IKEA's Spin On Traditional Curtains Keeps Your Space Private While Letting Light In

Curtains are surprisingly controversial — ask any designer, and they may say the window treatment is dating your home or a timeless must-have for your windows. Whatever your opinion may be, if you're looking for something different than the typical heavy or drapey window treatments, IKEA offers a modern twist on curtains that leaves the room light and airy.

The IKEA GULDFLENÖRT Panel curtains feature a sheer and white checkered design that lets in light but still provides privacy. What's especially unique is that when sunlight shines on the panels, they create light effects in the room, adding depth and excitement to your living space. The panels work with almost any space because they can be cut to whatever length you want without needing to be hemmed. Keep in mind you'll need to buy the IKEA VIDGA Panel curtain holders separately.

At $19 each, the GULDFLENÖRT is a budget-friendly option for covering windows, and they can even be used as a room divider to separate areas such as an office area from a living space or to define a sleeping area. The panels are also ideal if you're interested in layering your curtains, which you can accomplish with the VIDGA Set for panel curtains.

One major reason to think about buying panels for your windows instead of curtains is the dust factor. Fabric curtains are notorious for attracting insane amounts of dust. To clean them, you usually have to vacuum them, take them off the windows, and carefully wash them yourself, or take them to a dry cleaner to be specially cleaned. That's not the case with GULDFLENÖRT panels. All you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth, making them an especially good option for allergy sufferers. 

Be sure to note, however, that some reviewers on the IKEA site complain that the GULDFLENÖRT panels are particularly thin. Because of this sheerness, reviewers weren't happy with how they looked once they were installed. If you're considering going with window panels but want something thicker, there are plenty of options for your home. IKEA makes a few curtain panel styles, most of which are $19, and they are also designed to let light into the room while still providing privacy. Some styles include the RÖNNVÅRMAL, which features a yellow and white leaf pattern, and the PRÄRIEOXALIS, which has a modern geometric design. The FÖNSTERVIVA is unique from some of IKEA's other panel options as it's sustainably made of polyester from recycled PET bottles. It's also available in two colors: white/beige and dark gray.