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How to choose and combine curtains

Choosing curtains can sometimes be overwhelming. There are countless options to choose from. The first steps are selecting the curtain colour, the curtain combinations (layers) you want to create, and the style of your curtains.

Here, we explain how to make the best choices for:

A person embracing three SANELA curtains from behind. The curtains are dark blue, dark grey-turquoise and light beige.

Step 1. Choose your curtain colour 

It is important that the colours of your curtains match the rest of your interior. If you want to coordinate the colours in your interior effectively, it is wise to start with the fixed elements, such as the colour of the flooring. Then, you can move on to the materials with more choices, like the curtains, and finally consider the wall colour.

Creating a mood board with all the colours and materials used in the space can help you make the right choices and select appropriate curtains.

Different colours evoke different emotions. To guide you, we have provided an overview of what each colour represents:

 

White: simplicity, neutrality, and freshness

Yellow: warmth, happiness, and positivity

Orange: festivity, warmth, and liveliness

Red: vitality, love, and strength, but also danger

Purple: emotion, spirituality, and artistic expression

Blue: calmness and relaxation

Green: nature and energy

Brown: grounding and stability

Black: power and elegance, but also coldness

Contrast in your interior 

If you want to create contrast in your interior, choose a combination of light and dark colours or colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel.

For a more subdued look, opt for softer, lighter shades. Try to incorporate both light and dark colours into your palette.

For example, you can create beautiful contrasts by pairing dark curtains with a white wall, vibrant-coloured curtains with a gray wall, or light curtains with a dark wall. If you want an interior with bold hues, also include a recurring neutral colour, such as gray.

Create a serene interior with a tone-on-tone colour scheme.

If you want to add colour while maintaining a sense of tranquility, consider exploring ton sur ton options. With ton sur ton, your interior revolves around a single colour, with various light and dark shades achieved by adding different amounts of white.

You can also create a serene atmosphere by combining colours that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. This approach ensures a harmonious and soothing visual experience in your space.


Step 2. Choose your curtain combination 

Layering curtains allows for flexible light control. Use sheer and semi-opaque curtains in the living room, sheer and blackout curtains in the bedroom, or combine roller blinds with curtains. Curtains set the mood, so choose your colour and style to create the perfect setting for your space.

Single-layered solution

A simple solution and a good choice for limited space or odd window measurements – or when one layer is simply enough to cover the need in that room.  

A room with a beige MAJGULL curtain on a curtain rod in front of the window.

Single curtain

A curtain with curtain rails or rods is a simple solution and has a soft appearance.

A white yellow/striped FRIDANS block-out roller blind.

Single roller blind

A roller blind is a simple and effective way to cover your window. This solution is flexible and there is a wide range of light filtering options.

2-layer solution 

For spaces where multiple activities take place, a 2-layer curtain solution is ideal. Consider using this in the living room, home office, or bedroom. This solution combines both functionality and style, allowing you to customize your light control while adding a stylish touch to your space. 

A bedroom with a pair of thin, white HILJA curtains and yellow-beige ROSENMANDEL room darkening curtains.

Two-layer curtains

This involves using a thinner curtain on the outer layer and a thicker curtain on the inner layer. You can achieve this by using two separate curtain rods, combining two single-track curtain rails, or utilizing a three-rail combination with a gap between the first and third rails. This allows for enhanced flexibility in light control and privacy while adding depth and visual interest to your window treatments. 

A living room with a white HOPPVALS roller blind and a HILLEBORG curtain.

A curtain and a roller blind

Combine a curtain and a roller blind for a versatile window solution. Use a curtain rod or rail to hang them together. This option offers both decorative appeal and practical light control, adding depth to your window. 

Please note: ensure proper spacing between the hanging systems to avoid any interference when opening or closing your curtains or roller blinds. 

3-layer solution

A solution with three layers is very versatile, and especially good for multi-function rooms. With three layers, you can block light or let it in, keep your room warm or cool, stop glare on screens, ensure both privacy and views or just make your room feel cosier. A beautiful and functional solution is guaranteed.  The possibilities are endless. The most common are: 

A with heading tape/grey HILJA curtains, 1 pair in the bedroom

Two layers of curtains and a roller blind

For your curtains, choose a double rail or two rods. When hanging the rods, consider how the curtains will drape and the desired spacing between them. 

A room with three layers of window coverings. A FRIDANS roller blind, a DYTÅG curtain, and a BIRTNA curtain.

Step 3. Choose your curtain style

1. Rustic style

A rustic style is inspired by nature, particularly the countryside. It is characterized by natural tones such as white, beige, grey, and brown shades. Use natural fabrics like linen and cotton. Patterns like stripes or checks work well in this style. Choose a rod as the hanging system to accentuate the style, preferably with rings.

2. Modern style

The modern style is based on the latest trends with a minimalist foundation. The interior in this style is often more minimalist, so solid curtains in a calm shade work well. Opt for plain fabrics to emphasise minimalism. For the hanging system, a simple rail is a good choice. A sleek roller blind also fits this style.

3. Scandinavian style

In Scandinavia, light is essential as the winter days are very short. Natural elements, especially light wood, are important in Scandinavian interiors. Therefore, choose light curtains or curtains in a muted shade such as white, grey, or green. For prints, a graphic, natural pattern works best, but keep it simple. Simple, natural fabrics on a beautiful, simple rail or a basic rod fit perfectly in a Scandinavian interior.

4. Industrial style

The industrial style draws inspiration from the Industrial Revolution, transitioning from handmade to industrially manufactured. Industrial interiors evoke words like rugged and robust, featuring rough forms and materials. For this style, opt for natural (dark) colours such as grey or black to accentuate the style. Choose a slightly bolder hanging system, such as a thick black rod with rings or a metal rod commonly seen in businesses and shops.