How to Choose Curtains for Your Living Room: Tips for First-Time Decorators

When we moved into our new home, I didn’t expect that picking out curtains would be so tricky. I figured I’d just measure the windows, click “add to cart,” and call it a day. But once I started diving into the options—lengths, fabrics, linings, hardware styles—I realized that there is SO much to think about.  I honestly researched curtain ideas for weeks.  Seriously!  I really feel like curtains can make or break the look of a room.

The good news? Once you know a few key tips, choosing the right living room curtains becomes a whole lot easier. In this post, I’m breaking down everything I learned (after lots of research and my own curtain experiences!) so you can avoid the rookie mistakes—and create a cozy, polished space that feels complete.

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1. Hang Your Curtain Rods High

If you only take one thing from this post, let it be this:

Mount your curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible.

Doing this draws the eye upward and instantly makes your ceilings look taller. It also gives your windows that full, floor-to-ceiling look you see in professionally designed homes.

I used these UNCONSIL Wood Curtain Rods from Amazon—they’re simple, sturdy, and look far more expensive than they are.

Pro Tip: If your ceilings are standard height (around 8 feet), aim to hang your rods just a few inches below the ceiling or crown molding. Then measure from that point down to the floor to figure out the right curtain length.

Most curtains come in standard sizes; 72, 84, 96, and 108 inches are popular. However, you can’t use 96-inch curtains with 8-ft ceilings, as you have to leave a few inches to hang the curtain rods. Luckily, Amazon had some great curtain options that came in non-standard sizes. I purchased 90-inch curtains for 8-ft ceilings, and 102-inch curtains for 9-ft ceilings.

2. Choose Floor-Length Curtains That Just Dust the Floor

When it comes to curtain length, you want the panels to just graze the floor. Avoid:

• Curtains that are too short and leave a noticeable gap—they can make the whole space feel unfinished or cheap.
• Curtains that pool dramatically unless you’re going for a romantic, dramatic vibe (which isn’t practical for high-traffic living rooms).

The sweet spot: Curtains that gently touch or “kiss” the floor for a tailored, high-end look.

3. Pick the Right Fabric and Lining

I went with these Hokibero Linen Blackout Curtains from Amazon in both our living room and master bedroom—and they’ve been perfect. They’re affordable, have great texture, and they check all the boxes:

• A soft, linen-blend fabric for a natural, airy feel
• A white liner on the back for a clean, uniform look from outside
• Built-in blackout lining to block light and reduce glare

Even if you don’t choose linen, make sure your curtains are lined in white on the back. It helps with privacy, blocks more light, and keeps your windows looking polished from the street.

4. Use Back Tabs or Curtain Rings (Not Grommets!)

When it comes to how you hang your curtains, the style you choose can totally change the vibe.

• Back Tabs: I used the hidden back tab method for our living room curtains, and I love the clean, pleated look it gives. It mimics pinch pleat drapes without needing custom sewing. However, it is much more difficult to open and close the curtains when they are hung this way. This is not a problem for our living room, as we have bamboo shades for privacy, and the curtains are more aesthetic than functional.
• Curtain Rings: In our bedroom, I wanted to be able to easily open and close the curtains everyday. So, I mounted the curtains with wooden curtain rings for a more functional approach. It gives off a subtle Pottery Barn feel, and they’re much easier to open and close.

Pro Tip: Skip the grommets—they tend to look more like shower curtains and feel less elevated in a living room space.

Shop the Look

Want to recreate this look? Here are the exact products I used:

• Hokibero Linen Blackout Curtains – Affordable, lined, and luxe-looking
• UNCONSIL Wood Curtain Rods – Stylish and sturdy
• Wooden Curtain Rings – Great for bedrooms or anywhere you’ll be opening and closing daily

Final Thoughts: Small Details, Big Impact

Curtains might seem like a small part of a room, but they have the power to make a space feel cozy, intentional, and finished. If you’re decorating your first home or just updating your living room, don’t overthink it—just remember:

• Hang high
• Go long
• Choose lined panels
• Use back tabs or rings for a polished look

With just a few smart choices, you can totally transform your space—without spending a fortune.

Interested in bamboo roman shades to go with your curtains? Check out this post!