Name: The Yardstick
Address: 2033 Gateway Place Suite 500, San Jose, CA, 95110, US
Telephone: 408-214-1300

Guide to Types & Styles of Curtains & Drapes

When it comes to the design and comfort of your home’s interior, you’ll need to understand the functions of different types of curtains and how they help set the mood. Why? Curtains can completely transform the look and feel of your space. They also determine how your windows work. Knowing about the different types and styles of drapery available can help make your decision that much faster and more informed.

Chances are, you’re not an expert interior designer. With over forty designs to choose from, the process can feel daunting, but also ultimately rewarding. Cozy, modern, simple, elegant, or rustic – there are thousands of patterns and distinct types/styles of curtains that convey specific moods and aesthetics.

Whether you’re an enthusiast or completely new to the detailed aspects of this craft, we’ll help simplify the process. The Yardstick showcases the many types of curtains available. With a wide range of offerings from top industry brands like Hunter Douglas and Graber, there’s a style for every type of decor and space. In this guide, we’ll explore 21 of the most popular types of curtains and the unique vibe each one creates. From soft and romantic to bold and contemporary, there’s a perfect option for every room and every personality.

Read on and enjoy the process of selecting the ideal curtains to achieve just the right lighting, style, and mood, and bring out the best in your living spaces.

Key Takeaways:

Curtains Set the Tone: The right type of curtain can completely transform the look and feel of your room, adding personality, mood, and aesthetic appeal.

Practical & Functional: Many types of curtains, like blackout or energy-efficient options, offer practical benefits such as light control, privacy, and insulation, enhancing both form and function.

Personal Style Matters: Whether you’re looking for cozy and rustic or sleek and modern, there are types of curtains that match your space’s vibe and your personal taste. Mixing and matching different types of curtains can add a unique touch to different rooms!

Four large living room windows with custom green draperies.

Why Curtain Styles Matter

Curtains do more than just hang from your windows—they play a huge role in your room’s overall design. The best types of curtains frame your windows, control natural light, add privacy, and set the tone for your décor. With so many types of curtains available today, it’s more possible than ever to match your functional needs with your design preferences.

21 Popular Curtain Styles and Their Room Vibes

1. Apron Curtains – Functional and Cozy

These shorter styles end at the window sill, or sometimes just below, and are often referred to as half-length curtains. If you want to make your windows look longer and larger than they are, then these drapes are the perfect solution.Usually, they’re used for rooms with small windows like kitchens or bathrooms. You fix the curtain rod a little above the window and then let the drape extend several inches below the window sill to create an apron-length drape. Their shortened verticality gives your windows a minimal yet cozy look.

Many agree that apron curtains are a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or even smaller windows in bedrooms. They can also help alleviate potential issues with young children or pets who might like to nab and pull at your curtains.

2. Blackout Curtains – Practical and Peaceful

A go-to option for bedrooms and media rooms, blackout curtains are one of the types of curtains that offer privacy and block nearly all sunlight from entering a room. This helps foster a better sleep or movie time. Made from popular heavyweight materials such as velvet and synthetic blends, these are perfect for those who are sensitive to light when sleeping or need a dark room for work or entertainment purposes.Blackout style drapes are ideal for bedrooms, home theater rooms, media offices, nurseries, and other similar rooms. You’ll attain maximum privacy while keeping out unwanted light and glare effects. They can also help you regulate your room’s temperature.

3. Blockout Curtains – Functional and Dramatic

Blockout curtains are a more extreme version of blackout curtains and are used in the same types of rooms. They are specially designed window coverings and are also made with thick, heavy fabric to block out light just like blackout curtains. that prevents sunlight from a room. What makes them slightly different is that they are meant to block 100% of light.They often have an additional foam layer attached or a thermal backing that enhances their ability to darken spaces, reduce noise, and improve insulation. Blockout curtains are generally used in media rooms, offices, and theaters.

4. Box Pleat Curtains – Structured and Refined

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Box pleats create symmetrical folds for an even hang. These types of curtains are perfect for tailored or traditional interiors. Their deep folds span the entire length of the fabric and add a tailored touch to your room’s aesthetic. Rather than poofy or frilled, the box pleat is flat and even.Box pleat curtains find their way into many homes inside lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, and any space you’d like to look more formal. Being able to make them classic or dramatic, their flair can add further refinement and elegance to your space.

5. Café Curtains – Cozy and Cute

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These half-window types of curtains provide privacy without blocking natural light. They offer a nice blend of privacy and illumination along with a decorative valance for a pleasing look.They are also known as kitchen curtains due to their ideal preference for kitchens and breakfast nooks. Many people also use these curtains in sunrooms and bedrooms if a mixture of privacy and partially blocked light is desired.

6. Decorative Curtains – Elegant and Stylish

a lamp sitting on top of a table next to a window

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Decorative curtains are designed primarily to enhance the aesthetic of a room rather than provide full functionality like light blocking or insulation. Often made from lighter fabrics with elegant patterns, textures, or embellishments, they add a stylish finishing touch to windows.

They’re best used in formal spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, or guest rooms where visual appeal is the main goal. Decorative curtains can be layered with functional ones or used alone to frame a window and elevate the room’s overall design.

Curtain Tie-backs

Creating tie-backs with unique materials, interesting designs, and curious styles can make your drapes and windows stand out while also bringing the entire theme of a room together.

Curtain Hold-Backs

Similar to tie-backs, a hold-back is a bar sticking out from the wall which you can gather the drape behind when you want the curtains drawn back. Hold-backs are more permanent fixtures and can make more of a statement than tie-backs, especially for a modern or contemporary design if you carefully select the color and materials they are made from.

7. Double Panel Curtains – Versatile and Classic

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Double panel curtains consist of two separate curtain panels that can be pulled open from the center or drawn closed to cover the entire window. They offer a classic, balanced look and are available in a wide range of styles and fabrics to suit any decor.They’re perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas where symmetry and versatility are important. Double panel curtains provide flexible light control and can be styled open or closed depending on the mood or time of day.

8. Energy-Efficient Curtains – Functional and Modern

These types of curtains help regulate temperature and cut energy costs, making them perfect for eco-conscious homeowners. Also commonly referred to as thermal and insulated curtains, these products help trap cold or hot air inside your space while also preventing unwanted air from entering.Energy-efficient curtains are perfect for rooms that require comfortable temperature control, like bedrooms, living rooms, or sunrooms. They help regulate temperature by keeping heat in during winter and blocking it out in summer, making your space more comfortable and possibly reducing energy bills.

9. Goblet Pleat Curtains – Luxurious and Dramatic

Named for their folds that look similar to a wine glass or goblet, these types of curtains shine in grand spaces with high ceilings. They have an intricately delicate pleat structure and must remain as stationary as possible. It’s in your best interest to not place them in rooms where they might be bothered or where windows must be opened and closed multiple times a day.

Due to these factors, goblet pleat curtains are best suited for formal spaces like grand living rooms, dining rooms, or master bedrooms. Their elegant, sculpted folds create a luxurious, dramatic look, especially when made with rich, heavy fabrics. Use these to accentuate your fanciest spaces.

10. Grommet Curtains – Clean and Contemporary

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Featuring metal rings that glide easily across the rod, these types of curtains suit minimalist and modern spaces. With this design, they are also referred to as eyelet curtains within the industry. Sliding them open and closed is nice and convenient.Grommet curtains are great for modern spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. Their metal ring tops slide easily along the rod, making them practical and stylish. With a clean, contemporary look, they pair well with minimal or casual decor.

11. Panel Pair Curtains – Balanced and Classic

Two-panel types of curtains have matching fabrics that together cover a single window from both sides when fully closed. They also open from the center towards the sides, offering both symmetry and flexibility in any room.Panel pair drapes are versatile and work well in almost any room, from living rooms to bedrooms and dining areas. Being one of the most popular drape styles, they fit with any room to create a symmetrical look and are perfect for framing large windows or French doors.

12. Pencil Pleat Curtains – Soft and Versatile

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Using nearly the thinnest singular pleats, they allow for more types of rods and hooks to mount your curtains. Their tightly gathered pleats create a soft, elegant look that works well with a variety of fabrics and styles. They’re also great for layering with sheers for added depth.With tightly gathered folds, these types of curtains work in both casual and formal settings and are great for layering. Put them in rooms that are more casual and relaxed to help keep the ambiance nice and soft.

13 . Pinch Pleat Curtains – Fancy and Timeless

A tailored and high-end look comes with these types of curtains, perfect for formal dining areas or polished living rooms. They are also called tailored pleat curtains because they are stitched at the very top, creating a pinched section.Pinch pleat curtains are perfect for elegant, traditional spaces like formal dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms. Their tailored, evenly spaced pleats create a polished, timeless look. Thinner materials with sheer or semi-opaqueness make for the most natural fit and are good for curtains that won’t be opened or closed all too often. Best paired with structured fabrics, they add sophistication and a sense of order to any room.

14 . Rod Pocket Curtains – Traditional and Romantic

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Rod pocket curtains are ideal for cozy, traditional spaces like bedrooms, cottage-style living rooms, or vintage-inspired dining areas. Their gathered top creates a soft, romantic look and works best with lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. They’re simple to hang and perfect for a relaxed, classic feel.One of the most classic types of curtains, rod pockets are great for lightweight fabrics and vintage-inspired spaces. They’re also referred to as pole pocket curtains because the mounting rod slides through one large pocket opening at the top hanging end of the fabric.

15 . Sheer Curtains – Airy and Light

Sheer curtains are made from transparent materials to always let in a minimum amount of natural light. They’re lightweight, translucent window coverings made from fabrics like voile, chiffon, or lace. Often used as a decorative layer, sheer curtains soften the look of a room and add an airy, elegant touch.They work well in living rooms, dining areas, or sunrooms where soft natural light is most appreciated. Sheer curtains are also great for layering with blackout or heavier curtains, adding both style and versatility to your window treatments.

Alternatively, a semi-opaque drape is a good compromise for natural light and privacy. These drapes are almost sheer, but still block some light and often feature ornamental designs. These are the most popular opacity levels for all types of curtains and drape styles.

16. Single Panel Curtains – Minimal and Streamlined

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A simple, easy-to-style option among the types of curtains, these are cost effective since they only require a basic sheet and are very DIY friendly.Single panel curtains are perfect for smaller windows or creating a minimalist look in spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, or offices. They offer a clean, streamlined appearance and are easy to manage, making them ideal for asymmetrical or modern designs.

17. Tab Top Curtains – Casual and Laid-Back

A ‘Tab Top’ or ‘Hidden Tab’ drapes are some of the most user-friendly and easy-to-use window coverings available. This makes them the perfect choice for curtains that may get lots of use, especially by children, such as at glass doors or bedroom windows.These types of curtains have large loops of fabric that hang directly on the rod, above the top end stitching of the fabric. Perfect for casual, comfy, and natural settings, these are light, minimal, and chic.

They’re often used in rustic or farmhouse spaces and fit interior design themes modeled after classic cottages, farmhouses, and other similar country-inspired aesthetics.

18. Tie Top Curtains – Playful and Bohemian

These charming types of curtains add personality and suit creative spaces, bedrooms, or nurseries. Tie top curtains hang from a curtain rod just like tab top curtains but have a more playful appeal to them with their large, knotted fixtures.

Tie top curtains are great for adding a playful, bohemian touch to rooms like bedrooms, nurseries, or casual living spaces. The fabric ties at the top create a relaxed, laid-back vibe, making them perfect for spaces with a creative or eclectic style.

19. Wave Fold Curtains – Modern and Sleek

Wave fold curtains, also known as ripple fold curtains, feature a smooth, continuous wave-like pattern created by a special track system. They offer a clean, modern look and hang in soft, even folds, making them a stylish and contemporary choice for any space.They’re ideal for large windows, sliding doors, or open-plan living areas where a sleek, minimalist design is desired. Wave fold curtains glide easily along the track, making them perfect for high-traffic areas or spaces where functionality and style are equally important.

20. Roman Shades – Updated & Modern Vibes

Roman Shade drapes are a beautiful choice for rooms with large windows to create a very modern style of curtain for any room. They give lots of control for the amount of light coming into the room, especially when coupled with different opacity levels and drape materials!

21. Window Sill Curtains – Short and Sweet

If you have a window you often open, then a sill-length drape idea is a perfect fit. Shorter than most, window sill curtains are made specifically for smaller windows and generally utilize two matching fabrics mounted to a rod. These types of curtains bring charm and function to kitchens and bathrooms.Window sill curtains are ideal for small windows or spaces that don’t require full-length coverage, like kitchens or bathrooms. To create a sill-length curtain you will need to hem the drape so it sits just at or above the window sill. Their short length adds charm and functionality without blocking too much light, making them perfect for areas with limited space or natural light.

Other Types of Curtains to Consider

There are also some generally lesser-known types of curtains that offer unique benefits and aesthetics. Acoustic curtains, made with dense, sound-absorbing materials, are perfect for home theaters, studios, or urban spaces where reducing noise is key. Bamboo or woven curtains introduce a natural, earthy feel and are ideal for sunrooms, patios, or eco-friendly interiors. They are perfect for those who prioritize sustainability with some textural charm.

Silk Curtains

Silk curtains are typically considered to be luxurious and expensive. They add a touch of lightness and brevity to a room with the natural sheen of light they create when sunlight hits them in just the right way.

Using a silk drape in any of these styles will go a long way in creating a lavish and fun vibe for your space.

Window Scarves

A window scarf is a long, thin piece of fabric that hangs around the curtain rod at the top of the windows. This drape idea creates a sense of drama and romance for the room or window treatment.

Net curtains, with their delicate and sheer fabric, are great for softening sunlight and adding subtle privacy and are often used in kitchens or layered in living areas. Swag curtains, known for their draped, elegant appearance, add a romantic and decorative touch to formal rooms or traditional settings.

Halfway Drapes

With ‘halfway drapes,’ rather than setting up curtains for the entirety of the window you set your drapes to go from the bottom half of the window panes down.

This allows for plenty of natural light and sightlines for the top half of the window and providing some privacy for the bottom half.

It’s a great style to consider for 2nd story windows, too!

Floor-Length Drapes

To accent windows or make them appear much larger, a floor-length drape is the best option. A good floor-length drape will come all the way to the floor, stopping just an inch short of touching the ground.

Puddle-Length Drapes

A puddle-length drape is simply an extra-long floor-length drape that creates dramatic or romantic flairs for the room. Rather than breaking just before the ground, these types of drapes spill to the floor and ‘puddle’ an extra few inches at the bottom of the window.

Valances

A valance is a short drape covering the top of the window and overlapping with the rest of your drapes if you have any. However, there are many drape ideas out there that don’t include any other drapes besides the valance to create a simple decorative flair for a room.

Window Treatment Sets

A window treatment set includes everything to dress the entire window with a matching style of drapes. They often come with a panel pair, a valance, and, sometimes, tiebacks and curtain rods as accessories.

Pelmets

Pelmets are an upholstered board, usually matching the drapes, that goes across the top of the window and covers the curtain rod. A pelmet does a great job of making windows seem larger, rooms seem grander, and making a focal point out of the window.

Contrast Pelmets

A modern twist on the pelmet is to have the pelmet be a contrasting color, design, or pattern to the drapes to create a real “wow” statement for the window treatment while still making sure to tie the design of the draperies together.

Pull-Aside Curtains

Pull aside curtains are for a special setup because they require you to have windows or glass doors that go all the way to the adjoining wall.

The curtain track is set to go around the corner and rest on the connecting wall, taking your wall-to-wall windows or glass doors from convenient to classy.

These types of curtains are often seen in commercial spaces like hotels or hospitals.

These styles may be less common, but they can make excellent choices depending on your space, needs, and design goals. Lace curtains add a vintage, delicate charm to any room, offering a soft, romantic look while providing light filtering and subtle privacy.

How to Choose the Right Curtain Style for Your Space

Choosing the best styles of curtains for your space depends on a few key factors:

Function: Do you need light control, privacy, or insulation?
Room vibe: Are you going for relaxed, formal, boho, or modern?
Window shape and size: Some curtain styles look better on tall windows, others on wide ones.
Personal style: Let your home reflect you. Don’t be afraid to mix styles of curtains in different rooms for variety.

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Drapery Idea Inspiration

Here are some drape ideas to get you inspired for your home window coverings. As you see, drapes can really make a room pop with added texture and warmth! Custom window treatments are a great place to start creating and dreaming about what a space could be. And custom draperies are a great way to bring a room together.

Casual Curtain Style in Living Room

Casual drapes are fun colors and patterns with an informal and easy-going vibe. They are a good drape design style for bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Classic Drape Style in Bedroom

Classic drapes usually come paired with valances, scarves, and window treatment sets. They are some of the easiest drape styles to create because there are so many drape ideas out there for classic drapes and curtains.

Contemporary curtains contemporary drapes

Contemporary Drape Style in Bedroom

Contemporary drapes are mainly earth-toned or shades of gray inspired by nature to provide a fresh perspective on the classic style of drapes. They often contain unique textures to create a complex look and design that isn’t over-the-top or pretentious.

Modern Drapes in Dining Room

Modern drapes are minimalistic, often in bold solid colors with clean lines or abstract elements. This type of drape is good for making a statement or adding a pop of color to a room.

Bay Window Curtains

Bay windows are a great source of natural light and can add a lot of depth to a room, but it can be difficult to come up with drape ideas for them. Measuring out the dimensions of your bay window and fitting them with sliding curtains are a great way to add drama and romance while providing privacy or diffusing light.

Internal Curtains

A drape idea you may not have thought about, but one that you definitely need to consider, is setting up internal curtains for entryways into hallways and rooms. Installing internal curtains sets a more romantic vibe, but is becoming more popular in contemporary and modern designs.

Blending Curtains With Their Surroundings

Sometimes subtlety is the best way to pull a room together. Blending curtains with the wall color by purchasing drapes a few tones darker than the surrounding walls will help showcase a central theme for the entire room.

Using Wall Curtains for Multiple Windows on a Single Wall

If you have multiple windows on a single wall it is tempting to use separate drapes or panel pairs for each window, but to take your room up a notch extend the curtain rod or track across the entire wall of the room and have matching drapes covering up the walls in between the windows, too.

Wall curtains are a type of layering that makes your wall and windows look significantly larger, creating a dramatic backdrop to a living room or bedroom.

Layering Different Styles of Curtains in the Sitting Room

Layering is an easy way to add character to any room by combining multiple types and styles of drapes. A popular example of layering would be to install Roman Shades on the windows themselves while combining a panel pair of accenting drapes with hold-backs or tie-backs on either side of the window.

Make a Room Pop with a Pattern Punch of Curtain Styles

A great way to make any room pop is with a pattern punch. Start with a room that has subtle themes and colors, then add a burst of patterned drapes as the extra splash of personality that sets the atmosphere for your space.

Using Patterned Shades in Unique Ways

Unlike the ‘pattern punch’ method, this curtain idea focuses more on the shades themselves having that extra dash of pattern inspiration. Using an intensely patterned Roman shade can set the room apart even more and make a statement.

Visit our Custom Drapery Photo Gallery for more ideas & inspiration!

Elevate Your Space with the Right Types of Curtains

Whether you’re dressing up your bedroom, making your living room more inviting, or simply adding a splash of charm to your kitchen, the right types of curtains can make all the difference. With so many curtain styles to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits both your home and your personality.

Not sure where to start? Let us take care of everything with our expert window treatment services! Our professional team expertly handles the entire process, from measuring and cutting to installation. You just pick the perfect time, and we’ll make sure the whole process is stress-free. Whether you’ve got a vision or need a little help, we’ll guide you to the perfect shades and ensure everything goes smoothly. We even have several financing options available.

For over 50 years, we’ve been helping Bay Area homes shine with high-quality window treatments, from Monterey to San Francisco. We work with designers, realtors, contractors, and more to bring your ideas to life.

To contact us call 408.214.1300 or fill out the form below. Your home will be even more beautiful than before!

What Our Customers are Saying

I really liked working with staff at the Yardstick. They were very friendly and inviting. I received some great tips and input from reception to installation. The window treatments are wonderful!