Choosing curtains for an open floor plan
- Kelly Eades
- Consultant
In short
Open-plan rooms are multi-use, so curtains need to be both practical and coordinated. Match the window covering to each zone (a blind may suit the kitchen, curtains the living area), use sheers or shutters to divide the space, and hang curtains wide to let in maximum light. Because big open rooms are harder to heat, choose properly lined, floor-length curtains, and tie the zones together with complementary fabrics, or make one statement curtain the focal point.
Open floor plans (kitchen, dining and living all in one) are the norm in Kiwi homes, especially new builds and large renovations. Because these spaces are multi-use and the decor ranges from hard surfaces to soft fabrics, choosing curtains can be a tricky design challenge. Here is what to consider.
Table of contents
Match curtains to how you use the space
Practicality has to be part of the decision, so think about how each part of the room is used. A blind may be the better option for the kitchen area because of the heat and moisture from cooking, while curtains suit the living zone. If the room is an irregular shape it is already visually broken up, so different curtains in different areas work well; in a single rectangular space, be stricter about coordinating so you create a look of clear zones. For a quick room-by-room steer, see our guide on which blinds suit which rooms.
Zoning and room dividers
Sheer curtains or shutters make great room dividers, turning one large space into distinct zones. A few ideas:
A reading nook, homework zone or pop-up home office.
A home bar, dressing room or workout area.
Screening off a kids' play or arts and crafts area, or separating kitchen and dining from the living area.
Creating individual spaces for children who share a bedroom, or a quiet sanctuary in a studio layout.
Let the light in
Make an open-plan area feel even more airy by extending the sightline outdoors. Hang curtains wide of the windows so no glass is obstructed when they are open and you can take in the whole view. To keep privacy, pair the curtains with sheers on a double track, or a sunscreen roller blind underneath.
Keeping an open plan warm
Big open spaces are harder to heat than smaller rooms, so think about how hard your curtains need to work. A lot of glass, even double-glazed, is a large surface to lose heat through, so properly lined, floor-length curtains are a must. Layering, such as a curtain over a roller blind, traps air and boosts insulation, and good lining also helps in summer by reducing sun fade.
Finding harmony across zones
You can use the same curtains throughout if the decor matches, or vary them as the furnishings change, as long as they complement each other. Some easy ways to keep harmony:
Different shades of the same colour.
Some patterned and some block-colour curtains in an accent colour from that pattern.
Two different patterns in identical palettes, or the same pattern in a complementary colour.
Two different colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel.
To stop a large open plan feeling visually flat, draw the eye with one statement curtain, in a bold colour, pattern or metallic, supported by more toned-down fabrics elsewhere. It breaks up the space and establishes flow. For help pulling it together, request a free in-home consultation and one of our consultants will tailor the right look for every zone.
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Guides
Choosing the right curtains for your home
Not sure which curtains will suit your home? Find out everything you need to know with this free guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose curtains for an open-plan room?
Start with how each zone is used, since a moisture-prone kitchen area may suit a blind while the living zone takes curtains. Coordinate the fabrics so the whole space feels connected, hang curtains wide to maximise light, and line them well because open-plan rooms are harder to heat.
Should curtains match throughout an open-plan space?
They can, as long as the decor matches throughout. If the furnishings change between zones, the curtains can too, provided they complement each other, for example different shades of one colour, the same pattern in different colourways, or two colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel.
Can you use curtains to divide an open-plan room?
Yes. Sheer curtains or shutters make excellent room dividers, creating zones like a reading nook, home office, dressing area or a separate kids' space, which works especially well in studio layouts.
Do open-plan rooms need lined curtains?
Usually yes. A large open space with lots of glass loses a lot of heat, so properly lined, floor-length curtains, ideally layered over a roller blind, make a real difference to warmth in winter and protect interiors from sun fade in summer.
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