Have you ever wondered whether to add curtain panels to your windows? Maybe you don’t need them, or perhaps you aren’t sure you even want them. You might be questioning your personal style, whether curtains are “in” or “out,” or if they suit your house and lifestyle.
When we moved into this house, I debated adding curtain panels in the main rooms. We had installed woven shades for sun control, so curtains weren’t strictly necessary. Privacy wasn’t a major concern, and with a lovely view out back, it almost felt like leaving the windows bare might be the right choice. Modern spaces often look light, airy, and clean with nothing at the windows, so I wondered if that was the aesthetic I wanted for our home or simply a look I admired in other houses.
Of course, this decision wasn’t earth-shattering in the grand scheme of things, but it mattered to me. I prefer a simple, unfussy approach to decor, so I asked myself: would less fabric at the windows feel right, or would it leave the rooms feeling unfinished and less cozy? I decided to wait and live in the space a while to determine what felt best.
Living in Seattle, I want as much natural light as possible, but I also want my home to feel snug on cool, gray days. Our woven shades are mounted so they don’t block light unless lowered, and curtain panels can be installed outside the window frame so they won’t interfere with brightness. Light wasn’t the main factor in my choice.
Although I believe less can be more, I ultimately felt that bare windows left the rooms feeling a bit incomplete. I wanted to try panels to see if they would make the space feel warmer and more finished.
Every home and homeowner are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What looks great in a photo may not work for your space. After living in the house for a while, I started to understand what would suit our home best.
Originally I considered white sheer panels, but stock issues led me to explore other options. Eventually I found navy curtains with a whimsical barn owl pattern. If you’ve followed along, you might know I like subtle whimsy in our decor—little unexpected touches that make a space feel personal. From a distance the pattern reads as an interesting print; up close you can appreciate the quirky owl motif. They felt playful and perfectly suited my casual approach to design.
The deep navy color appealed to me as well. Our living and dining rooms have a simple palette—Benjamin Moore Simply White walls—but I like repeating a color throughout a home. Repetition, especially in a smaller house, creates cohesion and a peaceful flow. With a navy dresser and pillows nearby, these curtains helped tie rooms together and give the space a unified look. They make a statement in the dining room but can be swapped seasonally if we want a different vibe.
After hanging the panels, I realized they did more than add color and pattern. They introduced an essential layer of texture that changed the room’s feeling. Less fabric had left the rooms feeling colder and even a little louder; the panels softened the space, bringing a sense of calm, quiet, and coziness. More fabric made the rooms feel more pulled together and comfortable to be in.
Once we loved the dining room curtains, we added panels to the living room. I hadn’t planned on it, but they were transformative. Soft gray linen panels frame and soften the large windows and define the corner where our daybed sits, creating a cozy spot that feels intentional. Linen works well year-round—lightweight and breezy but with enough substance to hold up around expansive windows. We used a narrow black rod in both rooms for consistency and a subtle touch of contrast.
Making choices that affect how our home feels—rather than following trends or assuming what’s “right”—has led us to love our home more each step of the way. It’s a gradual process, but we’re creating a cozier, more comfortable house that suits how we live.
If you’re unsure about curtains, consider trying panels to see how they change the atmosphere. Many rooms benefit from the added texture, softness, and sense of completeness curtain panels bring. They can make a room feel quieter, more peaceful, and more inviting.
Below you’ll find a curated selection of curtain options to inspire your search.
We’re continuing to update these rooms, and I’ll share more as changes happen. For now, adding curtain panels has made our home feel more complete and welcoming. If you’re on the fence, try a set of panels—you might be surprised at how much they improve the way your room feels.