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From custom curtain shops to big-box retailers. Valance Curtains
Not only do they look stylish, but curtains and window treatments help to pull together any space, adding privacy and ambiance to a room. “[Drapery] calms and softens the hard lines of architecture, provides heat retention or insulation, soaks up sound, and blocks out light—ensuring a good night's sleep, regardless of when the sun rises or sets,” says Kirsten Conner, founder and principal designer of Kirsten Conner Interior Design.
The only problem? “Curtain shopping can be so confusing unless you’re a designer,” says Mary Beth Christopher, founder and principal designer of MBC Interior Design. With thousands of different options to choose from, finding the right curtains can get overwhelming. But knowing where to turn makes the process easier.
To streamline your search, we spent hours researching curtain retailers, assessing the selections based on size, variety, and price. Then, we checked shipping and return policies for sneaky fees and tight return windows. We also turned to both Christopher and Conner for advice on buying and styling curtains.
Our favorite places to buy curtains include luxury home goods stores, big-box retailers, and custom shops that let you design curtains from scratch. We’ve also included a few of our favorite curtain picks from each brand.
There are tons of customization options.
There are shipping fees for most online orders.
One of our favorite places to shop for home goods? Pottery Barn. The brand has mastered the art of stylish-but-timeless furnishings. Pottery Barn sells 150 different kinds of curtains, and while that selection includes some printed pieces, most of its curtains are simple and solid-colored. That may sound boring, but because Pottery Barn offers so much variety, you don’t have just one pair of white curtains to consider—you have 64.
This is great, because it means you can (often) find exactly what you want. Narrow your selection by color. Choose from a range of luxe materials. Then, get specific about curtain style. Want noise-reducing blackout curtains that look as elegant as normal drapes? You can find them. And since Pottery Barn’s curtains come in a range of lengths (21 inches to 160 inches), you can probably find them in the exact size you need. Pottery Barn also offers a small range of custom curtains, too.
One thing to keep in mind? Pottery Barn charges shipping fees for most online orders—starting at $6. That’s a bummer, but since the brand offers free 30-day returns on most items, you can easily make returns and exchanges whenever you need to.
Materials: Linen, cotton, velvet, silk, chenille, blackout, noise-reducing, light-filtering, room-darkening, outdoor performance fabric | Price Range: $19–$772 | Return Policy: 30 days on non-monogrammed designs
You'll find lots of great bargains and 50,000 different kinds of curtains to choose from.
The vast selection can be overwhelming.
Wayfair isn’t just one of the biggest home brands around—it’s also one of the most budget-friendly. So if you’re on the hunt for a great bargain, Wayfair is the perfect place to shop.
At Wayfair, you’ll find 50,000 different kinds of curtains. They come in 12 different materials, 18 kinds of patterns, and every color of the rainbow. They’re also available in five levels of light filtration (sheer to max blackout), three panel widths (narrow to wide), and a range of lengths (64 inches to 115 inches). Some even come with special features, like noise reduction or thermal insulation.
That’s a lot of variety to sift through, but Wayfair’s filters make it easy to find what you’re looking for. You can sort by basic features, like color and material—and you can even narrow your selection by design style and room. Looking for Scandinavian living room curtains or modern farmhouse bedroom curtains? Wayfair will help you find them.
This range is tough to compete with, but Wayfair’s prices are even harder to beat. Most of its curtains cost less than $100—and many cost less than $25. The brand also offers free shipping on orders over $35, though it does charge a $5 shipping fee on most returns.
Materials: Linen, cotton, polyester, velvet, silk, synthetic materials, rayon, sateen, lace, bamboo, microfiber | Price Range: $8–$2,630 | Return Policy: 30 days
There are 67 fabric options to choose from, and you can customize your curtain’s size, style, lining, and trim.
There are no returns and you'll have to pay for 50% of any exchange within a 30-day period.
Pepper Home specializes in custom curtains, but it takes a different approach than other bespoke curtain brands. Whereas some retailers start by letting you pick a curtain style, Pepper Home asks you to choose your fabric first. From there, you can customize your curtain’s size, style, and lining—and pick out your trim (if you want any).
Most of Pepper Home’s curtains are made of cotton, though a few are made of linen or polyester (including velvet). All the curtains come in a range of striking prints and soft colors. When you start your custom journey, you’ll have 67 fabric options to sift through, and once you’ve landed on a material, print, and color you love, you can really start to have fun.
One thing we love about the Pepper Home process? It’s easy to choose the right trim for your curtains. After all, pairing curtains with custom trim can be a daunting task. But Pepper Home makes it easy by giving you a few choice options that look great with the fabric you picked.
Because Pepper Home’s curtains are made-to-order, the brand doesn’t accept returns. But if you’re unhappy with your curtains, you can exchange them for a different set within a 30-day period—though you’ll have to cover half the cost of the new item.
Materials: Cotton, linen, cotton/linen blend, velvet, blackout | Price Range: $118–$1,000+ | Return Policy: No returns
There is a good mix of playful and traditional options.
There are standard shipping fees on most orders.
West Elm is known for its sleek furniture and bold decor. So unsurprisingly, it’s a great place to find stylish curtains. Stop by West Elm’s curtain section, and you’ll have 140 options to choose from. These curtains range from sheer to blackout, and include some weather-resistant options you can hang outside. While this variety is much appreciated, our favorite thing about the curtains is that they don’t feel too bold. Instead, they walk the line between feeling playful and versatile, adding personality to your home without throwing off your decor scheme.
One place West Elm really excels? Its material choices. Its curtains come in a range of luxurious fabrics, like linen, velvet, and cotton. And they’re available in some rich hues we haven’t seen anywhere else. (“Dark Horseradish” yellow and “Wasabi” green are particular standouts.) The brand offers free 30-day returns on most items, but it does charge standard shipping fees on most orders—and those fees start at $6.
Materials: Cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, Tencel, blackout | Price Range: $50-$890 | Return Policy: 30 days; made-to-order items not eligible for returns
The selection is both stylish and functional, and there are lots of machine-washable options.
The offerings aren’t exactly luxe.
Target is one of our favorite places to score a deal on stylish home goods—and its curtain selection does not disappoint. The store sells more than 3,000 kinds of curtains, and with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. Target’s curtains come in a range of sizes, colors, and materials—and more than half of them are machine-washable.
But what we love most about Target’s selection is that many of its curtains are both stylish and functional. You can score light-filtering curtains in eye-catching prints, energy-saving curtains in striking hues, and blackout curtains that are as on-trend as the rest of your space. And since all of these curtains are available at wallet-friendly prices, you can outfit your home without spending a fortune.
To top things off, Target offers some of the most generous shipping and return policies around. To get free two-day shipping, all you have to do is spend $35 or more. And if you need to return something, Target gives you a whopping 90 days to do it.
Materials: Cotton, jute, linen, microfiber, nylon, olefin, polyester, rayon, bamboo, polyester, vinyl | Price Range: $5–$397 | Return Policy: 90 days
You can design your own curtains from start to finish.
The prices are high and the brand does not accept returns.
Struggling to find store-bought curtains you love? Pay a visit to The Shade Store. The retailer makes custom window treatments accessible—letting you design your own curtains from start to finish.
When you shop at The Shade Store, you get eight drapery styles to choose from. And once you make your selection, you can customize the look and feel of your curtains. Pick the fabric you want in a color and print you’ll love looking at, then decide whether to add decorative trim. Once your curtains look perfect, you can customize things like size and quantity. And you can finish off your curtains with a privacy, blackout, or insulating liner.
The Shade Store’s prices are high but not outrageous, starting at $320. They increase as you pick out fabrics, choose your curtain size, and outfit your curtains with add-ons. If you’re interested in buying, The Shade Store will give you a free quote on your custom curtains, and mail you swatches of its most popular fabrics so you can see them in-person.
Since The Shade Store specializes in custom curtains, it doesn't accept returns. But if you’re unhappy with your curtains, the brand will repair or remake them for free. And if you still don’t love them, The Shade Store will give you a discount to use on your next order.
Materials: Linen, polyester, wool, cotton, velvet, silk, Sunbrella, various blends | Price Range: $320–$1,255+ | Return Policy: No returns
There are dozens of simple, classic curtains made from luxurious materials.
You won't find options for bright colors, bold prints, or playful details.
Looking for minimalist drapery made from very high-quality materials? Crate & Barrel has you covered. The home brand sells dozens of classic curtains made from luxurious materials, but prices cap at about $250.
At Crate & Barrel, finding the curtains you want is simple, because there aren’t that many options to sift through. There are about 40 kinds of curtains to choose from, and all of them are made from luxurious materials, like organic cotton or European flax linen. Once you’ve settled on a style and fabric you love, you can choose from a handful of neutral colors. (You won’t find any vibrant hues or bold prints here.) Then, pick your curtain size—and your work is done.
This approach wouldn’t work everywhere. But since Crate & Barrel’s curtains are so simple and versatile, it’s easy to find something that’ll look great in your home. Plus, Crate & Barrel gives you 30 days to return most items—though it does charge shipping costs on most orders and returns.
Materials: Cotton, linen, velvet, polyester, silk | Price Range: $70–$250 | Return Policy: 30 days
Etsy offers a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Returns and shipping vary from seller to seller.
With an extensive catalog of curtains and window treatments from independent artists, small shops, and designers, Etsy has arguably the most eclectic selection of styles and designs on our list. You can filter products by arrival time, price, color, style, and item type (including handmade and vintage), making this an ideal shopping destination for those with niche search criteria.
Browse from Victorian styles to bohemian options to find truly unique designs. If your interior design style is more exploratory than classic, Etsy might be the best place to shop for curtains. We found playful macrame curtains, a recycled sari drape, and damask jacquard curtains in a few minutes. Plus, this retailer has options for every price point, so you don’t need to be limited by your budget.
The only downside to this comprehensive selection is that each retailer has its own shipping and return policy, so reading the fine print might add additional time to your search. Even so, Etsy also has a filter for free shipping and a customizable arrival date search, so you can quickly weed out any products that don’t meet your criteria.
Materials: Linen, cotton, polyester, velvet, silk, synthetic materials, rayon, sateen, lace, bamboo, burlap, microfiber, and more | Price Range: $13-$1,495 | Return Policy: Varies by seller
There is a curated selection of eclectic but upscale statement curtains, curtain rods, and tie-backs.
You won’t find many utilitarian pieces like blackout or noise-reducing curtains.
Anthropologie is known and loved for its eclectic-but-upscale style. And if you’re looking for statement curtains, it’s one of the best places to turn. Though Anthropologie’s curtain section is small and curated, it’s filled with pretty products you can’t find anywhere else. You can score on-trend scalloped curtains, tassel-lined drapes, and eyelet lace curtains—many of which are machine-washable for easy cleaning. Sure, you won’t find many utilitarian pieces (there are currently no blackout or noise-reducing curtains, for example), but when it comes to stylish statement-makers, Anthropologie is tough to top.
We also appreciate that the store’s price range maxes out at $378. (That’s a lot for curtains—but not a lot for curtains this stylish.) And we like that the brand gives you free shipping if you spend $50 or more. But perhaps the thing we love most about Anthropologie’s curtain section? It’s stocked with stunning hardware. So once you’re done shopping for window treatments, you can find curtain rods and tiebacks that are exactly as stunning as the curtains you just bought.
Materials: Cotton, polyester, linen, velvet, canvas | Price Range: $38–$378 | Return Policy: 30 days
CB2 also sells a nice variety of hardware to complement your window treatments.
There aren't many patterned curtains available.
If your decor style leans more towards refined, sophisticated designs, CB2’s curtains will likely complement your space beautifully. We like the relatively curated selection, which has around 60 options to browse and filter through. You can tailor your search by pattern, color, type, price, size, features, fabric, and light filtering level, allowing you to filter out any and all curtains that don’t suit your home.
We are also partial to the high-quality materials, including silk, linen, cotton, and velvet curtains. Plus, if you want matching hardware, CB2 has curtain rods, tiebacks, rings, and clips to accentuate your windows with a final flourish. While the prices skew above $100, there are more affordable options you can sort through. This retailer also offers free swatches, a free design service, and free shipping, which makes shopping hassle-free, and well worth the slightly elevated overall cost.
Materials: Silk, linen, linen blend, synthetic, cotton, cotton blend, velvet | Price Range: $40-$239 | Return Policy: 30 days
It’s one of the best places to find simple, stylish, and easy-to-decorate-with curtains, all at a great price.
You won’t find much function-focused drapery beyond a few blackout curtains.
H&M isn’t just a clothing store. The brand’s home collection boasts hundreds of pretty home goods—including a bunch of curtains that are simple, stylish, and easy to decorate with. At H&M, there are 74 types of curtains to choose from. It excels at airy, sheer curtains, but you’ll also find woven blackout curtains made of recycled polyester, tassel-lined curtains in a range of pretty neutrals, and linen-blend curtains dressed up with contrast trim. This tailored selection makes H&M’s curtain collection one of our favorites—and its budget-friendly prices makes the finds even sweeter.
Because H&M’s selection is so small, you won’t find many function-focused curtains. While there are a few blackout curtains on offer, you shouldn’t expect to see anything that’s noise-reducing or thermal. On the plus side, H&M is pretty generous with its shipping policy. The store charges just $4 for shipping—and gives you free shipping if you spend $40 or more. Unfortunately, its return policy isn’t quite as nice: While H&M gives you 30 days to return most items, it requires you to cover shipping.
Materials: Cotton, linen, Tencel, polyester, velvet, voile | Price Range: $21–$321 | Return Policy: 30 days
This retailer offers impressive customization and many fabric options.
The price range of these curtains is skewed on the higher end.
Smith & Noble sells only curtains and window coverings, guaranteeing a specialized focus and high-quality products. In addition to the traditional online shopping experience, the brand has a free design consultation service, which you can schedule in person or over the phone. The designer will accommodate your vision, existing decor, and functional needs, ordering samples from their extensive range of 600+ fabrics to test in your home. They can also provide free measurements if needed.
You can start your search and design service by selecting from curtain and drape styles in categories like pleated, wave fold, casual, grommet, pinch pleat, and rod pocket. And if your search for window treatment extends outside curtains, it also offers shades, blinds, cornices, and valances.
For those who don’t want the design service, you can customize your product using the site’s personalization features, which give you complete control over your final curtains. When shopping for drapes, you select from four styles (soft top, grommet, hidden tab, and rod pocket), hundreds of fabric types, and six linings. The drapes are also available in exact measurements (down to ⅛ of an inch), so they sit perfectly across your window. While we like this absolute customization, it does ratchet up the prices—most options fall around the $1,000 mark.
Materials: Linen, cotton, velvet, silk, chenille, blackout, noise-reducing, light-filtering, room-darkening | Price Range: $114-$27,000 | Return Policy: 60 days
There are curtains available for a range of functions in every color, print, and material you can think of.
Combing through the vast selection can be time-consuming.
Home Depot sells tons of stylish home goods alongside its fixtures and hardware, and its curtain section is packed with wallet-friendly finds. You’ll find thousands of different curtains, including thermal, noise-reducing, and blackout curtains—as well as wrinkle-resistant and fire-retardant curtains. And there are curtains available in every color, print, and material you can think of.
While most of Home Depot’s bestsellers are simple and functional, there are plenty of stylish options to choose from, as well. You can find breezy cotton curtains, playful outdoor curtains, or bold blackout curtains in statement prints. And since most of Home Depot’s curtains cost $50 or less, you can usually find what you’re looking for at an incredible price.
Home Depot’s shipping and return policies only sweeten the deal. It offers free two-day shipping on lots of different products—and it gives you 90 days to return most items.
Materials: Polyester, cotton, velvet, linen, canvas, lace, microfiber, bamboo, rayon, satin, silk | Price Range: $5–$468+ | Return Policy: 90 days
The design style is simple, which might not be suitable for those who prefer loud prints.
Ikea is known for its affordable and streamlined designs, making home decor and furnishings stylish and accessible. Its curtain collection is no outlier to this rule—with an impressively low price range that doesn’t climb above $100 and plenty of fabrics, light filtering options, and designs to choose from, Ikea is a great place to hone your curtain search.
The collection of around 200 styles is ample enough to explore but not overwhelming, striking a balance that most other retailers fail to hit. While we like the brand’s modern and minimal designs, its catalog doesn’t have the eccentric array of patterns or colors you might find with another retailer. For those with a penchant for playful and bold design, Ikea might not be the right retailer for you. On the other hand, if you’re a minimalist you’ll surely find something you love.
With an impressive 180-day return policy, flat-rate delivery fee starting at $5, and shockingly low prices, we still think this a great place to shop for window treatments.
Materials: Polyester, cotton, velvet, viscose, paper, linen, nylon | Price Range: $5-$90 | Return Policy: 180 days
Its collection of wallet-friendly curtains are unique and whimsical.
You won't find any simple or classic curtains.
Urban Outfitters’ curtain selection is unlike any other on our list. While other brands go all in on variety or luxury, Urban Outfitters sells a small collection of wallet-friendly curtains you can’t find anywhere else.
The brand’s small-but-impressive curtain section contains just 35 products. These include lightweight knotted curtains that look breezy and bohemian, colorful tassel-lined curtains that darken the room, and semi-sheer curtains in a range of playful prints. You’ll also find woven window shades, window tier curtains (Urban Outfitters calls them “cafe curtains”), and a handful of bamboo beaded curtains you can hang in windows and doorways.
This selection is unusual—and it stands out among our top picks. But that’s what makes Urban Outfitters worth visiting. It’s not fun to find the same curtains at every single store. And at Urban Outfitters, you can comb through out-of-the-box options you might not have considered otherwise.
We also love that Urban Outfitters’ low prices make it easy to take a risk. Plus, the brand offers free shipping if you spend $75 or more and 30-day returns on most items (though it does charge a $5 restocking fee).
Materials: Polyester, cotton, velvet | Price Range: $34–$173 | Return Policy: 30 days
The curtain selection is filled with playful prints, vibrant colors, and fun finds.
There will be a shipping fee unless you spend $350 or more.
Annie Selke sells all kinds of furniture and home goods, but its curtain selection is a real standout. Why? The store’s curtain selection is tight and tailored, featuring just 21 kinds of curtains—but it’s filled with playful prints, vibrant colors, and fun finds.
As you sift through Annie Selke’s curtain section, you’ll see artsy florals and blocky polka dots. You’ll also find solid-colored curtains in a veritable rainbow of shades. All of these curtains are made of textured linen, soft cotton, or sturdy polyester. And since most of them are machine-washable, they’re easy to clean. And while there are no blackout or noise-reducing options on offer, we appreciate that Annie Selke sells some indoor/outdoor curtains.
Because Annie Selke is a smaller shop, it does shipping and return fees. Shipping costs $15 unless you spend $350 or more (in which case, it’s free). And while the brand offers free 30-day returns on most items, it charges a restocking fee on items that are returned in poor condition or not in their original packaging.
Materials: Linen, polyester, cotton | Price Range: $88–$378 | Return Policy: 30 days, restocking fee on items not returned in original packaging and first quality condition
There are more than 70,000 curtains to choose from, with the majority under $50.
You will have to filter through thousands of options.
The “Everything Store” sells everything imaginable, so it should come as no surprise that Amazon’s curtain section is well-stocked. The online giant lists thousands of different curtains, so there’s plenty of variety to pick through. There are curtains available at every price point, though an overwhelming majority cost less than $50. And they’re available in every color, print, and style you can think of.
Since Amazon has more than 70,000 curtains to offer, it helps to go in knowing what you’re looking for. And whether that’s a floral blackout curtain or a set of linen thermal curtains that can arrive in a few hours, Amazon probably has it. That said, you can filter the curtain selection by room type, design style, intended use, and more. So it’s possible to stumble upon something you didn’t know you wanted.
But our favorite thing about buying curtains from Amazon isn’t the variety—it’s the convenience. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can score free two-day shipping on thousands of different curtains—and free standard delivery on even more. Amazon also offers free 30-day returns on most items it ships, though third-party shipping and return policies vary from seller to seller.
Materials: 17, including cotton, linen, velvet, and polyester | Price Range: $2–$507 | Return Policy: 30 days for Amazon-shipped items
The brand offers quality materials and timeless designs at an affordable price point.
The selection is small and limited to neutral colors.
Quince has made waves for its affordable and high-quality clothing and bedding, so it's no surprise that its curtain selection is equally stunning. While the selection is limited in quantity and fabric type, the brand excels in crafting timeless designs from luxurious materials. Plus, Quince’s prices are relatively affordable, especially when considering the quality and durability of their fabrics.
On a quick search, you can find 100% raw silk curtains and European linen curtains for under $100. We also like that each curtain has various sizes and linings available, including a lightweight cotton light filtering option and a blackout lining. Most curtains come in multiple hues, though the shade range is limited to neutral tones. Overall, Quince is ideal for shoppers who prioritize quality materials, timeless design, and affordable prices, but not for those who like to venture into vibrant hues, playful prints, or unconventional materials.
Materials: Linen, velvet, cotton, silk | Price Range: $50-$140 | Return Policy: 365 days
It has an impressive selection of drapery options for many types of windows, including French doors.
It can be difficult to filter out options if you don't know exactly what you want.
If you’re looking for something, Walmart probably has it. The big-box store has over 32,000 products in its curtain section alone—leaving you with plenty of options to sift through. The store sells thousands of blackout, thermal, and outdoor curtains, as well as hundreds of noise-reducing curtains. And it offers a range of curtains for non-standard windows, too. There are valances and window tier curtains that are perfect for shorter windows, as well as curtains designed for window-lined doors, like French doors or sliding glass doors.
With that much range, it’s likely that Walmart has everything you’re looking for. But it does take some digging to find it. Since Walmart’s curtain selection is so big, it’s separated into different categories, which you can further filter by color, curtain type, light control, or the room you’re shopping for. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, shopping on Walmart is much harder, so it’s not a good website if you want to browse.
Still, Walmart wins points for its budget-friendly prices—and its generous shipping and return policies. The store offers free two-day shipping on most orders, and it gives you a full 90 days to make free returns.
Materials: Polyester, cotton, acrylic, silk, microfiber, nylon, rayon | Price Range: $5–$54 | Return Policy: 90 days
It offers custom drapery in bold prints and luxe materials.
You can’t choose your own trim.
Ballard Designs is one of our go-to spots for upscale drapery. The brand specializes in home goods that feel fresh but classic, and its curtain section is packed with of-the-moment pieces that’ll still look great years down the line.
At Ballard Designs, you’ll find a small but curated collection of curtains. Those curtains come in a range of rich colors and pretty patterns, and they’re made from luxurious materials, like silk, velvet, and cotton. Since the selection is so big on style, you won’t find many function-focused curtains. (There are no blackout, noise-reducing, or thermal options on offer.) But the store boasts a hearty collection of curtain rods and hooks, which are just as pretty as its drapes.
One thing we love about Ballard Designs is that it sells custom drapery. The store gives you six curtain styles to choose from, and lets you pick from more than 250 types of fabric. You can also customize the size of your curtains, though you can’t choose your own trim.
Since Ballard Designs gives you 90 days to return most items, it boasts one of the best return windows around. Unfortunately, made-to-order curtains are not eligible for returns—and you should expect to cover shipping fees for all orders and returns.
Materials: Cotton, linen, polyester, silk, velvet, Sunbrella | Price Range: $69-$2,269 | Return Policy: 90 days
It sells only linen curtains, which are made from high-quality European flax.
The selection is quite small.
Parachute may be best known as a bedding brand, but it actually sells a range of top-notch home goods as well. Browse its online store, and you’ll find everything from rugs and pillows to candles and dinnerware. You’ll also find a small-but-mighty curtain section that deserves a spot on your shopping list.
Parachute started selling curtains in 2020, so its selection is still pretty limited—in fact, the brand only sells linen curtains. Lined with linen on one side and cotton on the other, the curtains look incredibly luxurious, and they’re available in two sizes and two colors. Parachute also sells a black matte curtain rod that’s sleek enough to suit any home, as well as a set of matching hooks you can pair with it. The hardware pairs beautifully with the linen curtains, giving you everything you need to outfit your windows.
Like other direct-to-consumer bedding brands, Parachute is generous with its shipping and return policies. The brand offers free shipping on most orders and free 60-day returns on most items, making it easy to shop online.
Materials: Linen | Price Range: $169–$219 | Return Policy: 60 days
Almost every piece of drapery is interesting, eye-catching, and wallet-friendly.
The selection is very limited.
World Market’s curtain section is one of the smallest on our list, but almost every piece inside it is interesting and eye-catching. These include hard-to-find pieces, like crinkle voile curtains, bamboo beaded curtains, and dip-dye drapes, as well as classic curtains that have some kind of fun twist. The brand’s sleekest grid-check curtains are lined with tassels, while the classic floral curtains are packed with playful color and the simple white cotton curtains are textured with embroidery.
With a collection this varied, it’s easy to find something fun to hang in your home—though the selection’s small size does limit your options, as far as size, material, and curtain type are concerned. One thing we do love? World Market’s playful curtains are sold at low prices, making it easy to spring for a statement piece. And since the store offers a 60-day return policy, you can spend two months with your curtains before making a commitment.
Materials: Polyester, cotton, bamboo | Price Range: $34–$80 | Return Policy: 60 days
Curtain prices range from retailer to retailer. Based on our research, you should expect to spend between $25 and $350 on a non-custom curtain panel. And if you’re going custom, you should expect prices to start between $120 and $730—and increase from there. “Custom curtains can get costly quickly, depending on the fabric, the size of your windows, etc.,” says Christopher.
Christopher and Conner agree: Your curtains should hover just above your floor. “They should fall 1/4-inch off the floor,” says Conner. “Hang the hardware about 6-8 inches above the top of the window trim to lengthen the size of the room.” So measure the height of your window, and add 6-8 inches—depending on how high you plan to hang your curtains. The number you get is about how long your curtains should be.
Curtains and drapes are similar—but they’re not exactly the same thing. While curtains are relatively sheer and lightweight, drapes are made from thick materials and backed with some kind of lining. “Done well, drapes are substantial layers of fabric that frame the window and ground the entire space,” says Christopher.
Thermal Blackout Curtain Lining Fabric This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of experience writing lifestyle content, and updated by Quinn Gawronski, an associate editor at Real Simple. To find the best curtain stores, Lindsey spent hours researching where to buy curtains—assessing stores for product variety, shipping and return policies, and price range. She also interviewed two interior designers: Mary Beth Christopher, founder and principal designer of MBC Interior Design, and Kirsten Conner, founder and principal designer of Kirsten Conner Interior Design.