Is it better to have light or dark curtains?
Ava Mcdaniel
Updated on March 10, 2026
Light coloured curtains are good for rooms that get a lot of direct sunlight as they're less prone to fading from the sun. Dark and bright colours tend to fade faster. Good summer options as a white/lighter colour is more likely to bounce the sun's rays away keeping rooms cooler.
Do dark curtains make a room look smaller?
Thick curtains and dark curtains are known for making a regular room look slightly smaller, while sheer curtains made of lightly-colored fabrics are ideal for helping to visually expand a room's size.What color of curtain is best?
Neutral colors like gray, black, taupe, beige, ivory and shades of white are fresh and modern. Pick curtains at least one shade lighter or darker than the walls to prevent them from blending in and disappearing. If you're choosing white curtains, remember that light colors tend to be less opaque than dark colors.Do darker curtains block more light?
For example, if a room receives a lot of undesirable sunlight (and therefore heat), light curtains can bounce sunlight away. That will keep the room cooler. Meanwhile, dark curtains are typically more able to block light.Are black curtains good for living room?
Blackout curtains, shades and blinds all reduce energy costs by cutting the amount of sunlight and UV rays that enter the room. In addition, they protect furniture and floors from sun damage and fading, which makes these high-cost products more durable.Blackout Curtains vs Room Darkening
Should curtains be lighter or darker than Wall?
Dark-colored curtains work best against light walls (eg. warm white, cream, gray, light tan and even smoky blue walls). Dark walls plus dark curtains is too oppressive. 'Dark' doesn't have mean black, brown or grey; dark curtains can also come in hip, modern colours such as blue or even certain shades of red or purple.What color curtains brighten a room?
But really, any white curtains will give you a similar effect. You can even choose to go with a light grey, or beige color – any curtains that are light and neutral will let plenty of light through.Are black curtains OK for bedroom?
Since black is a dramatic color it fits very well in large areas and spaces of your home. Airy interiors can be anchored without overwhelming the entire setting. Living rooms and family rooms with double-height or two story windows, luxurious bedrooms and formal dining rooms are all a perfect area for black drapes.Will dark curtains keep room cool?
Blackout curtains and shades will reduce the amount of heat which is transferred via your windows by as much as 24 percent, keeping the rooms where they're installed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.What color curtains go with white walls?
White is a great backdrop for not just one but even a combination of two or more hues. Curtains sporting yellow and grey, blue and green, or pink and peach can easily make their home in a living room with white walls. All colours can piggyback on white to create a vibrant scheme.What kind of curtains make a room look bigger?
Classic panel curtains make a room look more spacious when you mount the curtain rod close to the ceiling instead of at the window frame. Sleek, floor-length panels draw the eye upward along the entire length of the curtains, creating an illusion of height.What type of curtains are in style 2020?
Sheers are a must in 2020Not only do sheer curtains look elegant but they also offer a light breezy feel and are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen windows. Curtains crafted of sheer fabric can be used separately or behind heavier drapes for an appealing view.
Which color curtains are good for bedroom?
What colour should bedroom curtains be and should they be lighter or darker than the walls? It is a good idea to consider soothing and peaceful colours such as green, blue or pink in a bedroom. These colours are all known for their soothing and calming qualities.What color is best to make a room look bigger?
9 Colors That Make a Room Look Bigger
- Pale blue. Pale blue is a gentle shade that offers a soothing, calming touch to any room. ...
- Dark blue. If you'd rather go dark with your blue, consider dark blue shades like navy and indigo. ...
- Soft black. ...
- Cool gray. ...
- Light green. ...
- Taupe. ...
- Lavender. ...
- Blush pink.
Does white curtains make a room look bigger?
Think about how little light makes it through the deep red and notice the way your eye is distracted by the window. Now picture white curtains for your room. The space opens up immediately because it's getting more light. Additionally, light-colored curtains don't demand to be the focal point of a room.How do you make a room look bigger and brighter?
How to make a room look bigger: 7 easy tips
- Use contrasts and light colors that make rooms look bigger. Photographee.eu / Shutterstock. ...
- Open up your space with creative lighting. asbe / Getty Images. ...
- Cut the clutter. ...
- Create a focal point. ...
- Use mirrors. ...
- Get creative with furniture. ...
- Maximize your room arrangement.
Are white curtains good?
Are White Curtains a Bad Idea? Although they bring a delicate warmth and homeliness to any space in the home, soften windows and offer a touch of privacy whilst allowing for an abundance of natural light, for some white curtains may not be the best idea. Why? Well, for starters, white is notorious for getting dirty.What curtains are the best to keep a room cool?
Black and white are the colours that you might be wondering about which colour will give your room a cooler temperature. Well, the answer is white curtain colours keep the room cooler than a black coloured curtain fabric because the colour white reflects the thermal energy and black absorbs it.Are blackout curtains good for you?
The greatest benefit of using blackout curtains is they'll block light better than any other curtain. Other benefits of blackout curtains include: Blackout curtains improve energy efficiency by helping to insulate a room. Blackout curtains are thick, so they also help soften outside noise.Should all curtains in a house match?
If you're asking whether all of your indoor window coverings should match, the short answer is no; they don't have to.Should curtains be floor to ceiling?
Do use curtains that reach the floor. Your curtains should either be 1/2” above the floor, kiss the floor, or puddle on the floor. For 8' ceilings, I recommend standard 96” curtains which you can then adjust up and down or hem up the bottom if needed.Do curtains make a room look warmer?
Curtains can make a difference in room temperature by regulating the heat that comes through your windows as well as trapping the heat that's already inside the room. Curtains affect a house's temperature by reducing the sunlight that comes into a room.What color curtains go with a dark room?
Curtains:White curtains and sheers will help keep the room feeling light and airy. Be forewarned that heavy and dark drapes will absorb some of your light, so keep them light and airy!