20 Inspiring Bedroom Curtain Ideas to Recreate in 2024
From simple to statement looks, curtains add the finishing touch to a bedroom design.
From paint colors and bedroom wall decor to proper drapes, a well-designed bedroom is essential for ensuring a great night's sleep. Things like a cluttered dresser, jarring color palette or the absence of curtains can have a negative impact on your ability to fall asleep at night. To help you create your personal oasis, browse these beautiful bedroom curtain ideas that'll inspire you to upgrade your bedroom immediately.
Not only do bedroom curtains play a pivotal role in design, they control the flow natural light into a room, provide privacy and help keep out drafts and noise coming from outside. You can hang curtains high to create the illusion of a larger space, perfect the puddled look by picking up extra-long panels or get creative with blinds or valences for short windows. We've included striking ideas that include sheers, light-filtering and blackout curtains, plus primary bedrooms showcasing a slew of patterns, colors and textures. There are even a few tips that don't include a window, such as making your own headboard.
So whether your style is modern, farmhouse or boho, you're guaranteed to find a window curtain idea to steal for your small or large space. And, if you're worried about the work involved in physically installing the curtains, check out our guide on how to hang curtains like an interior designer.
Keep It Neutral
Create a serene and calming bedroom design by hanging off-white curtains. Here, designer Kristen Elizabeth achieves a perfect puddle, which means there are an extra few inches of fabric at the floor.
Create Contrast
To invent drama, choose a curtain color that's opposite on the color wheel to your wall color. As seen here, green is a complementary color to shades of red and pink.
Embrace a Matchy-Matchy Look
Create a visually appealing space by sticking to a light color palette. Here, Heritage Homes pairs pastel blue walls with curtains, bedding and other textures in a similar hue.
Hang Curtains Behind the Headboard
Whether you've got a window or not, adding a valance and curtains behind your headboard creates a dramatic look. Take note from Curated Nest and couple patterned panels with a solid valance for a balanced design.
Play With Pattern
In this cozy bedroom, designer Nellie Howard Ossi hangs green and blue patterned curtains as high as possible. The best part about bold curtains? You can easily swap in a new pattern if you crave a change.
Go for Blackout Curtains
Your bedroom design is about more than just looking chic, it needs to encourage a restful night's sleep — like this relaxing space by AMMOR Architecture. Opt for blackout curtains to block out light and keep the cold out.
Hang Two Sets of Curtains
Install double brackets and double curtain rods to layer sheers with light-filtering curtains, as seen in this layout by Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke Architecture. Close the sheers during the day to let in natural light and provide some privacy, then close both sets of curtains at night to block out light as you sleep.
Create the Illusion of a Larger Space
Emulate designer Victoria Meadows by installing the curtain rod high up to create the impression of height. Your bedroom will feel taller and more grand when you hang curtains about 4 to 6 inches above your window.
Swap in Fabric Blinds
Ditch the drapes and go for fabric blinds instead, an idea that works particularly well in a small space. We love that designer Ryann Swan chose a white-and-blue patterned shade that matches the bedding.
Frame Out a Headboard
In this dramatic bedroom, designers Megan Pflug and Moses Nadel prove that curtains aren't just for windows. Hang curtains at headboard height behind a bed frame to act as a unique DIY headboard.
Focus on Symmetry
Craft a balanced interior by dressing windows with matching treatments, as Element Design Network does here with solid fabric blinds and subtle patterned drapes.
Stick With All White
This sophisticated bedroom, designed by Curated Nest, feels light and bright because of the surge of white accents — namely the elegant white drapes against the off-white wall.
Pair Sheers With Fabric Blinds
Sheer curtains add softness and texture to the bedroom, but unfortunately don't provide a ton of privacy or block much natural light. That's why designer Christina Kim pairs fabric blinds with gorgeous sheers — the perfect combination.
DIY a Canopy Bed
Give your favorite drapes a creative purpose by making a classic canopy bed. Start by installing curtain rods to the ceiling until you've framed the entire bed.
Introduce a New Color
In this eclectic bedroom, design firm Blessed Little Bungalow doesn't shy away from color — from the bright yellow bedroom and wallpapered ceiling to the eggplant-colored drapes.
Make it Look Bright and Airy
To make a small space feel larger, choose neutral colors like warm whites or calming beige, which allow natural light to pass through. To draw more attention to this serene drapery stack, LP & Co. hangs a unique pendant light in front of the window.
Hang Curtains High
For a luxe look, be careful to measure the height and width of your window before hanging curtains. In this chic bedroom, design firm Reed & Acanthus shows off the beauty of hanging curtains at ceiling height.
Let in Natural Light
Allow a surge of sunlight to enter your bedroom by opting for sheer curtains. Note that these lightweight drapes go all the way to the floor, even though the windows don't.
Tie a Room Together
To design this beachy bedroom, Arterberry Cooke Architecture uses white bedding topped with yellow and blue throw pillows. But, it's the patterned curtains that bring all of the hues together.
Layer in Natural Textures
Embrace an organic, nature-inspired aesethic by hanging linen drapes and rattan blinds. Julianne Kelly, principal designer of Carrier Design Co., pairs it with an industrial-style curtain rod.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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