21 Types of Curtains and How to Choose One

Curtains and window treatments are often overlooked but are essential elements in a room. Besides their practical function of blocking out light, they act as the final finishing layer that completes a space. They are a fantastic way to add a splash of color and a pop of pattern.

There are countless types of curtains available in different styles, lengths, and materials. Use this comprehensive guide to choose the right curtains for your home.

Blackout Curtains

Best for: Bedrooms

Blackout curtains completely block out light, allowing complete darkness to promote a good night's sleep. Their thickly woven lining prevents light from filtering through. Besides regulating light, blackout curtains also help control temperature, keeping drafts out in the winter and hot air in during the summer. This set from Deconovo is an excellent example.

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Curtains With Tiebacks

Best for: Bedrooms and living rooms

Curtain tiebacks are a decorative and practical addition to window panels. They typically come with the curtains and are made from the same material. However, you’ll also find them in materials like woven cords embellished with tassels or complementing fabrics. They are secured in place with two loops on either end, which attach to a hook on the wall.

Pleated Panel Curtains

Best for: Formal living spaces and bedrooms

To add an elegant and slightly dressy look to your windows, pleated panel curtains are a beautiful choice. The pleats are formed from multiple fabric folds, bunched together to create fullness. They hang uniformly, offering a timeless and sophisticated feel.

Single Panel Curtains

Best for: Small windows, a modern look

A smaller window may only require one curtain panel instead of two. It’s typically made from one continuous piece of fabric. You can always purchase two panels for either side of the window or even double up on panels for larger windows or sliding doors.

Double Panel Curtains

Best for: Bay windows, French and sliding doors

As the name suggests, double curtain panels consist of two single panels on each side of the window. When purchasing your window treatments, read the product description carefully to check if it contains one or two panels.

Pinch Pleat Curtains

Best for: Formal living spaces and bedrooms

Pinch pleat curtains add a decorative touch to your windows if you're looking for extra detailing. A classic pinch pleat is made from three tight fabric folds that form a fan-like detail at the top of the curtain panel, with the pleats gently fanning out toward the ground.

Grommet Curtains

Best for: Windows where you frequently open and close the curtains

Grommet curtains are easy to open and close quickly, thanks to how well they slide along the rod. The panels have round metal rings built into the top part, eliminating the need for curtain rings since the rod slides directly through the holes punched into the fabric. These curtains create a clean, modern look perfect for streamlined, contemporary, and transitional spaces.

Cafe Curtains

Best for: Kitchens and bathrooms

Cafe curtains differ from other curtains in that they only cover the bottom portion of the window, allowing light to filter in through the top while still providing privacy. They can be easily installed using a small tension rod instead of a permanent rod and are most commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms.

Tab Top Curtains

Best for: Informal spaces

Tab top curtains feature loops at the top made from the same fabric as the panel, allowing them to hang directly from a curtain rod. They don’t require curtain rings, and sometimes instead of sewn-on loops, they have sewn-on ties that add an extra decorative feature.

Floor Length Curtains

Best for: Living spaces, bedrooms

Use floor-length curtains to visually extend the height of the ceiling and make a room feel larger. People often hang curtains too low, making the ceiling appear low and heavy. The general rule is to hang them two-thirds of the way between the window and ceiling, closer to the ceiling.

Apron Length Curtains

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms where the space under the window is blocked

Apron-length curtains fall just below the window sill. They are generally not as popular as they were in decades past, but they are a good choice for spaces with furniture or a heater directly under the window.

Puddle Length Curtains

Best for: Living spaces and bedrooms

Puddle-length curtains “puddle” on the ground to create a dramatic yet soft look. The drawback is that they can collect a lot of dust, resulting in the need for more frequent washing.

Light Filtering Curtains

Best for: Rooms where you don’t need complete darkness

Light-filtering curtains aren’t completely see-through like sheer curtains, but they let in much more light than room-darkening or blackout curtains. They provide some privacy and block direct sunlight while allowing plenty of light to filter in. They are made from thinner, loosely woven, lightweight fabrics, usually cotton or polyester.

Window Scarf Curtains

Best for: Traditional-style and formal rooms

You will typically see window scarf curtains in traditional-style rooms. Their fabric often coordinates or matches the upholstery in the room. These curtains are usually made from three pieces—two curtain panels and a decorative valance on top that drapes over the panels like a scarf.

Rod Pocket

Best for: Standard-size windows and saving money

Rod pocket curtains are one of the most common types. They have a sleeve at the top for slipping onto the curtain rod. Some fit snugly on the rod and are not easy to open and close frequently. The pocket may have a small ruffle above it, so account for the size of the ruffle when calculating how low to hang the rod from the ceiling. Because they are popular, they come in many styles, fabrics, and price points, making them a budget-friendly option. The pockets come in different sizes to fit various rod diameters.

Goblet Pleat

Best for: Formal bedrooms and living rooms

Goblet pleat drapes add elegance to any formal space. The top part of these drapes, also called goblet pinch pleats, looks like a goblet. The fabric is pinched, similar to how you would pinch the stem of a goblet with your fingers, with the top cylindrical part looking like a goblet. Whenever you pinch or pleat fabric, it requires more material, making it more voluminous and drape beautifully. The volume adds to the luxurious feel.

Thermal

Best for: Energy efficiency, reducing light in a room, cost savings

Thermal insulated curtains are so named because they help retain heat in winter by reducing drafts and block out sunlight in summer to reduce cooling costs. These curtains are made of special insulated fabric, which can increase your home's energy efficiency and help you save money over time.

Ripple Fold

Best for: Giving the room a soft, modern look

Also called wave drapery, ripple fold drapes work with a special ripple fold rod or track system and clips that allow you to create waves or "s" curves along the track. When drawn closed, the top ripples or waves are held in place by the snaps or clips, giving the room a lush feel. Also, when opened, they fold well onto themselves, allowing more light to enter without the thick bunching from pleated curtains.

Half Curtains

Best for: Small windows in kitchens and bathrooms

Half curtains offer a bit of privacy and function, plus plenty of charm to your home. They work best for small windows, such as those in a powder room or over a kitchen sink. They slide onto a small rod placed halfway up the window, usually requiring a single or double panel, depending on the window’s width.

These petite curtains come in various attractive patterns and designs with detailed trims. They primarily offer privacy on the lower half of the window while letting in lots of light through the uncovered top portion. Additionally, they bring color, texture, and a cozy aesthetic touch to your space.

Asymmetrical Curtains

Best for: Single-panel curtain windows where the curtain is mainly decorative

Smaller windows covered with single curtain panels can leverage asymmetrical curtains. This method uses one panel per window without needing a second panel. Simply invest in a single curtain tieback per window, screw it into the wall on one side, and stretch out the panel from corner to corner to cover the window. Leaving the