Contemporary Curtain Guide: Fabrics, Styles & Colors for a Modern Look

Welcome to Dolcewe.com, we've seen firsthand how the right curtains can transform a room.

Let's share what we've learned about contemporary curtains over the past 10+ years in the home decor business.

What are contemporary curtains?

Contemporary curtains or modern curtains are window treatments that feature:

• Clean, simple designs
• Modern fabrics and colors
• A focus on both style and function

They help create a fresh, up-to-date look in any room, from the living room to the bedroom. Let's explore the key features that make curtains feel contemporary.

Key features of contemporary curtains

Clean lines: Contemporary curtain panels often have straight edges and minimal frills. This creates a sleek, modern look.

Simple designs: Patterns tend to be geometric or abstract rather than floral or ornate.

Modern materials: Fabrics like polyester blends offer easy care and crisp draping.

Neutral colors: Grays, whites, and beiges are popular choices for a contemporary feel.

Functionality: Features like blackout lining or noise reduction are common in modern window treatments.

Popular Styles of Modern Curtains

Solid Color Curtains

Solid-color curtains are a simple yet stylish choice for modern window treatments.

Best for:

• Rooms with busy patterns or decor
• Creating a calm, unified look
• Highlighting other design elements

Tips:

• Pick a color that matches your walls for a seamless look
• Use bold colors to make a statement
• Layer different shades for depth

Geometric Pattern Curtains

Geometric window curtains add visual interest to your windows with shapes like circles, triangles, or lines.

Best for:

• Modern or minimalist spaces
• Adding personality to plain rooms
• Creating a focal point

Tips:

• Match patterns to your room's color scheme
• Use small patterns in small windows
• Mix with solid colors for balance

Sheer and Semi-Sheer Curtains

These light, airy curtains let in natural light while offering some privacy.

Best for:

• Rooms that need more light
• Creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere
• Layering with heavier curtains

Tips:

• Use in living rooms or dining areas
• Layer with blackout curtains for versatility
• Choose white or ivory for a classic look

Blackout and Room Darkening Curtains

These blackout curtains block out light and can help with temperature control.

Best for:

• Bedrooms and media rooms
• Light sleepers or shift workers
• Reducing energy costs

Tips:

• Ensure proper fit to block light effectively
• Choose neutral colors for versatility
• Consider thermal insulated blackout curtains for extra insulation

Textured Fabric Curtains

Textured curtains, like linen or velvet, add depth and interest to your windows.

Best for:

• Adding warmth and coziness
• Creating a luxurious feel
• Enhancing sound absorption

Tips:

• Use velvet curtains for a rich, elegant look
• Try linen curtains for a casual, natural vibe
• Mix textures for visual interest

Materials Used in Contemporary Curtains

Polyester and Polyester Blends

Polyester is a durable, wrinkle-resistant synthetic fabric that's easy to care for and maintain.

Best for:

• Budget-friendly options
• High-traffic areas
• Rooms with lots of sunlight

Tips:

• Choose polyester blends for a softer feel
• Look for polyester blackout curtains for bedrooms
• Opt for textured polyester for added visual interest

Linen and Faux Linen

Linen offers a natural, relaxed look with excellent breathability and light-filtering properties.

Best for:

• Casual or boho-chic spaces
• Rooms where you want soft, diffused light
• Creating an airy, organic feel

Tips:

• Consider faux linen for easier care and less wrinkling
• Layer linen curtains for more privacy and light control
• Choose heavier linen for better insulation

Velvet and Silk

Velvet and silk provide luxurious texture and excellent light-blocking capabilities.

Best for:

• Formal living rooms or dining rooms
• Creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere
• Enhancing sound absorption in a room

Tips:

• Use velvet blackout curtains in cooler climates for added insulation
• Choose lighter colors to prevent velvet from feeling too heavy
• Consider faux silk for a similar look at a lower price

Performance Fabrics

Performance fabrics are engineered to resist stains, fading, and wear, making them ideal for high-use areas.

Best for:

• Homes with children or pets
• Outdoor or indoor-outdoor living spaces
• Areas exposed to harsh sunlight or moisture

Tips:

• Look for Oeko-Tex-certified fabrics for eco-friendly options
• Choose performance fabrics for easy-to-clean kitchen curtains
• Use in sunrooms to protect against UV damage

Color Trends in Contemporary Drapes

Neutral Tones

Neutral tones like white, gray, and beige are timeless choices for contemporary curtains.

Best for:

• Minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired interiors
• Small spaces that need to feel larger
• Rooms with colorful furniture or artwork

Tips:

• Layer different shades of neutrals for depth
• Add texture through fabric choice (e.g., linen, velvet)
• Use metallic accents for a touch of glamour

Bold and Vibrant Colors

Bright, eye-catching hues make a statement in modern interiors.

Best for:

• Spaces that need an energy boost
• Rooms with neutral furniture
• Creating a dramatic backdrop

Tips:

• Balance bold curtains with neutral walls and furnishings
• Use color psychology to set the right mood (e.g., blue for calm, red for energy)
• Consider light exposure when choosing vibrant colors

Monochromatic Schemes

A sophisticated approach using variations of a single color.

Best for:

• Creating a cohesive, polished look
• Making a room feel larger and more unified
• Showcasing texture and subtle patterns

Tips:

• Mix different textures within the same color family
• Use lighter shades for larger surfaces and darker for accents
• Incorporate patterns in the same color for visual interest

Color Blocking Techniques

A modern, graphic approach to curtain design.

Best for:

• Adding a contemporary, artistic touch
• Tying together multiple colors in a room's palette
• Creating visual interest in simple spaces

Tips:

• Choose colors that complement or contrast each other
• Align color blocks with architectural features
• Use color blocking to adjust room proportions visually

Hanging Methods for Contemporary Curtains

Grommet Top Curtains

Grommet top curtains have metal rings embedded in the fabric header that slide directly onto the curtain rod. 

It is best for modern and contemporary spaces, large windows, sliding glass doors

Pros:

• Easy to open and close
• Create even, uniform pleats
• Modern, sleek appearance

Cons:

• Limited fabric fullness
• Can look casual or informal
• Metal grommets may not suit all decor styles

Tips:

• Choose a rod diameter that's 1/2 inch smaller than the grommet inner diameter
• Opt for matte finish grommets for a more subtle look
• Use with light to medium-weight fabrics for best draping

Rod Pocket Curtains

Rod pocket curtains have a sewn-in pocket at the top that the curtain rod slides through.

Pros:

• Classic, gathered look
• Hide the curtain rod
• Affordable and widely available

Cons:

• Difficult to open and close
• May not hang as smoothly as other styles
• Can look dated if not styled properly

Best for: Stationary panels, country or traditional decor, bedroom or living room windows

Tips:

• Use curtain rings or clips for easier operation
• Choose a rod that's 1 inch smaller than the pocket depth
• Steam after hanging to remove wrinkles and create a neater appearance

Back Tab Curtains

Back tab curtains feature fabric loops sewn into the back of the header that slide onto the curtain rod.

Pros:

• Clean, tailored look
• Easy to hang and remove
• Allow curtains to hang flat when closed

Cons:

• Can be difficult to slide open and closed
• May not provide as much fullness as other styles
• Limited rod options

Best for: Modern and contemporary spaces, formal living rooms or dining rooms

Tips:

• Use decorative rods to enhance the look
• Choose lighter fabrics for easier movement
• Consider lining tabs for a more polished appearance

Roman Curtains

Roman curtains fold up into neat horizontal pleats when raised and lay flat when lowered.

Pros:

• Elegant and sophisticated appearance
• Good light control and privacy
• Available in various styles and fabrics

Cons:

• More expensive than other styles
• Require special hardware for operation
• Can be challenging to clean

Best for: Formal living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms

Tips:

• Use in small windows where full-length curtains might overwhelm
• Choose light-filtering fabrics for a soft, diffused light
• Consider motorized options for easy operation

Choosing the Right Contemporary Curtains

Considering Room Function and Lighting Needs

When selecting contemporary curtains, think about how you use the room and its lighting requirements.

Matching Curtains to Existing Decor

Harmonizing your curtains with your current decor creates a cohesive look in contemporary spaces.

Color coordination:

• Choose curtains that complement or contrast with your wall color
• Pick up accent colors from rugs, artwork, or throw pillows

Texture considerations:

• Mix textures to add depth (e.g., velvet curtains with linen upholstery)
• Balance heavy textures with lighter ones for visual interest

Pattern integration:

• If your room has many patterns, opt for solid curtains to avoid overwhelm
• In rooms with mostly solid colors, patterned curtains can add visual interest

Actionable tips:

• Create a mood board with fabric swatches and room photos
• Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color
• Consider the curtain header style (e.g., grommets for modern looks, pinch pleats for traditional)

Proper Measuring Techniques

Accurate measurements ensure your contemporary curtains fit perfectly and look polished.

Width measurements:

• Measure the width of your window or rod
• Add 10-12 inches on each side for fullness
• For blackout effect, add 15-18 inches on each side

Length measurements:

• Measure from the rod to where you want curtains to end
• Add 2-3 inches for above-floor length
• Add 6-8 inches for puddle effect

Rod placement:

• Install rods 4-6 inches above window frame for height illusion
• Extend rods 8-12 inches beyond window frame on each side

Actionable tips:

• Use a metal tape measure for accuracy
• Measure each window individually, even if they appear the same size
• Round up to the nearest inch for easier calculations

Layering Curtains for Versatility

Layering curtains adds depth, texture, and functionality to contemporary window treatments.

Sheer and solid combination:

• Use sheer curtains as a base layer for privacy and light filtering
• Add heavier curtains as the top layer for complete light control

Multiple rod setup:

• Install a double or triple rod system for easy layer management
• Use different rod finishes to add visual interest

Combining patterns and solids:

• Layer a patterned sheer under a solid curtain for subtle texture
• Use a bold pattern on top with a neutral sheer underneath

Actionable tips:

• Ensure the inner rod curtains are slightly shorter to avoid bunching
• Use tie-backs or holdbacks to showcase all layers when open
• Experiment with different fabric weights for varied light control

Incorporating Contemporary Curtains in Different Room Types

Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home, so your curtain choices here can set the tone for your entire space.

Contemporary curtains for living rooms should balance style with functionality.

Tips for living room curtains:

• Opt for floor-length curtains to create a sense of height and elegance
• Consider layering sheer curtains with heavier drapes for versatility
• Choose fabrics that complement your furniture and decor style
• Use bold patterns or colors to make a statement, or neutral tones for a calming atmosphere

Actionable suggestions:

• Install a double curtain rod to easily switch between sheer and blackout curtains
• Try color-blocking with your curtains to add visual interest
• Use curtain tiebacks for a polished look when curtains are open

Bedroom

In the bedroom, curtains play a crucial role in both aesthetics and sleep quality.

Contemporary curtains for bedrooms should create a cozy, restful environment while adding style to your space.

Tips for bedroom curtains:

• Prioritize blackout or room-darkening curtains for better sleep
• Choose soft, flowing fabrics for a relaxing atmosphere
• Consider thermal insulated blackout curtains for energy efficiency
• Use patterns or textures that complement your bedding

Actionable suggestions:

• Install curtains on a track system for smooth, quiet operation
• Layer sheer curtains under blackout curtains for daytime privacy
• Choose curtains with a subtle sheen to add a touch of luxury

Dining Room

Dining room curtains should enhance the ambiance of your meals and gatherings.

Contemporary curtains in this space can range from formal to casual, depending on your dining room's style.

Tips for dining room curtains:

• Choose fabrics that are easy to clean in case of spills
• Consider light-filtering curtains to create a warm glow during meals
• Use curtains to frame the view if you have a scenic window
• Coordinate curtain colors with your dining chairs or table linens

Actionable suggestions:

• Install cafe curtains for a casual, bistro-like feel
• Use curtain holdbacks to create an elegant, draped look
• Try patterned curtains to add visual interest to a neutral dining room

Kitchen

In a kitchen, curtains should help create a bright, clean environment while also controlling light and privacy.

Contemporary curtains in this space should be functional and easy to maintain.

Tips for kitchen curtains:

• Choose moisture-resistant fabrics that are easy to clean
• Consider cafe curtains or valances for a charming, casual look
• Use light colors to keep the space bright and airy
• Select patterns that complement your kitchen's color scheme

Actionable suggestions:

• Install tension rods for easy removal and cleaning
• Use tie-up shades for adjustable light control
• Try semi-sheer fabrics to let in light while maintaining privacy

Shop custom contemporary curtains at Dolcewe

At Dolcewe.com, we offer:

• Custom sizes starting at $26.99
• Various styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns
• Free shipping on orders over $199
• 10% off coupon when you sign up

Our curtains are made to fit your exact needs. With our wide selection, you're sure to find the perfect contemporary curtains for your home.

Remember, the right curtains can totally change how a room looks and feels. 

Take your time to choose curtains that match your style and needs. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a fresh, modern look in your home.