From casual and easy to bold and dramatic, window curtain panels add presence to any room and help set the mood. When it comes to window treatments, it's a matter of color and fabric, length and lining, and custom-made versus off-the-shelf. With so many decisions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, so we asked a few pros for advice on narrowing down the options and selecting the right curtains for your home.

Our carefully edited selection of drapery and curtain rods come in a wide range of styles, such as velvet, silk, and cotton linen curtains. Additionally, choose the best curtains that pair seamlessly with your favorite window curtain hardware.

The Difference Between Curtains And Drapes

Determine the requirements for your home first. Typically, people choose the wrong drapes, blinds, curtains, and shades because they act on incomplete information. This oversight could cause you a lot of hassle because improperly chosen curtains can reduce the quantity of daylight entering the room. When it comes to picking the correct curtains and understanding the distinction between them and drapes, curtains are best suited for living rooms since they provide seclusion, are composed of lightweight materials, and are hung from curtain rods. On the other hand, drapes are made of thicker fibers that are designed to block out sunlight, making them ideal for bedrooms.

Knowing how to choose a curtain fabric depends largely on your needs, personal style, and the ambiance you’re trying to achieve. Think about how much light you want to let in—a thicker curtain fabric will block out the light easier versus a more sheer drapery fabric. Read on to learn more about the most commonly-used curtains and find the right one for you.

The Fabric

SILK CURTAINS

A classic window treatment. This fabric introduces a sense of formality to your space. Silk curtains for living rooms look especially luxe if they’re pleated or puddled on the floor. Lining your drapes is important if you want more privacy, as silk or silk sheer curtains are a bit transparent.

COTTON CURTAINS

Versatile and easy-to-clean window treatments. Cotton curtains make a seamless transition from casual to formal. Available in many different colors and styles, cotton or cotton linen curtains tend to be a bit stiffer than other fabric drapery, yet their opaque construction allows for more privacy. Additionally, cotton velvet curtains add a rich texture that adds a modern twist to any room.

LINEN CURTAINS

Most often used in casual environments, the sheer and lightweight construction of linen curtains or cotton linen, add a breezy touch to the room and tends to let more light in than other fabrics. Linen also serves as the best blackout curtain given its thick fabric which helps block unwanted illumination from the outdoors.

VELVET CURTAINS

An opulent choice when buying drapes. The heavyweight velvet curtains create a luxurious touch to your bedroom or living room window. Though not necessary, adding liners enhances the velvet’s formality, especially when the drapes are pulled open.

SHEER CURTAINS

Love letting natural light into the living room? Sheer curtain panels help keep the family room looking bright. Like silk, this material is quite transparent which means you’ll need liners if you want more concealment. Alternatively, choose semi-sheer curtains to create a good balance between privacy and light in the room.

When choosing drapes and curtains for living rooms or bedrooms, the function is key. Think about how you will be using curtains, how much privacy you want, and how much light you want to enter the room. Read on to learn how to buy curtains and find the best curtain, from the living room to the dining room.

What to Pick for Which Room?

LIVING ROOM CURTAINS

For the family room, you’ll want to take function and privacy into consideration when choosing the best living room curtains. Think about how much light you want to enter the windows. We recommend layering sheer curtains for the living room to provide a bright ambiance when entertaining or relaxing with the family. Or, opt for ones with a heavier fabric, such as blackout curtains to control the amount of light that enters the room.

BEDROOM CURTAINS

Bedroom curtains are a smart pick when taking an afternoon nap or lounging in privacy. Chances are you’ll want your bedroom to be completely dark so opt for heavier fabric curtains for the bedroom or a blackout curtain. Heavier materials tend to have a more luxe vibe so consider velvet or silk curtains.

DINING ROOM CURTAINS

Add personality to your dining room with a fun printed curtain or introduce a neutral cotton linen curtain into the mix. Choose dining room curtains that reflect your entertaining style and will add to the overall vibe of the space.