Curtains draw a line between your room and the rest of the world. They frame the view outside your window, while still forming an integral part of your interior design. The best curtains give you control over the heat, light, sound, and attention your room receives.
Neutral-toned curtains blend beautifully into any background, while statement drapes stand out from the wall. Room-darkening curtains let a little light in, while blackout curtains banish every last ray. In fact, there are so many styles of curtains, sold at all the major homestores, that it can be difficult to know where to start.
As a shopping writer, I know all the best places to buy curtains. I’ve spent hours searching the sites of the top drapery dealers to bring you the very best. Full disclosure: I haven’t been able to test their light-filtering abilities. Instead, I’ve scoured the specifications and read thousands of customer reviews.
From sill-length single panels to floor-length double drapes, these are my top nine curtains to suit every space.
Best curtains 2024
Material: Acrylic and polyester blend
Length: 84"
Width: 50”
+Fade-resistant
+Classic design
-Hanging hardware required
+Fade-resistant
+Classic design
-A little high-maintenance
If you prefer a warm glow to total darkness, you’ll appreciate the light-filtering properties of these curtain panels. The Taylor Curtains let a little light in, while protecting you from heat, noise, and prying eyes. Each panel is lined with fade-resistant fabric to preserve the curtains’ natural color and texture, so they’re suitable for areas that get a lot of sun. These heavy-duty curtains are a little high-maintenance. Since they aren’t washer-safe, you’ll need to spot clean any spills and stains.
Material: Jacquard
Length: 95”
Width: 50”
+Noise-filtering
+Energy-efficient
-Limited size options
+Noise-filtering
+Energy-efficient
-Limited size options
Room-darkening curtains should shut out most of the light. They’re ideal for bedrooms and particularly good for younger sleepers, who may be a little scared of the dark. The Laurel Curtains are covered with a dainty floral design that draws out deep blue and silver tones. While these colors are subtle enough to blend with most color palettes, they’ll pop against a plain white wall. 95 inches long and 50 inches wide, the Laurel Curtains should fit most frames, though they’re less suitable for smaller windows.
Material: Polyester
Length: 84”, 96”, 108”
Width: 48”
+Three length options
+Two hanging options
-Less suitable for smaller windows
+Three length options
+Two hanging options
-Hanging hardware sold separately
These blackout curtains give you the most control over your home. Each panel is lined with polyester, which absorbs light and repels heat to keep you cool and comfortable. West Elm’s Worn Velvet Blackout Curtains are practical but pretty, made from a brushed fabric with a subtle sheen. Anyone who knows how to hang curtains will appreciate their dual hanging options. These drapes can be bunched through the rod pocket or pleated with the back tabs. All you need is hanging hardware, sold separately on West Elm.
Material: Linen and cotton blend
Length: 84", 96", 108"
Width: 50”
+Light and airy
+Elegant design
-A little high-maintenance
Sheer curtains don’t offer much protection from the sun, but they’re a serious style statement. These panels filter natural light and flutter in the breeze to create the impression of an airier, more open space. Sheer curtains add timeless elegance to any room, and they make great transition pieces between indoor and outdoor areas. The only downside is that they’re a little high-maintenance. These curtains are dry-clean only, so you should try your best to avoid spills and stains.
Material: Polyester
Length: 84”, 96”, 108”
Width: 100”
+Machine-washable
+Three length options
-May not suit all settings
Don’t let curtain retailers catch you out: curtains are often advertised in pairs, but sold as single panels. Sometimes, you have to spend twice as much to get the look you want. That’s why it’s worth considering a stylish single-panel design as a more affordable alternative. 100 inches wide, the Lucca Curtain Panel is a great choice for larger windows. It can be pulled right the way across or tied back for an elegant finish. It’s even washer-safe for quick and easy cleaning.
Material: Polyester and cotton blend
Length: 6”, 84”, 96”, 108”
Width: 50”
+Machine-washable
+Four length options
-Light-filtering rather than room-darkening
If you’re shopping for curtains that make a statement, you’ll appreciate this jungle-themed design. These weathered white curtains are covered with tigers in shades of navy and ochre. For anyone who really wants to experiment with bedroom curtain ideas, there are fuchsia tigers, too. The Embroidered Flemming Curtains come in four lengths to suit windows of all sizes. Better yet, they’re machine-washable and dryer-safe. Just remember that these curtains are light-filtering rather than room-darkening, which makes them less suitable for bedrooms.
Material: Cotton
Length: 63”
Width: 52”
+Machine-washable
+Three hanging options
-Sold in single panels
Since floor-length curtains can crowd smaller rooms, it’s worth considering something sill-length. Shorter drapes create a cleaner look that won’t drag across your desk or sofa. These curtains can be bunched, pleated, or clipped onto rings for easy operation. The bottom hem is weighted at the corners to reduce billowing and ensure a neat hang. Washer-, dryer-, and even iron-safe, the Waller Blackout Curtains are easy to clean and care for.
Material: Linen and cotton blend
Length: 84”, 96”, 108”
Width: 50”
+Classic design
+Sold in three lengths
-A little high-maintenance
These curtains come in three different lengths to ensure the perfect puddle, no matter the height of your window. The Riviera Striped Curtains are crafted from a linen and cotton blend, which makes them durable yet breathable. The cross-woven design creates a sun-bleached effect, while stripes of navy, sandalwood, or porcelain blue enhance the air of coastal chic. These curtains are easy to hang and come with hooks attached. Since they’re light-filtering rather than room-darkening, these drapes are less suitable for bedrooms.
Material: Polyester
Length: 84", 96", 108"
Width: 50”
+Machine-washable
+Noise-reducing
-Sold in single panels
Grommet curtains are the latest trend in traditional window treatments. They’re ultra-easy to hang, thanks to a line of eyelets running across the top: all you need to do is thread your curtains through the rod. The blackout panels regulate temperature and reduce noise to create a quiet, cozy space. The Dora Damask Curtains combine the look of heavy silk with the feel of lightweight polyester. They’re even machine-washable for convenient cleaning.
Curtains FAQs
Where can I buy the best quality curtains?
The best places to buy curtains aren’t specialist stores, but some of the top home retailers. West Elm has the most sophisticated search filters to help you sort, while Wayfair has the widest selection. If you’re shopping for statement curtains, try Anthropologie or the Ashley HomeStore. For delicate materials and durable designs, you’re better off buying from Pottery Barn or Lulu & Georgia.
Which is better − curtains or blinds?
It’s less a question of which is best overall, and more of which is better for your space. Curtains look best in larger spaces, while blinds are sleek, chic, and thin enough to fit in shallower windows. If you’re weighing up your options for a window treatment, you’ll want to know the pros and cons of drapes vs curtains vs shades vs blinds.
Which curtains are best to keep heat out?
Blackout curtains are best for keeping out heat. Each panel is lined with fabric that repels light and heat while muting noise. Since blackout curtains are made from such thick material, they’re also best for protecting your privacy.
Which curtains are best for living rooms?
It depends on the size and style of your space. Dramatic drapes look best in larger living rooms, while sill-length curtains complement smaller windows. If you’re looking to experiment with living room curtain ideas, you might be interested in something sheer to let the heat out and the light in.
Which curtains are best for bedrooms?
As a general rule, room-darkening curtains are best for bedrooms. Only blackout panels can deliver total darkness, though this might be too extreme for young children. While light-filtering curtains are kinder on the eyes, they are less suitable for light-sensitive sleepers.
Final thoughts
Once you’ve bought some of the best curtains, it’s important to keep them in good condition. It’s worth learning how to clean curtains to get the most out of your drapes.
If you know you want a window treatment, but curtains just aren’t doing it for you, then you’re in luck: we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you can use instead of curtains in a bedroom.
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