Should All Curtains In A Room Match? (Expert Advice)
When selecting curtains for a room, it can be tempting to consider the possibility of using different types. But, more often than not, curtains match each other. That begs the question: Should all curtains in a room match? Here’s what you need to know.
Yes, based on industry standards and traditional practices, all curtains in a room should match, apart from the inner curtains. To create uniformity and to prevent an eye sore from contrasting colors, curtains should be themed and paired.
For as long as I can remember, most people get matching curtains for a room. It’s like an unspoken rule for home decor passed down from generation to generation.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t change things up in different parts of your home.
It’s a well known fact that you have the liberty to change up the styling, material, texture, colors, and patterns of curtains and other decor items from room to room. But, within a room, it is just a good idea that all curtains should match.
Be that as it may, there are a few reasons why a room should have matching curtains, which I’d like to share with you below. Let’s take a look at the compelling case for uniformity in decor options for a room.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Curtains Should Match
1. Most curtains are sold in pairs
For the sake of convenience, most curtains are sold in pairs. Not only is this considered practical, given that windows tend to appear mostly on two walls within a room, but it’s also money-saving.
Businesses can bundle matching curtains together and sell them at the same rate. Rather than having to find two separate curtains that have different costs, you could save money by getting them in pairs.
Having to find stores that sell curtains individually can be a bit of a headache, unless you’re shopping online.
Let’s say that you can get different curtains for the same price. What if they aren’t the correct measurements or they don’t have the same header? You’d have to get it altered, which would just be an additional expense.
2. It’s easier to decorate a room
When decorating a room, you have to take color into consideration. In particular, color plays a vital role in creating a mood and a specific style that bleeds into every other decor decision you make for that room.
Different curtains in the same room may require you to change the wall colors, accessories, and even furniture.
It’s difficult to match everything seamlessly because you’d have to find complementary curtain colors that suit each other while also considering the wall color, the floor color, and the furniture color.
You run the risk of making the room appear to be too busy and chaotic.
It’s simpler, more time-efficient, and easier to select curtains in pairs.
3. Matching curtains create a larger space
Uniformity on the walls and floors creates the illusion of more space. This is something I learned in a flooring course that taught us the importance of matching wall color to flooring in such a way that they open up the space, at least visually.
The same could be said for curtains.
If curtains are hung high and fall all the way to the ground, it makes the room or that wall appear larger than it actually is.
That’s the benefit of straight lines and uniform colors.
With matching curtains, they bleed into each other seamlessly, almost extending the frame of the room.
Aim for uniformity, consistent colors, and straight lines to create the illusion of more space in any room. All your decor, furniture, flooring, and colors should follow this guideline.
4.It’s easier to replace matching curtains
Rather than having to aimlessly and annoyingly search for replacements, you could find one new curtain and use them both.
Given that most stores package curtains in pairs, you wouldn’t have to waste money on buying two sets of curtains just to switch out the pairs.
That isn’t considered frugal at all.
Also, having to find curtains that are different but with the same texture, measurements, and styling will be time consuming.
The Only Time You Can Use Different Curtains In A Room
There is an exception to the rule that all curtains in a room should match.
If the room decor calls for different curtains, you can do it.
For example, if you are attempting to create a black and white theme, your curtains could be different.
One could be all white, while the other could be all black.
Another example would be if you wanted curtains that emulated the theme of a beach.
One set of curtains could be a light blue to represent the ocean, and the other could be a light brown to represent the shoreline.
It all depends on the purpose of having different colors and if they serve a purpose, particularly in completing a specific style.
In the event that you have an open plan space for your home and the distance between one section and the other is significantly large, it’s possible to create zones within that open space by using different curtains.
For example, the lounge area curtains could be different from the curtains used in the section that’s considered the dining area.
Also, inner curtains definitely do not have to match outer curtains.
Instead of linen curtains, use voile, net, tulle, organza, and so forth for your sheer curtains.
Final Thoughts
To be on the safe side when decorating a room, it’s best to use matching curtains.
They’re easier to find and considered a regular practice in most homes.
I find it more pleasant, elegant, uniform, and concise to use the same curtains in each room.
But, if you are trying to recreate a specific style and have an idea in place that works, it is possible to have different curtains in a room without them looking weird.
With that being said, that brings us to the end of this article on whether or not curtains should match in a room. If you’re looking for more curtain ideas, check out some of these must-read articles below.
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