Should Curtains Match In An Open Floor Plan? (Answered)

I’ve come to realize that despite the many perks and benefits, an open floor plan is difficult to decorate unless you opt for a style that covers the majority of the space. This is one of the main reasons why so many people use the same curtains. But, should curtains match in an open floor plan? Or can you use different curtains without ruining the space?

Ideally, curtains should match in most rooms but when it comes to an open floor plan, you have the freedom to experiment with some versatile choices. In some cases, using the same curtains is ideal but in others, using different curtains to create a specific style can be charming and achievable.

Ultimately, it all boils down to whether or not you are able to capture a specific style in the open floor plan.

It would be fruitless, weird, and classless to intentionally use different curtains in an open floor plan without any consideration for style, theme, and compatibility. 

So, the goal should be to prioritize intentionality.

What are you trying to create by using different curtains in an open floor plan?

Do you want to highlight the different zones to an open floor plan? 

If so, then this would absolutely make sense to me.

For instance, using different curtains in the lounge area versus the kitchen area would create a separation that makes sense and draws attention to the different portions of the open plan.

Alternatively, using curtains in one part of the open floor plan and opting for blinds or shutters in the other would also emphasize zones.

I’m a fan of this because it’s not always functional to install the same long curtains that one would use in the lounge area or the dining area, in the kitchen.

It would easily get messed up and there’s structural issues that may require you to alter the size of the curtain for the windows located in the kitchen area of the open floor plan.

It’s not a problem if you were to do that. 

As we know, using matching curtains adds to a cohesive and uniform design or style in an open floor plan home.

But, if you are unwilling to do that and would prefer to use something more durable, easy to manage, and practical, then it would make complete sense to use blinds or shutters instead of the curtains used in the rest of the plan.

Here’s when curtains should match in the open floor plan.

If the entire open floor plan has been designed and decorated in one cohesive style, from the lounge area, the kitchen to the dining area, you probably should use the same curtains. 

Breaking the flow would do more damage to the overall style. It would be incredibly difficult to explain the reason for using a different curtain in that one spot.

In that case, you could even opt for blinds or shutters provided that they are of the same color as the curtains in the rest of the open plan.

Then, there’s intentionality put into that decision and respect for the overall design of the space.

How To Use Different Curtains In An Open Floor Plan

1. Create Zones

If you’re going to use different curtains on different windows in the open floor plan, it is imperative that you create a zone within each space.

To do this, use decorative items, carpets or rugs, accessories, and even furniture that is compatible or similar with the different curtains.

For example, the lounge area could have white curtains with a white rug, white sofas, and a white entertainment unit.

Whereas the kitchen area could have gray curtains along with gray countertops, silver appliances, gray sink rugs, and gray plates plus cups.

Within each zone, there is a cohesive style and design being respected, which is the best thing you could do when decorating a home.

2. Use Compatible Colors

If you are going to use different colors of curtains opposite each other or even parallel to each other, at the very least, choose compatible colors.

For example, black curtains are compatible with white curtains. Yellow curtains are compatible with gray curtains. Red curtains are compatible with black curtains.

In this way, the differing colors are enough to create zones and add variety to the design of the space but not at the cost of looking bizarre or mismatched. 

3. Use The Same Material

Lastly, it is highly recommended that you opt for the same material when purchasing different curtains for an open floor plan.

In this way, there’s still some cohesiveness with the decorative choices even though the colors and patterns are different.

If you are willing, I would also encourage you to style the curtains in the same way. This means to use similar types of curtain ties along with rods that are of the same type. 

Use a neutral color curtain rod to ensure that the curtains are a focal point to the space rather than the rods themselves. 

Final Thoughts

That brings us to the end of this article on whether or not curtains should match in an open floor plan.

Personally, I tend to favor cohesive and matching curtains in an open plan home.

It just appears more organized, stylish, spacious, and easier to style. 

But, if you can follow the advice in this article, you could use curtains that don’t match in an open floor plan and still achieve a stylish and cohesive space.

As long as there’s a clear intention behind the choice of different curtains, you should be able to pull it off.

With that being said, I hope you enjoy this article and found the suggestions to be helpful and practical. If you did, I think you need to read some of our most popular articles on curtains that are linked below.

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