If you’re wondering what kind of curtains you should get to elevate your home’s decor, you’ve come to the right place.
Selecting the right curtain styles for your room or home can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Which type of curtains are best? How long should they be? What window treatments go best with different rooms?
Today we’ll review 15 different types of curtains from decorative to functional and everything in between so you can hang your curtains with confidence:
- Single panel curtains
- Panel pair curtains
- Pinch pleat curtains
- Box pleat curtains
- Goblet pleat curtains
- Pencil pleat curtains
- Grommet curtains
- Rod pocket curtains
- Tab Top curtains
- Tie top curtains
- Blackout curtains
- Energy-efficient curtains
- Window sill curtains
- Apron curtains
- Cafe curtains
The structure of curtain pleats affects how the curtains will hang on a rod or how they’ll drape across your windows. Different curtain styles also serve unique functions: Some curtains block out light while others are just for decoration. So you’ll want to assess your household and décor needs beforehand to ensure you’re making the right choice.
1. Single Panel Curtains
Have you ever wondered why some curtain panels are sold individually, other than to make you spend more money? Single panels are designed to cover an entire window and be pulled to one side when opened.
Where to use them: Single panels create a chic, modern look in almost any room. Single panel curtains may also be necessary for certain types of windows or room configurations.
2. Panel Pair Curtains
Panel pair curtains are sold in twos, enabling you to place a curtain on both sides of your window. These curtains are closed by pulling each panel together in the middle and can be held open with curtain tiebacks.
Where to use them: Panel pair curtains can be used just about anywhere you have room to hang draperies on both sides of a window.
3. Pinch Pleat Curtains
If you’re going for a traditional style, pleated curtains are your best bet. These curtains are typically made with thicker, heavier fabrics.
Pinch pleat (or tailored pleat) curtains are the most popular kind of pleated curtains. The pleats are stitched and pinched at the top, allowing the folds of the fabric to flow below and create an elegant, formal look.
Pinch pleat curtains range from two-finger pleats to five-finger pleats. More pleats give the curtains a fuller appearance. Three-finger pleats (pictured above) are the most common type of pinched pleated curtains.
Where to use them: Use pinch pleat curtains in master bedrooms, sitting rooms or entertaining rooms.
Read more: What Are the Best Curtain Fabrics for Your Home?
4. Box Pleat Curtains
On box pleat curtains, the folds run deep and uninterrupted across the entire length of fabric, providing full coverage with a tailored appearance.
Where to use them: Box pleat curtains are suitable for dining rooms, lounges or bedrooms.
5. Goblet Pleat Curtains
Goblet pleat curtains get their name from their resemblance to a goblet or wine glass. However, due to the delicate structure of the pleats, this curtain style should remain stationary and can only be used to frame and decorate the window. Therefore, they’re not a good option for curtains that get a lot of use.
Where to use them: Goblet pleat curtains are ideal for large, formal rooms with high ceilings.
6. Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleat curtains have thinner, single pleats that make working with various curtain hooks or rods easier.
Where to use them: Pencil pleat curtains are more casual than goblet or box pleat curtains. They’re perfect for bedrooms or living rooms that don’t require as much formality.
7. Grommet Curtains
Grommet or eyelet curtains are a contemporary, modern style. Open rings (or grommets) support the panels and enable you to open or close the curtains with ease.
Where to use them: Grommet curtains are an excellent choice for bedrooms or any room where curtains are opened and closed regularly.
8. Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket (also called pole pocket) curtains are typically made of lightweight or sheer fabrics. As a result, they are a lot more casual in style. These curtains are also easy to assemble: Slip the curtain rod through the “pocket” in the fabric, and you’re good to go!
Where to use them: Rod pocket panels are best with thinner, tighter-fit curtain rods, so they’re ideal for rooms where curtains aren’t opened and closed frequently.
9. Tab Top Curtains
Like rod pocket curtains, tab top curtains are more casual in style. Tab top curtains have prominent loops that hang from the top seam of the panels and are easy to thread through a curtain rod.
Where to use them: Tab-top curtains are an attractive accent in farmhouse or cottage home décor.
10. Tie Top Curtains
Like tab top curtains, tie top curtains hang below the curtain rod, creating a space that exposes both the rod and the wall behind it. Due to their delicate construction, tie top curtains are usually used with sheers and lightweight fabrics.
Where to use them: Tie top curtains are best in kids’ rooms, informal rooms and can also be used as cafe curtains.
Pro-tip: It’s important to note that your curtain hardware will be visible through these curtains. Be sure to use curtain rods and finials that are attractive and in good shape when choosing grommet, tab top or tie top curtains.
11. Blackout Curtains
If you struggle to get a restful night’s sleep, installing blackout curtains may help. Blackout curtains are made with heavyweight materials that block light and offer the most amount of privacy.
Where to use them: Blackout curtains are ideal for bedrooms, guest rooms and home theaters.
12. Energy Efficient Curtains
Energy efficient curtains (also called insulated or thermal curtains) are thick, heavy curtains that provide additional insulation. This insulation prevents air, heat and cold from entering or escaping your windows.
Where to use them: Energy efficient curtains help regulate the temperature inside your home. If you live in a very cold climate — or a very warm one — these curtains can aid in keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
13. Window Sill Curtains
Window sill curtains are short curtains that hover slightly above the edge of the window sill. Window sill curtains are ideal for smaller windows or above furniture that would block longer drapes.
Where to use them: Window sill curtains are a popular choice for small windows that are often opened, like kitchens and bathrooms.
14. Apron Curtains
Apron curtains (also known as half-length curtains) are perfect if you need shorter curtains for your living areas or bedrooms or living rooms. They may also be a better choice for homes with pets or small children.
Where to use them: Apron curtains are ideal in kitchens, bedrooms or rooms with space air conditioners or radiators under the window.
Read More: Curtain Length Rules: How to Choose Curtain Lengths
15. Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains (also called kitchen curtains) are short curtains often accompanied by a matching valance. Cafe curtains add personality to your space and are ideal for letting light in while providing a bit of privacy.
Where to use them: Cafe curtains are traditionally used in kitchens but can also be used in breakfast nooks, sunrooms or bedrooms if light filtering and privacy are not concerns.
Hang Your Curtains With Confidence
There’s plenty to think about when selecting the right curtain style, so don’t waste any more time once you’re finally ready to hang your curtains.
Make your life easier with Kwik-Hang Curtain Rod Brackets. It takes seconds to align the brackets to your window trim, tap in with a hammer and hang your curtains – without using any screws or drills. Not to mention you’ll achieve perfect curtains – every time!
The brackets also support up to 20 pounds of fabric, so no matter what curtain style or curtain fabric you choose, Kwik-Hang has you covered.
Curtains and window treatments are often overlooked but essential to a room. Besides their practical function of blocking out light, they act as the final finishing layer that completes a space. They are a great way to add a splash of color and a pop of pattern.
Countless types of curtains are available in different styles, lengths, and materials. Use this comprehensive guide below to choose the right curtains for your home.
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Blackout Curtains
Best for: Bedrooms
Blackout curtains completely block out light and allow complete darkness to promote a good night's sleep. Their thickly woven lining prevents light from filtering through. Besides regulating light, blackout curtains also help regulate temperature and keep drafts out in the winter and hot air in the summer. This set from Deconovo is a great example.
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Curtains With Tiebacks
Best for: Bedrooms and living rooms
Curtain tiebacks are a decorative and practical addition to window panels. They typically come with the curtains and are made from the same material—you'll also see them made from woven cords embellished with tassels or a complementing fabric or pattern. They are kept in place with two loops on either end secured in a hook on the wall.
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Pleated Panel Curtains
Best for: Formal living spaces and bedrooms
If you want to add an elegant and slightly dressy look to your windows, pleated panel curtains are a beautiful choice. The pleats are made from multiple fabric folds and bunched together to create fullness. They gently hang uniformly for a timeless and sophisticated feel.
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Single Panel Curtains
Best for: Small windows, a modern look
A smaller window may only require one curtain panel instead of two. It's typically made from one continuous piece of fabric, and you can always purchase two panels for either side of the window or even double up on panels on both sides for larger windows or sliding doors.
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Double Panel Curtains
Best for: Bay windows, French and sliding doors
As the name suggests, double curtain panels are formed from two single panels on each side of the window. When purchasing your window treatments, carefully read the product description to see whether it contains one or two panels.
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Pinch Pleat Curtains
Best for: Formal living spaces and bedrooms
Pinch pleat curtains will add a decorative touch to your windows if you're looking for extra detailing. A classic pinch pleat is made from three tight fabric folds that form a fan-like detail at the top of the curtain panel, with the pleats gently fanning out toward the ground.
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Grommet Curtains
Best for: Windows where you frequently open and close the curtains
Grommet curtains are easy to open and close quickly, thanks to how well they slide along the rod. The panels have round metal rings built into the top part, eliminating the need for curtain rings since the rod slides directly through the holes punched into the fabric. These curtains create a clean, modern, and uncluttered look perfect for streamlined, contemporary, and transitional spaces.
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Cafe Curtains
Best for: Kitchens and bathrooms
Cafe curtains differ from other types of curtains in that they only cover the bottom portion of the window, allowing light to filter in through the top while still providing privacy. They can easily be installed using a small tension rod instead of a permanent rod and are most commonly used in spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.
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Tab Top Curtains
Best for: Informal spaces
Tab top curtains are designed with loops at the top made from the same fabric as the panel and hanging directly from a curtain rod. Like grommet and rod pocket curtains, they don't require curtain rings, and sometimes, instead of sewn-on loops, they have sewn-on ties that add an extra decorative feature.
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Floor Length Curtains
Best for: Living spaces, bedrooms
Use floor-length curtains to visually extend the height of the ceiling and make a room feel larger. People tend to hang curtains way too low, which makes the ceiling appear low and heavy, so the general rule of thumb is to hang them two-thirds of the way between the window and ceiling, closer to the ceiling.
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Apron Length Curtains
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where the space under the window is blocked
Apron-length curtains fall just below the window sill. They are generally not as popular as they were in decades past, but they are a good choice for spaces with furniture or a heater directly under the window.
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Puddle Length Curtains
Best for: Living spaces and bedrooms
Puddling refers to the length of the curtain panel—instead of just touching the ground or having a one-inch break, puddle-length curtains literally "puddle" on the ground to create a dramatic yet soft look. The only drawback to this style of curtains is that they can collect a lot of dust, resulting in the need for more frequent washing.
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Light Filtering Curtains
Best for: Rooms where you don't need complete darkness
Light-filtering curtains aren't completely see-through like sheer curtains are, but they let in much more light than room-darkening or blackout curtains. They provide a little privacy and block direct sunlight while allowing plenty of light to filter in. They are made from thinner, loosely woven, lightweight fabrics, usually cotton or polyester.
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Window Scarf Curtains
Best for: Traditional-style and formal rooms
You will mainly see window scarf curtains in traditional-style rooms. Their fabric often coordinates or matches the upholstery in the room. These curtains are typically made from three pieces—two curtain panels and a decorative valance on top that drapes over the panels like a scarf.
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Rod Pocket
Best for: Standard-size windows and saving money
Rod pocket curtains are one of the most common types of curtains. They have a sleeve at the top for slipping onto the curtain rod. Some fit firmly on the rod and are not easy to open and close often. The pocket may have a small ruffle above it, so account for the size of the ruffle when calculating how low to hang the rod from the ceiling.
Because they are popular, they usually come in many styles, fabrics, and price points. These tend to be the less expensive option. The pockets come in different sizes to accommodate various rod sizes.
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Goblet Pleat
Best for: Formal bedrooms and living rooms
Goblet pleat drapes add elegance to any formal space. The top part of these drapes, also called goblet pinch pleats, looks like a goblet. The fabric is pinched, similar to how you would pinch the stem of a goblet with your fingers, with the top cylindrical part looking like a goblet.
Whenever you pinch or pleat fabric, it requires more fabric, making it more voluminous and drapey. The volume adds to the luxurious feel.
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Thermal
Best for: Energy efficiency, reducing light in a room, cost savings
Thermal insulated curtains are so named because they keep in heat in winter by reducing drafts and also keep out sunlight when you want to reduce cooling costs in the hot months. These curtains are made of special insulated fabric. These curtains can increase your home's energy efficiency and help you save money over time.
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Ripple Fold
Best for: Giving the room a soft, modern look
Also called wave drapery, ripple fold drapes work with a special ripple fold rod or track system and clips that allow you to create waves or "s" curves along the track. When drawn closed, the top ripples or waves remain and are held in place by the snaps or clips. The curves give the room a lush feeling. Also, when opened, it folds well on itself, allowing more light in without the thick bunching often caused by pleated curtains.
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Half Curtains
Best for: Small windows in kitchens and bathrooms
Half curtains add a little privacy and function, and a lot of charm to your home. They work best for small windows, such as one in your powder room or over your kitchen sink. They slide onto a small rod that is placed halfway up the window, and usually require a single or double panel, depending on the window’s width.These petite curtains come in many pretty patterns and designs with attractive trim and other detailing. Their primary purpose is to offer privacy on the lower half of the window while still letting in lots of light through the uncovered top portion. But as a bonus, they bring color, texture, and a cozy aesthetic touch to your space.
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Asymmetrical Curtains
Best for: Single-panel curtain windows where the curtain is mainly decorative
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Maybe you have smaller windows covered with single curtain panels, and you like the color and texture the curtains bring, but don’t feel like you need their privacy or light-blocking functionality. Enter: asymmetrical curtains. This curtain method uses one panel per window (so you won’t need to buy a second panel for each window) but is positioned in such a way that it won’t block light, and it won’t look messy, just shoved off to the side.
Simply invest in a single curtain tieback per window and screw them into the wall on the same side. Then, stretch out the single curtain panel from corner to corner to fully cover your window. Leaving the curtain at least partially spread open (at least a third of the rod or more), gently gather the curtain to one side and tuck it into the tieback. The asymmetrical look feels intentional if all of the windows match. -
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Ceiling Height
Best for: Any application where you would use floor-length curtains or puddling curtains
Curtains that graze the ceiling do wonders to add height and scale to a room. Even if your window is placed down a few feet from the ceiling line, hanging the curtain rod as high as possible will offer an elegant look. If you go this route, ensure your curtains are at least long enough to touch the floor. Bonus: If you have long curtains you love but are not into the puddle look, going for a ceiling-height look will save you some time hemming your panels.
As aforementioned, you should go as high as you can. But if your room has decorative crown molding (like in this example), position your rod right below it to let the millwork shine.
