Help choosing curtains and wall color for family/play room

5 years ago

We just moved into our new home and our family room/playroom is in the basement. Our immediate plan is to buy blackout curtains for the windows but we do plan to paint the walls eventually.

Some useful details:

- The walls are a light gray

- The carpet is a dark grey with white details

- The length of the curtains would be ~36 inches

- We are debating wall-mounting the TV in the space between the windows (right now the TV is on an old changing table/dresser)

- We just bought a couch in a light gray fabric (attached the stock image since the couch hasn't arrived) so that will have to match whatever we choose for the walls and the curtains.

- We have a brown armchair (pictured) that we may or may not keep but if we do keep it, it should also go with the color scheme.

Any suggestions for colors for the curtains and walls? I am hoping the curtains will bring light into an otherwise pretty dark room and painting the walls should also make a big difference.

Featured Answer

Beth H. :

5 years ago

no curtains. do small, inset blinds. woven woods are fine.

or, try this double cell cellular blinds. no cord. bring in a larger console.

can you paint that paneling a dark color (just the window wall) like shown here?

then bring in the lighter wood shelf to help hide all the wire/conduit?

or maybe do some type of lower base cabinet that spans the lower portion like this

or, panel over the entire thing w/this type of design. get a longer console to put below tv

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Comments (14)

decoenthusiaste
5 years ago
Why blackout? With that ledge below the windows and that "beam" impinging on the left, I find it hard to envision 36" curtains. Personally, black out shades or cafe curtains (inside mounted) would work for me.
suubi thanked decoenthusiaste
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hildac
5 years ago
I'd consider roman blinds of an interesting patter to make the space alive
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Are there any other windows? Might be interesting to just see-

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6042734/hermes-tiffany-guest-room
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everdebz
5 years ago
Lighting - and you have some - layer with table lamps too?
Ultimate Man Cave · More Info
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everdebz
5 years ago
Ben Moore "Ashland Slate" #1608
Cheverton Transitional Home · More Info
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Maureen
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I‘d suggest blinds instead for a more modern look. Windows are too close to the walls as well, do curtains will be cover too much of the window, making room darker. Paint and lighting choices will have the most influence in making the space feel lighter.

Suggest a creamy white paint color and light furniture pieces. I would also add a console vs just mounting tv

Consider best layout to possibly be able to add a play area/storage

Think how room can be pulled together by your accessories and your cushion choices will play a big role.
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Idea for curtains fairly full, and that same fabric starched,etc. flat across - for a neat and trim look?

Poly/ Cotton/ Top: 4" Loops / curtain rods up to 3.5 Inches diameter / Machine Wash

Brownish Gray Tab Top 90% blackout Curtain / Drape / Panel -50W x 63L -Piece · More Info
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Nice tripod lamp's shape posted above / could choose same shape a bit -- and break up all the vertical lines on walls...
Knox TV Console, 60" · More Info
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Your current one? too bad you don't have a 2nd. Could place peel and stick on fronts ,etc...

might like, reminds of yours -
Convenience Concepts Newport Yorktown 3 Drawer TV Stand with Shelves U14-193 · More Info
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suubi
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all! Definitely following the consensus and going with blinds over curtains - I'm thinking something neutral since I don't yet know what color we will paint the walls (and also, since these windows are so small, I don't necessarily want to draw attention to the window area).

decoenthusiaste: You are right, we don't actually need blackout. We just need something that will provide privacy.

Beth H. : This was so so helpful, thank you! Will definitely play around with all these ideas - this is really giving me some inspiration.

everdebz: Unfortunately no other windows. Definitely agree that we need to bring into more light, especially table lamps, to warm up the space.

Maureen: I agree that ~white walls and light furniture is the way to go. I think the brown armchair is on its way out (which is a pity, because it's so comfortable!)

I will try to update this thread as we make progress. First up is blinds...
everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Not sure why sheer/ semi-sheers aren't used more across entire walls, and to hide tv and more. I've seen in modern rooms though. Ikea sells those curtains I think.

Rod Desyne Commercial Ceiling Curtain Track Kit - Modern - Curtain Rods - by clickhere2shop (houzz.com)
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everdebz
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Have you considered cases/shelves design, to make wall more focal?

On upper wall: shelving [both open and closed appearance? at same depth as the bumpout under it.
everdebz
5 years ago
.. maybe flatten entire wall's vertical lines...
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