If you’ve ever stood in your dining room wondering what kind of curtains go in a dining room, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with this space because it sits between formal and everyday living. The wrong dining room curtain can make meals feel dull, dated, or uncomfortable. The right one can instantly make the room feel warm, stylish, and welcoming.
This guide is built to solve that real problem. I’ll walk you through dining room drapes ideas that actually work in real homes—not just magazine photos. You’ll learn how to choose curtains for dining room spaces, what colors help create the right mood, and how to make curtains look modern without spending a fortune.
Should You Put Curtains in a Dining Room? Let’s Clear the Confusion
Yes—you should put curtains in a dining room, and here’s why:
- They soften hard surfaces like tables, chairs, and floors
- They control glare during daytime meals
- They add warmth, texture, and style
- They help define the space in open-plan homes
Even minimalist or modern dining rooms benefit from dining room curtains. The key is choosing the right style and fabric so they enhance—not overpower—the room.
How to Choose Curtains for Dining Room Spaces - Simple & Practical
Before jumping into styles, think about these real-life factors:
1. Light Needs
- Lots of daylight? Go for sheer curtains for dining room
- Evening dinners? Consider layered dining room drapes
- Street-facing windows? Light-filtering or lined options add privacy
2. Room Size
- Small dining area curtains should feel light and airy
Big windows can handle bold dining room drapery ideas
3. Lifestyle
- Kids or pets? Choose durable dining room curtains
- Busy home? Look for low-maintenance dining room drapes
This approach prevents common mistakes and makes your choice feel effortless.
11 Dining Room Curtain Ideas Based on Styles and Trends
Below are designer-approved dining room drapes ideas that match today’s trends while staying practical for everyday living.
Sheer Curtains for a Light and Modern Feel
Sheers are perfect if you want brightness without harsh sunlight.
Why they work:
- Make small rooms feel larger
- Create a calm, airy mood
- Pair well with modern dining room curtain ideas
Best colors: white, soft gray, beige
Best for: casual dining rooms, breakfast nooks, open-plan spaces
Velvet Curtains for a Luxurious Touch
If you love elegant dinners and rich textures, velvet is unbeatable.
Benefits:
- Adds depth and drama
- Enhances evening ambiance
- Ideal for elegant dining room curtains
Best colors: emerald, navy, burgundy, charcoal
Tip: Use tiebacks during the day to keep the room balanced.
Layered Curtains for Versatility
Layering gives you control over light, privacy, and mood.
How it works:
- Sheer panel + blackout or lined drape
- Daytime brightness, nighttime intimacy
This is one of the most practical dining room drapes ideas for homes that host often.
Roman Shades for Small or Urban Dining Rooms
Roman shades are clean, tailored, and space-saving.
Why homeowners love them:
- No floor-length fabric clutter
- Perfect for small dining areas
- Blend well with modern curtain styles
Fabric tip: linen or cotton blends for a soft look.
Patterned Curtains for a Bohemian Flair
Patterns bring life to neutral dining rooms.
Popular choices:
- Florals
- Geometric prints
- Subtle ethnic patterns
They work especially well in bohemian dining room curtain ideas and eclectic homes.
Linen Curtains for Rustic Farmhouse Charm
Linen is a favorite for homeowners who want relaxed elegance.
Why linen works:
- Breathable and natural
- Softens sunlight beautifully
- Ideal for farmhouse dining room drapes
Neutral linen tones also pair well with wood tables and warm lighting.
Grommet Curtains for a Minimalist Edge
Grommet tops slide easily and look clean.
Best for:
- Modern dining room curtains
- Rental homes
- Large windows
They’re simple, affordable, and very user-friendly.
Cafe Curtains for Vintage or Country Vibes
Cafe curtains cover the lower half of the windows.
Perfect for:
- Privacy without blocking light
- Cozy breakfast spaces
- Casual dining room curtains
They’re small, charming, and budget-friendly.
Metallic Curtains for a Glamorous Dining Room
A subtle shimmer can elevate the room instantly.
Best used when:
- Furniture is simple
- Lighting is warm
- You want a touch of luxury
Metallic dining room curtains work best in moderation.
Textured Curtains for Scandinavian Simplicity
Texture adds interest without bold color.
Great textures include:
- Slub linen
- Woven cotton
- Soft tweeds
These are ideal practical dining room curtains for calm, modern homes.
Color Block Curtains for Bold Contrast
Color block designs create instant style.
Try this when:
- Walls are neutral
- Furniture is minimal
- You want a modern focal point
This trend is strong in modern dining room drapes for 2025.
Types of Dining Room and Curtain Ideas for Each Space
Different dining setups need different solutions:
- Open-plan dining room drapes: light-filtering or layered
- Small dining area curtains: sheers or Roman shades
- Formal dining room: velvet or tailored panels
- Outdoor dining space curtains: fade-resistant fabrics
This keeps the room functional and visually balanced.
What Color Curtains for Dining Room Spaces Feel Right?
Color affects mood and appetite more than people realize.
Warm Colors
- Beige, taupe, soft terracotta
- Encourage conversation and comfort
Cool Colors
- Gray, blue, sage
- Calm and modern dining atmosphere
Classic Neutrals
- White dining room curtains
- Gray dining room drapes
Neutrals are safe, timeless, and easy to style.
Real Client-Style Example: Solving a Dining Room Problem
A homeowner had a dark dining room with large windows and heavy furniture. Meals felt gloomy—even during the day.
Solution:
- Replaced dark panels with sheer curtains for dining room
- Added linen side panels for texture
- Switched to warm beige tones
Result:
The room felt brighter, more welcoming, and guests stayed longer at the table. This is the power of choosing the right dining room curtain design.
Affordable and Practical Curtain Solutions From Unicurt
If you’re balancing style and budget, smart sourcing matters.
Look for:
- Affordable dining room curtains with custom sizing
- Low-maintenance dining room drapes that resist fading
- Eco-friendly linen and cotton blends
For inspiration on pairing styles across spaces, see What Color Curtain to Use for a Grey-White Bedroom Scheme and explore color coordination ideas in What Curtains Go with Gray Furniture?
How to Make Curtains Look Modern Without Renovation
You don’t need new furniture—just smart styling:
- Hang rods closer to the ceiling
- Choose longer panels for elegance
- Stick to neutral or trending curtain colors 2025
- Avoid overly busy patterns
These small changes instantly modernize dining room curtains.
Drawing Room Curtain Styles That Work in Dining Areas Too
Many drawing room curtain styles translate beautifully:
- Floor-length linen panels
- Minimal grommet designs
- Soft textured neutrals
Using similar drawing room curtain design ideas helps create flow in open homes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dining room drapes ideas isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about solving real, everyday problems. The right dining room curtains can improve lighting, create a welcoming mood, protect privacy, and instantly elevate your space without a full makeover. Whether you prefer modern dining room curtain ideas, casual dining room curtains, or elegant dining room drapes, the key is matching fabric, color, and style to how you actually use the room. By focusing on comfort, durability, and visual balance, you can turn your dining area into a space where people enjoy sitting longer, talking more, and making memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of curtains go in a dining room?
The best choice depends on your space and lifestyle. Sheer curtains for the dining room work well for bright, airy rooms. Velvet curtains for the dining room add luxury for formal settings. Linen curtains for the dining room are ideal for farmhouse or casual styles. For flexibility, layered dining room curtains are a smart option.
2. Should you put curtains in a dining room?
Yes. Curtains help control light, reduce glare, add warmth, and complete the room’s design. Even minimalist spaces benefit from simple dining room drapery ideas like sheers or Roman shades.
3. How do I choose the right curtain color for my dining room?
Start with your wall color and furniture.
- Neutral rooms look great with beige dining room curtains, gray dining room drapes, or white panels
- Dark furniture pairs well with warm tones
- Light rooms can handle deeper colors for contrast
The goal is balance, not matching everything exactly.
4. What are the best curtains for small dining rooms?
For small spaces, choose light-filtering dining room curtains, Roman shades, or short panels. Avoid heavy fabrics. These options make the room feel larger and brighter while staying practical.
5. How can I make my dining room curtains look modern?
To modernize your look:
- Hang curtains closer to the ceiling
- Use longer panels for a clean line
- Stick to neutral or trending colors
- Choose simple hardware
These tips work for both modern dining room drapes and classic styles.