Dress your windows with these gorgeous drapes and valances.
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Just like a fresh coat of paint or new rug, curtains are one of the easiest ways to transform the look and feel of any interior. No matter if a room has one window or five, hanging drapery or valances instantly add color, texture, and warmth to spaces, big and small. Although many of them serve a purpose (light-filtering, temperature-regulating curtains, for example), they can also double as wall art if you pick ones covered in fun patterns, bold geometrics, or three-dimensional accents. There are so many different curtain types to choose from: sheer valances that let the light in, blackout curtain panels that block everything out, thermal insulated drapes that regulate temperatures and sounds, and so on.
If you're not sure where to start, browse through this list of the best curtains from a range of brands and online retailers. Find something for every room — bedroom, kitchen, and living room, especially — and style without compromising on the functional elements that curtains bring. Before getting your heart set on a style and design, measure the length and width of your windows and consider what type of light filtration or privacy you're looking for. Most curtains are either sheer, light filtering (lets some light pass through), room darkening (blocks out natural light), or completely blackout (blocks 100% of light). Curtain header styles also differ: Pick from rod pocket, grommet, rod pocket back tab, tab top, and pinch pleat, depending on the final aesthetic you have in mind.
Now, take a look at our favorite places to buy curtains online.
Amazon
You already go to Amazon for all of your home needs, and curtains should definitely make the list. Here, you'll find a range of curtain types and brands, whether you're looking for blackout panels for a bedroom or sheer valances with an extra-luxe look. An added bonus: Most of them are eligible for two-day shipping with a Prime membership!
Walmart
Walmart follows the "save more, live better" philosophy — and their insanely low curtain prices are just one of the many ways they do so. Curtain sets, including this one from Mainstays, start as low as $6, so you can give any room an upgrade on a budget. Two of Walmart's popular exclusive brands, The Pioneer Woman and Drew Barrymore Flower Home, also have a selection of patterned styles for more daring decorators.
Parachute
A go-to for all things bedding, bath, and tabletop, Parachute recently launched a curtain collection made with the same high-quality fabric that their shoppers know and love. Dress your windows in pure linen panels, available in light gray (seen here) and white, and keep them in place with their assortment of matte black hardware.
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Wayfair
Known for their affordable prices and quick delivery, Wayfair has tons of window treatments for you to pick from, everything from floor-skimming drapery to light-filtering valances. Make a statement with your curtains by going for something with big florals, geometric patterns, or sparkly embellishments.
Bed Bath and Beyond
Brookstone, a former mall staple-turned-Bed Bath & Beyond exclusive brand, goes beyond at-home gadgets (think: neck massagers and digital picture frames) and ultra-plush bedroom accessories. They also have a range of blackout and darkening curtains in a variety of lengths and shades, which many shoppers call "the perfect curtains." Remember: You can score 20% off any single item if you sign up for offers online or in-store.
West Elm
West Elm seamlessly blends style and function in each of their curtain styles. This velvet set, for example, has a subtle sheen and super-soft feel, while still effectively blocking out light and cold air. You even have the option to leave curtains unlined or add a blackout lining for added customization.
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Society6
Browse through the hundreds of sheer and blackout curtains designed by artists around the globe to get a window covering and art piece all in one. Let the curtains hang, as opposed to being tied back, so you can see the beautiful illustrations in full.
Pottery Barn
Similar to its sister brand West Elm, Pottery Barn sources top-notch fabrics to make made-to-last curtains. Some of their offerings are even made with sustainably-sourced and Fair Trade materials, including these blackout curtains made out of linen and cotton blend.
The Shade Store
Say you have an extra-tall window to cover or an oddly-shaped bay window, turn to The Shade Store to build your own custom treatments. Along with blinds and shades, they have eight distinct styles of drapery to choose from: ripple fold, tailored pleat, inverted pleat, and so forth. Order color swatches and request free professional measurement before placing any orders to ensure that you get exactly what you need.
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The Company Store
For a timeless look, shop from The Company Store's classic range of curtains, all made with different fabrics, textures, and light-blocking capabilities. Although there aren't many patterned options available on their site, all window treatments come in array of bold, muted, and neutral colors to match any space.
Amanda Garrity
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
