Looking to jazz up your living room or cozy up your primary bedroom? You might scroll through endless pictures of wallpaper, window treatments, and paint schemes but what if the answer is something altogether different—a curtain wall.
In the realm of decorating, a curtain wall refers to using curtain panels to create ambiance or for functional reasons, regardless of whether a window actually exists behind the curtains.
We asked four interior designers to share their top reasons to add curtain walls to your home. Here’s what they had to say.
Meet the Expert
- Isfira Jensen is a luxury residential interior designer and the CEO of Jensen & Co. Interiors.
- Beth Martin is a residential and retail design expert that has worked with luxury brands and boutiques.
- James Pearse Connelly is an award-winning designer with a roster of celebrity clients.
Fake More Windows
A curtain wall can do a lot for a room with oddly-placed windows.
“If you don’t have a dream layout, adding curtains can trick your eyes into thinking you have more windows,” says interior designer Beth Martin.
Utilizing a curtain wall can be especially helpful in a bedroom if you’re struggling with where to put the bed in relation to the windows you do have.
“A wall of not-so-necessary curtains will give your bedroom a canopy feel that’s luxe and cozy, and you can place your bed wherever it works best,” Martin says.
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Cover Up Eyesores
One of the most clever reasons to add a curtain wall to your home is to hide things you don’t want seen.
“Curtains are an excellent way to hide any ugly wall mishaps,” points out Martin. “Whether you have a weird wall texture or an unfortunate placement of your breaker box, decor curtains will soften the entire room in an intentional way.”
Pick an opaque curtain for this purpose, since sheer curtains won’t do a very good job at concealing the wall or objects you want hidden from sight.
Privacy
A curtain wall can serve more than one purpose, and do it with style. Designer James Pearse Connelly says that there’s no reason to be skimpy with your window treatments.
“Do a whole wall of drapes across your window wall,” he recommends.
With the curtains covering the entire wall, you’ll effectively block out light, increase privacy, and add drama to the space. A curtain wall used in this way provides a rich look when pulled shut and can make a space feel private.
Texture
Curtains are a fantastic, renter-friendly way of adding texture to a room as well.
“A wall of drapes across the wall adds big texture and softness, and clears the entire space of clutter,” says Pearse Connelly.
Velvet or boucle curtains are two great options for this purpose and the resulting look can help your space look high-end with minimal investment. It’s a great way to make your bedroom look more expensive for less.
Wallpaper Alternative
A curtain wall can add personality to your space without the cost or challenges associated with hanging wallpaper. Curtain walls can make a room feel luxurious without the expense, commitment, or hassle of wallpaper. Hanging curtains is an easy DIY project and you can find curtains to suit any budget.
Less Commitment
A curtain wall means less commitment than other types of wall coverings, like paint or wallpaper. Isfira Jensen, a New York City based designer, points out that a curtain wall can change the style and mood of a room without the need for permanent alterations.
“By switching out the fabric type or color, you can quickly refresh a space in line with trends or seasons,” she says.
Whether you like to regularly refresh the look of your room or you’re a renter that can’t make permanent changes to your space, a curtain wall gives you an excellent design option that comes with flexibility.
Affordability
Good design doesn’t have to cost a lot, and affordability is another reason to add curtain walls to your home.
“This trend is on the rise since it’s often more affordable than a custom wall covering or paneling,” says Jensen. “With the right planning, using curtains as wall coverings can achieve a similar aesthetic at a significantly lower cost.”
