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Dark Curtains See the Light
For a cozy feel or a visual trick for ceilings and windows, dark, moody curtains and drapery treatments have a bright outlook
Mom wife don't-wanna-be-pharmacist, wanna-be-interior-designer tweaking our Underdog house into a bona fide stylish home.
Mom wife don't-wanna-be-pharmacist, wanna-be-interior-designer tweaking... More »
I like light, airy interiors, and my inspiration rooms usually include breezy white curtains or no window treatments at all. Yet there's something to be said about dark curtains. They can lend a sense of drama, contrast and elegance to a room when used appropriately. But there are a few key points to remember when considering moody panels.
First, dark-colored curtains work best against light walls. Dark walls plus dark curtains equals a movie theater effect, which can feel oppressive. Dark curtains work well with warm white, cream, gray, light tan and even smoky blue walls.
Another design trick is to use dark curtains in large rooms or rooms with very high ceilings to visually shrink the space and give it a cozier vibe. Just repeat the color of the drapes somewhere else in the room for cohesion. It's one thing for the curtains to look dramatic and another for them to look misplaced.
Finally, if you can't commit to a solid dark panel, try a printed fabric that comes across as mostly dark but includes lighter colors as well. For example, a black and ivory floral could work well. Dark, printed curtains lend drama as well as interest to a room.
When used correctly, dark curtains can be a striking graphic element in a well-appointed space. So don't rule them out just because you prefer airy interiors. I'm taking my own advice on this one and plan to hang charcoal linen panels in the family room of the house we are currently renovating. Of course, I'll couple them with light walls.
First, dark-colored curtains work best against light walls. Dark walls plus dark curtains equals a movie theater effect, which can feel oppressive. Dark curtains work well with warm white, cream, gray, light tan and even smoky blue walls.
Another design trick is to use dark curtains in large rooms or rooms with very high ceilings to visually shrink the space and give it a cozier vibe. Just repeat the color of the drapes somewhere else in the room for cohesion. It's one thing for the curtains to look dramatic and another for them to look misplaced.
Finally, if you can't commit to a solid dark panel, try a printed fabric that comes across as mostly dark but includes lighter colors as well. For example, a black and ivory floral could work well. Dark, printed curtains lend drama as well as interest to a room.
When used correctly, dark curtains can be a striking graphic element in a well-appointed space. So don't rule them out just because you prefer airy interiors. I'm taking my own advice on this one and plan to hang charcoal linen panels in the family room of the house we are currently renovating. Of course, I'll couple them with light walls.
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Charcoal panels are an exaggeration of the lighter grays on the chairs and rug in this office. The moody curtains are dramatic against white walls, while the natural wood desks contrast the curtains. The effect is one of sophistication.
| In this living room, long and slender floor-to-ceiling panels cozy up a rather large space. The taupe hue picks up on the color of one of the sofas. |
by RLH Studio
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One way to liven up a darker panel is to choose one with a print — preferably one that incorporates a lighter color. At a glance, the panel contrasts against white walls, but upon closer inspection the print brings pattern and interest to the room.
Black curtains aren't just for neutral spaces. This colorful kid's space wears them well. Paired with white walls, a painted turquoise fireplace, red accents and a playfully patterned rug, black curtains lend a graphic element. It's also worth mentioning that they help to block out early morning sun, encouraging wee ones to sleep in past sunrise. Hallelujah!
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In this open living space, the dark curtains pick up on the glossy black pendants suspended above the dining table. Repeating the use of black from room to room promotes cohesion.
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| Deep navy curtains in this bedroom mimic the stripes found in the area rug. A lighter blue on the walls keeps things cozy yet still provides a contrasting backdrop for the curtain panels. |
| I once read that using darker colored curtains to frame windows can distract your eye from an undesirable outdoor view. See how in this room, the eye travels around the room, rather than beyond it. The warm gold panels mix well with the other warm tones in the interior design. Notice the pumpkin color on the bottom third of the panels too. It helps to bring the panels and the height of the ceiling down for a cozier feeling. |
by Niche Interiors
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Here is another good example of using a dark printed fabric for curtain panels. Having at least one more black element, the black sofa table, is the key to making these curtains work well in this room.
by Amoroso Design
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Plum panels match the tufted velvet on the chaise and give this simple room a luxurious look. To keep things from looking heavy and drab, the velvet is paired with light walls and shiny accents: metal floor lamp, leaning mirror, Lucite table.
| These moody floor-to-ceiling curtain panels visually bring down the high ceilings and accentuate other black finishes — fireplace, accent chairs, zebra rug, lampshades — for a cozy feel. More: The Case for Beautiful Black Doors |
Ideabook published on May 7, 2012.
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I'm not a designer even in my dreams, but I like the look with the Eames chair I inherited from my dad and the glossy painted side table I rescued from a landfill about 20 years ago.