Ask the Expert: How to Decide on Curtain Colour

Are you good at interior design? Well, if it’s not your thing, don’t worry as you don’t need to be an expert to choose window coverings.

There are blinds, aka shades and curtains. Some rooms shout curtains so that decision is easy.

With curtains, you’ll find it’s not just the style or material to ponder over but, of course, the colour. So get ready to do some research, and expect to feel a little overwhelmed with the abundance of choice!

Factors That Influence Window Coverings

When choosing curtains, the factors needing consideration include:

• room and window size
• how much light enters the room at different times of the day
• the room style
• furnishings
• wall colour
• flooring

Now you know what features and fixtures to consider in a room when making important decisions on wall coverings, see our handy guide below to get you thinking about curtain styles and inspiration.

Let’s begin with the colour scheme.

Monochromatic

Monochrome refers to designing around a single colour. The monochromatic scheme works best to incorporate an existing colour scheme. Ideally, it’s best to choose curtains that are one shade lighter or darker than the walls. However, up to three times lighter or darker can look good and give a deeper colour contrast.

Neutral

A neutral colour scheme consists of beige, cream, ivory, white, grey, brown, and natural wood colours and blends into any room’s décor. These colours are less likely to fade in sunlight, so they are long-lasting. They also help tone down strong coloured walls and balance the room.

Patterns

Patterned curtains are best suited to white rooms to add life, but the patterns need to contain the same colour to coordinate. For example, if your walls are nude, choose a design with the same nude or with a two-shade difference. You can also match the curtain pattern with furnishings in the room.

Tip: avoid too many patterns within a small space as it will make the room look chaotic and busy.

Complementary Colours

Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. For example, red is opposite green, blue to orange, yellow to purple. These colour schemes work best with patterned curtains against a single wall colour to provide a focal point. Or combine colours – a bold coloured curtain with a neutral border creates a beautiful contrast.

What is the best curtain colour?

The answer is there is no best curtain colour; it depends on your taste and preferences. Every colour has its own characteristics and effects on our mood, which is a crucial consideration in your selection.

• Yellow and orange: energetic, hungry, and creative. Use these in your living room, dressing room, and kitchen.
• Green: refreshed, peaceful, and connected to nature. Use it in your bedroom for a good night’s sleep.
• Red: strong emotions of love, intimacy, and appetite stimulation. Use in your bedroom, kitchen, and dining room.
• Blue: relaxed, a soothing colour. It helps with sleep and concentration—best suits a bedroom, study, or home office.
• Pink: happiness, warmth, and intimacy. Ideal for your bedroom.
• Turquoise: calm, relaxed, and helps achieve inner harmony. Perfect for your living room or bedroom.
• White: cleanliness, purity and innocence. Excellent for your bathroom and bedroom.
• Black: sophisticated, represents mystery and power. Use to accentuate your bedroom, bathroom, and study.

Final Thoughts

Choose your window coverings last after you’ve furnished your room. Then, you’ll quickly work through what style, material, type, and colour will best work with the room. It’s not unusual to use a mix of different types of shades and curtains. Plus, you may also wish to swap out curtains, so they work well with the seasons.

If you’ve managed to come this far with your home interiors, then choosing the window coverings should be a walk in the park!