A Complete Guide to Curtain Shopping For Interior Design Newbies

Nicetown Indoor & Outdoor Curtains For Patio ($13)

These curtains are versatile in that they can be used both inside and outside. They come in 19 different colors and have over 6,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.5-star rating. The material is a waterproof polyester and you can shop them in a range of sizes. This design is sold by single panel only, which comes with stainless steel grommets for easy rod hanging. Because of the triple-weave technology, these curtains are thermal insulating and also blocks sunlight from damaging furniture. If you want to get really creative, you can even use them as shower curtains.

Mainstays Sliding Glass Door Thermal Lined Room Darkening Grommet Curtain Panel ($20)

"For sliding glass doors, it's important to order drapery that will clear the entrance of the slider. This is where your 'drapery stack' comes into play," Van explains. The drapery rod should extend well past the sliding door entrance (just like in the above picture) for easy access in and out without rubbing against the drapery. "I recommend extending the rod at least 10 inches on the entrance side to keep the drapery out of your way. For this reason, some people opt for a single-panel drapery that stacks on the opposite side of the entrance," Van says.

If you're into that idea, this bestselling Mainstays panel measures 100 by 84 inches and comes with a detachable pull wand. The design is packed with thermal properties to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home throughout the changing seasons, and it helps with noise reduction.

Nicetown Natural Linen 100% Blackout Curtains ($37)

Nicetown is a highly-rated curtain brand on Amazon, and this blackout style comes in plenty of sizes and color options — though not all are currently available. With nearly 200 reviews at time of posting and a 4.3-star rating, this package comes with two panels, and they're super easy to install and slide. The linen curtains come with a white blackout liner for easy sleeping, and the flax linen blend brings a rustic vibe to whatever room you hang them in.

Ikea Ritva Curtains With Tie-Backs ($40)

Van tells PS that neutral-toned curtains is definitely a trend she sees for 2024, and the ever-popular Ritva design comes in either black or gray. There are over 500 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Ikea's site. They can either be hung on a track with a curtain rod, and you can use hooks to create additional pleating. Made of 100 percent cotton, these curtains can also be machine-washed, though they have a shrinkage of four percent to note. These aren't blackout curtains, so they'll let a bit of light in while still dimming the overall space.

Pottery Barn Emery Linen Cafe Curtain ($79)

"Cafe Curtains have definitely made a comeback, and we are here for it," Van notes. "They are perfect for above kitchen sinks, bathrooms, and breakfast nooks." This tailored, midweight curtain from Pottery Barn fits the bill with a slight heathered touch. They're unlined, so expect that they'll let plenty of light through, and they're sold as a set of two. One caveat is that they can solely be hung by a rod.

West Elm Swoop Blackout Curtain Rod ($89-$149)

While there's a wide variety of hardware you can invest in to hang your curtains, French Return hadware is having a moment, according to Van. She says that the curved ends that go directly into the wall make for a simple, streamlined, and modern look that everyone seems to be feeling right now when it comes to interior design. While finials at each end are another option for a more traditional look, it's clear that this bestselling option from West Elm makes a sleek statement, allowing the curtain to sit flush to the wall. You can shop this rod in antique brass or dark bronze, depending on your vibe.

Blinds.com Classic 2 Inch Faux Wood Blinds ($91)

Faux wood is a neutral texture to add to any space, and this design is also easy to clean, which is a real bonus. It's a bestseller on Blinds.com, offering the look of stained hardwood with the durability of faux wood. These are ideal for high-humidity areas because they're built to resist moisture, chipping, and peeling. They also come with a cordless lift for easy control — you won't have to worry about any tangled cords making for a less-than-luxe look in your home.

West Elm European Flax Linen Blackout Curtain ($139-$278)

Most people prefer drapery with a blackout lining for the bedroom — especially if they're light sleepers. These blackout curtains provide total room darkening, so they're also great for nurseries, home theaters, or spaces that receive intense direct sunlight. West Elm's European Flax Linen Blackout Curtain is a bestseller on the site, available in 13 different shades and sold individually. They're woven from premium flax and washed, making for a luxe, dreamy look, and there's a dual top treatment for two different hanging options.

Pottery Barn Emery Linen Blackout Curtain ($179)

"Privacy lining is a crowd-pleaser as it provides privacy, helps add structure, and helps regulate your home's temperature, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter," Van explains. Privacy lining doesn't mean a complete blackout, as some sun can still filter through. The Emery is a bestseller on Pottery Barn's site, available in 11 different shades that complement a wide range of spaces and rooms. Blended from linen and cotton, they have a slight heathered look to them that makes them unique. The panels are 100 inches wide each, and they're compatible with a rod pocket, back tabs, or ring top hanging solution.

Loom Decor Euro Pleated Curtains ($481)

Van recommends choosing a living room curtain that you know you'll love for years to come. Consider colors and patterns that feel timeless to your sense of style in the home. "Our goal with Loom Decor drapery is for this to be a purchase you only have to make once, so pick something you love, not just what's trendy right now," she says, recommending both the Pinch Pleat and Euro Pleat collections with a privacy lining.

The Euro Pleated Curtains have a waterfall effect thanks to the gathering at the top, which makes them appear elegant in any color you choose. The lining is white and the hems are invisible, making for a super seamless look.

Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.