What curtains go well with white walls?

hackrea / June 11, 2021

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White for walls seems to be one of the most accessible and most win-win options. Indeed, fresh and clean, light and independent, gives the room a special airiness, creates a feeling of the constant presence of light, and makes the room visually larger. However, one should not think that those who have chosen the white walls follow the path of least resistance.

In fact, many are sure that white is absolutely neutral, and therefore can serve as an ideal background for absolutely any design ideas and the implementation of the most incredible plans. In general, this is the case – except for a few nuances. You have to consider them when selecting not only furniture but also textiles.

Designers recommend paying particular attention to curtains since their location in the same plane with the walls has the most significant impact on the perception of color. Let’s take a closer look at which curtains go well with white walls, why not every shade and texture can be a suitable solution for them – and, of course, how to avoid possible mistakes when choosing textile elements for decorating a window in a white room.

Curtains and white walls: patterned or not

An important choice for those who decide to paint the walls white is between pattern and monochrome. And if you think about it, then we can confidently say that you are on the right track, and your caution is entirely justified.

The fact is that the print on the curtains and even its very absence in the case of white walls is not only a significant decorative element but also a somewhat effective visual technique that allows you to adjust the proportions of the window in particular and the entire room as a whole. Let’s talk about this in more detail.

Monochrome curtains

It is worth giving preference to a plain panel without a pattern in a room with white walls in the following cases:

a small surface of the room;
low ceilings;
windows are not too large or high and narrow;
poor natural light.

However, even if the room is spacious enough and daylight is enough for you, but you still want to choose curtains without a pattern, you can do it: in the end, monochrome is a universal solution.

Curtains with ornament

Patterned textiles are an excellent solution for combining with white walls in rooms where you need to adjust the perception of space slightly. It works like this:

The curtain’s horizontal pattern makes the white wall wider, and the vertical one pulls it up.
Small and not too distinguishable from a distance, the ornament helps create a discreet accent and visually makes the room more spacious.
A bright and large pattern on the curtains is welcome in spacious rooms with high ceilings – this technique helps to avoid visual voids and add coziness.
A precise geometric pattern provides laconicism, severity, and impeccable rhythm, to which modern interiors are incredibly demanding.

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Choosing the color of curtains for white walls

So, having figured out the pattern and the general rules for selecting curtains for white walls, you probably already want to talk about something even more substantive – namely, the color of curtains as such. Indeed, white is considered a kind of blank canvas, on which you can paint anything you want and any colors, but in this case, it is undesirable to overdo it. We invite you to evaluate and think over both the most trendy and traditional popular combinations of curtains with white walls.

Beige

White and beige is a traditional and versatile combination that may seem appropriate in almost any room. Beige creates harmony, comfort and as if makes the room warmer. However, as is usually the case, the essence lies in the details – and these details become the curtain’s length and shade.

So, long straight beige panels really suit the design of any room and will favorably complement both a modern and laconic, as well as a classic elegant interior. However, if you need something more spectacular and do not need extra color spots, take a closer look at textiles in darker sand shades or add volume to the curtains due to the greater width and the number of draperies.

Another nuance regarding beige curtains for white walls is the peculiarity of their use in the nursery. Such a combination may seem tedious and impersonal to a child. In this case, a bright print or cheerful, colorful patterns will come to the rescue, which will look harmonious and completely not annoying precisely due to such a neutral base.

Another advantage of beige curtains is their combinatorial nature. Today, when double panels are trendy, you can combine this color with various shades, creating a genuinely exclusive window treatment. Red, purple, olive, marsala, yellow, and deep blue are recognized as the best “companions” for all beige tones.

Purple

Curtains in purple shades look incredibly impressive and catchy against the background of white walls. Contemporary, fusion, ethnic, modern, eclecticism – these are just a few design trends that welcome this combination.

One of the advantages of purple remains the variety of shades. So, amethyst, lavender, and lilac look incredibly sophisticated and create a calm and elegant atmosphere. But if you want a splash of color, magenta, fuchsia, and plum, come to the rescue. Simultaneously, bright and saturated shades should not be used in a small room – unless the windows in it face the sunny side or you have chosen narrow and short enough curtains.

Blue

Curtains in blue shades go well with white walls. This combination is considered one of the most advantageous for country, french country (Provence), or Coastal interiors. Serene and refreshing, it also visually transforms a room, making it more spacious and brighter.

If such a solution seems too cool to you, then you may well try to add something “warming” – for example, furniture and accessories in light woody or sunny yellow shades.

Red

A bold and expressive combination of red and white is not up to everyone. However, those who took this risk hardly regretted their decision since bright curtains against a clean and refreshing background look truly luxurious and provide an interior with true exclusivity.

Contrary to the stereotypes that dictate the abandonment of the combination of red curtains and white walls in offices and bedrooms, you may well realize a similar idea by experimenting with shades. So, in the premises for work, ruby, marsala, or burgundy panels will be entirely appropriate, and coral, pink antique, and oriental red will add sophistication to the bedroom.

Brown

The combination of white and brown is timeless, so you can safely choose curtains of similar shades for snow-white walls. Natural wood furniture, brickwork, beautiful hardwood flooring – and your interior is close to perfection.

In the case of brown curtains, you can experiment not only with tone but also with decor. Designers have already offered a lot of exciting ideas:

woody shades – for a modern bedroom;
light and natural brown tones – for a Scandinavian-style room, retro or minimalism;
patterns and metallic sheen on a brown background – for the classics.

The best solution would be to combine brown curtains with a light white veil or tulle.

Black

The domino-style is a great way to demonstrate your independence and the ability to find sophistication in simplicity. The combination of soft and noble black and pure white is suitable for interiors in the art deco style and minimalism, gothic, and even a loft. If a similar solution already inspires you, try to follow a few simple rules:

Think about the lighting scenario. Black textiles effectively absorb color, and therefore you will need to add additional lights or increase the brightness of existing ones.
Add light tulle – it will help create a harmonious design for the window and the room as a whole.
If black curtains seem too straightforward and gloomy to you, take a closer look at panels with black and white patterns – the curtains will look more exciting and unusual.
Consider the size of the room. So, if the room is small, you will have to refuse black curtains: with them, it will look even smaller.

Gray

At first glance, gray curtains are the simplest and most unified solution for combining with a white background, but the wrong choice of the shade creates certain risks: in this case, the room may look dull, unkempt, and even gloomy. Several rules will help ensure a harmonious color balance:

Use metallic gray for hi-tech and minimalism – this will add texture and volume.
If you are not sure that you can choose a color exactly, give preference to the most versatile fashionable shades – smoky, ash, pearl.
Cool and dark shades of gray create a sense of greater harmony when used on textiles with a natural soft texture – linen, cotton, velour.
Dark shades of gray are an excellent option for curtains in a large room with high ceilings. True, you will have to pick up a couple of accessories to match the curtains in this case.

Green

White and green are considered one of the most natural color combinations. A properly selected shade provides comfort and tranquility, but too bright can look quite aggressive on a white background. That is why you should not chase spectacular contrasts. So, grassy, light green, pistachio, olive, emerald, and forest moss color will look expressive and at the same time wonderful – and without any visual irritation.

Golden

Gold is a godsend for more traditional, elegant interiors that require a sophisticated chic ambiance. For decoration in a classical style, you can give preference to richer tones with a metallic sheen; in a modern one – find something matte and calm. Designers show increasing interest in the gold palette and have already announced the most stylish finds in shades such as rose and antique gold, straw, saffron, and ocher.

White walls: features of the selection of curtains

As we said above, it may seem to many that white walls are friendly to absolutely everything, and therefore you can choose absolutely any curtains. However, take your time: this color is by no means simple, and the wrong textile solution can play some kind of cruel joke on you – from a feeling of fadedness and inexpressiveness to significant visual overload. To prevent this from happening, designers offer several rules to help you make the correct decisions when choosing curtains.

Layering is welcome! One panel on a window, framed by a white wall, will create the feeling of something unfinished. That is why decorators warmly support using sheer curtains made of tulle, voile, or organza combined with contrasting curtains: this will provide your interior with such important completeness.
Avoid taking “tone on tone”. White curtains against a white wall is too much. Do not think that this color cannot tire: it easily copes with a similar task with an overabundance. Besides, absolutely white surfaces without any color spots make the room unmemorable and impersonal.
Illumination is an essential factor. If your room faces the sunny side, try a cooler, fresher shade to avoid discomfort and add visual coolness, even in hot weather. It is worth looking at textiles in warmer colors for a room with windows to the north or a large surface.
Focus on the tone of white. This may come as a surprise to some, but white also has warm and cold shades. The warm tones include gardenia, calla lilies, snow white, snow rose, jasmine, and coconut, among the colder ones – a snowdrift, seagull, steam, lime, and a sheet of paper. When choosing curtains, try to find a shade with a similar color temperature.
Strive for harmony. If you choose white wallpaper or paint for the room walls, you will have to focus on finding a balance between basic finish and decor. The shortest way, in this case, is the selection of curtains for furniture.
Neutrality is different. Choosing white walls out of the desire to create a discreet interior with the calmest palette, you can not be afraid to break the longed-for harmony due to contrasting textiles. By choosing curtains a couple of shades darker than the base, you will get the necessary revitalizing accent without unnecessary color spots.
Don’t be afraid of thick fabrics. White is relatively neutral in everything that concerns texture and is equally friendly to light and translucent and to heavier and non-translucent curtains.
Take care of accessories and fittings. Bad news for fans of minimalism: if you decide to decorate the walls in white, you will have to spend time looking for beautiful curtain rods or hooks because against such a background, an ordinary bar will significantly simplify your whole idea or make it official and impersonal. And it doesn’t have to be something pompous and traditional: the assortment of stores allows you to easily choose stylish and modern solutions for the curtain rod without any difficulties.
Use lines for more decorativeness. Smooth folds of curtains against a white wall – is it too easy for you? In this case, you can afford both unusual draperies and lambrequins.
Experiment with color. White walls are a fantastic base for those who love expressive colors and want to fill their interior with their favorite shade. In the case of curtains, you need a minimum of additional accessories since these elements will take on the role of the most effective accent on themselves – and no overload.

Curtains for white walls: Conclusions + Photo Gallery

The correct choice of curtains for white walls is an opportunity to create a cozy and light interior, not devoid of expressive accents. Pay attention to every nuance – shade, texture, length, and width of the panel, combination with fittings – and you will be amazed at the variety based on white vertical surfaces.