Where to Buy Curtains for Your Living Room (U.S. buyer’s guide)
Finding the right curtains is part style, part function. Are you blocking light, improving insulation, adding privacy, or lifting the room’s design? Below you’ll find the best places to shop (online and brick-and-mortar), how to choose the right curtain type, five recommended products you can link to as affiliates, a comparison table, and quick installation & care tips so you — or your readers — can buy confidently.
Quick overview: Where most people buy curtains in the U.S.
Online marketplaces (fast, huge selection): Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock — excellent for price comparisons and quick delivery.
Big-box & multi-category retailers (value + return convenience): Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s.
Speciality home stores (higher-end fabrics, custom options): West Elm, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware.
IKEA (affordable, ready-made panels, good styling basics).
Local fabric stores & curtain workrooms (custom sizes, made-to-measure, local support).
Custom online specialists (custom widths/lengths, premium fabrics): The Shade Store, Smith & Noble, Curtains.com (example vendors).
How to choose the right place to buy
- On a tight budget & fast shipping: Big-box + Amazon. Look for ready-made panels.
- Custom sizes or premium fabric: Speciality retailers or local workrooms. Expect a lead time of 2–8 weeks.
- Thermal / blackout needs: Search retailers with product specs (R-value, “room darkening” or “blackout” labels).
- Designer or trend-driven options: West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel.
- Easy returns & in-person try: Target, Home Depot, and local home stores let you see fabric before committing.
3 quick buying rules to follow
Measure twice, buy by panel width + drop length. Note the finished length (hem) and whether the rod pocket or grommet fits your hardware.
Match function to fabric: sheer = light & privacy layering; linen/linen blend = casual texture; velvet = insulation + luxe; blackout = bedrooms/living rooms that double as home theatres.
Check return policy & shipping costs — curtains can vary in colour between monitors and reality.
Installation & styling quick guide
- Mounting height: Hang the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame (or to the ceiling for drama).
- Panel fullness: Aim for 1.5–2× the window width for nice gathers.
- Length styles: “Puddle” (extra long) for formal rooms; “kiss the floor” (1/4″ above) for tidy modern looks.
- Layering: Sheer + blackout panel doubles as privacy + style. Use holdbacks or tiebacks for daytime staging.
Care & maintenance (simple routines)
Machine washable panels: Use a gentle cycle, low heat dry or air-dry to prevent shrinkage.
Dry clean only / linen: Follow label to avoid fabric damage.
Prevent fading: Use a UV-blocking liner or rotate panels if one side gets direct sun.
Ironing: Steam works great for linen or cotton; use low temp for polyester blends.
Local vs online: when to choose each
Choose local (fabric store/custom seamstress) if: you need exact custom widths/lengths, want premium fabric samples, or prefer in-person consultation.
Choose online if: you want faster options, more styles at different price points, sales, and easy price comparisons.
Top 5 curtain picks
1-Cream Linen Back Tab Curtains
2-Brighton Windowpane Plaid Blackout Window Curtain
3-Buffalo Check Cotton Curtain
4-Estelar Textiler Navy Blue and Greyish White Blackout Curtains
5-NICETOWN Grey Blackout Curtain
