This post may contain references and links to products from our advertisers. We may receive commissions from certain links you click on our website. As an Amazon Associate Rhythm of the Home earns revenues from qualifying purchases.
When it comes to making style upgrades to your home, adding a new set of curtains can be considered a fast and affordable solution. Window treatments such as curtains have great potential in terms of making a notable visual transformation of the room. Aside from aesthetic improvement, the addition of drape panels can also bring some extra benefits such as better privacy and reduced sunlight glare.
Homeowners buying curtains for the living room often wonder whether they should opt for a matching look with the sofa. It’s a good question because there’s no universally accepted design rule that says the curtains have to match the style of the couch. Let’s examine this problem more carefully to figure out how to create the most balanced and cohesive visual effect when integrating new curtains into the room.
1. Short Answer is Yes. Try Picking Curtains that Match the Sofa in a Complementary Way
If you’re interested in complementing the beauty of your furniture, it’s recommended to select curtain panels that feature a similar style, texture, or color as the sofa. Although you can obtain an attractive look even if the curtains don’t match the look of the couch, it’s safe to say that you will achieve a more unified aesthetic through matching.
Considering the way that curtains can take up a generous amount of the visual space in the room, there’s a risk of creating an unbalanced design if you don’t pay attention to sofa matching. You might end up with curtains that stand out too much and feel out of place in the living room. Instead of noticing your beautiful furniture arrangement, anyone entering the room will focus on the wrong thing.
By matching the features of the drapes to the design elements of the sofa, you will be able to obtain a more polished look. It’s particularly recommended to be mindful of matching the styles when you’re designing a traditional room. Modern decors can be a little more flexible when it comes to combining different textures and colors between curtains and furniture. Lots of modern styles welcome the contrasting effect of a pop of color added through curtains.
2. But, Always Pay Attention to the Color Scheme
Selecting the right color for the curtains can be seen as quite challenging for many homeowners. If you’re aiming for a matching look, there are some general design rules that you should follow to make the space feel cohesive and overall pleasing to the eye. Start by examining the living room color scheme and the color of the sofa. Depending on the color style of the furniture, you can make the right decision for the color of the curtains.
Instead of focusing on exact color shades, it can be easier to match curtains with the sofa by paying attention to color intensity or temperature. Darker-toned sofas pair well with curtains that match the same vibe if you prefer a cozy environment. Combining two dark shades together might result in a gloomy or too formal look. For a bit of contrast, it’s recommended to opt for a similar curtain color as the dark sofa but a few tonal steps lighter to brighten up the space.
Curtains can often be used to introduce an accent color in the room. It’s a recommended approach that works particularly well for modern or transitional decor styles. You can choose a bolder, more vibrant color for the curtains but there’s no need to worry about an overwhelming contrast if your sofa is designed in a more neutral tone. Matching the look can be done effortlessly with the help of carefully picked sofa accents such as throw pillows in a similar tone as the curtains.
3. Always Consider the Style of the Sofa
Curtains that don’t match the color of the sofa can result in an unbalanced look but you also need to take into account the design style. Details such as the fabrics used, patterns, and other features of the sofa can influence the visual impact of your chosen curtains. That’s why it’s strongly recommended to match the style of the couch when installing new curtains.
Instead of focusing on specific furniture design styles such as Scandinavian, mid-century modern, or rustic, it’s more effective to check out the overall vibe. For example, if the sofa features a traditional look with elegant upholstering and classy neutral tones, you can match it with curtains that offer a similarly formal look. Use more laidback drape panels crafted from lighter fabrics to match sofas that give off the same vibe.
When attempting to blend the styles of the curtains and the sofa together, always remember the desired room atmosphere. For example, if you want to keep the ambiance relaxed and casual, you can introduce some brightly-colored curtains or light fabrics to match the simple design lines of the sofa. Conversely, lush fabrics and classic neutral tones work better for curtains that match an elegant sofa with rich, traditional details.
4. If Everything Else Fails, Try an Eclectic Look
If you prefer an eclectic living room look you should ideally avoid a matching style when it comes to curtains and furniture. The bold mixing of different colors, patterns, and fabrics suits certain modern styles that reject conventional design norms. If you’re willing to experiment and enter avant-garde territory with your design style, it’s worth considering multiple combinations until you find the best unorthodox curtain match for the sofa.
A maximalist decor style can inspire you to try more dramatic visual effects by clashing intense colors and patterns together. Keep a sense of order by appropriately matching color opposites on the color wheel. If you integrate bold patterns through your curtains, make sure they complement the sofa as well as the rest of the room. If you’re worried about creating a look that’s too chaotic, it might be a better idea to stick to the classic matching of styles, colors, and textures.
