Looking for the perfect curtain for your space? Curtains do more than cover windows. They shape how a room feels by controlling light and offering privacy. Some make a space feel calm and quiet, while others brighten a room with soft, natural light.
That’s why it helps to understand the different types of curtains available. From sheer panels to heavy acoustic fabrics, each style serves a unique purpose. Depending on your needs and the mood you want to create, your choice of curtain can completely change a room.
This guide will help you understand each option so you can choose curtains that suit your needs and match your style.
11 Types of Curtains by Style
Let's start with dividing curtains based on their styles. From classic pleats to minimalist panels, each type creates a different mood and level of formality. Up next, you’ll find 11 of the most common curtain styles, so you can decide which one fits your room best.
1. Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket curtains feature a sewn-in casing at the top where the curtain rod is threaded through, creating soft, gathered folds across the top edge. This design gives the fabric a smooth, uninterrupted drape with a vintage charm. It’s best for decorative use in spaces like bedrooms or formal dining rooms where the curtains won’t be opened or closed frequently.
2. Tab Top Curtains
Tab top curtains are made with evenly spaced fabric loops sewn along the top, allowing the rod to slide through each tab. The exposed tabs and rod create a laid-back, casual look that feels light and unfussy. This style works well in relaxed interiors like cottage kitchens, sunrooms, or Scandinavian-inspired living spaces.
3. Pinch Pleat Curtains
Pinch pleat curtains are stitched into evenly spaced folds at the top, often in pairs or trios, to give the fabric a tailored shape. This structured style adds a sense of elegance and holds its form over time. It works beautifully in formal rooms such as living areas or master bedrooms where a refined look is desired.
4. Grommet or Eyelet Curtains
Grommet curtains use large metal rings pressed into the top edge, allowing the rod to pass through smoothly. This design creates wide, clean folds and brings a modern, streamlined look. They are especially practical in contemporary spaces where ease of movement and bold simplicity are important.
5. Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleat curtains have tightly gathered folds that look like rows of standing pencils, made using drawstrings sewn into pleating tape. This classic style adapts easily to both traditional and casual interiors, depending on the fabric and hardware. It is well suited for everything from cozy dens to elegant sitting rooms.
6. Goblet Pleat Curtains
Goblet pleat curtains feature full, rounded folds at the top that resemble a wine goblet, often padded for structure and sewn into place. This rich and decorative style gives the curtain a grand and formal presence. It is best used in elegant settings such as formal dining rooms or large heritage spaces.
7. Box Pleat Curtains
Box pleat curtains are made with deep folds that are pressed and sewn flat to form crisp, even rectangles along the top. The result is a highly structured and tailored look that feels clean and architectural. This style suits transitional or contemporary interiors where order and symmetry are part of the design.
8. Single Panel Curtains
Single-panel curtains consist of one wide piece of fabric designed to cover the window entirely when drawn across. This uninterrupted flow of material makes a bold, modern statement, especially with strong prints or rich textures. It’s a great option for narrow windows or minimalist spaces that favor simplicity.
9. Double Panel Curtains
Double-panel curtains come in two matching sections that hang on either side of the window and close in the middle. This classic arrangement gives flexibility with light control and creates a balanced, symmetrical look. It works well on most standard windows and is especially practical for large glass doors or wide openings.
10. Layered Curtains
Layered curtains combine more than one type of curtain, usually a sheer inner layer with a heavier outer drape, to allow better control over light and privacy. This approach adds depth, richness, and softness to the window treatment. It is ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where both function and comfort are key.
11. Café Curtains
Café curtains are short panels that cover just the lower half of a window, often mounted at the middle of the frame. This charming design allows natural light to flow in from above while keeping the lower part private. Common in kitchens and breakfast nooks, café curtains bring a cozy and vintage-inspired feel to the room.
5 Types of Curtains by Fabric
Each material affects the way curtains hang, how much light they let in, and how well they insulate. Below, you’ll find five of the most popular custom curtain fabrics to help you choose the right one for both style and function.
1. Linen Curtains
Linen curtains bring a soft, natural look that feels relaxed yet refined. Made from flax fibers, linen is breathable and durable, with a slightly textured surface that gives it a casual, lived-in charm. This fabric filters light beautifully, making it ideal for bright, airy rooms like living areas, bedrooms, or calm, minimalist interiors.
2. Cotton Curtains
Cotton curtains are known for their softness, versatility, and easy care. They hang well, come in endless colors and patterns, and let air flow through, keeping rooms fresh and comfortable. Cotton works in almost any space, from family rooms to kids’ bedrooms, offering a balance of comfort and clean design.
3. Velvet Curtains
Velvet curtains add depth and richness, instantly making a room feel warmer and more luxurious. The dense pile gives them a soft, tactile feel and helps block sound and light, creating a cozy and private atmosphere. These are best in spaces where you want drama or comfort, such as bedrooms, home theaters, or elegant living rooms.
4. Polyester Curtains
Polyester curtains are durable, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly, making them a practical option for busy households. They resist wrinkles, fading, and shrinking, which makes them perfect for everyday use in high-traffic rooms. Available in a wide range of styles from sheer to blackout, polyester fits easily into modern interiors without fuss.
5. Silk Curtains
Silk curtains offer a refined, luxurious finish, with a natural sheen and graceful drape that adds elegance to any room. The fabric feels light and smooth, and it helps regulate temperature by keeping things cool in summer and warm in winter. While silk needs gentle care, it’s a beautiful choice for formal spaces like dining rooms, master bedrooms, or traditional sitting areas.
6 Types of Curtains by Function
Different types are made to solve different everyday needs, from blocking sunlight to reducing noise. Here are six functional curtain styles to help you find the right fit for your space.
1. Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains are made to block out almost all outside light, turning any room into a cozy, dark retreat. They’re especially helpful in bedrooms or media rooms where sleep or screen time needs total darkness. As a bonus, they also help reduce noise and keep the temperature more stable.
2. Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains help keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer by adding an extra layer of insulation at the window. They’re usually made from thick fabrics or lined with special materials that slow down heat transfer. If you’re looking to save on energy bills while staying comfortable, these are a smart pick.
3. Shower Curtains
Shower curtains do more than just stop water from spilling onto your bathroom floor. They’re also a great way to add color or personality to the space with different fabrics, prints, and textures. Whether you go for a simple white cotton or a bold patterned polyester, shower curtains are practical and decorative all at once.
4. Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains are made from heavy, layered fabrics that help absorb noise and make your space feel calmer. While they won’t silence a room completely, they can cut down on outside sounds or echoes. They’re a great choice for city apartments, workspaces, or any room where peace and quiet matter.
5. Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains let natural light stream in while still offering a soft layer of privacy. They’re made from lightweight fabrics like voile or linen, which give a room that breezy, relaxed feel. Use them alone for a light and airy look or layer them under heavier drapes for extra depth.
6. Light-Filtering Curtains
Light-filtering curtains let sunlight pass through gently without making the room too bright or exposed. They soften glare while still giving you privacy during the day. These are a great option for living rooms, kitchens, or home offices where you want a cozy glow without harsh light.
How to Choose the Right Curtain Type
Choosing the right curtain comes down to a mix of style, function, and day-to-day practicality. Here’s a simple checklist to help you decide:
- Start with function: Do you need full darkness for sleep, soft filtered light for a cozy living area, or noise reduction for a quiet workspace?
- Match your aesthetic: Think about your interior style. Formal spaces might suit pinch pleats and heavier fabrics, while casual or modern rooms often pair well with grommets and lightweight linens.
- Consider color and pattern: Look at your room’s color palette and architectural style to guide your fabric and print choices.
- Think about daily use: If you’ll be opening and closing the curtains often, choose a fabric and heading style that’s easy to handle and durable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which curtain style is best for small windows?
For small windows, light and simple styles work best. Sheer curtains keep the space bright and airy, while café curtains offer privacy without blocking too much light. Roman shades or short-length panels can also give a neat look without overwhelming the window.
Can you layer curtains and sheers?
Yes, layering sheers with thicker curtains is a great way to control both light and privacy. Sheers go behind and let in soft light during the day, while the front layer can be closed when you need shade or privacy. It also adds a soft, styled look to the window.
What is the difference between drapes and curtains?
Curtains are usually made from lighter fabrics and are used for everyday spaces like bedrooms or living rooms. Drapes are thicker, often lined, and used when you need more light control or a formal look. Drapes are also more common in classic or luxurious interiors.
So, Which curtain works for your space?
The right curtain depends on what your room needs. Do you want to block light, soften sound, or simply add some color and texture? Maybe you want something light and airy for a casual vibe, or maybe you need blackout curtains for deep sleep.
At ZigZagZurich, curtain collections are more than just fabric. They're woven stories, made in Italy with premium materials and thoughtful design. Whether you prefer airy linen, rich velvet, or functional blackout and acoustic options, we offer styles that bring beauty and purpose to your space. With extra-wide sizes and custom-made options, every curtain fits perfectly.
Shop now at ZigZagZurich. Free delivery available!
