Many people are forgoing dressers in place of alternatives that can save space while keeping things organized. This list will cover twenty-four stylish dresser alternatives that can fit any small bedroom or minimalist lifestyle.
Use a Corner
If you don’t want to take up all the space in a small bedroom with a big piece of chunky furniture like a dresser, get creative and turn a corner of your room into a neat, organized space.
Hanging a few shelves gives you places for items that can’t be hung up, like shoes, t-shirts, and baskets for storage. Then use one or two hanging rods to hang clothes, jackets, or purses.
Some Nice Hooks
Hanging a few nice hooks is a simple and inexpensive alternative to having a dresser. You can use a hook rack or hang individual hooks at varying heights with space in between to allow room for bulky items.
Hanging Rack
If you don’t mind sacrificing some of your closet space, you can add a hanging rack to your closet as a suitable dresser alternative. These organizers give you plenty of shelves without having to install permanent racks.
These racks hang on your closet rod, and some have drawers. You can get them in various lengths to hold items like shoes, folded clothes, purses, and other accessories.
Bed With Drawers
Beds with built-in drawers underneath give you the perfect space-saving solution when you don’t want to have a dresser. Or if you have a dresser but need additional storage.
You can find beds with drawers on the sides that slide out from underneath or as drawers at the foot of the bed. You can even DIY custom drawers for your existing bed if you don’t want new furniture.
Bedside Table with More Storage
Bedside tables with built-in drawers give you the benefit of drawers for storage, plus a table for keeping items close by your bed. But you won’t take up a lot of floor space, as these are typically smaller.
You can choose to use one table with a few pull-out drawers or a table with open shelving to hold baskets or fabric drawers. Or you can double down and place a table on each side of the bed.
Colorful Plastic Storage Bins
Colorful plastic storage bins are fantastic if you’re on a budget or looking for a kid-friendly solution. Buying bins in different colors allow you to color coordinate for easier organization. Buckets are also a fun kid’s idea.
Or, if you want a more grown-up version, look for fabric storage bins in colors or patterns that match your room palette.
Decorative Baskets
You can find decorative baskets in various sizes and styles, guaranteeing that you find ones that match your room decor.
And you can store these baskets just about anywhere, from your closet or under the bed to shelves hung on the wall or tucked into a corner.
Trunk
Placing a trunk at the end of your bed serves a triple purpose. First, antique trucks look great and give charm to any room. Second, you have storage for clothing, shoes, accessories, or extra blankets and pillows.
And finally, a trunk gives you a place to sit while getting ready. You can even add a cushion or pillow to the top for comfort. But you will want to use a different organization to keep your trunk in shape rather than a cluttered mess.
Armoire
An armoire might not generally save any more space than you would take up using a dresser. So, if you have a small bedroom, you likely wouldn’t want to use this piece of furniture.
But the larger size of the armoire does mean you get a lot of space to store clothes while adding charm. Not only can you hang clothes inside, but there’s also a bottom shelf for storing folded clothes.
Coat Tree
Another way to get creative with storage space in place of a dresser is to use a coat tree. Now, this option won’t give you anything in the way of closed storage for folded clothes or undergarments.
But it gives you the perfect place to hang jackets, backpacks, purses, scarfs or even clothes that you would hang in a closet, like shirts, dresses, or pants. Then add shelving into the closet to account for the missing drawers you don’t get using a coat tree.
Wall Hooks
Wall hooks can give you storage for clothes that you put on a hanger. When you have clips, you have a place for jackets, purses, backpacks, house robes, and other items.
But again, you won’t have a place for folded clothing. So a great balance is to add a trunk or suitcases for your other items.
Faux Window Seat Storage
Window seats are great for a place to sit and look outside. But they can also be for storing clothes when there’s empty space inside.
It’s also possible to build a faux window seat by creating a hollow bench. Then add a hinged top with removable cushions for a cozy place to sit.
Built-In Shelving Unit
You can also go with a built-in shelving unit that goes along the wall, which frees up floor space by not having a dresser.
These built-ins can have multiple shelves of various sizes to accommodate all your storage needs. You can even build a few drawers to store items you don’t want to be left out.
Modern Wardrobe Closet
A modern wardrobe closet is an excellent choice for people who value less space to hang up clothes and more room to store folded ones.
These wardrobes have a rod that holds a small number of clothes hung up, leaving you free to convert your closet into shelves and drawers for most of your folded clothes.
Wall Mounted Clothes Organizer
If you don’t have limitations preventing you from making permanent shelving, consider a wall-mounted clothes organizer.
These permanent shelving organizers give you all the room you’d need for all your clothing storage without even missing the lack of a dresser.
Ladder Hanger
Ladder hangers are an aesthetical alternative to dressers. You can find ladders of unstained wood, boho-inspired, or Scandinavian.
These designs are the perfect solution for a minimalist bedroom. And you can adjust the height based on the number of clothes you want to hang up.
Garment Rack
A garment rack is a great dresser alternative that can give your room a designer studio feel while providing plenty of storage.
These racks have bars for hanging your clothes, with a row of open shelves along one side where you can place baskets for clothes that you fold. Then you can line your shoes up along the bottom shelves.
Pretty Vintage Suitcases
Vintage suitcases are a great visual to include in bedrooms where you want to have a fun prop that also serves a purpose.
You can store clothes in the suitcases, increasing the amount of storage you have by stacking suitcases on top of each other.
Cubicle Organizer
Cubicle organizers have multiple slots filled with baskets and boxes. You can put all of your clothes, shoes, and accessories inside the bins for a simple yet attractive organization.
These dresser alternatives are stylish and give any room character and are especially great for kids’ rooms, where you can also use some of the space for toys, books, or stuffed animals. And you can go with a wide range of styles and colors.
Lingerie Chest
A lingerie chest is a tall, narrow chest full of smaller drawers that won’t take up much room. The tall height is perfect for adding a mirror, jewelry box, or lamp on top.
Lockers
Lockers can be an unconventional dresser alternative that can make any bedroom fun and interesting. You can paint metal lockers in any color to match your room’s color theme.
This idea is excellent for sports fanatics but also kids’ rooms. Use one locker for a place to hang a few things while also storing folded clothes. Or go with a row of lockers for additional storage.
Ottoman
Ottomans are a great space saver for your bedroom as a dresser alternative. Placing an ottoman at the end of your bed gives you somewhere to sit while doing your shoes or watching TV.
And on the inside, you can store folded clothes, blankets, shoes, or other items. There are many different styles, materials, and color choices to go for any decor preferences.
Above Bed Storage
You can save a ton of space in a bedroom by forgoing a dresser in place for built-in shelving above the bed. Wall to wall, floor-to-ceiling shelving can give you the most storage.
But you can also go understated by just hanging a few shelves above your bed or along the walls of your room.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is our final suggestion for dresser alternatives. These shelves do not have sides or fronts, giving them their open concept.
You can place your clothes directly on the shelves or use baskets or bins to keep things organized and private.
Conclusion
Many people give up on traditional furniture storage items like dressers in exchange for ideas that save space, give a unique look, or save the most money. This list provided 24 dresser alternatives that can provide you the storage you need without the traditional methods.
Fireplace mantles are decorative accents in a room. You might wonder how high a fireplace mantel should be.
The height of a fireplace mantel is at least 12 inches above a firebox. Classic add-on mantels are between 54 and 60 inches high off the ground. A fireplace’s design influences the height of a mantel. Fireplace mantels are functional and decorative and fit a room’s style and design.
Whether renovating or building from scratch, a fireplace is functional, and a mantel adds an aesthetic feel. The size of a mantel depends on a room’s use, design and scale. Mantels can vary from ornate reproductions of a bygone era to slick accents that are well-designed and thought about. How high a fireplace mantel should be is more than aesthetics.
What Is The Height For A Mantel Over A Fireplace
Suppose you are designing a home or room from scratch or considering renovating and adding a fireplace. In that case, you will have to consider what’s possible. A fireplace can be designed to add ambiance and is a cost-efficient way to warm a room or a home. No doubt, everyone knows that a fireplace is also the coziest spot in a home.
Most homeowners choose a fireplace mantel as both a decorative and functional item. Framing a fireplace depends on the look and feel of your home and the room. You can build a fireplace with brick or stone or simply drop a metal firebox into a space in a wall.
Designing a fireplace as an accent or a feature can be like those in a farmhouse, a Victorian manor, or one that follows modernist and simple, clean lines with no ornamentation. For many designers and homeowners, a mantel is part and parcel of not only a room with a fireplace. The mantel is a specific accent and focus in a room.
How high and the length and shape of a mantel is often one of the most challenging choices to make. There are a range of choices for a mantel which nowadays are decorative and functional. A mantel frames a fireplace opening and there are many standard sizes to match equally standard size fireboxes.
The original design of a mantel or mantelpiece fitted around the opening of a fireplace and had a hood that stopped smoke from a wood-burning fire from filling a room. A mantel with a hood was the way to direct the smoke up a chimney. The design of fireplaces and mantels has been adapted, even modernized, to be less ornamental.
Mantels are accents and less like the display shelf of photographs and an oil lamp as in the past. Contemporary mantels are large pieces of driftwood, sometimes off shipwrecks, and a focal point and decorative accent. There are many variations in the size and shape of a fireplace mantel. A mantel can be in brick and stone and built by an artisan builder.
A fireplace mantelpiece is often chosen as a talking point – a mantel salvaged from a demolished monastery site or an heirloom from a family home, one hand-selected like an antique beam.
Variations In The Height Of Fireplace Mantels
The height of a fireplace mantel differs. The fireplace’s design and the room’s look and feel influence the height of a mantel. A room’s ceiling height, and the wall at the back of the fireplace, play a part.
There, however, are standards that influence the height of a fireplace and mantel. These often have to do with safety regulations and techniques of building. But aesthetics often is the dominant feature.
As seen above, the height of a fireplace mantel will depend on a fireplace’s design. Whether you are replacing an existing mantel with a custom-made one, the room’s shape plays a part too. The wall height at the back of the fireplace matters, as well as the ceiling height. The aspects mentioned have primarily to do with aesthetics.
Whether you choose a modern look and feel or the style of a country or farmhouse look, you need to be aware of standard heights, like:
A mantel must be at least 12 inches above a firebox or a fireplace’s opening
The National Fire Protection Authority regulates the clearance distance between the top of a wood-burning firebox or a fireplace and the bottom of a mantel. A clearance between 11 and 12 inches, the minimum clearance, is calculated to be the actual width of a mantel. At this close distance, a clearance of about 12 inches allows for a 2-inch overhang.
The wider the mantel overhang, the higher or further away the mantel has to be from the fire opening. As the width of the mantel increases, so does the clearance distance have to be higher. The reason is to prevent the combustibles from setting the mantel alight, especially if the mantel is made out of wood.
You can do the calculations based on a starting minimum clearance of 12 inches between the top of a firebox and the underside of a mantel. Then, for every two inches of a mantel’s depth, add 2 inches to the minimum clearance.
The table below takes the height from the firebox floor as 24 – 30 inches. The height at which a mantel is put is calculated on the mantle’s width:
Mantel Depth
Clearance between firebox & mantel
Height of Mantel from the firebox
Height of Mantel Room Floor
2 inches
12 inches
11 – 12 inches
Approx. 36 – 42 inches
4 inches
14 inches
13- 14 inches
Approx. 38 – 44 inches
6 inches
16 inches
15-16 inches
Approx. 40 – 46 inches
8 inches
18 inches
17-18 inches
Approx. 42 – 48 inches
9-10 inches
20 inches
19 – 20 inches
Approx.44 – 50 inches
How high should a fireplace mantel be?
The further a mantel projects (its depth), also increases the potential for as a fire hazard. That is the reason for the minimum clearance. The above averages are used as a guide – this is a 2-inch clearance added for every two inches that the width of a mantel is wide.
A classic Victorian fireplace mantel and even Art & Crafts mantels for fireplaces stand between 52 – 54 inches off the ground. The width of the mantelpiece is 9 inches – enough to put an oil lamp there – and is far enough away from the fire opening (or firebox) not to be damaged or even to catch alight.
The height of a mantel above a fireplace is more than just safety; the height at which a mantel is put also has aesthetic appeal.
Aesthetics And the Height Of A Mantel Above A Fireplace
As seen above, safety regulations determine the minimum height of a mantle above a fireplace. The deeper a mantel’s width is, the higher the mantel must be above the firebox. There is also a visual dimension as a mantel is used for decorative or accent pieces. Choosing a mantel is therefore not done quickly.
Fireplace mantels vary in size and shape, and a house’s design, and the ambiance you are looking for, will determine what kind of mantel you have at a fireplace. Besides the safety regulations and codes, a mantel must look right in relation to the fireplace.
The mantel must also fit the room and the height of the walls. These design features will say whether you go for a reproduction mantel, a beam, or a stone mantel.
A fireplace in a farm-style house could be one with old-world charm. The mantel is the accent as you walk in, a talking point, and one thing you don’t want to have is its height to jar your eye. So whether installing a free-floating mantel, or a replica, get the proper attention by installing the mantel at roughly 52 inches off the ground and not higher than 60 inches for balance.
Mantels Decorative Appeal
Mantels often are used as a shelf above a fireplace for displays. The displays depend on the mantel’s height and are designed to be visually attractive rather than awkwardly distracting if the height is not carefully considered.
Putting a mantel above a fireplace has to add balance to a space and be neither too high to make you wonder if the ornaments ever get dusted. Nor should a mantel be too low to be a safety hazard at an open wood-burning fire.
Designers suggest a mantel be installed at roughly shoulder level of an average of 5 feet 8 inches. The height, of course, also depends on the intended uses of a room. Even how the room is furnished, and the floor-to-ceiling height of the wall fireplace is in.
Conclusion
A mantel is an accent feature in a room, draws your attention when you walk into a room, and is a talking point. The height at which a mantel is put is not arbitrary. The height of a mantel above an open wood fire is both a safety and aesthetic decision. The dimensions of a room with a fireplace and a mantel matter too.
A mantel has functional and aesthetic appeal, but safety regulations come first. You should check your area’s housing regulations and fire codes before installing a mantel and a fireplace. The clearance height between a mantel and a fireplace should be at least 12 inches to avoid a fire.
If you’re looking for exciting ways to improve the ambiance and aesthetic of your basement, start by making your basement ceiling beautiful.
We’re here to present some easy, affordable basement ceiling ideas to help make your space a beautiful work of art instead of a dark, creepy, underground room. Enjoy your basement as much as you do the rest of your house with these beautiful basement ceiling ideas.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice of ceiling covering due to its low costs, appealing aesthetic, and ease of installation. You have a wide range of styles you can achieve by using wood for your basement ceiling. Here are some design ideas you can use for wood.
Natural
The easiest course of action for a beautiful basement ceiling is to use wood left in its natural state. With this option, all you do is install the wood planks to the ceiling. There’s no painting, staining, or sealing needed.
You can choose whatever species of wood you prefer, going with a more affordable common wood or spending more on a rich exotic. There are options for light tones, dark tones, or a blend of the two. The best thing about leaving wood natural is enjoying the beauty of the wood grain.
Stained
If you enjoy the look of wood, but you want a deeper, richer color, staining is the way to go. You can buy the wood already stained or buy it in a natural stain and do the staining yourself.
Staining wood is a simple process, but it can be time-consuming due to letting each coat dry before applying another. And you’ll have to be sure to use the proper strokes so your stain matches and seal it afterward to keep the stain preserved.
Painted
Everyone loves wood because it’s easy to paint any color you desire. The most common color for basement ceilings is to paint all of the wood a shade of white – country white seems to be quite popular currently. But you can also go with a bright color or use multiple colors to create a bold statement.
Painted wood basement ceilings can help the area feel cozier and lived-in while also giving a trendy aesthetic bouncing light, so space feels bigger.
Shiplap
Thanks to home improvement shows, shiplap has become a desired accessory for many home decors. These small wood planks make a fantastic option for ceilings, especially when painted white.
Some homeowners prefer to get more creative and paint their shiplap in varying colors that create a pattern on the ceiling that makes the room’s color palette. And due to the design, anyone can hang shiplap, making it an inexpensive and easy DIY project.
Wooden Beams
Wooden beams are excellent design features for your basement ceiling. This option can be pretty affordable if you already have beams underneath your old ceiling. Remove the ceiling. If your beams look rough, you can spruce them up with a wood stain.
Another course of action is to install faux wood beams over your existing ceiling. These pieces are light, so there’s less risk of damaging your ceiling. And you can get them in a variety of colors, from natural to stained.
Patterned Wood Planks
Another easy way to turn your basement ceiling into a striking focal point is to use patterned wood, such as a barn or reclaimed planks.
You can create unique patterns like a chevron or herringbone. Or lay them in a typical fashion with the same or varying colors.
Metal
Many people enjoy the aesthetic achieved using metal materials. This material works great for themes such as modern, industrial, rustic, and old-timey. But really, metal can go with any design theme. Here are some common types of metal you can use for your basement ceiling.
Tin
Tin is a great option to give your basement an old-timey, rustic feel. You can buy aged panels and leave them in their existing state. Or you can buy new ones from any hardware store. Tin reflects light and sound, so you have better acoustics and lighting.
Some places like Home Depot offer pre-treated corrugated tin designed to look aged and distressed. The best reasons for choosing tin for your basement ceiling are that it’s reasonably affordable, durable, and long-lasting, and it gives your area a unique look.
Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is an excellent material to use in basements with low ceilings that make the space feel cramped. Due to the shininess of corrugated metal, light bounces off the surface, making the room feel brighter and larger.
Installing corrugated metal throughout your basement ceiling can create a focal point out of your overhead space while creating a pleasing ambiance. Match with rich wood tones for a complete look.
Exposed Pipes
Some basements may have the misfortune of having exposed pipes that a ceiling can’t cover. Painting everything a bright white is a great way to complement your room’s decor while detracting from the unsightliness of exposed pipes.
Having all of the pipes painted white makes them look more like works of art – sculptural elements, if you will. Making them all black gives the room a more modern aesthetic.
Ceiling Tile
Ceiling tiles are a great way to spruce up your basement ceiling without spending a boatload of money and time. You can find acoustic ceiling tiles which will help you with sound control, reducing the noises that filter from your basement into the rest of your house – perfect for game rooms, kids play areas or media rooms.
Uniform
If you want a utilitarian, basic ceiling that will always go with whatever design you choose for your space, the best bet is to stick with a uniform ceiling tile.
These tiles look the same, with no bold patterns or design. You can go with a basic white tile or choose a soft gray or off-white to create a more soothing aura.
Patterned
Patterned ceiling tiles make your ceiling stand out, drawing the eye upwards and improving the roof’s overall ambiance. There is a wide range of styles to choose from in various materials.
You can match it with the ceilings in the rest of your house if you want to make the space feel like an integrated part of the house. Or choose a unique pattern that makes the area a separate space. Consider tiles with sound-blocking properties if your basement will see high use.
Mosaic
Mosaic tiles are a fantastic way to give your basement ceiling character and charm. This option comes in a wide variety of selections, sizes, colors, and designs. Benefits of using mosaic tiles include having different colored tiles on your ceiling without having to hang each piece individually, and they’re economical.
You can choose peel and stick mosaic tiles for the easiest DIY installation, which will cost significantly less and don’t require any installation experience. Or you can use recycled pieces of broken glass to create artistic work.
Paint
If you want the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to give your basement ceiling character and visual appeal, you can’t go wrong with sticking to a simple paint job. DIY’ers of any skill level can accomplish a basement ceiling paint job with little frustration or wasted time. Check out these exciting paint designs to make your ceiling pop.
Contrasting Colors
As the old saying goes, opposites attract, which is why painting your basement ceiling contrasting colors works so well.
You can add layers of different colored paint on top of each other for all-over color or create a striped ceiling by painting different colored lines along the surface.
Patterns
You can also use paint to create patterns in your ceiling. You can buy stencils in varying designs to create motifs, florals, or other themes and paint them on your top.
Or you can do a chevon, herringbone, or striped pattern using different colored paints and some painter’s tape. A fun idea is to paint a sky on your ceiling to enjoy a taste of the outdoors in an area where you don’t have windows.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is another easy, inexpensive way to beautify your basement ceiling. You can buy wallpaper that’s patterned (motif, chevron, mosaic, etc.), designed to imitate natural elements (faux brick or wood), or solid colors.
You can also use wallpaper to create a multi-colored ceiling by cutting paper strips and laying them in alternating layers. It would be best to keep your design subtle, as bold prints can overwhelm the space.
Brick
Brick ceilings can be tricky for most basements, although they work great for cellars or industrial settings. If you want the look of brick, the easiest and most economical way to achieve the look is to use faux brick, paint them, or choose tiles designed to resemble brick.
The real thing is heavy and difficult to install, making it impractical for most home basements. Wallpaper is another suitable way to achieve the look.
Ceiling Medallion
Another option for giving your basement ceiling a new, exciting look is to use a ceiling medallion. You have a wide range of styles and colors that allow you to pick the perfect design to go with your room.
When choosing a ceiling medallion, you’ll want to consider the size of your space to ensure you pick a medallion appropriately sized for the area. Check out this link for more on installing a ceiling medallion.
Recessed Ceiling Panels
Recessed ceiling panels can look great in your basement, but it’s not a DIY project due to the complex installation. This ceiling design works great with media rooms, gaming rooms, or music studios.
When left in their original state, these panels can be boring and unappealing. You can spruce up the design by adding a contrasting color to the trim or the recessed surface. Adding LED rope lights brightens up the recessed panels while providing subtle lighting for your space.
Lighting
Because basements typically lack windows, using the proper lighting is crucial for the right ambiance. Your space may be dark and harsh due to industrial fluorescent lighting or poorly placed light sockets. Below are some great ways to add lighting that improves your room’s design.
Chandelier
Hanging lights like chandeliers can work great in basements, given that you consider the height of your ceilings and how far down your chandelier will hang. You don’t want it so low that people can hit their head on it.
You can choose from a wide range of chandeliers to match your room’s aesthetic. Not only will a chandelier give your room more class and appeal, but the extra lighting can also reduce the need for lamps or wall-mounted fixtures.
Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are fixtures that mount inside your ceiling and provide coverage for a small area. You’ll usually need multiple lights to brighten your entire basement.
But these lights are cost-effective and ideal for low ceilings because nothing is sticking out that could pose a hazard.
Unique Lamps
Lamps are an affordable, easy way to give your basement a unique design while brightening up the area. There are no hard rules for how to use lamps in your basement.
You can choose wild designs to go with specific themes, get artistic, make your own, or choose complementary or eclectic styles.
Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is a great way to combat the humidity of a below-ground space while giving your roof a source of light and aesthetic appeal.
As anyone who’s been to a home improvement store knows, there are a ton of different looks, so you’re sure to find a ceiling fan that meets the theme of your space. But as with chandeliers, you’ll want to ensure there’s enough space height-wise that it won’t be dangerous.
Conclusion
If you want your basement to feel more like a living space in your home than a dark dungeon, try these easy, affordable ideas to make your basement ceiling beautiful. Many people neglect the top part of their space because they don’t realize how much visual appeal a ceiling can have. Don’t miss out on having a beautiful basement by ignoring a crucial design feature – the top.
It doesn’t matter if you choose light, medium, or dark grey; there is bold or subtle colored furniture to suit your stylish new grey walls. If you are interested to know more, read on.
Choosing a furniture color that suits grey walls will depend on the style you are looking for and if you want a warm or cool-toned look. The 8 options that work best for light, medium, and dark grey walls include;
Yellow
Pink
Red and ginger
Orange
Brown
Green
Blue
Purple
If you are unsure of the theme you want to use in your home, many furniture colors and styles will work with your grey walls. You can opt for a bold or subtle look, something in between. New trends such as the Chameleon-styled living spaces have gained popularity in the last few years. We will examine how these colored furniture options work with your grey walls.
What Color Furniture Goes With Grey Walls?
Grey is not just a cool tone; depending on the shade of grey you choose, you can have a warmer grey that can work well if you want to use cool-toned furniture. As most interior designers will tell you, warm-toned walls go well with cool-toned furniture, and cool-toned walls go well with cool-toned furniture.
What’s The Difference Between Cool And Warm Tones?
Not everyone is an interior design guru, so tones and colors can be confusing. Colors that are considered warm include;
Yellow and its variations like camel, mustard, or canary colors.
Red and its variations like pink, brick red, and cherry red.
Orange and its variations like deep orange to brown, peach, sunset, or the color of a sandy beach.
Colors that are considered cool include;
Purple and its variations like plum, eggplant, and violet.
Blue and its variations like teal, baby blue, and ocean blue.
Green and its variations like lime, emerald, or sage green.
The shades are a few examples of the different shades of warm or cool tones, but there are many others. When you divide the color wheel down the middle, you will see that the colors where the two halves meet are considered hybrids and can be used as a cool or warm tone.
You need to use contrasts to compliment the walls and furniture successfully. We will look at what color furniture compliments cool-toned grey walls first.
What Color Furniture Goes With Cool-Toned Grey Walls?
When you decide to use a cool-toned grey wall, you can use warm-toned furniture and accent pieces to bring warmth into the room. When using a bold color, it’s important not to overdo it as it can look overdone, so use another warm color or neutral tones and textures to balance the colors.
The standard ratio is 60% main color (grey walls in this case), 30% 1st accent color (big furniture pieces), and 10% 2nd accent color (scatter pillows or small furniture items). Here are some of the warm-toned colors that go well with cool-toned walls.
Yellow
Yellow can be overwhelming or gaudy on its own, but when you choose light to medium mustard yellow furniture or accent pieces, you won’t believe how stunning it looks. You can also opt for a metallic old gold yellow. If you choose yellow for your furniture, you have two options;
Use a few pieces of big yellow furniture and another cool, warm tone like bright pink or orange accent pieces, or
For the big pieces of furniture, you can use neutral tones and get smaller furniture items that are yellow.
You can choose a darker yellow if you have light-medium grey walls and lighter yellow if you have darker walls. It will give the room warmth and depth.
Pink
Not many people know how great pink furniture can offset grey walls. You can use bright pink, pale or champaign pink furniture with your grey walls. Pink is a bold pop of color that can transform any room with grey walls into an inviting and fun space.
When choosing pink furniture, you can use white accent pieces or other warm tones in lighter pastel shades. It helps balance all the colors in the room. To give the room a different design, you can buy period pieces and have them reupholstered in different shades of pink.
Red And Ginger
Red or ginger furniture goes great with most shades of grey. The one noticeable difference between the two colors is ginger has a little more orange. Ginger leather furniture with brown or yellow accent pieces will warm up a room with grey walls.
If you choose red, you can look for bold modern designs to add a touch of sophistication. It works well with neutral white or warm brown accent pieces.
Orange
Orange furniture looks fantastic in a room with light or dark grey walls. It can tie the room together and create a cozy atmosphere. For accent pieces, you can use brown or white colors. It helps even out the color balance. This color scheme works well with modern furniture.
Brown
Brown is classified as a warm color as it is a dark shade of orange. Too much brown with grey will look dull and uninspired, so be sure to add a few interesting textured accent pieces in burnt orange, gold, or light yellow. The room will look stylish and put together but cozy.
What Color Furniture Goes With Warm-Toned Grey walls?
You can use cool-toned furniture when using a warm-toned grey on the walls. When the grey has a subtle brown undertone, it becomes a warm-tone color. Then this section of the post is for you. Here are the colors that go well with warm-toned grey walls.
Green
You can use emerald, sage, or olive green furniture in a room with warm-toned grey walls. When you use green furniture, you can use brown or yellow accent pieces, or if you want a cleaner look, you can use off-white accent pieces. A light yellow or brown textured rug will work just as well.
Blue
You can use bright blue-colored furniture for darker grey walls, and darker blue-colored furniture works well with light grey walls. You can add light brown, grey, or white accent pieces if you want to highlight the bold color contrast. Blue is a happy color that will liven up a dark or dull room in no time.
Purple
Purple might be seen as cool, but when you use vivid purple or violet purple furniture with warm-toned grey walls, there will be nothing cool about the room. Purple furniture can be offset with lighter shades of grey, off-white, and light green. These accent colors work well together and with grey walls.
Do Neutral Colors Go With Grey Walls?
Neutral colors are those colors on the color wheel that can be used in warm or cool-toned rooms. We already looked at brown as it can be seen as either warm or neutral, while dark brown can lean more toward the cool tone side.
Other neutral colors include white, black, beige, taupe, and grey. These colors work well with grey if you use them correctly. When you use them in a monochromatic fashion, you should ensure to use accents with different textures to prevent the room from looking bland or monotonous.
You can use black furniture and offset it with beige and light grey accents. You can also use white furniture and use shades of brown and black accent pieces. The great thing about neutral shades is that you can use them on their own or add a dash of color with a chair, throw pillow, table, or even a rug, which will look fantastic.
What Is A Chameleon-Grey Colored Room?
One of the popular trends that have taken off in the last few years has been to use multiple shades of grey on the walls and furniture, then use one bright accent color to give the room that pop of color and bind the room together. This trend works well if you don’t want to use more than one accent color and you have many different shades of grey furniture.
Conclusion
Grey walls give you a clean slate in any room, and many colors go with grey. These colors can be used in the furniture you choose. To ensure you don’t end up with a room that is overwhelming, you can use some accent pieces in complimentary colors so the colors you choose blend and balance each other out.
Gray walls are currently trending due to their neutrality, which allows you to choose a range of accent colors that won’t clash with your walls.
Gray adds depth to a room without making the space feel dark and crowded. No room design is complete without curtains over the windows. While many colors go well with gray, we’ve found 21 curtain color ideas to go with gray walls. Choosing these colors will make your room pop with colors.
Painting your walls gray allows you to redecorate your room with colored curtains to achieve remodels without the labor and costs of repainting.
Neutrals
We’ll start our list of the best colors for your curtains to go with gray walls by looking at other neutral colors. Neutral colors are great for giving subtle coloring that won’t overpower the gray walls or cause your room to look distracting or cluttered.
White
White is a timeless color that pairs well with any color. When matched with dark gray walls, white curtains can make the room feel airy and light against the darker walls.
Choosing oil-rubbed bronze curtain rods is great for a farmhouse feel. Or you can use soft brass to achieve a warm glam style. Choosing sheer white curtains brightens up the space. Taking the curtains to the ceiling rather than to the top of the window frame can make the ceiling look higher, perfect for small rooms that you want to look bigger.
Cream
Cream is another suitable neutral color to pair with gray walls. This light color adds warmth to the space that you wouldn’t get when using white curtains.
If you want to take your design a bit further, consider curtains in multiple colors such as cream and tan stripes to get a contrast of colors that brightens up gray walls.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another neutral color that goes well with gray due to the blend of yellow and gray tones. Since gray walls can make a room feel cold and unwelcoming, soft colors like oatmeal warm the space up.
Choosing warmer accent colors with oatmeal-colored curtains allows the gray walls to feel light and airy rather than cold and boring.
Dusty Rose
Dusty rose curtains are traditionally for nurseries. But many people are incorporating them into other rooms with gray walls, such as the living room or dining room.
This color can make any room look sophisticated, paired with gray walls, olive and burgundy accents, and white furniture.
Charcoal
Charcoal looks excellent with gray walls because of the similar color tones. Charcoal is a darker shade of gray that’s almost black. Pairing dark charcoal gray curtains with gray walls add contrasts. You can choose solid, designed, or embroidered curtains.
Hang your curtains from wrought iron curtain rods and metal tables with a brightly colored couch to keep the neutral colors from looking too bland. Use charcoal curtains on light gray walls for a modern, sleek design. Complete the look with modern furniture and accent pieces.
Tan
Tan is a warm, neutral, almost brown color that pairs well with cooler grays. This color gives the room a warm glow that can help make small spaces look cozy and bright.
This color goes well in small bedrooms or living spaces with gray walls where you need to brighten up the room without using bright colors.
Bold Colors
If light neutral colors aren’t your thing, you can choose bright, bold colored curtains to go with gray walls. Let’s look at some of the best bold color choices.
Navy Blue
Navy blue is a superb choice for curtains to go with gray walls. This deep rich shade provides contrasting colors that draw the eye without darkening the room.
Pair the look with brown camel furniture with warm-tone or neutral cream and white accents. When choosing a bright color for the curtains, using warm or neutral tone colors can prevent the space from looking too colorful.
Chalky Blue
Blue and gray complement each other, no matter which shades of gray or blue you choose. But some blues will look better on gray, such as a chalky dusty blue. Chalk blue gives the space a sophisticated feel that works well in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, or offices.
This color has light gray undertones, making it go excellent with gray walls, creating a soft accent that blends rather than contrasts with gray walls. Whether your walls are a dark gray or a lighter shade, chalk blue will make the perfect pairing.
Because chalk blue has gray tones, it won’t add contrasting colors. You can use darker fixtures and accents to get the contrast you need to make your room stand out.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a vibrant, fun color that creates bright color contrasts to brighten up a space when paired with gray walls.
You can use these curtains in play areas, kids’ rooms, living rooms, or dining rooms where you need to brighten the space up. Choose other bright, vibrant accents for a cheery, colorful room, or go with darker shades of turquoise to tone down the brightness.
Yellow/Mustard
It may sound like a weird combo, but gray and yellow go great together, making it easy to pair gray walls with yellow curtains.
Bright yellow shades give your space a cheery, warm aesthetic, while mustard yellow provides the area with a more refined look.
Natural Green
Natural green is another fantastic color to pair with gray walls. Shades of green give the space an outdoorsy, earthy aesthetic.
You can choose green curtains with floral patterns or pick a soft olive green curtain that compliments light gray walls. Completing the design with browns and warm neutrals, a few white accents, and some indoor plants gives you the perfect indoor space.
Emerald Green
Jewel-toned curtains go fantastic with gray walls to create a sophisticated, classic living space. While natural green curtains are better for a bohemian feel, emerald green curtains are more elegant and formal.
Choose emerald green curtains for rooms with mid-century modern furniture, light or dark gray walls, and brass accents.
Lilac
Lilac is a pastel purple shade that pops when paired with light gray walls. For people who are not fans of pastels, try darker shades of purple like wine, plum, or magenta.
Any shade of purple looks excellent with gray walls, whether light or dark shades. White or light wood furniture pairs well with purples. Lilac goes best with dark gray walls. If you have darker gray walls, go with violet or bright purple. These shades will also go well with light gray.
While purple is a more feminine color that looks great in bedrooms, it can also go well in living rooms, playrooms for children, or cozy sitting rooms. Purple pillows, gray bedding, and warm furniture create a more elegant space.
Coral
Coral-colored curtain panels are sure to brighten up any gray room. But this vibrant pink shade will provide a dynamic pop of color.
If you want to achieve a bright, colorful space, complete your design by choosing white accents. To tone down the brightness of coral, choose navy blue colors instead.
Charcoal Grey
Charcoal gray curtains are the perfect choice for spaces where you want a masculine feel. You can also use this color curtain if you prefer a darker color palette.
Charcoal gray goes great with pale gray walls, as the darker tones complement the lighter shades without overpowering the walls. Charcoal is almost black, although it’s softer, allowing the space to feel warm and inviting. Pair with more delicate accents for pops of brightness to keep the area from getting too dark.
Green
Shades of green look great with gray walls, whether in a solid color or floral patterns. Green curtains or valances give your space a natural, earthy look.
You can choose green curtains for various rooms in the house, from the living room, and kitchen to the bedrooms. Complete the design with indoor plants, color accents in olive green, cream, or beige, and natural fixtures. White furniture goes well with darker shades of green.
Patterns
Many people prefer to choose curtains with patterns rather than one solid color. Popular patterns for curtains include stripes, geometric prints, plaids, and florals. Patterns are great for adding various colors to a room or matching other design pieces like paintings, furniture, or throw pillows.
Vibrant Florals
Are you a fan of floral prints? Then we have good news for you. Choosing large floral curtains in vibrant colors is the perfect way to add splashes of color against gray walls.
Larger prints make it easier to decorate a room without making it feel cluttered, whereas small images can make the space look too busy. And because gray tends to wash out other colors, you don’t have to worry that your vibrant floral print curtains will dominate the design.
You can pair floral print curtains with solid neutral furniture and accent pieces or carry the vibrant colors into your furniture and room decor.
Natural Stripes
Striped curtains are a great way to bring in some color without overdoing it. Choosing neutral-colored stripe curtains is the perfect solution for giving your space character.
Natural stripe curtains won’t pop with color, but they will add warmth and texture to break up the monotony of gray walls. Layers of neutral color striped curtains give the room extra depth and elegance.
Ombre
Ombre is a great way to make a statement with your space without choosing a bright curtain color. Ombre curtains come in a range of shades, with the primary color fading out into other colors. You can select these curtains for any room in the house.
Due to the way ombre curtains fade out in color, it’s the perfect way to have a burst of color to complement gray, while the fading softens the space and the color of the curtains. These curtains add depth and layer to your roof by having pops of color fading to a more neutral color that then bursts into color at the bottom.
Buffalo Check
Buffalo check curtains are essential for country, rustic, or farmhouse decors. You can get this style in various colors, allowing you to pick a color combo that matches your room’s color palette.
The checkered pattern of these curtains provides the perfect accent for gray walls by adding color tamed down by bright colors. This curtain style is ideal for creating a cozy, homey feel in any room in the house. Thinner fabrics allow you to have more airflow from open windows than thicker materials.
Multi-Color
Multi-colored curtains are the ultimate way to achieve an easy but fun bohemian aesthetic. Pick curtains with a mix of patterns and colors to make your windows stand out.
Mix and match different multi-colored curtains against gray walls to make your windows the focal point of the room. To ensure your windows remain the center of attention, pick furniture in neutral solids. Choose one or two colors from the curtains for accent pieces.
Conclusion
Gray is the perfect choice for walls because it goes with any other color. You can make your walls neutral by choosing a light gray color. Or give your walls contrast with a darker gray. We’ve given you X curtain color ideas that go excellent with gray walls. Whether you choose solid colors, patterns, neutral or vibrant shades, gray walls allow you to easily redecorate as often as you want without repainting your walls.
Picking the perfect color curtains to go with your furniture is a crucial component of having a design that’s tied together instead of clashing. For example, you will need to be careful about what accent colors you use when you have brown furniture.
One of the best ways to pick the color for your curtains is to look at the other pieces in your roof. Whether it’s your area rug, the materials of your tables, lamps, pillows, pictures, or other decor pieces, you can get inspiration anywhere. So, what color curtains go with brown sofas? Try any of the colors on this list!
#1. Metallic Silver
If you like a little bit of glimmer to give your room personality, see how you feel about matching up a brown couch with metallic silver curtains.
Metallic silver adds a bit of cool to tone down the warm hues of brown. But you will want to use the color sparingly because it can be too much too fast, or look for a silver pattern instead of a solid print.
#2. Crisp White Cotton
White looks great as a complementary color with any shade of couch, including brown. For example, when you pair a brown sofa with crisp white cotton curtains, it creates a warm aesthetic.
Grey and brown can make a powerful design statement when appropriately matched. However, it may take some comparisons between different shades of grey to find one that works with the color of your brown.
It can be tricky to achieve, but there are no rules on what you can or shouldn’t do. For example, if your room already has different shades of grey in other decor pieces, it’s easier to blend a brown couch and gray curtains.
#4. Textured or Blended Neutrals
Cream or other neutral-colored patterned curtains can make a fantastic boho design in living rooms where you want something with a design without bright colors.
Consider textured or blended curtains in shades of cream, black, and gray patterns to match a brown couch. Keep the subtle colors throughout the other pieces in your room for a modern aesthetic that’s luxurious and comfortable.
#5. Light Blue
Light blue curtains also look stylish with brown sofas, adding a cheerful, cool ambiance to balance out the warm tones. Thick velvet or soft silk textures give a more luxurious softness than stiffer linen or polyester curtains.
You can also choose light blue curtains to brighten up a room on the darker side due to a lack of windows. The lighter shade will help reflect more of the sun shining through to make it look brighter.
#6. Patterned Cream
Brown goes with many light colors like white and cream. But to keep the look from being too dull, you can pick cream curtains with a patterned print.
A warm brown sofa with draping cream curtains with a fancy trellis print in a matching brown paired with a gray chair makes the perfect living room. You can also carry the cream down to the floor and add a few different patterned pillows and a throw for a comfortable spot during movie time.
#7. Burgundy
Brown and burgundy look so elegant together, warming up a room with rich tones of autumn colors. For example, you can hang burgundy curtains in a room with a brown couch topped with similar colored pillows, like mustard yellow or rust orange.
Add some cinnamon or pumpkin spice scents, a few flickering candles, a thick carpet, and a crackling fire, and you have the perfect place for a movie binge or a casual gathering spot for friends and family.
#8. Brick
If you have a brown couch and you want to add some elegance to your space, go dark red with your curtains, like brick red, which has a bit of brown nuance.
Tie the color into the rest of your room’s pieces with red accent pillows, a fabric ottoman in maroon or burgundy, and eclectic decor of a dark wood end table and a glass coffee table.
#9. Deep Teal
If you like something dramatic for your living room, an unlikely combination that can make a big statement is deep teal curtains and a brown couch.
But because this color is dark, you’ll want to limit the use to rooms that get flooded with plenty of light. Adding dark curtains to a dark room can make the space feel outdated. Then, go with a few lighter-colored accent pieces to help brighten up the use of the darker colors.
#10. Green
If you enjoy the look of nature’s colors, you’re sure to enjoy the combination of pairing green and brown. Then, add some darker green curtains in a brightly lit room to invite the outdoors inside.
Or go with a lighter shade of green to inspire more of a spring or summer feel. White accents and soft green pillows finish the look. Add in a bunch of different plants, and you’ve got an excellent place to escape from the world and decompress in comfort and style.
#11. Different Shades Of Brown
When you do it properly, you can use multiple shades of brown without making your living room look drab. For example, if your brown sofa is a lighter color, opt for darker brown curtains.
Or pair a dark brown sofa with a lighter brown set of window coverings. Finally, add a white chair and area rug with a light wood table to make the space more modern and bright.
#12. Sheer Brown
Want the look of brown curtains but don’t want to commit to multiple shades of brown? Consider window treatments that are sheer brown instead.
The sheer design lets plenty of light filter in to set the curtains apart from the color of the couch. But if you’re using sheer curtains, you may want to add a window shade or blind for when you want privacy.
#13. Black Buffalo Check
Black buffalo check patterns are trending and go excellent with a camel-colored sofa. Hanging checked pattern curtains in a living room with a fireplace can create a rustic, cozy space.
Adding gray checked throw pillows or a similar colored blanket can help pull together the look of black and brown.
#14. Vibrant Colors
If you’re stuck with a brown couch, but you prefer pops of color, you can get creative and pick some vibrant colored curtains for your room.
Shades of navy blue, orange, magenta, and black striped curtains can help you brighten up a rather dull room due to neutral paint and a brown couch.
#15. Navy Blue
Navy blue is one of those colors that can go with any shade of brown, whether light, dark, or close to tan. But unlike neutral colors such as white or cream, navy blue provides a pop of color.
Having an actual color to pair with brown gives you another option to coordinate with accents in the room.
#16. Mustard Yellow
Mustard yellow curtains are a fantastic blend of character and conservative that can give your room a splash of cheerful color.
But unlike brighter yellows, mustard is a darker tone, giving a sophisticated, undramatic touch that will warm up a brown sofa.
#17. Beige
Another neutral palette color that matches a brown sofa is beige. If you have a lot of light coming into the room, darker beige curtains can be a good balance against the dark of the brown.
To continue the harmonious feel acquired by beige curtains, carry the color into the rest of the room, using the lampshades, pillows, and floors. Bronze lamps and black tables complete the look.
#18. Tan
If you have rich brown leather furniture with gray walls, you can keep the color palette simple with the curtains and choose a basic tan color. You can go with a solid print if you want a basic look or go with a striped pattern for a bit of design contrast.
Add a tan rug and pillows, copper accents, and dark wood tables to your room to give the space a relaxing vibe full of natural tones. Or you can use the accent colors in the stripe pattern to decide on your other design pieces.
#19. Red
If a brick isn’t your shade, there are multiple other shades of red to consider, all of which look fantastic against a brown couch backdrop.
You can add a geometric print pattern carpet on the floor, red patterned pillows, and a few lighter colored accents around the rest of the room.
Conclusion
As this list demonstrates, there are multiple choices when it comes to the colors you can choose for your curtains to go with a brown sofa. The exact shade of brown may inspire you to what complementing colors would go best with your couch. Or you can go with classic combinations like earth-inspired – green and brown; neutral – cream, white, grey, tan, or beige; autumn colors—green, red, orange, yellow; or vibrant – burgundy, magenta, or metallic silver.
It may seem like no wall paint color besides beige or cream goes with dark brown furniture. Luckily, you have a variety of wall paint colors that will match your dark brown furniture.
Wall paint colors that go great with dark brown furniture include grey, beige, black, white, brown, and cream. Dark brown is a neutral color, so all primary and secondary colors can match. However, you can add some character using pink, blue, orange, fuchsia, red, and many more wall paint colors.
If you have not discovered the perfect color yet, you will surely know after going through these 18 options. Read on to see how easy it is to match any paint color with your dark brown furniture.
18 Best Wall Paint Colors That Go With Dark Brown Furniture
Dark brown furniture and décor always create a sense of warmth and tenderness, which makes it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or your home office. Few people are too fond of brown, but it can add an elegant touch to your home. This neutral color complements most primary and secondary colors, depending on the color scheme you have in mind.
Below is a list of 18 wall paint colors you can choose to tone with your dark brown furniture.
1. Grey
Grey is a lovely color and comes in various shades, so if you are searching for a color slightly darker than white, light grey is a close second. However, all shades of grey paired with dark brown furniture will look amazing.
It is also a neutral color like dark brown and will fit perfectly. You can brighten the room with grey while maintaining a warm, comfy, and relaxing atmosphere.
2. Cream
You cannot go wrong with simple cream walls. Cream is versatile, so it will fit with the décor and accessories you want to add to the room. So, if you want to play it cool and keep it to a simple color, you cannot go wrong with painting the walls cream.
Even so, there are different shades of cream, so you must keep that in mind when choosing to pair the room with dark brown furniture.
3. Blue
Let us talk blue. You can beautify the room with blue paint. The three options are light blue, medium blue, or dark blue. Dark blue is my favorite among these three, and somehow people can pull it off with their dark brown furniture.
Not only is it a unique option, but it creates a calming and serene ambiance. I do not suggest you go for a pastel blue. It may still fit with your dark brown furniture, but it gives the room a chilly and frigid look.
4. Light Brown
Light brown walls make the room look elegant and bohemian. You can add décor, such as vibrant paintings, potted plants, beige or cream lampshades, etc., to add a splash of color.
If it had been me, I would choose a light brown color (about two shades lighter than your dark brown furniture) as your wall painting color.
5. Dark Green
Dark green or a medium shade of green walls accompanied by dark brown furniture is the perfect combination, especially if you are a nature enthusiast.
The room will feel inviting, refreshing, and full of life. Add green throw pillows on dark brown couches or any other green décor or ornaments to make them look vibrant.
6. Peach
From light to vibrant, there are various hues of peach, and they all have different meanings. Lighter peach shades give off a friendly and safe atmosphere, while darker hues of peach represent pleasantness and playfulness.
If you want more depth to the room, pair a darker shade of peach with your dark brown furniture. Add a dark brown carpet and coffee table to make your room look intense and soothing.
7. Copper
Copper is a blend of reddish brown. It is the ultimate wall color for your dark brown furniture. Copper is very popular nowadays, and interior designers cannot get enough of it! It is a unique color, especially in bedrooms, that provides warmth and tranquillity.
You can let your imagination run wild by accessorizing dark brown furniture with red, gold, brown, or other similar undertones. After decorating, the room will surely give off an atmosphere of intimacy and femininity.
8. Yellow
Yellow sets a warm and sunny atmosphere but can be tricky to incorporate into your home, especially if you want to paint the walls yellow. There are tons of yellow shades, so you must pay extra attention to each. Otherwise, it can ruin the entire décor of the room, and the elegant dark brown furniture would look horrible against the walls.
Yellow can be a fantastic, cheerful color to match your dark brown furniture. Mix it up with different accessories and patterns, and it might become your favorite room in the house! You have to bear in mind the undertones of the various yellow hues, e.g., corn, mustard, butter, lemon, etc., and the accessories you want to place in the room to make the dark brown furniture stand out.
9. Orange
A vibrant color like orange can enhance the atmosphere of the room. If you want to be bold, try going for orange walls with dark brown furniture. There are beautiful orange hues to choose from, so you can choose one that best fits your taste and complements the dark brown furniture.
Like yellow, any shade of orange can work with dark brown furniture, but you must ensure that you incorporate it correctly. I suggest buying cream or white décor and accessories to really set the scene.
10. Black
Black is an elegant color that can make a room look like a thousand bucks. Black walls can make the room look smaller, so consider the size of the room before painting the walls black and pairing them with your dark brown furniture.
If you do not want the entire room painted black, go for a black-painted accent wall and a pure white ceiling to brighten the room.
11. White
White creates a sense of peacefulness, cleanliness, and positivity. White walls and dark brown furniture make the room look more spacious.
If you place dark brown furniture in a room that does not get much sunlight, then white walls are the perfect option to illuminate the space. The color will create a feeling of depth in the room, so you can play around with as much décor and accessories as you want without the room looking cluttered.
12. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a darker shade of pink and works wonderfully with dark brown, although it may not seem so initially. It is a vibrant, bright, and lively color that will turn heads when guests arrive at your home.
If you want to change the room with dark brown furniture, consider painting the walls fuchsia. If you like being over the top, then this color is definitely a winner.
13. Mint Green
Mint green always gives a vibe of relaxation, serenity, and freshness. It is such a unique color that it is not found in most homes.
I recommend placing colorful flowers around the room to enhance its elegance. Pair the color with dark brown furniture, and you will have an airy and wholesome space.
14. Red Paint
Overall, red is a pretty dark color that can make a room appear smaller. Nonetheless, the combination of red walls and dark brown furniture is charming.
To enhance the presence of the dark brown furniture, opt for a lighter shade of red, preferably burgundy hues. You can add a dash of finesse by incorporating gold accents as contrasts to the burgundy walls and dark brown furniture.
15. Turquoise
You probably did not think turquoise, a rich shade of blue, would pair well with dark brown furniture. Well, it does!
This dark brown-turquoise combination will look funky in your teenager’s bedroom. It is trendy and modern and does not affect the room’s space, e.g., by making it look smaller or bigger.
16. Gold Paint
Gold walls plus dark brown furniture equals classy. Combine these two to create a glamorous living room. Gold goes so well with dark brown.
This color combination allows you to play around with various accessories. It is the best blend in any modern home, and you can add a gold lamp to match, a gold-rimmed mirror, and gold wall art.
17. Purple
If you want to opt for purple wall paint, I suggest a lighter and delicate purple. It looks beautiful against dark brown furniture but does not let the purple walls distract you from the dark brown furniture.
Add wall art, lovely dark purple flowers, and other accessories to enhance dark brown furniture and make the purple walls pop. Additional colors such as white furniture can give the room a sophisticated look.
18. Teal Paint For Walls
Teal is a deep blue-green color and sets a calming and serene ambiance like other blue and green hues. This goes well with dark brown furniture.
You can paint the walls teal in your bedroom, living room, or any part of the house you want to place dark brown furniture. It brightens the space, and you can use other colors for décor. Teal walls, dark brown furniture, and white décor/furniture are a grand color scheme.
Conclusion
You are probably eager to test which wall painting colors you can match with your new dark brown furniture. Since dark brown is a neutral color, anything goes.
Gold, teal, copper, light brown, dark green, and red are my personal favorites! Why not let go of the plain and simple and go for the bright and bold?
Walk-in showers are the perfect way to upgrade your bathroom from dull to lavish.
This guide will look at walk-in shower ideas for a much-needed upgrade, including the proper materials and inspiring designs.
Material/Design
The material you use is the most crucial part of your shower—both in design and performance. You’ll want to be sure the material you pick is durable enough to withstand heavy use while being waterproof, easy to clean, and safe.
The material’s appearance is also something to note.
While there are many different designs you can choose for your walk-in shower, some are more common.
Subway Tiles
Using subway tiles in your walk-in shower can match many different design themes, including modern, farmhouse, classic, and simplistic.
These tiles can run horizontally, vertically, or staggered, to give your walk-in shower more dimension and the appearance of more height or width.
While traditional subway tiles from the past were a white glossy color, which is still highly popular today, you can also find subway tiles in a wide range of colors to make your shower pop with personality.
The color of your grout will also matter, as often the color of the grout stands out more than the tile. Using a different colored grout is a great way to add contrast to your shower.
Pro tip: The same pattern everywhere can look dull. If using subway tiles for your walls, consider a different material and design for your shower floor. Mosaic or honeycomb patterns complement subway tiles nicely.
Patterned Tile
Patterned tiles are a great way to add aesthetics to your walk-in shower.
Metro tiles laid in block or vertical brick patterns help elongate the shower, so it appears bigger. Choosing a large format style with a unique print allows you to easily decorate small showers without the stress of a lot of grout to clean.
Geometric prints laid along one wall and the floor paired with a subtle solid tile can give your shower a modern flair that looks fantastic with open showers.
Slate
Slate is a type of stone that’s the most popular option for walk-in showers. This material has excellent performance when properly installed and cleaned.
The biggest issue with using slate in your shower is picking the correct grade. Some types of slate will deteriorate and flake with repeated water exposure and use.
Because slate is a semi-porous surface, it can start to stain due to soap scum. You’ll have to reseal your slate surfaces regularly to keep them well protected.
Stone
Stone is a versatile material to use for the surround (walls) of a walk-in shower. Marble is one of the most popular types of stones to use in the shower due to its understated elegance. Be sure it’s high grade to prevent damage to the veining.
You can also use stone for the flooring, soap dish, or ceilings in your shower. However, stone materials can be challenging to clean, especially if there are broad grout lines or deep textures. And you have to seal the stone regularly to keep it from water damage.
When choosing a stone for your walk-in shower, stick with stone tiles or slabs that allow for small grout lines. For the floor, ensure that the surface is slip-resistant
Stones frequently used in showers include granite, travertine, limestone, marble, or other natural stones like pebbles or river rocks. Granite requires less maintenance than marble and looks excellent in lighter colors. Smooth tiles are easier to clean, and a small grout increases cleaning ease.
Prints
There are unlimited options for tiles that feature geometric and decorative prints that will give your shower a one-of-a-kind feel. You can choose abstract or unmatching tiles, a classic black and white checker, herringbone, metallic, floral, or custom prints.
Accent Wall
Accent walls are a great way to give your walk-in shower an upgraded look without having to blow your budget. Rather than redoing your entire space with expensive materials, choose a budget-friendly, simple material for all of your walls except one. For this side, you can splurge and select a design that pops.
A herringbone pattern or small mosaic panels are spa-quality and create enough appeal to complement basic accents.
Type
There are two primary types of walk-in showers. Which type you choose is a personal preference. Open showers allow for a more modern spa feel, but enclosed showers can be safer. The size of your space might also affect your decision.
Enclosed
Enclosed showers consist of glass panels (framed or unframed) on all sides, including a door for entry and exit.
Framed enclosed showers have an aluminum frame that keeps the panels in place; frameless panels stay in place through bolts and hinges.
This shower style is ideal for small bathrooms because there’s less risk of water splashing out of the shower and soaking the floor, which can cause slipping.
When trying to update this type of shower, you’re usually limited to only changing the floor if all four sides are glass. However, some enclosed showers have three walls and glass panels on the side with the door. With this type of enclosed shower, you can also remodel the walls with new tile.
An enclosed shower is more budget-friendly, but it requires a greater degree of maintenance to keep looking great. The biggest drawback is that you have to clean and thoroughly dry glass after each use to prevent soap scum and water residue buildup, making your glass scummy and streaked.
Open
Open showers do not have doors that enclose you inside. As the name implies, the shower is an open space with tiled walls.
The biggest benefit of this shower type is that they’re easier to clean, and there’s less risk of broken components, like doors, hinges, or handles.
But there’s no way to keep the heat trapped inside the shower because there is no door. If you prefer to soak in the hot steam generated by a shower, you will do better with an enclosed shower. However, hanging a shower curtain over the opening can provide some barrier to trap the heat inside.
Allowing this humid moisture to steam up the whole bathroom may also pose problems. It’s crucial to have adequate ventilation in your bathroom to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Another downside of not having a door is that water can splash out of the shower and onto the main floor, producing a slipping hazard.
Shape
Just as walk-in showers can have different design elements on the walls, they can also have unique shapes that create a stylish showpiece.
Arched
Walk-in showers with an arched entryway give your room more grandeur, especially when paired with regal designs like floor-to-ceiling marble or mosaic tiles (or a combo).
If the space is big enough, adding a seat and soap dish can make your shower organized and functional. Pair this style with stainless steel or bronze hardware for a complete design. Single shower heads, wall jets, or rain heads can make the most of the space.
Rectangular
Rectangular shape showers are excellent for large bathrooms where there’s plenty of space. This shape gives you plenty of room to build a bench, shelves, soap dishes, or have more than one shower head.
You can use tile, stone, or other materials to showcase the space. Paired with proper lighting, exotic wood floors, and barn doors, you can create a tropical escape right at home.
Corner
Corner showers are perfect for small bathrooms where space is minimal. Alcoves, corners with low ceilings, or converted tub spaces make for ideal corner showers.
Enclosing the walls in glass is a great way to make space look bigger and brighter, as can light colors. You can also forgo doors altogether and use a partial wall to block water from escaping the area.
Curved
Curved glass panels are an excellent way to give a corner shower a unique look. Paired with granite or marble, you can recreate an ancient bathhouse fit for Zeus himself.
Flooring
It’s crucial to pay attention to details when picking your shower floor. You’ll want to choose a material that’s easy to clean, durable against water and soap scum, and provides texture.
You’ll need a material that will prevent slipping when wet or when coated with soap. A fall in the shower can be painful and lead to severe injuries.
Tile
Some tiles can be tricky to use for flooring due to being a slick, slippery surface. While smooth surfaces are great for walls, you’ll want flooring that has a slight texture.
Many people who talk about “slick tiles” are referring to porcelain or ceramic. These tiles can be slippery due to their smooth surface. But when you pick smaller ceramic or mosaic tiles, you’ll get a better grip due to more grout, which provides a rough contrast to the tile’s slickness.
Stone
Stone is an excellent material for shower floors due to being rougher surface, reducing the risk of slips.
However, stone materials require proper sealing to ensure it doesn’t damage due to water exposure. And sealing has to be done repeatedly to keep the material protected.
The most common types of stone used for flooring are travertine, granite, marble, limestone, or slate. There aren’t many color variations for stone floors, but you can get them in unique patterns and textures that still give your walk-in shower a luxurious feel.
While stone provides better safety and aesthetics, that peace of mind comes at a higher price.
Wood
Many people don’t realize that there are plenty of designs that implement wood as part of your shower floors. Wood slats install over a shower drain. The water drains through the cracks, allowing your drain to stay hidden.
You have to use caution when choosing wood for your walk-in shower, as some species might not withstand water exposure.
Tropical woods work best. Consider ipe, teak, or massaranduba. These woods are naturally water-resistant and will provide a better grip, but they are much pricier than domestic woods.
Pro tip: When comparing different materials for flooring, check the material’s DCOF (dynamic coefficient of friction measurement). This safety standard defines slip resistance as a score of 0.60 or higher. Anything lower than 0.60 is a slip hazard.
Color Scheme
Light, bright colors can help make smaller bathrooms look more spacious. Adding a bunch of detail can make the space feel cramped and busy.
White is a standard color scheme for bathrooms to create a minimalistic, modern, or bright, airy space. Having a white palette also lets you use accessories to create pops of color and makes it easy for redecorating since white goes with most color schemes.
The use of dark, bold colors like mint, black, green, or blue can give your shower a trendy, modern flair. But dark colors aren’t suitable for compact showers. And break up the darkness with light-colored accessories.
Lighting
Using the proper lighting is a great way to brighten walk-in showers where there’s no natural light. Options for shower lighting include sidelights, recessed ceiling lights, and colored bulbs.
Skylights, high windows, or one-sided glass wall panels are great ways to bring natural light while still retaining privacy.
Hardware
When installing a walk-in shower, consider the design of your shower surround (walls) and floors when deciding on the color and configuration of your hardware.
You can find showerheads in round, square, oval, or other shapes, and many different finishes. Where you’ll place these are also crucial. Showerheads can mount to the ceiling, the wall, or work as a handheld.
Additional Features
Many people add additional features to their walk-in shower to get more comfort, storage, and design. Here are some other features you can add to your walk-in shower.
Seat/Bench
Building a bench or seat in your walk-in shower is a great way to have a place to rest and enjoy the hot water after a long day.
There are many ways to implement your shower’s materials into a bench that you can use for sitting, shaving, or storage if you don’t have a soap dish.
Storage
Having built-in storage in your walk-in shower can make it easier to keep all of your shower stuff nearby without having to leave everything on the floor.
Many people like to create a soap dish in the surround covered with the same tile as the walls. You can also add storage under a bench or build shelves into the wall (away from the water) for holding your towel, plants, soap, and other items.
Multiple Shower Heads
Having multiple shower heads installed is a great way to enjoy a hot shower to relax while feeling the water from various angles. Multiple heads are also ideal for sharing a shower, so there’s no fighting over the only source of water.
You can have a rain head built into the ceiling to pour water overhead while having shower jets built into the wall at different angles. Or install two staggering-level oversize showerheads. Or hang a shower head on each side of your shower.
Towel Rack/Hooks
Installing a towel rack or hooks in your walk-in shower ensures you always have a towel within reach for soapy eyes and easier drying off before getting out of the shower.
Steam Option
If you want the feeling of a spa, opt for installing a steam option. This feature is not standard in any shower install.
Barndoor
A barndoor is a great way to have privacy in your walk-in shower without having a swinging glass door. Barndoors operate by sliding open and closed, meaning you lose zero space when opening or shutting.
Add a Plant(s)
Adding a plant or two is a great way to give your shower a zen feel. If you have a shower that leads to the outdoors, plants are a great way to blend the outside with the indoors. And plants also help purify the air.
If you want the look without maintenance, consider artificial plants, which can add pops of color for a tropical oasis feel. Hanging a few strategically placed vines on stone walls can give you a forest feel. Complete the aesthetic with subtle lighting and a large rain head.
Tub in Shower
Some people prefer the luxury of soaking in a tub rather than standing up to shower. If you have space, you can build a walk-in shower that separates from your tub by a half partition wall.
Walk-In Shower Ideas FAQ
How much does it cost to put in a walk-in shower?
Installing a walk-in shower can range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a prefabricated insert up to $8 to $15,000 for a custom high-end walk-in shower.
What is the average cost to replace a bathtub with a walk-in shower?
It can cost between $5,997 and $11,950 to convert a bathtub into a walk-in shower. Multiple factors affect the project’s final cost, including size, materials, demolition, difficulty, and preparations (replumbing, relocating).
How much room do you need for a walk-in shower?
There are varying recommendations for the appropriate size for a walk-in shower. The International Residential Code requires at least 30″ by 30″ of walking space. Whereas The National Kitchen and Bath Association says you should have at least 36″ x 36″.
Conclusion
There are many ways to style your walk-in shower to meet any design aesthetic, from lavish marble, and traditional subway to bold prints and geometric patterns for the walls and floors. With accessories like benches, multiple shower fixtures, storage systems, and lighting, you can turn your walk-in shower into a private retreat you’ll never want to leave.
When shopping for curtains, the wide variety of styles, colors, types, lengths, and materials is enough to make a grown person cry. Well, maybe that’s just me.
To save you from tears of stress, we’ve put together a detailed guide on the different types of curtains. We’ve broken these up by category, focusing on style, material, length, thickness, opacity, and hanging style. We describe each curtain’s design, uses, and range of variations.
Skip the stress of ordering the wrong curtains by taking the time to read this detailed guide on the many different types of curtains you can use in your home.
The Different Types of Curtains
When we say there are a ton of different options for window curtains, we aren’t exaggerating. In this list, we’ve found thirty different types of curtains to cover.
Although all curtains serve the purpose of operating as a window covering, the different types will vary differently in their look and performance.
Curtains can also vary in the materials they’re made from, the length, and the amount of light and privacy they provide. Some options also have limited uses, like creating or completing a decorative theme.
1. Single Panel
Single panel curtains are great for covering an entire window. You can slide these side to side to allow light in and tie them up for a modern look. You can use single panels for most rooms and decorative themes.
2. Panel Pair
Panel pair curtains come with two identical panels that pull together to block out the light. You can push one or both panels to the side or tie them back for a symmetrical design. This option comes in contemporary or modern styles.
3. Valance
Valances are short curtains that go over the top of long curtains. These are a decorative way to give a complete look and hide the hanging rod that secures the windows’ curtains. Some window treatment sets come with valances, or you may have to buy them separately.
4. Window Covering Set
A window covering set comes with everything you’d need to create a complete window covering design. These sets have one or two curtains plus a valance. Additional optional accessories include tiebacks, curtain rods, and rarely a pelmet.
5. Curtain Liner
Curtain liners are also optional, but they do give your curtains more versatility. You can add a curtain liner to your existing curtains to get more durability and security without affecting the curtain’s look. Some liners can also block noise or provide insulation.
6. Window Scarf
Window scarfs are similar to valances in that they hang at the top of the window over top of regular curtains. But scarfs billow down the sides of the curtain rather than covering only the curtain header.
This long, slender piece of curtain can give your room a dramatic look to achieve a specific nuance, like whimsical or sultry. When combined with traditional curtains, you can get a layered look.
Types of Curtains: Thickness/Opacity
Curtains can also vary by their thickness and opacity. Some curtains have a thin opacity that allows them to be see-through, while others are thick enough to block out all light.
Before choosing an opaqueness and thickness for your curtains, consider these factors:
Do you want curtains that allow light in when closed or block all light?
Do your curtains need to provide privacy?
Will your curtains serve a purpose other than decorative?
Is there any flexibility in your design that would allow you to use an opaque curtain without letting in the light?
Here are some curtain types with varying ranges of opacity and thickness.
7. Sheer
Sheer curtains are semi-transparent, which let in tons of sunlight when closed. But since they’re so see-through, they offer little to no privacy, so they’re not suitable as a solo window treatment for most bedrooms.
Sheer curtains are purely decorative, making them suitable for dining rooms and living rooms. Some models can even go around your bed.
8. Blackout
Blackout curtains are best for blocking out the most amount of light when closed. These curtains are best for bedrooms, as they also provide the most privacy.
Blackout curtains are made with heavier materials and typically have built-in liners. They also work great for dens and theater rooms.
9. Semi-Opaque
Semi-opaque curtains are a mix of blackout and sheer curtains. This type will allow in some sunlight when closed, but they provide more privacy than sheer types.
You can use these curtains for any room. Combining these with other curtains can give you more opacity to get more privacy and light blockage.
Types of Curtains: Curtain Rod Styles
When shopping for curtains, you’ll also want to think about how the curtains secure the rod. Different styles would allow you to achieve different looks. Some models may be better if you choose not to use a valance.
10. Tab Top
Tab top curtains secure to the curtain rod via sewn loops of fabric at the top of the curtain. Many people choose this style due to its look and the ease of hanging.
The curtain’s panels hang loosely below the tab tops make this style great for patterns or prints. Since these curtains don’t hide the curtain rod, you may want to choose one with a nice aesthetic to match your existing theme.
This style often uses decorative embellishments like buttons to enhance the style. Tab top curtains are great for achieving a contemporary country, farmhouse, cottage, or simple casual ambiance.
11. Rod Pocket
Rod pockets have a pocket sewn into the curtain’s top. This pocket allows the curtain rod to slip inside and come out the other side, making them easy to install and hang.
However, this pocket creates a tight fit that can make it challenging to open or close, so they may not be the best option for windows you frequently use.
Rod pockets are popular to use with valances, but they also have a great casual look without valances. These curtains look best when made of linen or cotton.
There may be ruching, embroidery, or other decorative embellishments to add style. Many people pair rod pockets with a second layer of curtains, such as blackouts.
12. Hidden Tab Curtain
Hidden tab curtains are a hybrid of tab and rod pocket curtains. This style features tabs hidden by a decorative piece of fabric at the top of the curtain.
The extra fabric usually has a pinched pleat for extra style. These curtains are used with or without valances and are popular for creating a country, contemporary, or traditional look.
13. Grommet and Eyelet
Grommet and Eyelet type curtains feature large eyelets with reinforced grommets along the top of the curtain. Many people choose this style to achieve a modern or contemporary flair. You can use these to have extra style without the use of a valance.
Types of Curtains: Style of Curtains
The style of your curtains will have a huge effect on your room’s decor. Many people prefer to match their curtains’ style to the rest of the room to get a cohesive look. You can achieve different looks due to the curtain’s pleat style, which is at the header (top of the curtain).
The pleat refers to how the folds of fabric were sewn together and the way the curtain hangs. The pleat will affect how the curtain hangs on the rod and how it drapes over your window.
14. Pleated curtains look great for formal or traditional looks. Most pleated curtains are made with thicker, heavier materials. A few different pleat options are:
Pinched pleats create an elegant look due to the pinched, stitched pleats at the curtain’s top – the header. These range from three-finger to five-finger pleats, with three-finger being the most popular. Use this style in sitting rooms, bedrooms, or rooms where you entertain.
Pencil pleats are a casual alternative to box or goblet pleats, working well in bedrooms and informal living rooms. These curtains have thin, single pleats that work well with a range of hooks or rods.
Box pleats look great in bedrooms, lounges, and dining rooms due to the deep, uninterrupted folds along the full length of the curtain. This style gives you full coverage with a tailored look.
Goblet pleats are best for decorative window coverings in large, high-ceiling formal rooms. While this design looks great, it’s not very functional and should stay stationary. It would be best if you didn’t put these on windows that you frequently use.
Eyelet – sometimes referred to as Grommet – pleats give your windows a contemporary or modern feel. This style uses grommets – open rings – to support, open or close the panels. Since you’ll be able to see the curtain rod through the grommets, you might want to choose one that’s decorative.
Let’s look at some of the common curtains’ styles, where they’re best used, and the nuance they achieve.
15. Classic
Classic style curtains are a universal option that looks great in any room in the house. Many people use valances or additional accessories to achieve a full window treatment design.
The biggest appeal of classic style curtains is that they give a timeless, classic appeal. This style is best for achieving a bohemian, country, or classical theme.
16. Modern
Modern style curtains have a more modern nuance, with minimalist designs, eco-friendly materials, and metal accessories or accents.
You can find these in solid colors, clean lines, abstract elements, or bold patterns. If you want to achieve a dramatic design, consider using modern curtains.
17. Casual
Casual-style curtains are the most popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. These curtains can create a casual, relaxed vibe, so they rarely feature valances. The most common types are tab top or grommet and eyelet styles.
18. Contemporary
Contemporary styled curtains are similar to classic styles but with a breath of fresh air. This style usually comes in earthy tones or varying shades of gray, as inspired by nature.
You could also choose a brighter shade to brighten up a colorless space. These curtains often have rich textures to provide a sophisticated yet unpretentious, non-formal setting.
Types of Curtains: Materials
Curtains come in a wide variety of materials. It’s crucial to spend time considering the different types before making a final decision on your curtains.
The material will affect the curtain’s look, performance, and ease of care. Some materials will also serve additional purposes besides decoration, such as blocking out light, sound, or heat.
19. Cotton
Cotton curtains are a versatile option for multiple applications. This fabric is semi-sheer, which provides some privacy while allowing in plenty of light.
Most people layer cotton curtains with other fabric curtains to achieve a full window treatment. These curtains can go in any room in the house, as they come in a wide range of styles. And they’re easy to clean, which is a huge benefit.
20. Linen
Linen is another common material choice. This fabric is heavier than cotton but still creates a casual design. Linen curtains allow in some light but not as much as cotton. And they offer more privacy.
However, linen curtains are more difficult to clean, so it’s not the greatest option for rooms where there’s a lot of dust. The rough texture can work like a magnet, attracting layers of dust.
21. Silk
Silk is a gorgeous, soft fabric that’s used for a wide range of curtain types. This material is semi-sheer, so it lets in a lot of light, although the thicker the material, the less light it will allow. You can use silk curtains to achieve a classic or contemporary look.
But be aware, it is difficult to clean silk and will probably require professional cleaning. If you choose to use silk curtains, keep them in areas where there won’t be a lot of traffic or contamination.
22. Velvet
Velvet curtains are also popular for providing the maximum amount of privacy. This fabric is heavy, so it does great for blocking out drafts and outside noises. Many light-sleepers prefer to use these for bedrooms.
These curtains will give your room a more dramatic look, but you have to get them professionally cleaned due to the thick fabric. If that poses a problem for you, you may want to consider alternative fabrics.
23. Burlap
Burlap curtains have a similar texture and look to linen. However, burlap is a lot heavier. This curtain type is usually plain and casual. So it won’t add to a room’s style. But it’s great for a casual environment.
Most people choose this material due to the amount of privacy and light blockage they provide. When closed, there will be little to no light showing. And an added benefit is that they are super easy to clean.
24. Lace
Lace is completely sheer, so it lets in a ton of light, making it perfect for an airy window treatment. These curtains will not provide any privacy or light blockage, so you shouldn’t use them as a single source of a curtain in rooms where you want less sunlight.
This material is most common for use in living rooms, kitchens, sunrooms, and other home areas where you want a lot of light. You can also pair lace curtains with a thicker fabric for a fully-functional look. Lace can also be challenging to self-clean.
25. Synthetic
Synthetic materials have become quite popular for the production of curtains. This option is cheaper and easier to clean than natural fibers.
You can find these curtains in many styles and texture types, allowing for easier-to-maintain options that look and feel similar to the real thing.
Types of Curtains: Pattern
Another thing to consider when curtain shopping is if you want ones with patterns or prefer one solid color.
26. Solids
Solid color curtains are the same color with no designs or pattern embellishments. This style is great for accenting patterns or colors in other parts of your window treatment.
You can find curtains ranging in a wide variety of solid colors to match any decor theme or palette. A solid design is popular for almost all curtain types and lets you achieve a casual or modern look.
27. Patterned
Patterned curtains are available in all styles of curtains and look great with a wide variety of window treatments. Many people use patterns to express their personality or to give the room a unique look.
Most patterned curtains are synthetic, lace, or cotton materials, although you can find some limited styles made of burlap, linen, or embossed velvet.
There are a variety of pattern options available. Contemporary and classic curtains usually feature toile, plaid, paisley, striped, floral, or checks. In comparison, casual curtains may have one of those patterns or even dots, chevron, graphic, or geometric prints.
Types of Curtains: Length
Curtains come in multiple lengths. It’s important that you properly measure your window if you want a curtain covering the entire area. There are also curtain length options that allow you only to cover part of the window. The varying sizes allow you to achieve different styles.
You can hang your curtains in three different positions to achieve specific looks. Which look you want to achieve will affect the length of curtain you should choose.
For curtains that don’t reach the floor, you’d want to hang your rod so that the curtains float. For this look, your panels should dangle less than one inch above the floor. You would need a floor-length curtain.
If you want curtains that graze or kiss the floor, you have to take precise measurements. You can achieve this look with floor-length panels by hanging the rods properly. Be sure you’re considering the measurements of the curtain rings and hardware when deciding on length.
Heavy curtains look best when you let them puddle or pool into a mass of excess fabric on the floor. This style is perfect for achieving a more formal atmosphere.
You can find curtains in lengths of 63, 84, 95, 108, or 120-inches.
28. Apron
You can use curtains with an apron length to make your windows look longer. With these, the curtain rod goes a bit higher than the window, and the curtain hangs a few inches past the window sill.
Most people use apron-length curtains to make small windows in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens look bigger once the curtains are closed.
29. Puddle
Puddle curtains get their name due to the extra-long length, which causes them to gather on the floor, similar to a wedding dress. This effect is due to the curtains being several inches longer than the window.
You can choose puddle curtains to create a romantic atmosphere in bedrooms or hang them in your living room or den to achieve a dramatic effect.
You can achieve this style best by using heavier materials such as brocade, silk, or velvet. You’ll get the added benefit of having the curtains block out sun, drafts, and sound. However, these materials are harder to clean.
30. Window Sill
Window sill curtains are best for windows that get a lot of use. These curtains hang over the window with the ends even with or resting slightly above the window sill. Many people use sill curtains for smaller windows, bathrooms, and kitchens.
These curtains do best when made from cotton, synthetics like polyester or rayon, linen, or burlap.
31. Floor
Many people like to use floor-length curtains to cover windows that go floor to ceiling or cover sliding doors. These curtains stop just short of touching the floor, usually with less than an inch of space.
A pro hack is to hang a floor-length curtain over a smaller window to give the appearance that the window goes floor to ceiling. Longer curtains look better when made from heavier materials like velvet, silk, brocade, synthetic, cotton, or velvet.
Conclusion
Curtains can complete a room’s design and ambiance, or they can completely clash with your existing decor. Curtains that hang too short are unsightly and make your room look awkward. Curtains that hang too long can seem oppressive or overkill for smaller windows. It’s crucial to measure your windows properly and then decide on a curtain in the correct materials, style, color, and size to meet your design needs.
When shopping for couches, there are many options available. You can go cross-eyed trying to narrow down your selection.
Understanding the differences between the different types of couches can help you cross out the designs you don’t like so you can spend more time focusing on the types you do. We’ve created a useful guide of twenty-seven different kinds of sofas and couches.
This article will look at the unique features that characterize each style of couch. We’ll discuss the history, design trends, and uses of each type. We’ll also talk about the different couch sizes, how to measure your couch, and the materials used.
#1. Sectional/Modular Sofa
Modular or sectional sofas consist of multiple pieces that you can rearrange or reconfigure into different looks. Each piece has the same height back and arms, so they match together. The ottomans are the same height as the seats.
Modular sofas are a versatile piece of furniture that gives you the freedom to create new looks without crowding your room. You can remove parts of the sectional if you have a small area or add new pieces to make them large enough for the whole family.
Most sectional configurations come with two to four pieces with a chaise (built-in) or ottoman (movable), allowing you to stretch out. However, sectionals have limited configurations (typically a U or L-shaped design). There’s usually a 90-degree angle when the pieces combine.
You can add extra pieces to a modular sofa to make it as large as you want. You can include ottomans, chaises, or corner pieces, combined with couches (a three cushioned couch) and loveseats (room for two people).
Sectionals and modular couches with hollow ottomans or chaises can pull double duty as extra storage. Some sofas can have pull-out beds or recliners.
#2. Ottoman
Ottoman couches have a place for your bottom, but there’s no back or sides. These can have semicircular or square ends with no wood visible due to the overstuffed upholstery.
People use ottomans for footstools or stools and typically combine them with other furniture pieces to expand the size. Ottomans can work with sectionals, modular couches, armchairs, gliders, and couches.
Common names for ottomans are pouffe, tuffet, hassock, or footstools. The ottoman may also mean a seat without arms or a back with a hinged seat that works as a lid so it can serve as storage.
This style traced back to the Ottoman Empire (14th to early 20th century) and started as a sectional piece covering three walls in a room. Later versions were small enough to fit into corners or circular to surround a pole or column.
By the 18th century, ottomans were popular in Europe. The style took on European influences with an octagonal or circular design, often split in the center with arms or a padded column. The Europeans also designed the hinged seats, allowing ottomans to double as storage.
#3. Armchair
Armchairs are a style of chair with arms intended for one person that goes along with a sofa. Many different chairs will classify as an armchair, as long as it has arms fixed to the seat.
Some sofas come with armchair features, such as recliners or gliders. Sectionals often have separate recliners built into opposite ends of the couch.
Armchair sofas are available in multiple fabrics, designs, and styles, so you’re sure to find one to fit your tastes. Single armchairs work as great accents to pair with your sofa to create a large gathering area.
#4. High back sofas
High back sofas have a higher back from 40 to 44 inches that give more support for your head, neck, and back. This style is suitable for rooms that have high ceilings of 10 to 12 feet.
Short sofas can look dwarfed when placed against tall walls. However, high back sofas look out of place when standing alone. For the best look, these couches need to rest against a wall.
These sofas have distinctive vertical lines and come in a variety of styles and materials. If you’re a tall individual or have back problems, you may want to consider a high back sofa, which offers more room for back support.
You can get high back sofas in various styles and materials, so there’s sure to be a design that matches your current or planned interior theme.
#5. Round back sofas
Round back sofas have a curved back design to create a signature design. These pieces are also called crescent or conversational couches.
These couches look better away from the wall. They’re often used as a centerpiece in the middle of the room, with the curved back visible.
You can use accent chairs and end tables to create a sophisticated gathering area around a television or fireplace. Or you can position two curved couches facing each other to create an intimate setting circle.
Curved sofas were popular in the early nineteenth century, but they’ve made a significant comeback in today’s market. These couches come in a variety of colors and materials and give your room a vintage feel.
#6. Wingback sofas
Wingback sofas have a signature look that makes them easy to identify. These couches pair well with wingback chairs due to the similar style.
Signature features of a wingback design include winged sides, wooden legs, and a high back. The cheeks (wings) block drafts and circulate warmth from a fireplace.
Wingback couches can be traditional, which have rolled arms and turned, cabriole, or straight legs.
There’s also mid-century modern styles with open or partial wings that integrate into the seat away from the arms. Contemporary designs are also an option.
#7. Barrelback sofas
Barrelback sofas have style trends influenced by barrelback chairs, originally made from a wooden cask, giving them their name.
Signature traits include a curved back and wrapped arms. Some styles may have channeled grooves stitched along the fixed back cushion.
The exact look of barrelback sofas can vary, depending on the style of influence. You can find these in various colors, materials, and accessories, such as exposed wood legs.
These couches come in average heights and widths and have enough room for three people to space out. Some may even have room for four or more. The cushions of these couches can be thin and sparse or thick and fluffy.
#8. Rollback sofas
Rollback sofas feature rolled arms, and a rolled back. Its curved back makes these couches better for being positioned away from the wall.
These couches have enough room for three people, with thick cushioned seats and a fixed, padded back. The legs of a rollback couch are thick, chunky blocks of tapered wood.
Rollback sofas can have many different surfaces, including a tufted design or solid piece fabrics. These are great for adding a traditional look to your family home or pick a more elaborate style for a formal setting.
#9. Lawson-style Sofa
Lawson-style sofas are an American standard, emphasizing comfort and simplicity. This style features a separate loose, padded back and seat cushions for each person, divided into three even spots.
This couch style has a box shape, and low rolled or squared arms. The feet are thick square blocks, and it rests low to the ground.
The back cushions are not attached, and many have removable, washable covers for easy cleaning. They are fluffy and thick, designed to be flopped on and for naps.
Lawson couches get their name from a well-known furniture maker Thomas Lawson, who created the design at the turn of the 20th century.
#10. Sleeper Sofas/Futons
Sleeper sofas are a functional piece that operates and looks like a couch but contains a bed hidden inside. If you lack a guest bedroom but frequently have company, a sleeper sofa can save you space and give you a place to put your visitors at bedtime.
These sofas can come in different sizes, like a bed mattress. The larger the inner mattress, the more space you will need for your couch and the fold-out mattress.
Twin sleepers are ideal for a single person. The mattress is 54″ wide and 85″ long when open. Queen sleeper sofas can measure 84″ wide by 90″ long when open and fit two people. Full-size sleepers are 72″ wide and 90″ long and suitable for two people or a solo sleeper.
Futons are a type of sofa bed that converts from a couch into a bed that lays out flat. These sofas usually have a solid, unupholstered mattress that works as the back and seat cushions. When laid out, it turns into a bed.
You can find futon frames made of wood or metal, with armrests or without. These beds are often not as comfortable as a traditional sofa or bed and are an inexpensive choice for college dorms and those on a budget for living room furniture.
#11. Loveseat Sofas
Loveseat sofas are easily distinguishable from other sofa types due to their smaller size. This couch style has two cushions and enough room for two people, unlike a couch, which can hold three or more.
You can get loveseats in various styles, fabrics, and influences, so they’re a versatile choice. Many people purchase loveseats to add additional seating room, in addition to a couch. Or they choose a love seat if there’s a space limit or if there’s just one person who will be using it.
The similarities between a loveseat and a couch are that both pieces of furniture have a bench-style seat with full or partial upholstery. Both can have full, high, or no armrests. And most styles have a wood frame and spring cushions.
When part of a set, the loveseat will have the same size dimensions as the couch, except for length, as loveseats are smaller than sofas. Height and width will be the same, so the set has a uniform appearance.
#12. Settee Sofa
Settees are a type of sofa, but it has a slimmer design that provides a more elegant look than a bulky couch. These are an accent piece with a high, straight back and shallow cushions with enough room for two people.
Another trademark look of settee sofas is exposed wood legs. These may be thin and straight or thick and tapered, but they are always tall and visible.
Most settees have upholstered, attached cushions with conservative padding. The back is thinly padded but does not have pillows.
You can get settees with tufted or smooth fabric in various colors, patterns, and materials. These can work for a formal setting or an entryway accent, but their design is not for functionality. So they may not be a comfortable choice for family rooms or dens.
#13. Recliner Sofa
Recliner sofas combine the blissful comfort of a recliner with the look and shape of a couch. This style features a long bench seat like a couch. But on each end, the seat operates as a recliner, which means the footrest extends and the back reclines back.
Reclining sofas can be electric, which requires you to plug your sofa into a power outlet if you want to use the reclining features. You push a button to recline back and then again to return to the normal sitting position.
Manual levers extend your seat into a reclined position, and you have to use your strength to close them. The great thing about manual controls is that you aren’t limited to places where there’s a power source. But it can be difficult for those who don’t have much strength to put them back into the starting position.
But with almost all reclining sofas, you will need to keep them pulled away from the wall if you want to extend them into the reclining position fully.
You can get recliner sofas in various materials, with leather being the most popular choice.
The first recliners invented were from the French. It’s believed that Napoleon III owned the first version of a reclining sofa.
#14. Tuxedo Sofa
Tuxedo sofas are known for their boxy shape with arms that are flush with the sofa back. This style has a tufted, tight backrest and arms with button divots.
Tufts are when fabric layers get stitched together to create indents. These indents have knots, ribbons, buttons, or left bare.
These couches have exposed wood or metal legs and have a higher height than other couch types. Many designers recommend complementing this couch’s square shape with rounded accent pieces such as coffee or end tables.
The history can be traced back to the 1920s and originated in Tuxedo Park, a village in New York, hence the name.
#15. Low-Seated Sofas
Low-seated sofas provide a minimal, postmodern look to your environment. These couches have short legs that keep them low to the ground. There may be a slight gap between the bottom of the sofa and the floor, or it may sit directly on the floor.
You can find low-seated sofas with enough room for three or more people, covered with various materials or upholstery designs.
These couches often have loose bottom cushions that provide thick padding for comfort. The back can be unattached, padded cushions, fixed, or flat and sparsely padded.
#16. Knole Sofa
Knole sofas are a model that goes back to the 17th century and is one of the first couches made.
The Knole sofa’s signature features include deep, thickly padded seat cushions with high arms that can adjust to create an enclosed seating arrangement. The arms are traditionally the same height as the straight high back of the couch.
The first Knole sofa traces back to 1640 as a king and queen solution to share a throne at Knole, a historical English home. This sofa became the possession of the Sackville family due to the actions of Charles Sackville, the Lord Chamberlain and Masters of the Great Wardrobe for Queen Mary and King William.
It’s believed that the adjustable sides are a design feature that allowed landowners to have privacy from their servants for illicit behavior.
#17. Contemporary Mid-century Modern Sofa
Contemporary mid-century modern sofas give your room a retro style, reviving the popular trends of the 50s and 60s.
This style uses clean lines, funky fabrics like tweed or velvet, and geometric shapes to create unique pieces that can transport you back in time.
Traditional features of a contemporary mid-century modern sofa include tapered exposed wood legs and low seating. These usually have a boxy shape with sharp angles and no curves.
This type of couch might have upholstered or bare wood arms or no arms at all. The seat is a traditional bench style with enough room for three people.
The cushions’ padding can vary from thin to super plush, with fixed or loose back cushions. Some designs have tufted bottoms or whole surfaces.
#18. Chesterfield
Chesterfield couches have tufted backrests and sometimes have tufted seat cushions. This quilted design traditionally has brown leather upholstery, a nod to their British roots.
Chesterfield’s signature look is the couch’s high rolled arms, the same height as the back of the sofa. The deep button tufted leather is also a crucial design element that makes this style stand out.
Modern versions may have cloth or velvet upholstery in place of leather, but they all keep the same tuft design. Taller legs and slimmer arms and back are other modern twists to the standard features.
This sofa traces back to the 1700s, where legend says that the design received inspiration to be a way for men to sit upright without causing their suit to wrinkle.
One story says the first Chesterfield couch was for the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Philip Stanhope. But it wasn’t until the reign of Queen Victoria that it became widely popular.
#19. Mid-century Modern
Mid-century modern couches provide a contemporary feel from exposed materials, low set stance, and slanted structures.
Mid-century modern couches’ signature traits include rectilinear shapes, sleek, subtle curves, geometric features, and minimal ornamentation.
This style was a massive rave between the early 1930s to the late ’60s. Many consider it to be an American rendition of trends such as the International and Bauhaus movements.
Many different couches also classify as mid-century modern, such as cabriole, Lawson, chaise lounge, sectionals, and Chesterfields.
#20. English Rolled Arm
English rolled arm sofas are a versatile design that can match multiple styles to create a contemporary feel.
Traits of this style include rolled arms and tight, slightly sloped low backs. They have a deep seat with enough room for two to three people. The seat cushions are a “T” design, and some will have loose back cushions.
English roll arm sofas hit popularity in the 1800s and are still a common choice today. Furniture designer George Smith made this design a hit and continues to produce this model, calling it the Standard Arm Signature Sofa.
#21. Bridgewater
Bridgewater sofas are a casual, comfortable option for family rooms wanting a modern yet traditional look. It’s also a great design to combine with other eclectic pieces.
Specific features of a Bridgewater sofa include low arms set back from the front of the couch. A skirted dust ruffle conceals the bottom. The back can be straight or gently rolled. There can be one, two, or three slight humps along the unpadded back.
The seating area is three thick padded cushions. Decorative pillows add accents and make up for the lack of back cushions. Some may come with loose back cushions.
Other names for the Bridgewater sofa are birch arm or English three seaters. Slipcovers protect the surface and fit your room’s color scheme. The materials for the couch vary.
#22. Camelback
Camelback sofas have a dramatic arched back and high curved arms that are even with the back piece. This style includes sofas with one or two arches or a low back single arch.
These couches traditionally have exposed wooden legs, which can vary by height and size. You can also get them in various styles and fabrics. Some are incredibly elaborate, with heavy ornate wood carving accents along the arch’s arms and back.
Camelback sofas were a popular choice for 18th-century aristocratic families in England. A more modern twist is a humpback with one or two humps instead of a curved arch.
This is a more formal style of furniture that provides a traditional, old school feel to your room. While the high sides give you more support, this may not be the best couch for a family movie or nap.
#23. Cabriole
Cabriole couches have an exposed wood frame, low arms, and no back cushions. The seat cushion can be one solid long piece, two or three pillows.
This style resembles a carriage seat with a curved back, accented in exposed wood. The curved legs are also a distinguishing feature (convex upper and concave lower). And the leg’s bow design comes from Thomas Chippendale, a famous chair and cabinet maker from the 1800s.
This style’s intricate design features are reminiscent of Chippendale, Queen Anne, and Louis XV styles. Cabriole sofas became popular during the reign of Louis XV in the early half of the 1700s.
They are still a popular choice for those wanting an old-world French touch in a formal sitting area. But this style might not be the best choice for family rooms where they will get a lot of use.
#24. Chaise Lounge
Chaise lounges are a type of lounger designed for you to have enough room to lay stretched out. There’s enough room for two to three people to sit together but only enough space for one person to lay down.
Signature features include a bench seat with one raised side and the other side flat. The couch back is high and curved without cushions. And the legs are exposed.
Variations of this design can be found in many cultures throughout history, including Egyptians, Olmec, Greeks (they called them klines), and Romans, who used this style for dining.
Modern versions can be of any style, material, and use. You can get chaise loungers for your sectionals, as outdoor furniture, or as a formal piece reminiscent of days past.
#25. Divan
Divan sofas are commonly referred to as fainting sofas due to the design. These couches are traditionally backless or have a low partial back.
Another key feature of divans is the absence of arms. If there are arms, they will be short. A divan is similar to a chaise lounger in that you would be more comfortable laying out in a reclined position than trying to sit up.
Many people refer to divan sofas as a curvy wood-framed daybed with a raised back on one end. There are many theories about the origins of this style of couch.
Some say divans got the term fainting couch from women of the Victorian era, who passed out due to losing their breath from tight corsets.
Psychoanalysis founder Sigmund Freud made these couches famous for being the type of sofa to lay on and share your thoughts.
#26. Pallet couches
Pallet couches are an excellent solution for a rustic DIY project on a budget. This sofa style consists of recycled pallets, which are wood structures used for packing and shipping.
You can often find pallets for free or at little cost from local stores, online, or your closest hardware store. And you can customize your couch to your exact needs by stacking the pallets together in your desired layout.
Pallet couches can have cushions made of various materials, although you probably would want to avoid using sensitive fabrics that are easy to damage.
There are no hard rules about a pallet couch’s signature features, other than being made of wood pallets. Height, width, and design vary by person and imagination.
#27. Sofa Lounger
Sofa loungers combine couches’ appearance, with a long bench seat and enough room for two or more people, with a lounger’s features, which includes a lengthened corner with enough space for stretching out.
This type of sofa is usually a piece of a modular or sectional couch, although you can find them as stand-alone pieces too.
These couches usually have cushioned backs and seats, removable or fixed, and have thick padding for extra comfort.
The materials used for sofa lounges can vary, as can the design and size. You can use a sofa lounge for a formal or informal setting.
Types of Couches FAQ
We’ve put together a collection of common questions people have about couches. These answers should help you have a better understanding of the topic. And it will help make your shopping an easy and pleasant task.
What are the sizes of couches?
Couches come in all different sizes, so you’re sure to find one that is big or small enough to fit your room and family. All sofas have three cushions, with enough space for at least three people.
Length
Couches can vary in size from 70″ to 96″ in length. With enough room for three people, a standard sofa is typically between 70″ and 87.”
The typical length of most couches is 84 inches. For extra seating, you can go for a long sofa that’s 87″ or even 100″ or higher for maximum room.
Depth
The standard depth of a sofa is 35,” but it can range from 32″ to 40,” depending on the design. If you want some snuggle room for your movie companion, you might want a deeper sofa.
The depth refers to the measurement from the back of the cushion to the front and ranges between 20″ to 25.”
People of average height can sit comfortably on a 21″ to 22″ sofa. Taller individuals may want a deep-seat sofa with a cushion length between 28″ to 35.” Extra-deep sofas have cushions wider than 35.”
Height
The height of your sofa can be anywhere from 26-36-inches. Low back couches give your home a modern look while higher backed sofas are more traditional.
Seat height can vary from 15-20 inches, traditionally leaving you 17″ to 18″ inches off the floor.
Are sofas and couches the same?
Some people refer to the large piece of furniture that can fit three or more people as a couch. Others may call it a sofa. But are they the same thing?
Historically, a couch is something different than a sofa. The word couch comes from “couche,” a French word meaning a piece of furniture used for lying that doesn’t have arms. According to the dictionary, a sofa is a long, upholstered piece of furniture with a back and arms.
If you want to be correct with the terminology, chances are you’ll need to start referring to your long piece of furniture as a sofa rather than a couch. But most people won’t correct you if you refer to it as a couch. Most of us do!
What materials are couches made from?
Couches can be upholstered in many different types of materials. It’s essential to pay attention to the kind of material you choose to ensure you pick a sofa that will stand up to your home’s needs. Pets, kids, and high traffic can be damaging to some materials.
Leather – a common fabric choice, with different grades. This material is easy to clean, durable, and ages well. Direct sunlight and pets with sharp claws are the most significant dangers.
Cotton – a natural fiber that resists fading. Thread count determines quality. The tighter the weave, the better the quality. Cotton is easy to get dirty or wrinkle, and it’s not fire-resistant. Be wary of damask or cotton weaves, which don’t last as long and are harder to clean.
Linen – Linen is a durable fabric that’s prone to wrinkles and soiling. This fabric is not suitable for pets or children, so it’s best for formal use. When linen gets dirty, it requires cleaning by professionals to prevent shrinking.
Faux leather – A synthetic imitation leather that gives you the same look and durability without the high cost.
Microfiber – Microfiber is an ideal fabric for pet parents. This soft, fine polyester is easy to clean and durable enough to withstand children or pets. The tight weave prevents trapping dust, pet hair, or other small particles.
Polyester – The most common synthetic material for couches due to affordability, durability, and wrinkle resistance. This material is also easy to clean, so it’s ideal for children.
Chenille – Chenille is a durable, soft, and almost fuzzy fabric that provides a sense of elegance. This fabric can withstand heavy use, but it does require regular vacuuming to remove smart particles. A professional cleaner should clean spills. Sharp pet toenails can snag the fabric causing damage.
How are sofas measured?
It’s a smart idea to measure your sofa before purchasing it to ensure it will fit into your intended space. You’ll also want to be sure it can fit into your doorways. It doesn’t do any good to have a perfect seat but can’t get it into your home.
There are three separate dimensions you’ll need to consider for your couch’s measurements.
The couch’s width refers to the length from arm to arm. Depth refers to how far the piece sticks out from the back to the front. And height refers to how tall the couch is, from the bottom to the top of the backside.
To know the size of your couch, you’ll need to measure the width and the diagonal depth. To get the diagonal depth, use a straight edge, and start at the back’s highest point. Measure down to the front end of the arm.
Then measure the distance from the back bottom corner to the center of the line from the first measurement. Compare these dimensions with your doorways to determine how to get the best fit.
