Quick answer: For the bedroom, choose blackout curtains so the room stays dark for sleep and cooler in the afternoon. For the living room, choose sheer curtains if you want daylight with privacy, or a heavier jacquard or cotton curtain if you want a richer look and some room darkening. Many living rooms use both: a sheer layer for the day and a heavier layer for the evening.
Living rooms and bedrooms do different jobs, so the same curtain rarely suits both. This guide explains the main curtain types (sheer, blackout, jacquard and cotton), which room each one suits, and what size to buy.
Living room vs bedroom curtains at a glance
| What you need | Living room | Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Natural light, privacy and a good look for guests | Darkness for sleep, privacy and comfort |
| Best curtain type | Sheer, jacquard or cotton canvas | Blackout or blackout foil |
| Light control | Light filtering to medium room darkening | Full blackout |
| Fabric weight | Light (sheer) to 400 GSM (jacquard) | About 300 GSM blackout fabric |
| Common length | 7 ft for doors and floor-length windows, 9 ft for tall balcony doors | 5 ft for windows, 7 ft for doors |
The 4 curtain types, explained simply
1. Sheer curtains: light with privacy
Sheer curtains are thin and see-through. They soften harsh sunlight, let the room stay bright and stop people outside from seeing straight in during the day. They do not darken a room and give little privacy at night when the lights are on inside.
The White Sheer Linen Curtains (set of 2) are made of polyester linen with a subtle checkered pattern and come in 5, 7, 8 and 9 ft lengths. They work well in a living room or as a room divider.
Best for: living rooms, dining areas, balcony doors and any room where you want daylight.
2. Blackout curtains: for sleep and heat control
Blackout curtains use a thick, tightly woven fabric to stop sunlight. Story@Home blackout curtains use a triple weave, 300 GSM polyester fabric with no chemical coating, and are made to block 99.9% of sunlight. A dark room helps you sleep better, and blocking afternoon sun also helps the AC or heater work better.
The Beige Blackout Curtains (set of 2) are a soft, neutral pick for most bedrooms, in 5, 7, 8 and 9 ft lengths. If you want a pattern, the Blackout Foil Beige & Golden Criss Cross Curtains add a golden foil print on the same 300 GSM blackout fabric.
Best for: bedrooms, kids' rooms, home theatres, night-shift sleepers and west-facing rooms.
3. Jacquard curtains: a rich look for the living room
In jacquard fabric, the pattern is woven into the cloth instead of printed on top. This gives a textured, slightly raised design that looks more formal. Jacquard curtains are heavier, so they also darken a room partly.
The 400 GSM Grey Azurio Jacquard Curtains have a curvy line pattern, room-darkening fabric and a grommet top that fits standard curtain rods. See more designs in our jacquard curtains collection.
Best for: living rooms, drawing rooms and master bedrooms where looks matter as much as light control.
4. Cotton canvas curtains: a relaxed middle option
Cotton canvas sits between sheer and blackout. It softens light and gives medium room darkening, with a natural, casual feel. The 300 GSM Blue Bohemian Cotton Canvas Curtains are 100% cotton canvas with a floral bohemian print.
Best for: living rooms, study rooms and bedrooms where you do not need full darkness.
How to choose curtains for your living room
- Decide how much light you want. Bright and airy means sheer. Some shade with a richer look means jacquard or cotton canvas.
- Think about privacy. If your living room faces the road or a neighbour's window, add a heavier curtain for the evening.
- Layer if you can. A sheer curtain behind a jacquard or blackout curtain gives you light by day and privacy at night. You will need a double rod or two rods.
- Match the colour to the room. Beige, grey and white suit most walls and sofas. Use a bold colour or pattern only if the rest of the room is plain.
How to choose curtains for your bedroom
- Go blackout for sleep. This matters most if your bedroom gets morning or afternoon sun, or if you sleep during the day.
- Cover the full window. Light leaks from the sides and top. Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the frame and let the curtains extend past the sides.
- Pick a calm colour. Beige, grey, brown and navy blue feel restful and work with most bedsheets.
- Want light in the day too? Hang a sheer curtain behind the blackout one and open the blackout curtain in the morning.
What size curtain should I buy?
Story@Home curtains come in four standard lengths. Our curtains are about 116 to 118 cm wide per panel and sold in sets of 2.
- Window: 5 ft (152 cm) – ends at or just below the window sill.
- Door: 7 ft (about 213–215 cm) – standard doors, or floor-length curtains on a window.
- Semi long door: 8 ft (about 242–244 cm) – slightly taller doors or a high-mounted rod.
- Long door: 9 ft (about 274–275 cm) – high ceilings, French doors and balcony doors.
For full, soft folds, plan for total curtain width of about 1.5 to 2 times the rod width. Read our curtain size guide for step-by-step measuring.
Frequently asked questions
Which curtains are best for the living room?
Sheer curtains are best if you want daylight with privacy. Jacquard or cotton canvas curtains are better if you want a richer look and some room darkening. Many homes layer a sheer curtain with a heavier one.
Should bedroom curtains be blackout?
For most bedrooms, yes. Blackout curtains keep the room dark for sleep and help block afternoon heat. If you like waking up to daylight, choose a medium room-darkening cotton curtain instead.
Can I use blackout curtains in the living room?
Yes, especially if your living room gets strong afternoon sun or you use it to watch TV or films. Pair them with sheer curtains so you can still enjoy daylight.
What is the difference between jacquard and printed curtains?
In jacquard curtains the design is woven into the fabric, so it has a textured, raised look. Printed curtains have the design printed on the fabric surface.
Do sheer curtains give privacy at night?
Not much. When the lights are on inside, people outside can see through sheer fabric. Add a blackout, jacquard or cotton curtain for night-time privacy.
How do I wash these curtains?
Blackout and jacquard curtains can be machine washed in cold water and hung to dry. For sheer curtains, remove the plastic eyelets, use a gentle cold wash and a steamer instead of an iron. Cotton canvas curtains should be dry cleaned or hand washed in cold water.
Shop curtains online from Story@Home
Browse our full range of curtains, from sheer and cotton to jacquard and blackout, in 5, 7, 8 and 9 ft sizes. Shop curtains online from Story@Home with free delivery across India, cash on delivery, and dispatch within 24 hours.
