The Quiet Art of Curtains

Light, when handled with care, becomes a material in itself. It moves through a room, softens its edges, and reveals the quiet beauty of what’s already there. The way we frame and filter light is a kind of design language, one that’s intuitive, intimate, and deeply personal.

Curtains, when thoughtfully chosen, become part of this language. They do not shout for attention. Instead, they quietly refine a space, offering softness, function, and restraint. As John Pawson reminds us, “Minimalism is not defined by what is not there, but by the rightness of what is.” In that spirit, curtains are not an afterthought. They are a deliberate act of editing what you keep out, what you let in, and how you choose to live between the two.

Before selecting a fabric or style, ask what you want the curtains to do. Is it privacy you need, or softness? Do you want to dim the world outside, or simply filter it gently? Function should lead an idea central to Dieter Rams’ design philosophy, where beauty and utility are never at odds.

A Few Thoughtful Ideas

Hang high. Mount curtain rods closer to the ceiling to elongate a room and create visual clarity.

John Pawson

Extend The Frame

Let curtains stretch several inches beyond the window frame so that light, not fabric, takes center stage.

Just Meet the Floor

A gentle kiss or a soft break at the floor feels intentional neither overly tailored nor overly fussy.

Use Honest Materials

Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool drape with authenticity. They age well and speak softly.

Keep Color Restrained

A muted palette allows texture and form to take precedence. Patterns, if any, should be nearly imperceptible.

Dezeen

As Rams once said, “Good design is as little design as possible.” With curtains, this means resisting the urge to decorate for decoration’s sake. Instead, create space for the room to breathe. The curtains shouldn’t complete a room, they should support it.

Whether you’re working with a designer (we’d be honored) or finding your own rhythm, start by noticing how light lives in your home. Notice how it changes throughout the day. Where it rests. Where it hides. And let your choices follow that quiet cue.

In the end, it’s not about filling a space. It’s about revealing what already makes it whole.

Curtain Sizing: Navigating Off-the-Shelf and Custom Options

When selecting curtains, sizing is just as important as material. Off-the-shelf options often come in standard lengths typically 84", 96", or 108" and can work well if they complement the height of your windows and ceilings. For a tailored look, opt for panels that offer generous width; this prevents the need for multiple panels and allows for a more seamless, architectural feel. If you're working with unique window dimensions or want to achieve a precise, floor-skimming or puddled effect, custom curtains offer greater flexibility and refinement. Either way, aim for proportions that feel intentional, quietly framing the light and lending softness to your space.

A Bit More On Color and Pattern

Keep the palette subdued. Neutrals, when chosen thoughtfully, act like companions to light. If pattern feels necessary, let it whisper, not shout. Think tone-on-tone stripes, woven textures, or small-scale prints that feel timeless rather than trend-bound.

Mindful Materials: A Gentle Footprint

When possible, choose materials that tread lightly. Natural fibers like linen, hemp, and unbleached cotton tend to age beautifully and are often biodegradable. Opt for quality over quantity, curtains that are made well and maintained can last decades. Look for local makers or brands that emphasize transparency and traceability in their sourcing. Avoid synthetics when you can; they tend to break down over time and are more difficult to recycle. One last tip, be sure to look beyond the title and into the material specifications. Some brands call the curtains Linen but are often made with a small percentage of linen and a large percentage of polyester.

And always, if you’re no longer using your curtains, consider donating or repurposing them before discarding. Even the smallest gestures can make home feel a little more whole.