12 Neutral Curtain Prints That Aren't Basic White

Curtains are often a finishing touch on a room that has the ability to completely transform the space. And with big, bold design choices that show off individual home owners' personalities on the rise, it's the perfect time to give your outdated curtains a modern upgrade with a unique print. We understand, though, that busy prints aren't for everybody. However, there is a way to tastefully incorporate prints onto your curtains in a way that doesn't overwhelm the room. While it may feel like an oxymoron, neutral curtain prints that aren't basic white do exist out there, if you're willing to give them a try.

Many of these print suggestions pair well with a whole host of design stories, so they won't be out of place in one room or another. You'll definitely find the perfect curtains for your space with these neutral prints and patterns. They'll lend more of a design flair than just your average solid colors without completely taking over your existing design scheme. It is both a way to make your room feel a bit more elevated while also taking baby steps into the world of statement design.

A tweed pattern in a neutral color like sand or gray is the perfect way of adding just a hint of texture and sophistication to a space without completely dominating the room's decor. While timeless and polished, tweed and tweed patterns can definitely warm up a space, and, depending on what colorways or thickness of fabric you opt for, it can read in different ways. A coarser tweed with more beige color tones can lean into a rustic, country vibe, while a finer tweed fabric in a dark colorway oozes elegance.

Linen curtains have a natural texture that in itself is like a pattern, but when you add embroidery, the overall effect is that much more special. While the fabric's soft flow and drape lends itself to a relaxed vibe, linen's texture adds an extra oomph to a monochromatic space even if you opt for a neutral color. Embroidery is a way to add pattern as subtly as you'd like on top of this already interesting base. An added benefit of linen is that it's breathable while still being insulating, so it can help to control temperature year-round.

This option is definitely straying more into the bolder category of curtain pattern choices, but it does make a big statement if you're willing to give it a try. To avoid this pattern completely swallowing a room, opt for geometric patterns in more muted colorways so that it complements rather than competes with furniture or other design elements in the space. Geometric patterns do particularly well in modern design, so if your aesthetic leans more on the contemporary side, this may be an excellent curtain pattern choice for you.

Large chunky stripes would definitely draw some attention away from your room decor, however, neutral-colored, smaller micro-stripes offer a subtle pattern option for your window treatments. This pattern is particularly well-suited for shorter or smaller windows since the touch of vertical stripes help elongate the window, drawing the eye towards the top of the room. This gives the illusion that the room is longer. And if you choose a micro-stripe in a lighter color like butter yellow or light tan, the room will also feel a touch more spacious and breezy.

While chevron patterns on a curtain may look a little dated, there's a way of updating them so they fit better in modern spaces. Play around with the scale (thickness) of the stripe to achieve different looks — the chunkier the chevron, the more whimsical it will be. With a thinner scale and in a color complimentary to your decor, the curtains will look more elegantly polished than playful. Of course, bigger stripes in neutral colors can still craft a classic palette, but your curtains will definitely serve as more of a statement element in this case.

Plaid curtains are a surprisingly neutral window treatment option, particularly if the rest of your furniture in the room is solid-colored. Choose a plaid that has the dominant color of the room's decor in the pattern to complement your existing pieces. Softer colors will add a more romantic ambience to your space, while darker colored plaids will lend a luxurious air to the room overall. Plaid also tends to stand the test of time, so there are some fantastic vintage or secondhand options available on online platforms like Etsy.

Jacquard describes a weaving technique for fabrics that results in an ornate, textured pattern in a silk-like shine. Also called brocade, damask, or matelassé, the patterns are bolder and the fabric more luxe than other curtains materials. However, it's totally possible to make this pattern option much more neutral by choosing a colorway that leans heavier into tans, grays, and beige rather than the richer and more saturated colors that brocade is often associated with. Think more seaside retreat, less gothic castle in medieval France.

Banding refers to the large, decorative strip of color or different material along the base of the curtain that effectively creates one giant stripe that reaches to the bottom of the fabric. Base banded curtains provide an easy way to play with color, even if you just opt for a primarily white curtain that has a stripe of a neutral shade along the hem. This is a great way to add in a darker neutral while still enjoying the airiness and natural light that a light-colored sheer curtain would provide.

Gingham and checkered patterns are the designer-approved alternative to plaid patterns in the home. It's a more subtle pattern to work with, and, in neutral colors, gingham (also called buffalo plaid) patterns lend the right amount of country chic or Highlands aesthetic without feeling too kitschy or cheesy. Since gingham often only uses two colors, there's less of a chance of clashing with your other decor, but it still provides an extra design element that makes your space more interesting to the eye than just a plain white curtain.

Florals often don't scream neutral or subtle, but in a classic color on a neutral background, they can bring a fun and elegant touch to your room. Like with chevron, play with the scale and size of pattern to switch up the exact look you're going for. Smaller floral patterns are a much more subtle option that doesn't run the risk of looking too much like your grandmother's living room, while larger floral patterns in neutral colorways look the most tasteful if you want a bolder accent in a large space.

With the correct styling, lace curtains can feel classic and romantic rather than dated and stuffy. Pair them with creamy yet saturated colors like sage, buttercup, lilac, or terracotta on the walls or in your furniture choices to achieve the full cottagecore look, or keep the color scheme neutral if you just need a dose of texture. If English country manor is not quite your aesthetic, the neutral cream and white colors of lace still pair well with other palettes like shabby chic or modern farmhouse.

Houndstooth is a classic yet statement pattern that, when used correctly in a space, crafts a more sophisticated and elevated version of gingham or plaid's farmhouse vibes. A pattern that originated in the country hunting clubs in England, its history and storied legacy automatically adds a timeless feel in your room. True houndstooth fabric, however, is a woven material that tends to be quite heavy. For curtains, opt for a printed houndstooth rather than the real deal to keep things flowy, and try out a colorway with less contrast than traditional black and white for a more subtle accent.