Curtains

Everything you need to know about curtains

Find the fun, flair and functionality of fabrics with fashionable curtains from IKEA Canada. Maybe you want to block the morning sun for late Sunday sleep-ins. Or maybe you need a simple and stylish way to separate a room. Either way, you’ll discover the drapery to fit your desires right here.

When you've found the right window treatment, make sure to complement them with matching rods and rails.

How to pick the right curtains for every room

Choosing curtains for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen can be challenging. To make it easier, your first considerations should be practical. Note which direction the room faces, consider what the room is used for, and plan accordingly. Here are a few tips:

• Bedroom curtains: If your bedroom faces west, it'll be exposed to the glorious rays of the morning sun. If it faces east, your bedroom will stay bright until late in the evening. Consider thick, blackout bedroom curtains that will help prevent the light from disturbing your sleep. A decoration tip is to install roller blinds behind your curtains in a complementary colour. This adds an extra element of depth to the room.
• Living room curtains: If you have an east-facing living room, and your TV faces your windows, the setting sun’s glare could ruin your binge-watching. Darkening curtains will help keep the light out when you want to lose yourself in a new film. If reflections in the TV is not an issue, you might want to choose some bright sheer curtains that glow radiantly in the daylight. Or maybe select a beautiful, patterned curtain that goes well with your living room design.
• Kitchen curtains: Venetian blinds are a good idea for kitchens. This is because they can easily be wiped down if soapy water manages to escape the sink while you’re doing the dishes. Complement the Venetian blinds with a cute window valance.
• Bathroom curtain: For bathroom curtains, privacy is also a thing to consider. Choose curtains that cover the whole bathroom window, but still let the daylight through.

How to hang long curtains

Long curtains can be installed in several ways. Hang them right next to the window to create a nice textile frame around your view outside. If you place them a bit higher and wider than the window, you can create the illusion of a larger room. Here you can play around with different colours and shades to create a dynamic atmosphere. In addition to length, think about the fabric and texture. Heavier materials provide excellent insulation and can reduce outside noise, perfect for creating a cozy sanctuary in your living room. Lighter fabrics, on the other hand, offer a breezy and airy feel, ideal for a more relaxed setting. The choice of fabric also affects how well the curtains will drape, so consider the overall look you're aiming for. 

How to use curtains as room dividers

With a nice thick curtain, you can create the feeling of two unique and private spaces in the same room. This is a great option for making a small home office space in the living room. Or maybe you can give your children some space for themselves if they share a room.

To use a long curtain as a room divider, you need to place a rod or rail in the ceiling. Locate it in the middle of the room, or wherever you want the wall of curtains to be placed. Then simply hang the curtains, and voila!

Frequently asked questions about curtains

What type of curtain is best for the living room?

Choose curtains for the living room based on their function and the type of style you’d like to express. Select from sheer curtains that let in most light to semi-sheer window curtains that softly filter light while providing privacy. While you can solely go with heavier curtains, there’s also the option to pair room-darkening curtains or blackout drapes with lighter panel curtains or drapes.

Should curtains match the sofa or the carpet?

Just as curtains thankfully don’t have to match your hardwood floors, having contrast between the colour and look of your furniture, carpeting and drapes can make for a more striking and balanced sense of style in any room. Contrasting elements create stunning focal points while still complementing other furniture and fabrics in their own unique way. Meanwhile, you can also match the look and feel of your carpet or sofa with your window curtains. For instance, white sheer curtains can complement white carpets and light fabrics like lace on white sofas.

How can curtains enhance your bedroom?

The bedroom is your retreat, a place for rest and rejuvenation. Bedroom curtains play a crucial role in setting the mood. They can block out unwanted light for a better night's sleep, provide privacy, and contribute to the room's overall decor. When selecting bedroom curtains, consider the colour and pattern. Soft, neutral tones can create a tranquil atmosphere, while bold patterns can add a touch of personality and flair to your space. Another aspect to consider is the lining of the curtains. A blackout curtain is ideal for those who need complete darkness to sleep. It's also worth thinking about the curtain's maintenance. Are they easy to clean or do they require special care? Bedroom curtains that are easy to maintain will ensure your sanctuary remains a place of ease and comfort. 

Which curtain fabric do I need?

That depends on the look you’d like to achieve and the amount of light you’d like to filter. Whether lighter or heavier curtains or drapes, you can choose from a wide variety of fabrics, including 100% cotton light filtering drapes whose curves have the elegance of a ballroom dress. There are modern panel curtains in alluring colours made with an 80/20 blend of paper and polyester that offer a stunning aesthetic while cutting down on glare and affording privacy. There are lacy, affordable sheer curtains and blackout curtains made of durable, easy-to-clean polyester.