The Best Living Room Curtains

Buying Guide for Living Room Curtains

Why buy living room curtains?

One of the main reasons to buy living room curtains is privacy. If your home doesn’t have privacy windows as a standard feature, curtains keep people from peeking into your home. Likewise, they can aid in controlling energy bills by blocking sunlight which can accelerate heat accumulation in the summer. More importantly, they’re decorative features too.

What should you consider when shopping for living room curtains?

• Size: Living room curtains can range in size from short or half-sized to floor-length. You’ll want to ensure you measure your window before buying a pair. And don’t forget to consider the curtain rod when you’re measuring.
• Features: Think about what goals you want curtains to achieve in your home. Blackout or energy-efficient curtains are ideal for reducing thermal energy loss or keeping rooms cooler during warmer months. Also, consider whether the curtains are machine washable and dryer friendly. Most will be, but others need to be dry or spray-cleaned instead. Other features to consider are if you want built-in curtain tiebacks or ropes and hanging features like built-in grommets that are strong enough to prevent ripping.
• Color and Design: Curtains come in almost any pop of color, hue, pattern, or design you might want. Consider whether you want solid-colored or multicolored options versus embroidered panels or extra layers for added privacy or accents.

What color living room curtains should you buy to make your living room look bigger?

Typically, lighter shades of color will make your room look brighter and airier. If you go for a darker shade or a darker color, this will make your room look smaller. This is because white or lighter colors reflect light, whereas dark colors absorb them.

Our Picks for the Best Living Room Curtains

Pros: This is a great cost-effective set of living room curtains that comes with two curtains featuring tiebacks. Choose from 23 different colors in ten sizes. These curtains come with grommets that should be compatible with most curtain rods. The brand promises that these curtains can block out between 85% to 95% of sunlight and UV rays. The curtains are also insulated to maintain a more comfortable temperature and reduce energy bills. Plus, you’ll like that these curtains are machine washable and can be tumble dried on low.

Cons: While most people loved these curtains, a few people noted that if you need to iron them, the fabric has a tendency to stick to your iron.

Bottom Line: When you need to create a window treatment on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this pick. Although simple in design, they come in various colors and get the job done.

 

Pros: Variety is the keyword for this pick. With 48 different solid colors to choose from, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a set of curtains that works for your home. We also like the wide variety of sizes to accommodate different window dimensions. The curtains feature sturdy grommets that measure 1.6 inches in diameter and are perfect for most curtain rods. You’ll also get 90% blackout support. For easy maintenance, these are machine washable and can be tumble dried on low.

Cons: Although the brand says these are 90% blackout, some note that the lighter colors aren’t as effective for direct sunlight.

Bottom Line: When you’re trying to create the perfect home decor scheme, a curtain that comes in 48 variations and multiple dimensions is a must-have. Refresh your space with one of these reliable options.

 

Pros: This set of living room curtains offers eight different lengths, from 45 inches to 120 inches tall. You’ll receive two curtains per package with silver grommets that fit most standard-sized curtain rods. The thermally insulated material is ideal for energy efficiency, soundproofing, and fade resistance. They’ll also block anywhere from 85% to 99% of outside light. It’s also easy to care for, as the material is machine washable and can be ironed at a low temperature if desired. Choose from 21 solid colors.

Cons: Unfortunately, these curtains aren’t meant to be put in the dryer.

Bottom Line: Blackout support, various colors, and a wider length range make these a great option for homes with differing window dimensions. Although a small detail, the silver grommets also provide a touch of elegance.

 

Pros: This set of gorgeous, glossy curtains will make you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury. This pick has an attached interior panel—each measuring 112 inches wide by 84 inches long. The material features a shimmer and elegant embroidery that is machine washable. You’ll get rod pockets instead of grommets. This pick comes with an 18-inch wavy, tasseled valance along the top and two tiebacks. Choose from seven colors.

Cons: While pretty, these curtains must be line dried.

Bottom Line: When you want to create a bit more visual interest, these embroidered shimmery curtains are a fancy touch. The embroidered swirl pattern makes a statement in any room you decide.

 

Pros: Not everyone wants blackout curtains that completely block the outside world. If you like to light your home with natural light during the day, these semi-sheer curtains are perfect. Available in 24 color ways, you’ll like the wide array of available dimensions so that it can fit a variety of window dimensions. You’ll get two panels in each set. More importantly, these are machine washable and can be put in the dryer on low.

Cons: These may not be realistic for every window treatment—especially if you need blackout support.

Bottom Line: Whether as an accent to existing window treatments or as a sheer bit of privacy, these semi-sheer curtains are perfect. They can act as a barrier but also make the room a bit lighter and airier.

Final Thoughts

A nice set of living room curtains seems like a no-brainer when it comes to keeping your home private and looking put together. While you need to consider whether you want blackout curtains or something sheerer, there’s a solution out there to fit your needs and budget.