29 Dining Room Curtain Ideas That Add the Perfect Finishing Touch

Bring a New Color Into Your Space

When choosing curtains for your dining room—or any room, for that matter—it can be tempting to stick with the colors that are already in your space. But if you want your drapes to make a statement, consider adding a new shade to your palette, instead. The pop of color is sure to turn heads, and if you pick a shade that’s not too vibrant, it shouldn’t overwhelm your space.

Add Personality With a Fun Print

When many of us go to buy window treatments, we consider color and texture—and completely neglect print. But, patterned curtains can make an eye-catching addition to your space, and since printed curtains are available in all kinds of different colors, you can go as striking or as subtle as you want to.

Draw the Eye Upward With Extra-Tall Curtains

Most interior designers will tell you to hang your curtains high—at least several inches above a window. But, if you want to kick the drama up a notch, consider hanging them even higher.

Draw attention to tall ceilings by hanging your curtains way above your windows. It might take some digging to find curtains long enough to pull this off, but any show-stopping choice is worth a little extra effort.

Go Bold With Your Color and Your Print

You might think pairing a vibrant color with a bold print is a recipe for disaster. But more often than not, the details play well together, complementing each other rather than clashing.

Draw Attention to a Bay Window

Curtains aren’t just designed for simple rectangular windows. So if your dining room is framed by a sprawling bay window, don’t give up hope just yet. You can snag a curtain rod that traces the edges of a curved bay window.

Add Texture With a Set of Simple White Drapes

If your dining room feels a little bare, consider hanging a set of simple white drapes. Instead of adding color to your space, the drapes will add texture to it—giving your eyes yet another thing to look at each time you step into your space.

Use Black Roller Shades to Adjust the Ambiance

There are plenty of reasons to buy curtains—and not all of them have to do with décor. Curtains can also be a great way to adjust the ambiance in your space. And if you want precise control over the natural light streaming through your windows, a classic set of black roller shades is sure to deliver it.

Break Up Dark Walls With Crisp White Drapes

White curtains make a classic addition to white-filled spaces, but they can look just as great in darker, more colorful rooms, too. Instead of adding continuity to the room, they’ll offer contrast, breaking up the blocks of color or print lining your walls.

Take a Risk on a Prominent Pleat

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to curtains—color, print, texture, hardware, height. But, be sure not to overlook a curtain’s pleat. Different curtains are pleated in different ways, and those pleats will ultimately affect how your curtains look.

Frame Every Window on a Window-Lined Wall

Hanging curtains on every single window may seem like overkill, especially if you’re decorating a window-filled space. But, if you stick with a simple print and a subtle color, you’re likely to end up with something sleek and striking rather than overwhelming.

Consider Your Curtains and Your Curtain Rod

Your curtains have to be hung from something—typically, a curtain rod. And if that curtain rod is going to be visible, you should put some thought into selecting it. You can choose a curtain rod that matches your curtains, or opt for one that adds contrast.

Add Drama With Dark Drapes

Decorating with dark drapes is like painting your walls a dark color: intimidating, but incredibly pretty when done right. And remember, you don’t have to commit to bold black. Instead, you can add drama with a softer dark color, like navy, charcoal, or chocolate brown.

Pair Sleek Furniture With an Eye-Catching Print

Curtains are often used to add cohesion to a space. But, they can just as effectively add contrast. If your dining room is filled with sleek modern furniture, consider balancing things out with an eye-catching—and maybe even traditional—print.

Let Light in With Sheer White Curtains

Love the look of curtains, but don’t want to block light from your space? Snag a set of sheers. Voile curtains are designed to let plenty of sun in, while still giving you the elegant accent you’re looking for.

Hang Lighter Drapes in a Darker Room

If your dining room is already pretty dark, you may think curtains are out of the question. But, by hanging a lighter set, you can add a welcome dose of contrast. And if those curtains happen to be printed, you can add some visual interest, too.

Pick Roman Shades With Pizzazz

Roman shades may not be as eye-catching as traditional curtains, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun. By snagging a printed Roman shade, you can control the light in your space and make the room more dynamic—in an unexpected way, no less.

Add Privacy With a Panel Curtain

You may not be hanging your curtains for décor or for ambiance control. Instead, you may just want a little privacy. Some windows are ill-placed, and if you’re craving a more secluded dining room, a sheer panel curtain can help you get there—without disrupting the look of (or light in) your space.

Pick a Print That Complements Your Dining Room Rug

There’s no denying it: choosing a print for your dining room curtains can get tough. One no-fail approach? Take cues from the patterns that are already in your space. Snag a set of curtains that match your dining room rug. If the two share similar shapes and colors, they’re bound to play well together.

Add Glamour With Wall-to-Wall Drapes

Your curtains don’t have to stop inches away from your window. Instead, they can run from wall to window on one side—and from window to wall on the other. This approach will leave you with wall-to-wall drapes that are undeniably striking. Just be sure to snag the drapes in a color that you don’t mind seeing in large doses.

Pair Woven Furniture With Woven Roman Shades

Drapes are typically crafted from fabric, but if you’re stocking up on Roman shades, you’ll have a few more options. If your dining room is filled with woven furniture, consider snagging a set of woven Roman shades to match. The textures should pair beautifully together, and the unexpected touch should make an eye-catching addition to your space.

Pick Curtains a Shade Darker Than Your Walls

If colorful curtains feel too bold and white curtains feel too bland, rest assured knowing you’re not out of options. By hanging a set of curtains that are just a shade darker than your walls, you can add visual interest without altering your space too much.

Use Neutral Drapes to Balance Out a Colorful Space

Curtains can be a great way to add a pop of color to your space, but what if your palette is already loaded with punchy colors? Well, add a pop of neutrals, instead.

Introduce a New Accent Print

Pops of color are fine and dandy, but pops of print can be just as fun. If you're looking for a way to add contrast—without bringing a new color into your palette—introduce a brand new print to your home. And don’t feel the need to use it anywhere else.

Remember to Dress Your Doors

Window treatments and doors may seem like a strange pair. (They are called window treatments, after all.) But, glass doors are basically really big windows. Don’t hesitate to drape a set of curtains over your doors—just make sure they’re tall enough and wide enough to stay out of the way.

Cozy Up Your Space With Gray Drapes

If your dining room is filled with dark colors, dark drapes may seem repetitive, white drapes may seem too flimsy, and colorful drapes may seem out of place. But gray drapes should be just enough in every direction—and while they balance out your space, they’ll lend it some coziness, too.

Create Continuity With a Curved Curtain Rod

Classic curtain rods are straight, and they hang from two hooks. But, if you don’t want much distance between your walls and your curtains, consider installing a curved curtain rod, instead. The unique shape will cause your curtains to come in direct contact with your walls—a look that’s particularly striking when your walls and curtains match.

Keep It Simple With Curtains That Match Your Walls

If you know you want to hang some curtains—but your preferences stop there—consider snagging some drapes that match your walls. This simple choice will add interest to your space without dramatically changing it.

Color-Coordinate Your Hardware

One easy way to bring your space together? Match your curtain rod to the other hardware in your space. Color-coordinate your curtain rod, your light fixtures, your mirrors, your table legs—and any other metal details that appear in your space.

Let Your Curtains Run From Ceiling to Floor

When it comes to window treatments, it can be tough to toe the line between too bold and not bold enough. But, there are a few easy ways to strike this balance. One of them? Snag a set of simple curtains, and let them run from ceiling to floor. The display will be inherently dramatic. But, since the curtains themselves are understated, they’ll balance the accent out.