Choosing your colors for curtains can be somewhat problematic. Just think about how many different paint tones are out there. Then consider how many options you have for just basic curtain panels. Depending on the store you go to you might even just have 10 or 20. For outdoor choices there might be even fewer, especially if you need more intricate sun shades. It’s unlikely that you’re going to match the shade exactly. I like the colors to be close together, even if you’re using gazebo curtains because it doesn’t detract from the rest of the room. I once saw these beautiful curtains on a tivoli garden gazebo, but when it was viewed with the house the colors just didn’t look good because of how they clashed with the interior decor. I really love monochromatic looks both for indoor and outdoor use and here is how to make the most of that concept.

First off you need to realize why this is important. Monochromatic palettes are perfect for small spaces. You’re not going to have fabric panels that break up the lines of your walls. You’re not going to have accent colors that distract from two focal points like a beautiful fireplace or an opulent rug. Remember that in small rooms you don’t want too many focal points and you definitely don’t want competing elements because this makes your room feel more cramped.

Start off with your curtain fabric. This is especially important if you have a pattern. You can take it to your hardware store or your paint store and they can probably scan it in for you to match one of the colors directly. You’re going to see a lot of more neutral colors that might not be obvious in your typical pattern. Starting with your curtains ensures that you get a very cohesive look.

If you are spending a lot of money on your drapes then make sure that there are multiple directions that you can take them in. Oftentimes, you’re going to paint once or even twice before you replace the curtains if you need custom made draperies for your window size. In this case, going with a pattern is great. Just make sure that it’s somewhat neutral. You don’t want to be too casual or too formal or too theme specific. Instead, look for a paisley pattern. This could feel retro or it could feel very formal. It’s going to have all different colors in it so you have a wide variety of wall colors to choose from.