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Discover if curtains are the right choice for your living room based on current design trends and your specific needs.
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Walk into any modern living room in Melbourne, Sydney, or even a trendy apartment in Berlin, and you might notice something missing: curtains. No heavy drapes, no sheer panels pooling on the floor. Just bare windows, sleek blinds, or maybe nothing at all. So, are curtains out of style in the living room? The short answer: not really. But they’ve changed-dramatically.
Why People Are Skipping Curtains Now
A lot of the shift away from traditional curtains comes down to design philosophy. In 2025, minimalism isn’t just a trend-it’s a default. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and natural light are the goals. Curtains, especially bulky or layered ones, can feel heavy, outdated, or like they’re fighting the architecture.Take a look at homes featured in Architectural Digest or Instagram design accounts from the last two years. You’ll see more floor-to-ceiling glass, hidden motorized shades, and simple wooden blinds. Why? Because they let in light without visual noise. People want their views-whether it’s a city skyline, a backyard garden, or just a patch of sky-to be the focus, not the window covering.
There’s also a practical side. Curtains collect dust. They need washing, lining, and hardware that often doesn’t match the rest of the room. In small apartments, especially in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, every square meter counts. Curtains can make a room feel smaller, even if they’re light-colored.
When Curtains Still Work (And When They Don’t)
Don’t throw out your curtains just yet. They’re not dead-they’re just being used smarter.**Use curtains when you need:**
- Privacy without blocking light (think semi-sheer linen panels)
- Sound dampening in open-plan homes
- Temperature control in older homes with single-pane windows
- A soft, warm texture to balance hard surfaces like concrete or steel
**Avoid curtains when:**
- Your windows are already framed by architectural details (like built-in shutters or recessed trim)
- You have a stunning view you don’t want to obscure
- Your room feels cramped or low-ceilinged
- You’re going for a Scandinavian, industrial, or Japandi aesthetic
There’s a big difference between “curtains” as your grandma had them-thick velvet with tassels-and curtains as they’re used today. Modern versions are thin, tailored, and mounted high. Think: floor-length cotton or linen panels in neutral tones, pulled back with simple brass rings, not tiebacks. They’re not there to hide the window. They’re there to frame it.
Top 5 Curtain Alternatives in 2025
If you’re thinking about ditching curtains, here are the five most popular alternatives right now:- Roller shades - Matte fabric, motorized options, and blackout versions for media rooms. Brands like Lutron and Somfy make them nearly invisible when rolled up.
- Wooden or bamboo blinds - Natural textures that add warmth without bulk. Perfect for coastal or Japandi interiors.
- Sheer vertical panels - Not traditional curtains, but long, flowing panels that move with the breeze. Used in open-plan living areas to define zones without walls.
- Window film - Frosted, tinted, or patterned films that give privacy without blocking light. Easy to install, no hardware needed.
- Nothing at all - Yes, really. Many modern homes leave windows bare, especially if they have double-glazed units and good internal blinds. It’s bold, but it works when the architecture is strong.
One Melbourne designer I spoke with recently did a full renovation where she removed all curtains and replaced them with motorized roller shades in a charcoal grey. She said clients loved how clean the space looked-and how easy it was to clean. No more vacuuming under drapes every two weeks.
What’s the Real Trend? Layering Without Clutter
The real 2025 trend isn’t about choosing curtains OR alternatives. It’s about layering smartly.Look at this setup: a clean white wall with a large window. Behind it, a subtle roller shade in a soft beige. When pulled down, it blocks glare. When up, it’s invisible. Then, a single panel of lightweight, off-white linen hangs on either side of the window, fixed with discreet metal clips. It doesn’t move. It doesn’t pool. It just sits there, like a frame around a painting.
That’s the new standard. It’s not about covering the window. It’s about enhancing it.
Even in colder climates like Melbourne, where winters bring short days and chilly mornings, people aren’t going back to heavy drapes. Instead, they’re using thermal-lined roller shades that tuck neatly into the window recess. Some even add a small, detachable curtain panel only for winter nights-removed in spring. It’s functional, flexible, and doesn’t clutter the space.
Color, Fabric, and Placement: The New Rules
If you’re keeping curtains, here’s how to make them feel current:- Color: Stick to neutrals-oatmeal, warm grey, soft taupe. Avoid bright patterns or bold prints unless they’re part of a deliberate accent wall.
- Fabric: Linen, cotton voile, and lightweight hemp are in. Velvet and brocade are out, unless you’re doing a retro revival (and even then, keep it minimal).
- Length: Floor-length, always. No more puddling. Curtains should just kiss the floor or hover 1cm above it.
- Mounting: Install the rod 10-15cm above the window frame. This makes the window look taller and the room more spacious.
- Hardware: Matte black, brushed brass, or thin metal rods. No ornate finials. No tassels. No tiebacks unless they’re minimalist metal rings.
One thing I’ve noticed in local showrooms: people are asking for curtains that look like they’re not curtains at all. That’s the goal.
Is It Still Worth It to Install Curtains?
If you’re asking whether curtains are worth installing in your living room, the answer depends on your priorities.**Go with curtains if you:**
- Want softness and warmth in a cold, hard room
- Need to control light for TV viewing or naps
- Love the movement of fabric in a breeze
- Have a traditional or eclectic style
**Skip curtains if you:**
- Prefer low-maintenance spaces
- Have modern windows with built-in blinds
- Value open sightlines
- Live in a small or urban space
There’s no right or wrong. But the design world has moved on from curtains as a default. They’re now a deliberate choice-like choosing a rug or a lamp. Not something you install because “that’s what you do.”
Final Thought: Style Isn’t About What’s In or Out
Curtains aren’t out of style. They’re just out of the way. The real trend isn’t the absence of curtains-it’s the absence of clutter. If your curtains serve a purpose and feel intentional, keep them. If they’re just hanging there because you think you’re supposed to, take them down.Your living room doesn’t need curtains to be cozy. It needs light, texture, and thoughtfulness. Sometimes, that means leaving the window bare. Sometimes, it means a single panel of linen. Either way, you’re not following a trend. You’re making a choice.
Are curtains completely out of style in 2025?
No, curtains aren’t completely out of style, but they’re no longer the default. Modern interiors favor minimal, intentional window treatments. Curtains are still used-but only when they add function or texture without visual weight. Think thin linen panels or motorized shades, not heavy velvet drapes.
What’s the best alternative to curtains for a living room?
Roller shades and wooden blinds are the top alternatives in 2025. Roller shades offer clean lines and can be motorized to disappear when not in use. Wooden blinds add natural texture and work well in Scandinavian or Japandi spaces. For a softer look, sheer vertical panels or window film can provide privacy without bulk.
Do curtains make a room look smaller?
Yes, if they’re the wrong type. Heavy, floor-pooling curtains in dark colors can make a small room feel cramped. But thin, light-colored panels mounted high and wide can actually make windows-and the room-feel larger. The key is mounting the rod above the frame and choosing lightweight fabric.
Can I use curtains in a modern living room?
Absolutely, if done right. Modern living rooms use curtains sparingly: single panels in neutral tones, mounted high, with minimal hardware. Avoid tassels, patterns, and layers. Linen or cotton voile in oatmeal or warm grey works best. The goal is to frame the window, not hide it.
Should I install curtains if I have double-glazed windows?
Not necessarily. Double-glazed windows already offer good insulation and noise reduction. If you have good internal blinds or shades, curtains may be redundant. Only add them if you want softness, texture, or extra light control. Otherwise, leave the windows bare for a cleaner look.
