The Complete Guide to Stylish Blue Curtains
Blue is beloved in home decor for its soothing effect and varied hues that complement most color schemes. Whether sheer or opaque, patterned or solid, blue curtains infuse rooms with visual interest and customizability to match your style.
From calming pastels to dramatic jewel tones, blue curtains set the tone in a room with remarkable versatility. Pair them with crisp whites and warm neutrals for a relaxed vibe, or make them the bold focal point against lighter walls. Their vibrancy brings life to tired windows without overpowering small spaces.
Blue Curtain Styles
Achieve the exact look and privacy needs with an array of useful blue curtain styles.
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains in gauzy blues filter light beautifully while obscuring views. Hang them alone to boost brightness near darker accent walls, or layer over opaque panels to temper outside glare. Their lightweight forms work in any decor scheme from breezy and beachy to urban modern.
Choose smoothed voile sheers to elegantly diffuse incoming rays, or opt for subtly textured mesh screens for added depth without blocking views. For extra coverage, consider rippled sheer options that have an iridescent, water-like finish when sunlight hits them just so.
Opaque/Blackout Curtains
Fully opaque curtains in rich navy or cobalt amply block light and muffle sounds, insulating rooms for undisturbed relaxation. Blackout-backed options filter 99-100% incoming light from even small window gaps.
Hang thickly woven fabrics as bedroom darkening curtains to limit morning glare, or install side-to-ceiling panels over media rooms for nighttime movie marathons without glare. For in-between settings like living areas, double layered curtains temper outside light and boost privacy as needed.
Double Panel Curtains
Elegant double curtain panels frame windows beautifully while allowing customizable privacy. Display both sides tied neatly during the day, or let one panel waterfall over the other for partial coverage. High-hung traversing rods easily draw them open fully to spotlight arch details or city views.
The double layer construction also aids insulation. Back lighter hued sheers with opaque liners to filter light in warm weather. Come winter, switch to both opaque sides to lock in heat. This flexibility makes double panels a versatile upgrade for any room's existing rods and hardware.
Checked/Plaid Curtains
Checked and plaid **curtains with blue in them** bring traditional charm to a modern color scheme. Crisp patterns contrast beautifully against painted bay windows or neutral chair rail backdrops. Navy and ivory gingham infuses country casual spaces with lightness, while wide buffalo check cobalt packs visual impact.
Mix check sizes for a custom designer look, like bold navy Roman shades above petite powder blue squared sheers. This interest balances more traditional surroundings where you want to bridge old and new decor elements gracefully.
Blue Shades for Curtains
From misty sky blue to peacock bright jewel tones, blue's stunning range transforms rooms.
Light Blue
Soft tranquil blues like powder, ice, and Cloudless sky reflect light beautifully to open up rooms. Their restful hues feel bright and airy without starkness, blending seamlessly into neutral territories or complementing metallic warmth. Sheer and lined iteration maintain their delicacy and glow.
Elevate sun-drenched rooms with sheer watercolor stripes over bright white wood blinds. The light filtering effect paints serene pools of color on floors as rays pass through them. In darker spaces, opt for muted steel blue blackout panels to transmit a gentle glow.
Navy Blue
Deeper navy blue sets a moodier, introspective tone with sophistication. The dark backdrop creates instant contrast against light walls, floors, counters and furnishings. Use velvety opaque panels in bedrooms to obtain that exclusive hotel suite ambiance.
The dramatic color also shines through beautifully with backlit sheers for added dimension. Try iron scrollwork designs across windows to cast striking art deco-inspired shadows when lit. For pattern play, pair bold buffalo check navy Roman shades with delicate taupe sheers.
Bold Blues
Punchy shades like cobalt, sapphire and electric indigo make vibrant statements as focal curtains. Oversized prints in these colors balance small rooms where darker hues might overwhelm, like kitchens and baths. Try abstract watercolor prints or fresh mariner stripes here. For texture interest, hang jungle-inspired banana leaf navy motifs.
In living zones, sheer turquoise filtering light through white shutters imparts an exotic Moroccan twist. Flowing embroidered jacquard teal panels framed by woodwork create a rich Victorian allure while allowing light through ornate shapes.
Curtain Fabrics and Materials
From easy-care polyester sheers to sound-muffling velvet opaques, curtain fabrics hugely impact decor goals, durability and maintenance.
Common Fabrics
Know composition basics like:
- Cotton - Breathable and dye absorbent for vivid color. Machine washable but prone to shrinking.
- Linen - Natural fiber that softens over time. Wrinkles easily unless blended with other fibers.
- Polyester - Wrinkle resistant, retains color and shape. Easy to wash but not breathable.
- Velvet - Elegant fibers with a plush matte finish. Dry clean recommended with steam or very gentle machine wash.
Sheer floaty styles suit lightweight cotton voile and poly blends. Medium-weight polyester damasks and twills hold their shape in opaque panel form. For sound absorption, velvet offers exceptional noise dampening and blackout properties.
Lining Types
Additional linings boost privacy and insulation:
- Blackout lining - Thick full blockage of outside light from all gaps and edges.
- Thermal lining - Heat trapping layer to boost temperature insulation.
- Noise reduction lining - Sound absorbing back to muffle noise infiltration.
Those in loud urban areas or who sleep during the day will appreciate the noise muffling and light blocking extras. Blackout linings also protect fabric color from fading over years of light exposure.
Header Options
Curtain header attachments customize hanging:
- Rod pockets - Envelope top slides easily onto rods.
- Back tabs - Fabric loops for rod insertion.
- Grommets - Rings reinforce top hem for durability.
Rod pockets maintain a relaxed gather. For a more tailored look, back tabs and grommets provide extra support and height consistency along the top edge. Sleek metal grommets also add subtle sparkle detail when backlit.
Decorating With Blue Curtains
Use blue curtains to reinvent tired rooms or build upon foundations needing a mood boost. Here are inspiring spaces to spur ideas.
Bedrooms
Layer powdery sheers behind navy blackouts to filter peaceful pre-dawn light. The dark color absorbs excess glare for sleeping. Or make floor length opaque cornflower panels the bold backdrop against white and wood tones. The cool effect feels both energetic and comforting.
Living Spaces
In beach houses, hang breezy white embroidered sheers allowing sea views and sunlight. For mountain retreats, try cozy slate blue velvet curtains evoking chalet warmth. In urban penthouses, azure filtered city nightlights sparkle romantically behind mesh screens.
Kitchens
Tie back wipeable synthetic panels near prep areas and sinks to allow task lighting, while screening dishwashers and unsightly counters when closed. For glass front cabinets, have fabric frames spotlight displayed dishware. Navy and white ticking stripe cafe curtains filter incoming dawn rays beautifully.
Caring for Blue Curtains
Washing Methods
Check labels for allowable washing methods like:
- Machine wash cold gentle cycle
- Line dry or low heat tumble dry
- Professional dry cleaning
To avoid running dye, wash similar color items together in cold batches. Reshape panels while drying to prevent permanent creases. For smoothed finishing, consider touchless steam pressing to avoid crushing delicate motifs. This refreshes crushed hems and visible dust buildup over time too.
FAQs
Do blue curtains fade over time?
It depends on the fabric, dyes used and light exposure levels. Sturdy polyester maintains color extremely well even in direct sun. Naturals like cotton and linen, and darker hues tend fade more over years. Lined opaque panels help prevent fading.
Can you machine wash blackout curtains?
Check labels first, as some advise dryclean only to protect heavier blackout backings layered in. Many blackouts today however are designed for machine washing to handle bedroom use and frequent laundering. Wash in cold water gentle cycle. Line dry or low heat tumble dry to prevent possible shrinking.
It's easy to refresh your space with the beauty of blue curtains because of the endless colors and styles. Use our overview when designing rooms or searching for that perfect vibrant touch. Pay mind to coordinating patterns, proper picture framing heights and insulating fabrics for fully customized style and comfort all year round.