You’ve painted the walls. You’ve rearranged your furniture. You’ve got ten fabric swatches in front of you, and your brain’s melting over one question: should you go for curtains lighter or darker than the walls?

It sounds like a small detail, but in reality, curtain colour can make or break a room. It’s not just about aesthetics; it affects how spacious, warm, or moody your home feels. And no, there’s no universal rule. But there is a right answer for your unique space, so we’re breaking down exactly what you need to know to make the right call.

Why Curtain Colour Actually Matters

Curtains aren’t just the icing on the interior design cake, they’re more like the border on the whole picture. Curtains frame your view, balance the walls, and tie the whole vibe of your space together.

Light or dark, the colour of your curtains changes how the room feels:

• Do they blend in or stand out?
• Do they make the room feel cosy or open?
• Do they match your sofa or completely clash?

Lighter Curtains: The Fresh, Airy Choice

Lighter curtains (whites, off-whites, soft greys, and pale neutrals) are perfect for:

• Smaller rooms
• Spaces with dark walls
• North-facing rooms with limited light
• Clean, modern, Scandi or coastal styles
  

They bounce light, keep things breezy, and make rooms feel bigger than they are. If your walls are already on the darker side, lighter curtains stop the whole room from feeling like a cave.

Example: Soft oatmeal curtains against navy blue walls = lush contrast without being overpowering.

They’re also fab for layering, especially with sheer voiles or linen textures. Super on-trend, with that timeless feel that’ll never go out of style.

Darker Curtains: Bold, Luxe, and Dramatic

On the other hand, if you’re into contrast, drama, or that rich, boutique hotel look, darker curtains are for you.

Think deep charcoals, jewel tones, forest greens, and even black. They work best when:

• You’ve got light or neutral walls
• The room is large or has high ceilings
• You want to make a feature of your windows
  You’re chasing a moodier or more luxurious aesthetic
  

They help with:

• Insulation: heavier, darker fabrics keep warmth in.
• Blackout: ideal for bedrooms or TV rooms.
• Focus: they naturally draw the eye to your windows (great if you’ve got a view worth showing off).

Example: Soft beige walls with dark teal velvet curtains = straight-up Pinterest goals.

Big Factors to Consider When Choosing Curtain Colour

When you need to pick the curtain colour for your newly decorated room, make sure you go through this handy checklist to help you decide: 

Room Size

• Small room? Light curtains will open it up.
• Big room? Dark curtains help balance all that space.

Natural Light

• North-facing or gloomy? Go lighter to bounce light around.
• South-facing and bright? Darker curtains won’t feel too heavy.

Furniture & Flooring

• What’s already in the room? 
• Are your sofas light or dark? 
• Does the carpet have a strong colour? 

Curtains should complement the existing colours in your space, not clash.

Wall Finish

Matte walls absorb light, while satin or eggshell finishes reflect it. That affects how your curtain colour reads next to the paint.

Should Curtains Match or Contrast the Walls?

This comes up all the time. Here’s what you need to know:

• Complementary (same or similar colour as walls): Creates a calm, seamless, more grown-up look. Great for small spaces or minimalist vibes.
• Contrasting: Adds drama and depth. Looks fantastic in more stylised homes, or when you want curtains to stand out as a design feature.

Pro tip: Going a few shades lighter or darker than your wall colour gives you a subtle contrast without being OTT.

The Safe Middle Ground That Works in Most Homes

If you’re still torn (we get it, it can be a difficult decision), go for curtains that are:

• A few shades darker or lighter than your wall colour.
• Same tone family, just not identical.
• Textured or patterned in a similar hue to break up the block of colour without clashing.

This keeps things cohesive, adds interest, and won’t age badly.

Common Mistakes People Make with Curtain Colour

Going Too Matchy-Matchy

Curtains that are exactly the same colour as the wall can look flat and lifeless. Match the tone, not the exact shade.

Ignoring Lighting

Don’t pick curtain colours based on shop lighting or online swatches alone. Natural light affects how the colour shows up, so it’s best to always check a fabric sample in your room before committing.

Clashing with Furniture

You might love burgundy curtains, but if your sofa is navy and your rug is beige, it’s going to feel messy. Pick a colour that complements existing tones.

Choosing Trend Over Taste

Trends are tempting, but don’t pick a bold colour just because it’s “in” right now. Go with something you’ll still love in 3 years.

Overpowering Small Rooms

Dark curtains in a tiny space can make it feel claustrophobic unless it’s balanced with light furniture and walls. 

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Ultimately, whether you go lighter or darker than your walls depends on your room, your style, and how you want it to feel.

But getting the size, fit and fabric right is just as important as the colour. That’s why off-the-shelf rarely cuts it.

At The Sewing House, we make made-to-measure curtains that fit your space and your style perfectly. No dodgy gaps. No awkward lengths. Just beautiful, hand-finished curtains that elevate your home.

Take a look at our entire range online, and order your free samples to find the perfect curtains for your space.