Best Living Room Curtains UK 2025: Complete Style & Sizing Guide

Curtains transform living rooms from cold and echo-y to warm and inviting—yet they're one of the most intimidating purchases homeowners face. Too short looks cheap. Too narrow leaves gaps. Wrong fabric blocks precious natural light or offers zero privacy. Based on interior designer recommendations, thousands of UK customer reviews, and 2025's window treatment trends, here's everything you need to choose curtains that elevate your living room without the guesswork.

Why Living Room Curtains Matter in 2025

Curtains do far more than cover windows:

Light control: Manage natural light throughout the day
Privacy: Essential for ground-floor and overlooked properties
Thermal insulation: Reduce heating costs by up to 25%
Sound absorption: Soften echo in rooms with hard floors
Style statement: Frame views and complete room aesthetics
Property value: Quality curtains signal well-maintained homes

2025 Curtain Trends

Layered looks: Sheers + blackout for flexible light control Warm neutrals: Terracotta, warm beige, and sage green replace cool greys Natural fabrics: Linen and linen-look dominate for sustainable, relaxed aesthetics Extra-long drops: Puddling or floor-grazing for luxury feel Simple headers: Eyelet and tab-top replace fussy pleats

The Golden Rules: Measuring & Sizing

The #1 mistake: Buying curtains that are too narrow or too short.

Width: The 2x Rule

Correct formula: Window width × 2 = minimum curtain width needed

Example: 150cm wide window needs 300cm total curtain width (two 150cm panels or wider)

Why doubling matters:

Creates proper fullness when closed
Allows curtains to stack neatly when open
Looks intentional, not stretched across
Industry standard for quality appearance

For luxury fullness: Multiply by 2.5-3x (more expensive but looks stunning)

Length: The Professional Look

Floor-grazing (recommended): Curtain hem 1-2cm above floor

Modern, clean aesthetic
Easiest to maintain
Prevents dragging dirt

Floating (acceptable): Curtain hem 5-10cm above floor

More casual look
Good with radiators below windows
Easier vacuum access

Puddling (statement): Extra 5-15cm fabric pools on floor

Luxurious, traditional aesthetic
High maintenance (collects dust)
Not suitable for high-traffic areas

Window sill length (avoid in living rooms): Looks cheap and dated unless in cottage-style homes

How to Measure

Width measurement:

Measure window frame width
Add 15-30cm each side (curtains extend beyond frame)
Multiply total by 2

Length measurement:

Measure from curtain pole/track to floor
Subtract 1-2cm for floor-grazing
Order next size up if between standard sizes

Pole/track height: Position 15-20cm above window frame (makes ceilings look higher)

Best Living Room Curtains UK 2025

1. Dunelm Curtains (Best for Variety & Value: £15-£200)

Dunelm dominates the UK curtain market with exceptional range meeting every budget and style.

Why Dunelm wins:

Massive variety (over 500 styles)
Budget to premium options
Physical stores (see fabric texture and color)
Made-to-measure service available
Regular sales (20-40% off common)
Easy returns

Best-Selling Dunelm Curtain Ranges:

Chenille Pencil Pleat Curtains: £35-£80

Luxurious soft texture
Excellent insulation
Multiple colors (grey, duck egg, navy, natural)
Perfect for: Traditional and contemporary living rooms

Linen Look Eyelet Curtains: £28-£60

Relaxed, natural aesthetic
Modern eyelet header
Easy to hang and slide
Perfect for: Scandi, coastal, modern minimalist styles

Vermont Lined Eyelet Curtains: £55-£90

Textured weave
Thermal lining included
Contemporary colors
Perfect for: Year-round comfort and style

Eden Blockout Eyelet Curtains: £22-£45

Budget blackout option
Multiple colors
Excellent light blocking
Perfect for: Media rooms, shift workers, budget-conscious buyers

Shop Dunelm Curtains

Best for: UK buyers wanting to see and touch curtains before buying, anyone needing variety across all budgets, or buyers wanting made-to-measure options.

2. John Lewis Curtains (Best Quality & Longevity: £50-£300)

John Lewis curtains justify their premium with exceptional fabrics, construction, and their renowned customer service.

Why John Lewis excels:

Premium fabric quality
2-year guarantee
Free made-to-measure service in-store
Expert fitting advice
Curated, timeless designs
Excellent light-blocking linings

John Lewis Curtain Strengths:

Materials: Pure cotton, linen blends, quality synthetics Construction: Reinforced stitching, weighted hems, proper linings Service: Knowledgeable staff, reliable delivery, easy returns Longevity: Expect 10-15+ years with proper care

Popular John Lewis Ranges:

Cotton Rib Lined Eyelet Curtains: £95-£160

Textured cotton
Elegant drape
Contemporary colors
Investment quality

Linen Blend Pencil Pleat Curtains: £120-£200

Natural linen aesthetic
Sustainable choice
Beautiful natural texture
Ages beautifully

Shop John Lewis Curtains

Best for: Buyers prioritizing quality and longevity, anyone furnishing forever homes, or those wanting expert advice and made-to-measure services.

3. IKEA Curtains (Best Budget Option: £15-£80)

IKEA proves stylish curtains don't require big budgets.

Why IKEA works:

Unbeatable prices
Scandi minimalist aesthetic
Simple installation
Widely available
Sustainable materials focus

IKEA Curtain Highlights:

MERETE: £20-£35 per pair

Room-darkening
Multiple colors
Affordable quality
Perfect for: Budget living rooms

TIBAST: £30-£50 per pair

Cotton/linen blend
Natural aesthetic
Elegant drape
Perfect for: Scandi, coastal, modern styles

GUNRID: £25-£40 per pair

Air-purifying fabric technology
Breaks down pollutants
Eco-friendly innovation
Perfect for: Health-conscious, urban living

HANNALILL: £20-£30 per pair

Sheer curtains
Layering option
Light filtering
Perfect for: Privacy with natural light

Shop IKEA Curtains

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, renters, first-time homeowners, or anyone loving Scandinavian minimalist aesthetics.

4. Amazon UK Curtains (Best for Quick Delivery: £20-£150)

Amazon's Prime delivery means new curtains tomorrow, with surprising quality in the mid-range.

Why Amazon:

Next-day Prime delivery
Easy returns
Thousands of options
Real customer photos in reviews
Competitive pricing

Amazon Curtain Shopping Tips:

Filter by Prime for fast delivery
Read reviews mentioning actual measurements
Check customer photos (colors vary on screens)
Verify washing instructions
Compare similar items before buying

Popular Amazon Curtain Types:

Thermal Blackout Curtains: £25-£80

Energy-saving properties
Light blocking
Multiple colors
Perfect for: Reducing heating bills

Linen-Look Curtains: £30-£100

Natural aesthetic
Easy-care synthetic
Relaxed, modern look
Perfect for: Contemporary living rooms

Velvet Curtains: £40-£120

Luxurious texture
Excellent insulation
Rich colors
Perfect for: Adding elegance and warmth

Shop Curtains on Amazon UK

Best for: Urgent curtain needs, anyone wanting next-day delivery, or buyers prioritizing customer reviews and easy returns.

5. Next Home Curtains (Best Design-Led Options: £50-£200)

Next bridges high-street accessibility with premium design aesthetics.

Why Next works:

On-trend designs
Quality fabrics
Coordinating homeware range
Free Click & Collect
Extended returns (28 days)

Next Curtain Strengths:

Curated collections: Coordinating cushions, throws, rugs available Quality control: Consistent standards across ranges Seasonal updates: Regular new designs Accessible luxury: Designer looks at high-street prices

Shop Next Home Curtains

Best for: Style-conscious buyers wanting coordinated living room aesthetics, or anyone prioritizing current trends at accessible prices.

Curtain Fabrics Explained

Cotton

Pros: Natural, breathable, washable, holds color well Cons: Can shrink, wrinkles easily, fades in direct sun Best for: Traditional living rooms, moderate light control Maintenance: Machine wash cool, iron while damp Lifespan: 8-12 years

Linen

Pros: Natural, elegant drape, gets softer over time, breathable Cons: Expensive, wrinkles (part of charm), can shrink Best for: Relaxed, sophisticated aesthetics Maintenance: Dry clean or gentle machine wash Lifespan: 10-15 years

Linen-Look (Polyester)

Pros: Affordable, low maintenance, doesn't shrink, wrinkle-resistant Cons: Less breathable, static buildup Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting linen aesthetic Maintenance: Machine wash, tumble dry low Lifespan: 7-10 years

Velvet

Pros: Luxurious, excellent insulation, rich colors, absorbs sound Cons: Expensive, shows marks, requires care Best for: Elegant, traditional, or maximalist living rooms Maintenance: Professional dry clean recommended Lifespan: 10-15 years

Chenille

Pros: Soft, insulating, durable, rich texture Cons: Attracts dust, can snag Best for: Cozy, warm living rooms Maintenance: Machine wash gentle or dry clean Lifespan: 8-12 years

Thermal/Blackout

Pros: Energy-saving, blocks light, reduces noise Cons: Heavier, limited color range Best for: Cold homes, shift workers, media rooms Maintenance: Machine wash (check labels) Lifespan: 7-10 years

Curtain Header Styles

Eyelet

Look: Modern, minimalist rings threaded on pole Pros: Easy to hang, smooth gliding, contemporary Cons: Requires curtain pole (not track) Best for: Modern and contemporary living rooms

Pencil Pleat

Look: Gathered pleats across top Pros: Works with pole or track, traditional elegance Cons: More fabric needed for fullness Best for: Traditional and cottage-style homes

Tab Top

Look: Fabric loops over pole Pros: Relaxed aesthetic, easy to make Cons: Harder to slide, casual look Best for: Beach houses, casual living rooms

Pinch Pleat

Look: Formal, tailored pleats Pros: Elegant, professional appearance Cons: More expensive, requires hooks Best for: Formal, traditional living rooms

Lining Options Explained

Unlined

Light control: Minimal Insulation: None Best for: Layering with blackout blinds, sheer curtains Price: Cheapest

Standard Lining

Light control: Moderate Insulation: Some improvement Best for: Most living rooms, moderate climates Price: Mid-range

Thermal Lining

Light control: Good Insulation: Reduces heat loss by 15-25% Best for: Cold homes, energy efficiency Price: Slightly premium

Blackout Lining

Light control: Excellent (blocks 90-99%) Insulation: Good Best for: Media rooms, shift workers, south-facing windows Price: Premium

Interlining (Bump or Domette)

Light control: Excellent Insulation: Maximum Best for: Luxury curtains, cold homes, sound absorption Price: Most expensive (usually bespoke)

Curtains for Different Living Room Styles

Modern Minimalist

Best curtains: Eyelet header, linen-look, neutral colors Colors: White, light grey, natural beige Fabrics: Cotton-poly blends, linen-look Avoid: Fussy pleats, heavy velvets, busy patterns

Traditional/Classic

Best curtains: Pencil or pinch pleat, richer fabrics Colors: Navy, burgundy, forest green, gold Fabrics: Velvet, chenille, heavy cotton Avoid: Ultra-modern eyelets, stark whites

Scandi/Nordic

Best curtains: Simple headers, natural fabrics, light colors Colors: White, natural linen, pale grey Fabrics: Linen, cotton, sheer layers Avoid: Heavy dark colors, ornate styles

Coastal

Best curtains: Relaxed linen, tab-top, light and airy Colors: White, natural, soft blue, sandy beige Fabrics: Linen, cotton, sheer voiles Avoid: Heavy velvets, formal pleats

Country/Cottage

Best curtains: Floral patterns, pencil pleat, traditional Colors: Florals, checks, warm neutrals Fabrics: Cotton, linen blends Avoid: Ultra-modern metallics, stark minimalism

Practical Considerations

Privacy Needs

Ground floor/overlooked: Blackout or thermal lining essential Upper floors/private gardens: Sheers or lighter fabrics acceptable Evening privacy: Consider layered approach (sheers + curtains)

Light Control

South-facing (lots of sun): Blackout or thermal lining to prevent fading furniture North-facing (limited light): Lighter fabrics, sheer layers to maximize daylight East-facing (morning sun): Room-darkening for sleeping in West-facing (evening sun): Consider glare control

Energy Efficiency

Single-glazed windows: Thermal-lined curtains save 20-25% heating costs Double-glazed windows: Standard lining sufficient Bay windows: Extra insulation needed due to larger surface area

Pets & Children

Cats: Avoid delicate fabrics, choose snag-resistant Dogs: Washable fabrics, avoid floor-puddling (collects fur) Young children: Washable, stain-resistant, cordless systems

Maintenance & Care

Vacuum regularly: Use upholstery attachment monthly to prevent dust buildup

Wash carefully: Follow care labels precisely (many need cool wash, line dry)

Steam refresh: Between washes, steam removes wrinkles and refreshes fabric

Professional cleaning: Every 2-3 years for lined curtains (extends life significantly)

Avoid sun damage: Rotate curtains if fade-prone fabrics (swap left/right panels)

Check hardware: Tighten pole brackets annually, replace worn gliders

Common Curtain Mistakes

❌ Too narrow: Creates stretched, cheap look—always double window width minimum

❌ Too short: Looks accidental—floor-grazing is standard, anything above looks unfinished

❌ Wrong pole: Flimsy poles sag with heavy curtains—match pole strength to fabric weight

❌ No lining: Unlined curtains look cheap and offer poor insulation

❌ Ignoring fullness: Flat curtains look stretched—proper gathering essential

❌ Pole too low: Makes ceilings feel lower—position 15-20cm above frame

❌ Not allowing for shrinkage: Natural fabrics shrink—order 5cm longer

Budget Breakdown

Under £50: Budget but Functional

Small windows only or single panels
Synthetic fabrics
Limited color choice
3-5 year lifespan
Best from: IKEA, Dunelm sales, Amazon basics

£50-£100: Sweet Spot for Most Buyers

Standard window sizes
Good fabric quality
Decent lining options
7-10 year lifespan
Best from: Dunelm, Next, Amazon mid-range

£100-£200: Quality Investment

Large windows, quality fabrics
Thermal or blackout lining
Premium construction
10-15 year lifespan
Best from: John Lewis, Dunelm premium, Next

£200+: Premium/Made-to-Measure

Perfect fit, luxury fabrics
Interlined options
Bespoke service
15+ year lifespan
Best from: John Lewis made-to-measure, specialist curtain shops

Installation Tips

DIY Hanging:

Use spirit level for straight poles
Drill into wall studs or use heavy-duty wall plugs
Allow 2-3cm clearance for gliding
Steam or iron curtains before hanging
Adjust length before final hem

Pole vs. Track:

Poles: Modern, visible, decorative finials

Best for: Eyelet and tab-top curtains
Requires: Strong brackets for heavy curtains

Tracks: Discreet, smooth operation

Best for: Pencil pleat, pinch pleat curtains
Requires: Ceiling or wall mounting

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value: Dunelm Curtains (£15-£200) Variety, quality, and ability to see in person make Dunelm unbeatable for most UK buyers.

Best Quality: John Lewis Curtains (£50-£300) Premium fabrics, 2-year guarantee, and made-to-measure service justify the investment.

Best Budget: IKEA Curtains (£15-£80) Scandi style and surprising quality at unbeatable prices.

Best for Quick Delivery: Amazon UK Curtains (£20-£150) Next-day Prime delivery with easy returns.

Best Design-Led: Next Home Curtains (£50-£200) On-trend styles with coordinating accessories.

The Bottom Line

Perfect living room curtains:

✓ Are wide enough (2x window width minimum) ✓ Are long enough (floor-grazing standard) ✓ Have proper lining (privacy, insulation, longevity) ✓ Suit your lifestyle (pets/kids = washable) ✓ Complement your aesthetic

Start here:

Measure window width and pole-to-floor length
Calculate fabric needed (width × 2, length + 2cm)
Set realistic budget (£70-120 per window is sweet spot)
Choose fabric based on light control needs
Select header style matching your aesthetic

Remember: curtains are an investment that transforms your living room's comfort, privacy, and style. Spending £100 on proper curtains beats £30 on inadequate ones that disappoint daily.

Last updated: October 2025. Prices verified at major UK retailers. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.