Whether you’re tearing up old wallpaper or preparing to paint a new wall, one question you may have is “What should curtains be light or darker than existing walls?” In this article we will answer this question and give some renovation tips for homeowners. Whether your walls are an olive (red, oranges, yellows or browns), a hot (beige, yellow or maroon) or cold (purple, green or gray) color, it’s often recommended that new window treatments to be of the same tone as the existing wallpaper. Choosing a contrasting color at least one tone darker or lighter than the current version on the wall, however, isn’t always recommended.
When it comes to living room ideas, people often turn to “cheap” wallpaper borders in hopes of sprucing up their space. However, if you truly want to add to brighten up your space and add definition to your design, then don’t skimp on your wallpaper. Remember that although bright wallpapers are inexpensive, they still don’t come cheap. If you want to save money, then skip the cheaper option and invest in real wood vinyl that easily matches most decors. Not only does it cost less, but it also looks classy.
In addition to using inexpensive vinyl blinds and drapes, another inexpensive option for brightening up your living room is using designer blinds and curtains. The trick here is not to go cheap-you’ll still get plenty of value for your money by going with high quality materials and designer-style patterns. Blinds constructed out of PVC membranes are very affordable compared to comparable products made out of genuine wood, especially if you choose blinds with a natural finish like an oak-shade. For more definition, look for blinds constructed from woven fabric like bamboo. Fabric blinds work well in smaller areas because they’re easy to use and customize.
There’s one thing you can count on no matter which type of window treatments you choose: overhead light can ruin the look of patterned, printed fabrics, so keep that in mind when choosing light-colored window treatments. On the other hand, if you want to create a relaxing, homey feel, then choose darker colors for your fabrics and patterned draperies and blinds. Darker window treatments also help reduce heat in your home since they prevent light from penetrating through windows. A darker room feels lighter and more inviting, making it perfect for small-business owners who want to build an inviting environment that their employees can feel at ease in.
When you’re deciding whether or not you want rooms to be brighter than walls or vice versa, one factor you need to consider is where the room is located. If you have a light-colored living room and want to turn it into a darker space by installing darker window treatments, you’ll need to install a fan or additional window-covering materials. For example, if you have white walls but want to make the room appear more dark, install a dark ceiling fan or use black sheets to totally block out the light. You may also need to add artificial lighting, such as dimmers or spotlights, to improve the look of the room. You can add extra light fixtures around the room or hang flowers to create a colorful, relaxing atmosphere.
However, if you’re looking for a brighter decorating look, like creating a Tuscan feel in a living room or a cozy feel in a bedroom, you need to go with lighter shades of fabric and patterned draperies or blinds shades. For example, you might want to opt for a bold red valance instead of a damask-hemmed one, or paint a wall to resemble that of a farmhouse with a western-themed rug. These types of light-colored blinds shades will give your rooms a richer, warmer look, lending a Mediterranean ambience to them. On the other hand, if you have a masculine-themed room, then darker-hued curtains and blinds shades are more fitting.
In addition, when you are deciding on whether you should brighten or darken your home’s walls, you also have to take into account the size and shape of your rooms. If you have a small room, for instance, adding bright colors will make it seem larger. On the other hand, if you have a large open space in your living room, you can use a darker color on the walls to make it seem more formal. Remember that in a large room, any type of shade, no matter how rich or deep, will simply grow increasingly dim and seem to blend in overtime.
In conclusion, when you are choosing between curtains and window treatments, the question “Should curtains be lighter or darker than walls?” can only be answered by you and your family. Your needs, as with most things, are individual. For many people, having an overall theme throughout their home is more important than the exact design of each room.