I think we all know that choosing the right curtain can have a dramatic effect and impact on the aesthetics of your living space. It’s the one element that ties a room together while serving a practical function. One of the more common questions I get asked is whether curtains should be lighter or darker than the couch. As much as I’d love to give you a one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few factors to consider before you can make the right selection. This article is going to focus on the features of curtains that are lighter and darker than the couch.
Generally speaking, the color of the curtains should match the couch. This creates a uniform and cohesive design within a room. Lighter curtains offer a softness that enhances the color of the couch while darker curtains are more dynamic and create a more intimate and cozy space with the couch.
Very rarely do extreme opposites look good together, apart from colors that are devoid of or low on saturation like black, white, and gray.
You can achieve the best look when you match the curtains with the couch. A light pink couch with white, light pink, or light cream curtains would look amazing. Similarly, dark gray couches with dark gray or black curtains are an exquisite combination.
As a rule of thumb, you rather style your curtains around the couch because it’s much cheaper and easier to replace if you decide to change your mind down the road. Invest in the couch that you really want and then try to match the curtains around it.
If you can’t find pre-made curtains that work for your living space, you can head over to a material store and find the perfect type of material, color, texture, and pattern for your curtains and have them sewn privately.
I’ve done this before and although it cost more, I got exactly what I wanted and my lounge looked fantastic!
With that being said, let’s take a look at the features of lighter and darker curtains so that you can decide which is more suitable to pair with the couch. But, please keep in mind that you also have to factor in the floor and walls as well because everything needs to complement each other, even if there are contrasting colors used in the same room.
I’ve structured this article in a way that explains the benefits of lighter and darker curtains while considering all these factors.
Reasons To Use Lighter Curtains
1. Improves natural lighting
If you prefer an airy, cool, and super bright living space that enhances natural light from the windows, opt for lighter curtains. They tend to allow more natural light to penetrate through the curtains thus improving the brightness and mood of the room.
2. Creates the illusion of more space
In a small home, it is imperative that you do everything you can to make the space feel more inviting and open. Clutter and stark colors will magnify the actual size of the room. This is one of the reasons why lighter curtains may be a better choice for your living room. If you want to create the illusion of more space in your lounge or living space, stick with lighter curtains that are of a neutral color like white, tan, and other earthy colors.
3. They provide a neutral backdrop
It’s a lot easier to style a room with lighter curtains because they are more neutral. Neutral colors blend into the rest of the decor allowing you to highlight other features of the room, like the couch.
4. They are less prone to fading
One of the telltale signs of old curtains is fading due to sunlight. Given that lighter curtains appear washed out and subtle in saturation, tone, and vibrancy, you don’t have to worry about much fading. This means that lighter curtains offer more longevity than darker curtains.
Reasons To Use Darker Curtains
1. Enhanced privacy
Recently, I invested in a massive new TV that I installed in the lounge. I was so excited about this purchase because I had been saving up for a long time and I was tired of watching movies on a decade-old TV. But, I noticed that when the TV was on, whether it was night or day, my light curtains weren’t offering much privacy. People could see inside or when the TV was on. This isn’t a problem with darker curtains because they tend to block light from entering or exiting a room. If you want visual privacy, you have to opt for darker curtains.
2. Conceals stains and dirt
Darker curtains are wonderful at hiding and concealing dirt and stains. In a home with high foot traffic, kids, or pets, it’s better to opt for decor that is more resilient to dirt and damage. This will minimize the frequency at which you need to remove and wash the curtains.
3. Improves the feeling of coziness and ambiance
Darker curtains with couches tend to create a warm, intimate, and cozy space ideal for relaxing and drowning out the world. Darker curtains are also known for being more elegant and plush. If you’d prefer a space that is more exquisite rather than modest, choose darker curtains for the couch.
4. Darker curtains look better with dark couches
When you match dark curtains with dark couches, you end up with a cohesive room decor that is undeniably eye-catching. It’s a great way to close up a space without making it appear cluttered. Mismatching colors can often ruin the appearance of a living room. So, as much as possible, stick with matching the curtains with the couches unless you opt for lighter or darker shades of the same color.
Final Thoughts
That brings us to the end of this article on whether curtains should be lighter or darker than the couch.
When deciding, remember to consider the rest of the room. A cohesive and uniform space is usually the gold standard and that can be achieved by matching decor pieces with each other.
In a small room, you would benefit from lighter curtains to amplify the appearance of space and brightness. In a large room, darker curtains will create a more intimate, cozier, and elegant space.
I’m pretty sure that if you keep these factors in mind, you’ll make the right choice.
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