Experts love Reba McEntire's rich, textured curtains for more than their functionality

Reba McEntire's got a lot going on lately. With the announcement of a sitcom return and her recent performance of the national anthem at the 2024 Super Bowl, the Queen of Country is booked and busy. 

While the time for lounging may be minimal at the moment, when the actor and musician has a moment to unwind, she, of course, does so in style. Her set-up? A light brown leather couch, enhanced by dark brown, velvety curtains shielding the space from the sun. 

Curtains are so much more than a barrier between the home and the outside world. Factors such as fabric, color, and transparency can drastically alter the appearance of these window blockers and act as a cohesive part of a room's existing style.

When choosing curtains for a space, experts recommend beginning with color.

'Neutral colors are one of the most versatile picks for curtain colors; they go with a variety of trends from modern organic to Biophilic design,' says Homes & Gardens' digital editor, Jennifer Ebert. 'You can't go wrong with a beige or brown linen.'

Jennifer Ebert

Jen is the Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer.

Alternatively, patterned and textured curtains can add unexpected personality to an otherwise minimal space, such as Reba's rich brown set. 

'Graphic and geometric prints on curtains are striking,' Jen says. 'Interesting visuals on curtains act as a hanging art piece, and as such establish a focal position in a living room, bedroom, or dining room.'

There are also several types of curtains to choose from within curtains, from box pleats to tab tops. Jen recommends thinking about how the curtains fall and what the desired appearance will be.

'Any kind of pleat, whether pencil or pinch, will create visual interest through the material's natural gathering. For more of a unique cute, look for ripple fold or goblet pleated curtains, which are elegant in their tight gatherings.'

It's also worthwhile to consider how much light to let in. Sheer curtains, while delicate and ethereal, don't allow for much privacy, while thick, light-blocking curtains are extremely discreet but, for some, perhaps too dark.

Peruse some of our textured and colored curtain picks below.