Bedding and curtains are the two biggest areas of fabric in most bedrooms, so how they work together shapes the whole room. They don’t have to match exactly. In fact, a room usually looks more relaxed and finished when the two coordinate rather than come from the same bolt of fabric. Here’s how to get it right.
Match or coordinate?
Matching means the bedding and curtains share the same color and pattern. It can look tidy and deliberate, especially in a child’s room or a small guest room, but in a large space it can feel heavy.
Coordinating means the pieces share something, such as a color, a tone or a style, without being identical. This is the approach most designers use, and it’s easier because you aren’t hunting for an exact match.
Start with a color plan
Pick one piece as your starting point. Often it’s the bedding, because it’s the focal point of the room. Then choose two or three colors from it:
- A main color for the largest areas, often the walls or curtains.
- A secondary color for the bedding or a big rug.
- An accent color for pillows, a throw or small decor.
Pull the curtain color from one of the quieter shades in your bedding. If your duvet has navy, cream and a little rust, cream or navy curtains will tie in naturally, and the rust can show up in a throw pillow.
Neutral curtains are the safest choice if you change bedding often. Our post on neutral bedding has more on working with calm color schemes.
Mixing patterns
If both the bedding and curtains are patterned, vary the scale. Pair a large floral duvet with small stripes or a tiny check on the curtains, and keep the colors related. Two big, busy patterns usually compete. A good rule of thumb is one large pattern, one small pattern and plenty of solid color around them.
If your bedding is busy, solid curtains let it shine. If your bedding is plain, patterned curtains can add interest.
Don’t forget texture
Even when colors are similar, different textures keep a room from looking flat. Linen-look curtains with a cotton quilt, velvet drapes with crisp percale sheets, or a knit throw over a smooth duvet all add depth. Layering is the easiest way to build texture, as our guide to bedding layers explains.
Curtain length, width and hanging
Fit matters as much as color:
- Length: Curtains that just touch the floor look polished. A slight puddle feels softer and more romantic. Curtains that stop above the floor tend to look short, unless they’re meant to sit at the windowsill.
- Width: For a full look, curtain panels together should be noticeably wider than the window, often around twice the width when closed.
- Height: Hanging the rod a few inches above the window frame, and extending it past the sides, makes windows look larger and lets more light in when the curtains are open.
Blackout and thermal curtains
Bedroom curtains have a practical job too. Blackout curtains block most outside light, which helps if you sleep late, work nights or have streetlights outside. Thermal or insulated curtains have a thicker lining that can help a room feel less drafty in winter. Many curtains do both. Choose a color that still works with your bedding, since you’ll see these curtains closed every night.
Shop the gear
Prices and availability are set on the store and can change.
For winter, quilted blackout curtains add a soft, padded texture that pairs well with a quilt or a textured duvet.
Bringing it together
Small details link bedding and curtains without exact matching:
- Repeat the curtain color in a pillow sham or two.
- Use the same metal finish on curtain rods and lamp bases or bed hardware.
- Pick a throw that bridges both colors and lay it across the foot of the bed.
If you’re starting from scratch, a coordinated set makes it easier. See our guide to bedding sets for what’s usually included.
FAQ
Should curtains be lighter or darker than the bedding?
Either can work. Lighter curtains keep a room airy, while darker curtains feel cozy and block more light. Contrast is fine as long as the colors share a tone or appear elsewhere in the room.
Should bedroom curtains match the walls?
Curtains close to the wall color blend in and make a room feel bigger. Contrasting curtains make the window a feature. Choose based on whether you want the window to stand out.
Can I use patterned curtains with patterned bedding?
Yes. Vary the pattern size and keep the colors related so they don’t compete.
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