Tips To Select The Right Curtains To Match The 'Old Money' Aesthetic

Window coverings can make or break a space. Keep those outdated grommet curtains hanging around, for example, and you've bypassed vintage, classic, and timeless design categories, and landed squarely in the unwelcome, old-fashioned doldrums. But there is one aesthetic throwback that gives the notion of "old" a little more polish: old money. While the phrase is fairly evocative on its own, conjuring images of sumptuous textiles and substantial, distinguished materials, House Digest's design historian Sarah Bilotta shares there's more to the style. "'Old money' is a take on what design historians would mostly call 'classical' or 'traditional' European decor," Bilotta exclusively tells House Digest. And to carry that classic European look through your curtains, she recommends long drapes in moody shades.

"This is a fairly timeless look that incorporates a lot of the subtle and understated flourishes beloved by the wealthy land-owning aristocracy of the 17th to 19th centuries," she says. "Key architectural features of the style might include marble flooring or fire surrounds, columns, ornate carved door cases and moldings, rich, dark wainscoting, and elaborate plaster ceiling medallions. In terms of decor, features of the style could include rich, brocaded fabrics, jewel-toned colors, flashy brass and gold accents, lots of classical fine art in gilt frames, and fashionable parquetry." And those fabrics, of course, are where you can introduce a bit of that luxurious old money look into your own modern day home.

Intentionality, Sarah Bilotta says, is crucial in arranging a more refined tableau. "The 'old money' look is inspired by wealthy European aristocrats of yore who poured endless funds into having their homes built and designed with a cohesive vision in mind," she exclusively tells House Digest. "If you want to recreate this look based around a set of curtains, you should try bringing the colors and textures from the curtains into other elements of the room, also keeping in mind the use of rich, jewel-toned fabrics, dark woods, and ornate carved accents that was common in these old manor houses."

It follows, of course, that you would pinpoint those color and textural elements only from the finest pieces in your home. So, don't worry about matching a hue in some throw blanket you were gifted in a secret Santa, but rather aim to incorporate shades and finishes from pieces you chose more studiously and invested in a little more. An elaborate, multi-toned rug would make for an excellent source of inspiration, or even something as simple as a unique candlestick holder. It's one way you can prioritize form along with function to avoid common mistakes when choosing a curtain set.

Maybe you're beginning your old money design journey with your window coverings, and that will work out just fine, too. In that case, starting from scratch, you can dive right in and focus on keeping everything cohesive going forward. Let colors, volumes and fibers be your guide. "I think the quintessential choice for 'old money'-style curtains is a floor-to-ceiling rich, red velvet with gold tassel tie-backs," Sarah Bilotta shares in an exclusive House Digest interview. "This is a timeless choice that can be seen in many architectural drawings from the Georgian period, when a take on classical style was all the rage," she adds.

Fabric flow and window treatment accessories can also bring in subtle lush touches. "Also, don't be afraid to experiment with more dramatic forms of drapes: a swag-style drape exudes classic elegance," Bilotta says. "A stylish matching valance with lace or tassel adornment can add an extra touch of flair to a plain set of drapes." She also recommends different textures of velvet to pull off this aesthetic. "A crushed velvet can look more up-to-date, while a brocade pattern definitely gives an antique vibe," she says. You can also incorporate a few tips for choosing the perfect curtains for your space for even greater success.