The curtain color mistakes that could be ruining your entire decorating scheme – here's what to avoid and why

Curtains are an important part of the color palette selected for any room in a home. Choosing their color, therefore, isn’t simply a question of falling for a hue, but of considering it alongside all the other tones in the room. And as with any big design decision, there are big mistakes to be made and curtain color mistakes could make or break a room, so it's important you avoid them from the beginning.

While a particular color isn’t wrong in theory, and we never like to set rules, you do really need to consider the context of the space in which you are hanging your curtains in order to pick the right shade.

So how do you avoid making a mistake when it comes to choosing your curtain colors? We asked interior designers to identify the issues particular colors create and to explain which colors to steer clear of in certain spaces.

1. Avoid plain white for a dull finish

While you might think selecting white curtains is a way to play it safe and avoid curtain color mistakes, there’s still room for error.

Opting for bright white drapes runs the risk of a finish that’s dull, warns Carlin van Noppen, CEO and head interior designer at Fig Linens and Home. ‘When using white curtains, I would advise choosing a white with at least one subtle detail (like a band) in a color or neutral rather than going for an all-white look. If you do decide to go with an all-white look, be sure to alternate whites throughout the room. Varying shades and textures of white, ivory, and cream create more visual depth and keep the space vibrant.’

White curtains also run the risk of leaving the room overlooked. ‘These hues can create a clean and modern feel in any room, but they may not offer the privacy that is required,’ cautions Blima Ehrehtreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group. ‘To balance both style and function, I explore options such as layering heavier fabric drapes or shades or opting for sheer or semi-sheer curtains that allow in natural light but still offer a modicum of coverage.’

2. Don't just pick a neutral curtain to blend into the walls

Like white, you might choose neutral curtains with the idea you can’t go wrong – but there are potential pitfalls.

‘One common misstep I see is opting for a neutral curtain color that blends in too much with the walls,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. ‘This results in a lack of contrast and can make the space feel flat and uninspired. Instead, consider adding a pop of color or pattern to the curtains to bring the room to life.’

Carlin van Noppen agrees that wall color is all-important. ‘Neutral curtains that match too closely with the wall can give the room a drab and flat feel,’ she says, offering an alternative strategy if they’re your preference. ‘To keep neutrals interesting, be sure to choose curtains in either a coordinating neutral or a hue that is darker or lighter than the wall. I recommend ordering swatches to test how a neutral fabric changes throughout the day in different light.’

As with white, it’s important to think about the function of the drapery if you go with a light neutral. ‘In my opinion, this color is best used in a sheer or less opaque setup, where the fabric can act as a diffuser and even help brighten a room that may be too dark,’ says Dustin Gerken of Dustin Gerken Design of Columbus, OH.

‘As a result, try a different color if you’re aiming for a more blackout fabric feel for bedrooms or rooms where you need less glare off a TV or similar screen. We love neutral sheers and fabrics, but they shock you with their ability to brighten a room if they receive too much direct light through the window.’

3. Steer clear of heavy brown shades

The brown and dark neutrals family might also feel like one that will always work, but there are still possible mistakes to be aware of.

‘This is a heavier color family that tends to do well in blackout situations where the hue’s ability to soak up light is utilized without much effort,’ says Dustin Gerken. ‘Avoid placing this color in a light-filled, stark room where the earthy, tectonic tone will be the heaviest visual in the space.'

'Certain darker neutrals can “turn the corner” well – akin to greens – but that also can be this color’s disadvantage if it’s situated off the wall, allowing the shadows behind the fabric to blend in and obscure the depth of the room.’

4. Even classic blues need to be approached with caution

‘Not all blues are created equal,’ explains Artem. ‘Some blues can appear too cool and sterile, while others can be too bold and overwhelming. When selecting a blue curtain, consider the undertones and saturation, as well as the overall color scheme of the room. A soft, powder blue can bring a sense of calm and serenity to a space, while a deep, inky blue can add drama and sophistication.’

Take the amount of daylight that reaches the room into account, too, to avoid making a mistake with blue. ‘Avoid navies and other dark blue shades in a room that does not get much natural light,’ recommends Carlin van Noppen. ‘They can appear dominating and will make the space seem even darker. If using blue curtains in a dimly lit room, go with a lighter shade (examples: a pale blue, robin’s egg) that coordinates with the trim and decor in the room.’

Consider the landscape outside the room, too. ‘This color works best on curtain fabrics with less unobstructed sky color that exaggerates the blue from the sky,’ says Dustin Gerken. ‘Dappled light through trees or indirect lighting through the curtains are the safest plays with this color. I would also slide the scale towards the more opaque side of the fabric spectrum, avoiding a more sheer material that only adds to the blue saturation as the sky’s blue is reflected through the fabric.’

5. Don't choose green without considering your whole scheme

Green can be an appealing shade for curtains, but learn lessons from the interior experts if you’re planning on choosing it.

‘When it comes to green, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of selecting a shade that blends in too much with the surrounding nature,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘Instead, consider using a green curtain as an opportunity to introduce a bold pop of color to the space. A vibrant chartreuse green, for example, can add a playful and energetic touch to a room.’

Don’t choose green without considering the other hues in the room either. ‘If the walls, carpet, and furnishings in a room are all bright, vivid colors, I would advise against solid statement-colored drapes in green,’ says Carlin van Noppen. ‘This curtain color mistake can make the room look too busy and poorly planned. If you already have the perfect green curtains in mind, I recommend making these a focal point of the room and planning the rest of the decor around the statement color drapes.’ Note that her advice goes for red curtains and yellow as well, on which more below.

Focus on curtain style or you might miss out on green’s potential, advises Dustin Gerken. ‘This is a great color that does well with pleated and shaped curtains that allow the fabric to “turn the corner”,’ he says. ‘Greens are great when you allow the shadows and light to go from darker forest colors to lighter, yellowish hues. Stay away from simpler, flat-paneled looks with greens because you won’t be taking advantage of arguably this color’s best attribute.’

6. Less is more with red curtains

Considering going bold with red curtains? To make them a hit and not a miss, tread carefully, say the experts.

‘You want to avoid using reds when your fabric panel has too much pleating and organized structure dictated through the mounting style,’ explains Dustin Gerken. ‘Repetitious pleating and formality will give a red curtain a Palais Garnier [Paris opera house] look that could be too theatrical if you’re not ready for it. With red hues, stick with a less structured panel.’

Think color proportion within the room, too. ‘Red is a powerful color that can easily steal the show if used too prominently,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. ‘A deep, wine red can add richness and sophistication to a space, while a bright, fire-engine red can bring energy and excitement. When selecting a red curtain, consider the surrounding color scheme and use it as an accent, rather than the main event.’

Blima Ehrehtreu agrees that less can be more in the case of red curtains. ‘I always keep in mind that too much of a bold color can be overpowering and create a too intense vibe,’ she says. ‘To avoid a cluttered look, I look for opportunities to use red curtains as an accent against a neutral or muted background.’

While designers say all of these shades come with a warning, that's not to say they won't work in every space. Of course, blue curtains will work, as will white, red, and all the ones listed here, but you have to be aware of what's going on elsewhere in the room to avoid making curtain color mistakes. What's the light like? What other colors are you bringing into the space? What style of drape are you choosing?

‘It’s essential to choose a color that enhances the room, rather than detracting from it,’ says Artem Kropovinsky. 'Take the time to consider the lighting, architecture, and overall design scheme before making a decision, and really don’t be afraid to experiment with bold hues and patterns for a truly captivating space.’