Choosing curtain colours for white walls


Nadia Davy
Written by Nadia Davy
Russells Consultant
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The fabric you choose for your curtains can totally transform your space. Here are our top picks for curtains when decorating a white room.

Keep it simple

White on white proves that less is more, the trick is keeping it light, clean and inviting. You don’t want to go overboard and end up with a sterile space. White curtains are much less likely to get stained than couches, so it is an easy way to introduce soft white fabric if you have a young family. Keep it simple and allow natural light in by using sheer curtains for a soft flowing look. Aesop by Warwick fabrics in Parchment is a great linen polyester mix that gives you the best of both worlds when looking for a white sheer.

Tip

To find the right white, (and indeed to perfectly match any colour fabric with white walls) you need to identify and complement the undertone of your white walls. Whites are either warm or cool with undertones that can range from yellow to green to blue or grey.

Vapour by James Dunlop in Petal

Soften up your white with texture

The rough fibres of cotton, linen and wool create a natural feel, while velvet and silk are smooth. Woven tone on tone curtain fabrics such as chevron and herringbone are a great way to layer neutrals throughout the room. Taylor by James Dunlop is a woven herringbone with a wool look. It comes in a range of neutral autumn colours that work to add warmth to any room.

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grey sheer curtains in modern lounge room

Turbulent James Dunlop

Go dark and stormy

A popular interior look is dark curtains combined with a white interior. Dark curtains provide contrast and create a focal point for the room. The more neutral the room the more the dark curtains stand out, creating a versatile black and white background that is timeless. If you are afraid of black go for a darker shade of blue or charcoal. A great option is Haiti by Villa Nova in either Agapanthus or Heron.

Tip

To get the best of both worlds choose a double track, allowing you to have a two layered approach. This is great for creating a cosy feel during winter, with heavy dark drapes for insulation, then as the seasons change pull them back to reveal light sheer curtains for summer.

Abaca by Maurice Kain in Pepper

Have fun with colour and pattern

Inject vibrancy into a white room with a pop of colour in the curtains. Block coloured fabric is a simple way of adding colour that doesn’t need to be too dramatic. If you are looking for inspiration check out Pantone’s Colour of Year.

Tip

If you love colour and pattern but don’t want to make a bold statement, go for a small, neutral print, or try an ombre fabric like Aquis from Unique Fabric, available in Inkwash, Pool or Quill.

Learn what to consider in picking the right curtains for your home

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