Curtains Made Easy: A Room-by-Room Guide to Choosing the Perfect Curtains for Your Home

Curtains are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to refresh your home. However, curtain shopping can feel overwhelming. What's the best fabric, and how long should they be?

Fun fact about me: I didn't have curtains in my first home as an adult until my mom visited and helped me pick some and hang them up. I still don't consider myself a curtain expert, but I have learned a little over the years about the fabrics, lengths, and colors I like best. And, as we've discussed before, that is the most essential element in designing your home. Your preferences should guide your home decor choices above all else.

Whether you’re looking for privacy, light control, or a stylish update, the right curtains can transform any room. Plus, with a wide variety of options from your favorite home decor stores, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and IKEA, finding curtains that suit your needs has never been easier.

Through my own experience and some internet research, I've put together this curtain shopping guide to make shopping for curtains easier for you! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing fabrics and styles to selecting the perfect length for each room.

Step 1: Start with Your Needs

Before choosing a style, consider what you want your curtains to do. Are you looking to let light in, block it out, or add a decorative touch? Here are the key factors to consider:

• Light Control: Opt for sheer or light-filtering curtains for a bright, airy look—perfect for living rooms. For bedrooms, blackout curtains can block sunlight and help you sleep better. I prefer light-filtering curtains that let sunlight in first thing in the morning.
• Privacy: If your room faces the street or neighbors, choose thick fabrics or lined curtains to add privacy.
• Comfort and Insulation: Thermal curtains can help regulate the temperature in your home. They keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while saving you money on energy bills. Many people who have older homes find that their cooling and heating bills benefit from thermal curtains.

Pro Tip: For spaces with direct sunlight, lined curtains will protect your furniture and floors from fading.

Step 2: Choose the Right Curtain Fabric

Curtain fabrics will inevitably influence the look and function of your window treatments. Here are some popular options to consider:

• Cotton or Linen: Cotton and linen curtains create a casual and airy feel in living rooms, dining rooms, or kitchens. They are light, breathable fabrics that let some light in through the curtains. They are also moderately priced and widely available.
• Velvet: If you want something cozy and luxurious, velvet curtains are ideal for bedrooms or formal dining rooms. They also add a layer of insulation, though they can be pricier than other options.
• Polyester Blends: These are the most affordable and practical option. They are easy to clean, durable, and budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for family rooms or high-traffic areas.
• Sheer Fabrics: Light and inexpensive, sheer curtains are perfect for filtering sunlight in living spaces while adding an elegant, airy touch.

Pro Tip: Hold fabric swatches up to your window in natural light to see how they look during different times of the day.

Step 3: Select the Perfect Colors and Patterns

Choosing the right color or pattern can tie a room together. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• Neutral Tones: Beige, white, or gray curtains are versatile and timeless. They complement almost any wall color or decor style.
• Bold Choices: Patterns like florals, stripes, or plaids add personality to a room. Stick to solids if you already have patterned furniture.
• Light vs. Dark: Light-colored curtains make smaller rooms feel more open, while darker shades add warmth and coziness.

Tip: If you want to make a statement, choose curtains in a color that contrasts with your walls or furniture. I love the contrast of the red curtains against the yellow wall in the photo below.

Step 4: Find the Right Length and Style

The right curtain length can make a room feel taller and more polished. Here’s how to choose:

• Standard Curtain Lengths:
  • Sill-length: Stops right at the windowsill. Ideal for kitchens or smaller windows.
  • Floor-length: Skims the floor for a clean, classic look. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.
  • Puddle-length: Extends slightly onto the floor for a luxurious, dramatic style. (This is a length I haven't been brave enough to try yet!)
• Hanging Styles:
  • Grommet: Curtains slide easily on the rod—a great choice for daily use.
  • Rod Pocket: Traditional and simple, with the rod hidden behind the fabric.
  • Pleated: Adds a tailored, formal look for dining rooms or master bedrooms.

Tip: Hang your curtains high and wide! Position the rod 6-12 inches above the window frame and extend it a few inches on either side. This trick makes your windows look larger, and the ceilings appear taller.

Step 5: Room-by-Room Curtain Guide

Each room in your home has different needs when it comes to buying curtains. Here’s how to choose the right curtains for each space:

Living Room Curtains

Light-filtering fabrics like linen or cotton allow natural light in while adding softness and style. Look for living room curtains that are durable and easy to clean, as living room curtains often experience frequent use from family gatherings, pets, and everyday activities.

Bedroom Curtains

Blackout curtains ensure restful sleep by blocking out light and reducing noise. Additionally, consider bedroom curtains with thermal insulation to regulate temperature, keeping the room cozy year-round. Soundproofing qualities can further enhance comfort, making your bedroom a peaceful retreat.

Kitchen Curtains

Shorter curtains, like cafe curtains or valances, are practical and easy to clean while keeping the space bright. Look for kitchen curtains that are resistant to moisture, heat, and stains, as kitchens often deal with humidity, cooking splatters, and temperature changes.

Dining Room Curtains

Consider heavier fabrics like velvet for a polished, formal look that adds warmth to the dining room. Additionally, choose dining room curtains with noise-dampening qualities for a quieter dining experience. Easy-to-maintain fabrics are also important to handle potential food or drink spills, keeping your dining space both functional and elegant.

Step 6: Don't Forget the Right Curtain Hardware

Curtain rods, finials, and tiebacks are the finishing touches that complete your window look:

Curtain Rods

Choose brushed nickel, bronze, or wood finishes to match your home’s decor. Adjustable rods make it easy to fit any window size, while decorative rods can add style to your space.

Finials

The decorative ends for the curtain rod come in various styles—simple, modern, or ornate. Finials can be round, geometric, or even nature-inspired to match your room's theme.

Tiebacks

Use tiebacks to let light in and add a decorative flair when curtains are open. Fabric tiebacks add a soft, elegant touch, while metal or rope tiebacks offer a more structured, stylish look. Use them to gather curtains to the sides, allowing light to flow into the room during the day.

Tip: Tension rods are a no-drill option for renters or quick installations.

Favorite Curtain Retailers: Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and IKEA

Shopping for curtains is easy and enjoyable when you know where to look. Here’s why many people like to buy curtains from Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and IKEA. While we don't have IKEA curtains on Spoken, you will find many Bed Bath & Beyond curtains and Target curtains.

• Wide Selection: From sheer panels to blackout curtains, you’ll find a variety of fabrics, styles, and colors to suit any room.
• Affordable Prices: Bed Bath & Beyond offers options for every budget, as well as frequent sales and coupons. Their prices are so good, we have pages dedicated to curtains from Bed Bath & Beyond curtains and Target curtains.
• Helpful Tools: Online guides and measuring tips make it simple to find the perfect fit.
• Loyalty Rewards: Save money with the Beyond+ program at Bed Bath & Beyond, and other exclusive member discounts depending on where you shop. At Spoken.io, you always get the best possible deals on curtains online.
• IKEA curtains: IKEA offers stylish, high-quality curtains at budget-friendly prices, making them accessible for many households. I love the colors and prints of IKEA's curtains.

Curtain Measurements Made Simple

Before you shop, use this simple guide to measure your windows for the perfect curtain fit:

1. Measure the Width:
   • For a full, gathered look, the width of your curtain(s) should be 1.5 to 3 times the width of your window.
2. Measure the Height:
   • For floor-length curtains, measure from the curtain rod to the floor.
   • For sill-length curtains, measure to the bottom of the window frame.
3. Choose Your Rod Placement:
   • Install the curtain rod 6-12 inches above the window frame to make ceilings look taller.

Tip: Always round up to the nearest inch when measuring. This ensures your curtains have full coverage and hang properly, even if your measurements aren’t perfectly precise. It also accounts for any slight variations in rod placement or window size. 

Conclusion: Refresh Your Home with the Perfect Curtains

Curtains don’t just provide privacy or block sunlight—they can also add warmth, style, and personality to any space.

Whether you’re updating your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, we hope this will help you find the best deals on curtains from Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and more! Following these tips will help you create a beautiful, functional look that fits your budget and lifestyle.

So grab your measurements, pick your favorite styles, and start transforming your home today! ✨