The Ultimate Guide to Apartment Curtains

As the owner of Dolcewe.com, I've helped thousands of renters find the perfect curtains for their apartments.

I know firsthand how tricky it can be to add style and privacy to your space without damaging walls or losing your security deposit.

That's why I've put together this complete guide to choosing and hanging curtains in your rental. Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways

Why Curtains Matter in Apartments

Curtains do so much more than just cover windows. They:

• Control light and privacy

• Add color and style

• Make rooms feel cozier

• Help with temperature control

• Reduce outside noise

But finding the right curtains for a rental apartment can be tough. You need ones that look great, work well, and don't damage walls.

Don't worry - I'll walk you through everything you need to know!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Apartment Curtains & Drapes

Light Control

Light control is crucial when selecting curtains for your apartment. Different rooms have different lighting needs:

• Bedrooms: Opt for blackout curtains to create a dark environment for better sleep. Look for curtains with a blackout lining or made from thick, tightly woven fabrics like velvet or suede.

• Living rooms: Choose light-filtering curtains to maintain a bright, airy feel while reducing glare. Linen or cotton blends work well here.

• Kitchens or home offices: Consider sheer curtains for diffused natural light. Voile or chiffon fabrics are excellent choices.

Pro tip: Layer sheer curtains with heavier drapes or blinds for versatile light control throughout the day.

Privacy

Privacy is a top concern for many apartment dwellers. Consider these factors:

• Fabric opacity: Sheer curtains offer minimal privacy but maximum light, while blackout curtains provide total privacy and light blocking. Choose based on your specific needs and window placement.

• Lining options: Adding a lining to your curtains can increase privacy without changing the outward appearance. Opt for a white or neutral lining to maintain a cohesive look from the street.

For street-facing windows, consider top-down, bottom-up shades in addition to curtains for adjustable privacy.

Size and Style

Proper sizing and styling can make or break your curtain choice:

• Measuring: Measure your windows accurately, including width and height. Add 4-8 inches on each side of the window for fullness.

• Length options:

  • Floor-length: Creates a classic, elegant look

  • Puddle: Adds drama but requires more maintenance

  • Sill-length: Best for kitchens or windows above furniture

• Curtain styles: Choose from various styles like pinch-pleat drapes, rod pocket panels, or tab-top curtains to match your apartment's aesthetic.

Hang curtains high and wide to make windows appear larger and ceilings higher.

Material

The right material can make a big difference in functionality and maintenance:

• Easy care: Choose machine-washable fabrics like cotton, polyester, or linen blends for low maintenance upkeep.

• Durability: Look for tightly woven fabrics that resist fading and wear, especially in high-traffic areas or sunny rooms.

• Allergy considerations: Opt for hypoallergenic materials like bamboo or synthetic fabrics if allergies are a concern. Avoid heavy, dust-trapping fabrics like luxe velvet or wool.

Test fabric samples in your space before committing to ensure they complement your decor and meet your needs.

Budget

Set realistic expectations based on your budget:

• Ready-made curtains: More affordable but limited in size and style options.

• Custom curtains: Pricier but offer perfect fit and unlimited design choices.

At Dolcewe, all our high-quality custom curtains are starting at $26.99. They are super budget-friendly, right?

Room Function and Existing Decor

Consider how each room is used and its current style:

• Match purpose: Choose heavy, sound-absorbing curtains for a home theater, or light, easy-to-clean options for a children's playroom.

• Complement decor: Select curtains that enhance your existing color scheme and style. Use curtains to add a pop of color or tie together different elements in the room.

Create a mood board with fabric swatches, paint chips, and photos of your furniture to visualize how new curtains will fit in.

Renter-Friendly Installation Options

As a renter, consider these non-permanent solutions:

• Tension rods: Great for lightweight curtains and easy to install without damaging walls.

• Command hooks: Can support heavier curtains without leaving holes.

• Magnetic curtain rods: Perfect for metal door frames or windows.

Always check your lease agreement before making any alterations, even temporary ones.

Best Curtain Types for Apartments

Blackout Curtains

Blackout drapery is a game-changer for many apartment dwellers. They're perfect for:

• Bedrooms, especially for light sleepers or shift workers

• Home theaters or media rooms

• Nurseries for daytime naps

Popular options:

•  Solid Blackout Thermal Curtain Panels

• Dual-Layer Window Curtain

These best blackout curtains typically use polyester or a polyester blend with a special backing to block light.

Pro tip: Look for curtains with grommets for easy sliding and a modern look.

Light-Filtering Curtains

Light-filtering curtains offer versatility for various spaces:

• Living rooms

• Dining areas

• Home offices

They allow soft, diffused light while maintaining some privacy.

Materials include linen, cotton, and synthetic blends. These fabrics offer a balance of light control and style.

Actionable suggestion: Layer light-filtering curtains with blackout curtains for adjustable light control throughout the day.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains add elegance and softness to any room by and they are quite popular in 2024:

• Diffusing harsh sunlight

• Creating an airy, open feel

• Adding a touch of sophistication

Popular sheer fabrics include gauze, lace, voile, and linen.   

Pro tip: Use sheer curtains in rooms where you want to maximize natural light without sacrificing privacy completely.

Thermal Curtains

Thermal curtains offer significant energy-saving benefits:

• Keep rooms cooler in summer

• Retain heat in winter

• Can lower energy bills

Measure your windows carefully to ensure a snug fit, maximizing the thermal benefits.

Noise-Reducing Curtains

Ideal for urban apartments, noise-reducing curtains can significantly improve your living environment by:

• Dampening street noise

• Improving sleep quality

• Creating a more peaceful atmosphere

For maximum noise reduction, ensure curtains extend beyond the window frame and touch the floor.

Roman Shades

Roman shades offer several benefits for apartment dwellers:

• Space-saving design

• Clean, modern lines

• Suitable for smaller windows or kitchens

Consider cordless options for a sleeker look and improved safety, especially if you have children or pets.

Curtain Panels with Different Opacity Levels

Combining sheer and blackout panels offers ultimate control over light and privacy:

• Use sheer panels during the day for filtered light

• Close blackout panels at night for complete darkness

Install a double curtain rod to easily switch between sheer and blackout panels as needed.

Renter-Friendly Installation Methods

There are many ways to install curtains at your apartments. 

Tension Rods

Tension rods use spring mechanisms to fit snugly inside window frames without hardware.

Suitable curtain headers: Rod pocket, tab top, or grommet curtains work well with tension rods.

Pros:

• No drilling required

• Easy to install and remove

• Affordable option

Cons:

• Limited weight capacity

• May slip if not properly sized

• Not suitable for wide windows

Best for: Small to medium-sized windows, lightweight curtains, and temporary setups.

Actionable suggestion: Measure your window frame carefully and choose a rod slightly longer than the opening for a secure fit.

Command Hooks

Command hooks are adhesive hooks that stick to walls and can hold curtain rods without drilling.

Suitable curtain headers: Any curtain style works including pinch pleats, as long as the total weight is within the hooks' capacity.

Pros:

• No wall damage

• Easy to install and remove

• Versatile placement options

Cons:

• Limited weight capacity

• May not work on textured walls

• Potential for falling if not installed correctly

Best for: Lightweight curtains, renters, and those who change decor frequently.

Actionable suggestion: Clean the wall surface thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before applying command hooks for maximum adhesion.

Magnetic Curtain Rods

Magnetic curtain rods use strong magnets to attach to metal surfaces around windows.

Suitable curtain headers: Rod pocket, tab top, or grommet curtains are all compatible.

Pros:

• No drilling or adhesives required

• Easy to adjust and reposition

• Works well on metal door frames

Cons:

• Only works on metal surfaces

• Limited weight capacity

• May not be suitable for all window types

Best for: Metal window frames, doors with metal trim, and lightweight curtains.

Test the magnetic strength before hanging your curtains to ensure a secure hold.

No-Drill Options for Heavy Curtains

These include heavy-duty tension rods, spring tension curtain rods, and kwik-hang curtain rod brackets.

Suitable curtain headers: Compatible with most curtain styles, including heavier fabrics.

Pros:

• Can support heavier curtains without drilling

• More stable than standard tension rods

• Suitable for wider windows

Cons:

• More expensive than basic options

• May still have weight limitations

• Installation can be more complex

Best for: Renters with larger windows or heavier curtains who need a sturdy, damage-free solution.

Combine heavy-duty tension rods with curtain holdbacks for added stability and style.

Double Curtain Rods for Layering

Double curtain rods feature two parallel rods, allowing for layered curtain looks without multiple installations.

Suitable curtain headers: Mix and match different styles, such as sheer panels with blackout curtains.

Pros:

• Creates a luxurious, layered look

• Offers versatile light control options

• Can be installed with renter-friendly methods

Cons:

• More expensive than single rods

• Can be bulkier and more visible

• May require stronger support if using no-drill methods

Best for: Those wanting to combine sheer and opaque curtains or create a more sophisticated window treatment.

Actionable suggestion: Use lightweight fabrics on the inner rod and heavier curtains on the outer rod to balance the weight distribution.

Choosing the Right Curtain Color and Pattern

Complementing Existing Decor

When selecting curtain colors and patterns, it's crucial to consider your existing decor. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Wall color: Look at your wall paint first. For a modern look, choose curtains that are a shade lighter or darker than your walls.

• Furniture and accessories: Select curtains based on complementary colors to your main furniture pieces.

• Trim color: To keep window treatments subtle, match them to white or ivory trim.

Actionable suggestions:

1. Take photos of your room and bring fabric swatches home to compare against your existing decor.

2. Create a mood board with paint chips, fabric samples, and photos of your furniture to visualize how new curtains will fit in.

3. If you fall in love with a particular curtain fabric, consider using it as the starting point for your room's color scheme.

Color Psychology for Different Rooms

The color of your curtains can significantly impact the mood and atmosphere of a room. Consider these insights:

• Warm colors (red, orange, yellow): Great for entertaining spaces as they energize guests.

• Cool colors (green, blue, purple): Ideal for bedrooms as they promote calmness.

• Light colors: Create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for relaxation areas.

• Dark colors: Add drama and stimulation to a space.

Actionable suggestions:

1. For dining rooms, consider red curtains to stimulate appetite.

2. In bedrooms, opt for light blues, pinks, or greens for a calming effect.

3. Use yellow curtains in north-facing rooms to add warmth and brightness.

4. In home offices, choose green curtains to promote focus and productivity.

Pattern Considerations for Small Spaces

Patterns can make or break the perception of space in smaller rooms. Keep these points in mind:

• Subtle, minimalistic patterns add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

• Vertical stripes can create an illusion of height.

• Bold patterns might make a small room feel even smaller.

Actionable suggestions:

1. Choose curtains with delicate motifs or geometric designs in a tone-on-tone style for small rooms.

2. Opt for vertically striped curtains to make ceilings appear higher.

3. In very small spaces, stick to solid colors or small-scale patterns to avoid visual clutter.

4. If you love patterns, consider using them on just one window as an accent, keeping other windows neutral.

Shop The Best Apartment Curtains at Dolcewe

At Dolcewe.com, we offer:

• Custom size curtains starting at $26.99

• Many styles, fabrics, and colors

• Free shipping on orders over $199

• Extra 10% off when you sign up

We have the perfect curtains for your apartment - no matter your style or budget!

I hope this guide helps you find the best curtains for your rental. With the right curtains, you can make your apartment feel like home without risking your security deposit.

Happy decorating!