Beige walls are a popular neutral backdrop that can work in almost any room. But choosing the right curtains to complement beige walls can be tricky. The wrong colors or styles can make beige walls look drab or dated. The key is finding curtains that enhance the tone of your walls and bring out their best qualities. This complete guide covers all the factors to consider when selecting stylish curtains to complement your beige walls.
Factors to Consider for Beige Wall Curtains
There are several important considerations when it comes to picking the perfect curtains for beige walls. The first step is to assess the specific shade and undertone of your walls. Beige spans a wide spectrum from light cream to deep tan. The curtains you choose should align with where your wall color falls on that spectrum. You’ll also want to think about the length and fullness you prefer, and whether you want to incorporate patterns and prints. Taking accurate measurements is also essential for achieving the right look.
Complementing the Tone of Your Beige Walls
Beige walls come in light, medium and dark shades. Lighter beiges have a creamy, airy quality, while darker beiges feel richer and warmer. Beiges can also have undertones that are more yellow, red, grey or blue. Look at your specific beige walls and determine whether the undertone leans warm or cool so you can complement it properly. Warm-toned beiges look best with curtains in similar earthy hues, while beiges with cool undertones are enhanced by pairings like light blues or lavenders.
If your beige walls are on the lighter end of the spectrum, opt for white, ivory, or soft yellow curtains to play up the bright, airy feel. For medium beige walls, consider taupe, gray, sage green, or blush pink curtains to add interest while still keeping things neutral. Deeper beige walls can handle bolder curtain colors like navy, chocolate brown, or terra cotta.
Curtain Color and Material Options
When selecting a color for your beige wall curtains, it’s helpful to think about the mood you want to create. Softer, lighter colors like cream and pale yellow have an open, airy effect. Bolder shades like emerald green or navy blue add drama. For a romantic vibe, consider blush pink or lavender. Earth tones like olive green, brown, and taupe keep things grounded and natural. If your beige walls have cool undertones, bring out the greige tones with colors like ice blue, silver gray, or pale purple.
The material of your curtains also impacts the look and feel. Cotton and linen have a casual, breezy texture. Velvet and silk amp up the glamour factor. Sheers create a lightweight layered effect when combined with a colored solid curtain. Common material options that pair beautifully with beige walls include:
- Cotton – Affordable, soft, and breathable
- Linen – Natural fiber with gorgeous drape
- Velvet – Luxurious with a dramatic richness
- Silk – Shimmering elegance and sheen
Curtain Length and Volume
Another choice to make is how long and full you want your beige wall curtains to be. Floor-length curtains make a bold statement and elegantly frame windows. They give off a formal, elegant vibe. Shorter curtains with clean lines at window height or just below read as more casual and laidback. The level of fullness and gathering also impacts the look. Sheer or lightly gathered curtains are breezy and ethereal. Curtains with extreme fullness and pleating take on a more traditional, ornate aesthetic.
Patterned vs Solid Curtain Styles
Solid colored curtains speak to a minimalist, contemporary sensibility. They allow beige walls to take center stage. Patterned curtains provide visual interest through varied prints and textures. Common patterns that complement beige walls include ditsy florals, geometrics, plaids, and pinstripes. You can also mix patterns and textures by combining solids with sheers or layering different prints.
Taking Precise Measurements
To achieve the perfect custom fit for your curtains, accurate measurements are essential. Carefully measure each window you plan to dress starting at the top of the frame down to where you want the curtain to end. Note the window’s exact width measurement from side to side as well. Be sure to account for any decorative trim or molding around the windows when taking measurements. You’ll also want to factor in proper clearance for the curtain hooks and rods when determining the ideal overall length.
Keep in mind most curtains require 1.5 to 3 times the width of the window for optimal fullness. This allows the curtains to elegantly drape and stack on either side when opened. Measure carefully and use a tape measure for precision. Once you have the exact window dimensions, you can confidently shop for curtains knowing they’ll perfectly fit your space.
Curtain Ideas for Light Beige Walls
If your walls are a soft creamy beige, you’ll want curtains that enhance that airy, neutral backdrop. Here are some stylish options that pair beautifully with light beige walls:
White or Ivory for a Bright, Airy Look
An ivory or snow white curtain adds to the light, ethereal quality of the space. To keep things minimalist, opt for crisp solid panels without adornment. For softness, consider thinly woven linen or lightly ruched cotton. The clean white color allows the walls to take center stage.
Soft Yellows to Enhance the Warm Undertones
Since light beiges often have a warm, yellow undertone, butter yellow or daffodil curtains are a harmonious match. The pale yellow brings out the subtle golden tone in the walls. Sheer organza yellow curtains create a bright yet demure look. Or select an all-over yellow floral print for a cheerful cottage vibe.
Pale Blues for a Soothing Complement
For light beige walls with hints of blue-grey, a coordinating ice blue curtain is perfect. The cool tone works beautifully with the greige wall color. Chambray blue linen or icy blue cotton sateen offer an invigorating pop of color while still feeling soothing. Metallic blue gray curtains also pair nicely for a more modern look.
Metallic Sheens and Silvery Grays
Metallic curtains add subtle glamour and catch the light beautifully on light beige walls. Silver, pewter, and champagne gold are elegant neutral pairings. Or opt for solid silvery gray linen or finely woven gray cotton. These cool, shimmery tones add depth without overpowering the light beige walls.
Combining White Sheers with Colored Drapes
Hang sheer white curtains to filter light next to colored solid drapes in a complementary tone. This layered look lets you incorporate color while maintaining an airy, open feel. Try teaming breezy white sheers with pale blue or peach toned solid curtain panels.
Curtain Recommendations for Medium Beige Walls
For beige walls in the mid-range-neither too light nor too dark-you have many stylish curtain options. Medium beige walls serve as a harmonious bridge between light and rich shades. Here are some of the best curtain pairings:
Taupes and Lavenders to Accentuate the Greige Tones
Look closely at your mid-range beige wall color and determine if it leans warm or cool. Taupes and stone grays pick up on any subtle greige tones for a seamless look. Or bring out hints of purple with coordinating lavender curtains. Soft serene lavender cotton panels or metallic violet sheers both complement without overwhelming the walls.
Neutral Linens in Greys and Creams
Unbleached linen in natural hues works beautifully with medium beige backdrops. Try raw linen in oat gray or almond cream. The organic texture is cozy and inviting. For a beachy feel, consider breezy ecru linen panels paired with textured seagrass shades.
Navy or Sage Green for an Earthy Contrast
Deep navy blue adds dramatic punch and visual contrast to medium beige walls. It puts a modern twist on classic beige. For a more soothing earthy look, consider velvety blue-green curtains in shades like sage or chartreuse. These moody jewel-toned curtains make the beige walls recede into a stylish backdrop.
Modern Geometrics and Tone-on-Tone Looks
Update your mid-range beige walls with fun graphic prints in complementary tones. Checkered taupe and white patterns or geometric ivory and grey prints add liveliness. Tone-on-tone looks in similar hues to your walls, like striped ecru on ecru, can also add subtle interest and texture.
Dramatic Curtains for Dark Beige Walls
Deeper, darker beige walls demand curtains with presence. Rich, saturated colors and heavily textured fabrics stand out beautifully against the dramatic backdrop. Here are striking options to make the most of dark beige walls:
Rich Chocolate Browns for Cozy Warmth
Luscious chocolate brown velvet or textured chenille curtains contrast beautifully with dark beige walls. The brown adds a cocooning feel, perfect for a bedroom or living space. Solid brown faux silk drapes also complement. For casual coziness try chocolate corduroy or soft washed denim panels.
Vibrant Orange and Mustard Yellow Pops
Pump up the drama of dark beige walls with brightly colored curtains in vivid orange or mustard yellow. These sunny shades add cheer against the saturated backdrop. Try bold striped or floral printed orange and yellow curtain panels. The eye-catching contrast brings vibrancy to a moody, stylish space.
Deep Jewel Tones like Ruby Red and Emerald
Saturated jewel-toned curtains make a gorgeous pairing with darker beige walls. Ruby red or sapphire blue velvet creates an elegant, opulent feel. Vivid emerald green or eggplant purple linens complement beautifully too. These regal curtains truly sing against understated yet dramatic beige walls.
Luxurious Curtains in Velvet or Silk
Choose your curtain material to match the richness of darker beige walls. Velvet curtains provide plush depth and elegance. Liquid silk drapes shimmer luxuriously, picking up any golden undertones in the walls. The sheen of satin or taffeta also complements beautifully. These fabrics make everyday beige feel lavish.
Metallic Sheen for Glamour and Sophistication
Metallic curtains add instant glam factor to darker beige walls. Gold, silver, bronze, and pewter choices infuse modern sophistication. Try hammered bronzed silk panels, or silver and grey geometric jacquard drapes with subtle shine. The glimmering layers of metallic make a stunning counterpoint to muted beige.
Beige walls make a versatile neutral backdrop in any room. But dressing them in the perfect curtains can be daunting given the many colors, fabrics and styles to pick from. Keep in mind the specific shade and undertone of your walls, and choose options that enhance those qualities. Sheer and lightweight curtains complement pale beiges, while rich solids and bold patterns stand out beautifully on darker beiges. With all factors considered, you’re sure to find curtains that elegantly frame your beige walls and tie your whole space together.
