How do you find the right curtain styles for the bedroom?
Curtains are decorative accessories that also provide privacy; they can be found in every room of the house and are practically indispensable in a bedroom. They come in all sorts of varieties—in terms of color, thickness, material, size, and more. As a result, it’s not always easy to know how to choose the right curtains from among all the available options.
Here are a few tips and ideas for finding the perfect curtains based on the room's location, your needs, and your personal taste.
Choosing Between Blackout Curtains and Sheer Curtains
Within the range of curtains, there are two main categories: blackout curtains and sheer curtains. Both can work well in a bedroom. The choice comes down primarily to light control and privacy. To completely block out the light and sleep in a pitch-black room, blackout curtains are undoubtedly the best choice. But to let natural light in during the day, sheer curtains are much more suitable. This is especially beneficial when the bedroom isn’t overlooked and shutters or blinds can be used to keep light to a minimum at night.
These two types of curtains each have their own advantages. So why not combine them? You can install two curtain rods—one for blackout curtains and the other for sheers. That way, you can close one or the other depending on how much light you want to let in and how much privacy you need.
Choose a single curtain or two curtains
Once you’ve chosen the type of curtain, you still need to decide whether to go with a single curtain or one curtain on each side of the window—keeping in mind that the two will meet in the middle when closed. This depends primarily on the width of the window: with a narrow window, there’s no need to choose two curtains, as this will make the room feel cluttered. On the other hand, for a picture window, for example, it’s recommended to hang two curtains. This will not only enhance the room’s decor but also make it easier to close them and adjust their position depending on the sunlight and views from outside.
Pay attention to the curtain header
The curtain finial is the part that is inserted into the rod. There are all kinds of them, the most common being grommets and rings. These curtain tops have the advantage of being able to be modern or rustic, discreet or more extravagant, and so on. They also make it easy to open and close the curtain, since the top slides smoothly along the rod.
When you’re looking for more elegance and a sense of harmony in the bedroom, you might opt for a gathered or ruffled curtain. They create a chic look, while remaining understated. Along the same lines, there are also flat-fold curtains, which don’t require hooks or a specific track system, since the rod is threaded through a fold in the fabric. This type of curtain top is often found on sheers, but it’s important to note that it does not allow the curtain to be opened or closed. It should therefore be chosen for a bedroom curtain that is intended to remain closed at all times.
Finally, in a bedroom, sheer curtains with grommets also look lovely, adding a touch of elegance—or even romance. But be aware: the grommets create a slight gap that can let light into the master bedroom or the children’s room.
Choosing the Style of Your Bedroom Curtains
Once you've gone over the main practical details, it's time to focus on the decor. The color, fabrics, and patterns of the bedroom curtains depend on several factors:
- the current colors in the bedroom (walls, furniture, bedding, etc.), since you can choose a color that contrasts with the rest of the room or, conversely, create a harmonious look by using a monochromatic color scheme;
- the atmosphere you want to create in the bedroom, keeping in mind that light colors and sheer fabrics add a touch of softness, while darker colors create a cozy space;
- the room's decor style, since a beige linen curtain, for example, would be perfect in a bedroom with a natural decor, while a colorful velvet curtain would go very well with a Baroque style;
- the room's area and volume, since light curtains in pastel shades are still the best option for making a room look more spacious, and when the room has a low ceiling, vertical stripes also create a sense of height;
- the room's occupants, since patterned curtains are a perfect fit for a baby's or child's room, while solid-color curtains are better suited for a master bedroom or a teenager's room (although patterns can add a touch of cheerfulness and style to a room with solid-colored walls and minimalist decor).
So there’s a list of tips to follow when choosing bedroom curtains, but as with any room, when it comes to decorating, tastes and color preferences are unique to each person. The key is to avoid overcrowding the room, so you can maintain or create the soothing atmosphere that will help you get a good night’s sleep.
Consider installing a thermal and/or soundproof curtain
Aside from traditional curtains, which are meant to decorate and block out light, there are curtains designed to protect a room from heat and cold. These are called thermal curtains. They can be hung in a bedroom, a living room, or anywhere else in the house. But how do they work? Quite simply, they filter out the sun’s rays, helping to maintain a more comfortable temperature. Of course, they are no substitute for well-insulated walls and windows, but they are still effective. For example, you can choose them in synthetic fibers or wool, as well as in a wide variety of colors.
For a bedroom located in a noisy area, such as on a busy street, there are soundproof curtains available. Not all of them offer the same level of performance, but with high-quality curtains, you can expect to reduce the noise perceived inside the bedroom by up to 15 decibels. This provides significant comfort, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep. However, if the noise is particularly severe, you’ll need to address the home’s overall sound insulation to ensure peace and quiet.
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