The Mistake You're Making When Choosing A Set Of Curtains (& How To Fix It)

Curtains are one of the decor elements that can totally elevate a space, working as the finishing touch to make the room feel complete. Curtains are a significant design choice, and they are typically functional as well. In bedrooms, many folks look for blackout curtains in order to block out any light during the night because blackout curtains can help you to sleep in peace. In homes with large windows and no blinds, curtains offer privacy. The problem many buyers run into is thinking purely of the function of the curtain and not how it will actually look in your home. When the blackout curtains are finally hung up, they may be serving their purpose perfectly well, but come off looking like a cheap tarp. Nobody wants this eyesore in their homes. 

One of our tips for choosing the perfect curtains for your space is to prioritize both form and function when you're shopping for curtains. There are a couple of ways to do this without losing out on light-blocking capabilities and privacy. If you only want to buy a single set of curtains, you'll need to look for double-paneled curtains, which have a print on one side and a thicker opaque panel on the back. For a more layered look, you'll want to shop for one heavy, light-blocking set, and a sheer interior set. We'll talk you through why these solutions work and how to shop for them. 

The good news is that blackout curtains have come a long way and aren't just hanging piece of thick black fabric. There are a wide variety of styles, colors, and textile choices out there. Determine what the room you're buying for could use more of. For instance, MIULEE offers velvet blackout curtains on Amazon that come in gorgeous, modern earth tones, and these would be the best curtain choice for your living room if it's lacking texture. If your style is a bit bolder and your room feels a tad bland, check out curtains made with vibrant printed fabrics, like these Topfinel drapes. These choices can work with many interior design styles but still keep sunlight and wandering eyes out. 

But you may want something in between total blackout and regular curtains depending on the time of day. After all, natural sunlight makes everything look better. In that case, consider installing two curtain rods: one to hold the thick blackout style curtain, and one interior one made from a light, sheer fabric. You can pull the heavier curtains to the side and frame your windows, with the sheer curtains covering the window to offer some privacy while still letting natural light pour in. At night, pull the thicker curtains over to block out lights and noise. This will balance style and function, and give you some flexibility on how much light you're allowing in.