Have you ever wondered whether to add curtain panels to your windows? Maybe they aren’t strictly necessary, but you aren’t sure if you want them. Maybe you’re unsure of your style, or if curtains are “in” or appropriate for your home.
When we first moved into this house I debated adding curtain panels in the main rooms. We didn’t strictly need them because we installed woven shades for sun control, and privacy wasn’t a major concern. With a lovely view out the back, it almost felt like the windows didn’t need dressing. So many modern spaces look light, airy and clean with nothing at the windows, and I wondered whether that was the look I wanted for our home or simply a style I admired in photos.
It’s a small decision compared with many of the world’s larger concerns, but it mattered to me. I favor a simple, unfussy approach to decorating, and I tried to decide whether less fabric at the windows would feel right for this house or if it would leave the rooms feeling incomplete and less cozy.
Every house and homeowner are different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What looks great in a photo or someone else’s space may not work in your home. I decided to live in the house a while and see what felt best.
We live in Seattle and want as much natural light as possible, but the many cool, overcast days here also make coziness appealing. Our shades are mounted so they don’t obstruct light unless lowered, and curtain panels could be hung outside the window for the same effect. Light wasn’t the main factor in my decision.
Although I value minimalism, eventually I felt that less around the windows made the rooms seem unfinished and not as cozy as I wanted, so I decided to try panels.
Originally I considered white sheer panels from Target, but availability issues and a canceled order led me to explore other options. That search led me to navy curtains printed with a subtle barn owl pattern—whimsical without being overpowering.
If you’ve followed my work, you know I like a touch of subtle whimsy. Our home has a few playful touches—small animals in artwork, fabrics and accessories—that aren’t obvious at first glance but bring personality over time. The owl curtains fit that approach: from afar they read as an interesting pattern, and up close they reveal a friendly, quirky detail that makes me smile. They’re not glamorous, and they suit the relaxed, approachable style I prefer.
Beyond the pattern, I loved the deep navy. Our main rooms have a restrained palette—Benjamin Moore Simply White walls—yet I enjoy using color. One lesson I learned early in decorating is that repeating a color throughout a home, especially a smaller one, creates cohesion and a calmer feel. The navy curtains helped tie the dining room to the adjoining space with its navy dresser and pillows, creating visual continuity. We can always swap panels seasonally for a different look.
Once the dining room panels were hung, it became clear why curtains can be necessary. They didn’t just add color and pattern; they introduced an additional layer of texture that changed the feeling of the room. Even while planning other updates, the panels made an immediate difference. Without them, the space felt colder and, unexpectedly, louder. Adding fabric softened the room, bringing a sense of calm, quiet and warmth. Panels helped the space feel more finished and inviting.
After seeing the effect in the dining room, we added panels to the living room as well. I hadn’t planned on them at first, but they transformed the space. Soft gray linen panels frame and soften the large windows while defining that corner as a cozy destination for our daybed.
The gray linen coordinates with the dining room panels without matching exactly. Linen is great year-round—lightweight enough to feel breezy, yet substantial enough to anchor a large window wall. We used the same narrow black rod in both rooms for consistency and a subtle black accent.
When decisions focus on how a home feels to the people who live in it—rather than following trends or what seems “right” for others—the result is a space you love more over time. Gradually making changes that enhance comfort and personality has made our small house feel snug and welcoming.
Even if you think you don’t want curtains, you may be surprised by how much better a room can feel with panels. If you want a softer, quieter, more peaceful room, curtain panels are worth trying.
Below is a curated roundup of curtain options that can inspire different looks. Choose fabrics and colors that suit your home and lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to test panels to see how they change the feel of a room.
Note: The images above illustrate a variety of styles and price points. Consider color repetition, texture and scale when selecting panels to ensure they enhance your home’s overall feel.
We’re enjoying the cozier feeling these additions have brought to our home, and I’ll share more room updates soon. If you’re on the fence about curtains, try a panel or two—sometimes a small change makes a big difference.