark Blue Blackout Fabric Printed Curtains are $22.24, a rich, moody pattern.
6. Bohemian Hand-Woven Tapestry Curtain
The Bohemian Hand-Woven Tapestry Curtain, Stylish Room Partition is $54.47, for doorways and room dividers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of curtains are best for a living room?
Floor-length, lined curtains in a medium-weight fabric such as cotton, linen-look, chenille or velvet suit most living rooms. Add sheers for daytime privacy and blackout lining if you need to cut glare.
Should living room curtains touch the floor?
Floor-length curtains that end about 1 cm above the floor, or just kiss it, look the most polished. Puddled curtains suit formal rooms but collect dust.
How wide should curtains be?
The total width should be about 1.5 to 2.5 times the pole or track length, depending on the header style. Eyelet curtains need less fullness than pencil pleats.
Are blackout curtains good for a living room?
Yes, especially if the room faces the sun or you watch TV during the day. They reduce glare, protect furniture from fading and help keep rooms cooler.
What colour curtains are best for a living room?
Neutrals close to the wall colour make a room feel calm and spacious. For a focal point, choose a colour picked up from cushions, a rug or wall art.
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