Closet Curtains: Top Tips & Ideas to Balance Function & Flair

Doors aren’t the only way to cover a closet, and in some cases, they aren’t the most stylish either. Besides, they take away some space for operation, which can shrink a small room further. And this is exactly where closet curtains have an edge—they add warmth, color and texture, and contribute to setting the mood—all without taking away any precious space from the room. Perfect for small spaces and rentals, closet curtains are just what you need if you’re looking for a budget-friendly makeover for an open wardrobe or an awkward alcove. Given the wide range of choice spanning over 2000 drapery fabrics at Sewn, finding custom curtains that sync with your decor is no challenge. But before you head to our collection, take a moment with this blog where our drapery experts share their hard-earned wisdom on curating closet curtains that are both visually pleasing and practically efficient.

Set the Stage with Well-Considered Hardware

Yes, the first step towards shopping for closet curtains is not shopping for closet curtains! Formulate a clear plan for your hardware first. The hardware should be functionally efficient, built for everyday use, and align with your decor style. So, here are a few considerations to be made before you set out to shop:

SELECTION: If you don’t already have hardware in place, you have the luxury to make the choice based on your tastes and needs. So, consider which hardware - tracks or poles - will tick all the boxes for you.

• Tracks offer a neat finish by letting the curtains sit flush with the ceiling. Better suited to minimalist spaces where details are discreet, they hide in plain sight, thanks to their sleek profile. 

• Poles, with their decorative finials, add to the drapery’s elegance, bringing color, texture, and lustre into play. They are the default choice for homes layered with color and detail, but are versatile enough to blend with any design. And even those who have never tried a DIY project before will find installing curtains a breeze.

Whether you opt for tracks or poles, it is important to make sure that they are sturdy and secured tightly. It is better to avoid tension rods as they may get dislodged when tugged with force.

INSTALLATION: The next important decision of where to install should be taken with a view to maximizing space and convenience. For a generously sized closet, the curtains may be installed on the interior of the closet alcove. Whereas, for a narrow boxroom, it is better to mount the curtains on the external side of the closet wall to maximize legroom. And, when you need to maximize the space, both in the room and the closet, consider hanging the curtains within the doorway frame. However, the curtain will take away some space even when stacked, so weigh your options carefully for a narrow doorway. 

Ensure a Proper ‘Cover-Up’ with Non-Sheer Curtains

Since the whole agenda behind hanging closet curtains is to cut visual clutter and to protect your belongings, the fabric’s opacity must be chosen with care. Opt for thick fabrics that will assuredly safeguard your stored items from dust and sunlight. 

Avoid sheer and semi-sheer fabrics as they conceal the view only partially, and don’t effectively prevent dust from entering the closet. If you’re aiming for a light and breezy look, go for lightweight non-sheer curtains that offer the desired opaqueness without being too bulky.

HAUL 'EM HOME: Cotton Curtains | Velvet Curtains

Use Palette and Pattern to Shape your Overall Decor Narrative

This is where function meets flair. Curtains become your empty canvas, ready to put on the colors and patterns that meet your vision for the space. No more are they just fulfilling a function; they are actively contributing to the look and feel of the entire room.

In a small space, it helps to create visual continuity by letting the curtains blend with the background, making the entirety of the space feel a lot larger than it is. Here, you can add visual interest through texture, so look out for neutral-toned plain curtains that have a tactile quality.

Where space does not constrain design, think of using your closet curtains to air your decor style. A bold floral curtain can act as a lively focal point in a room hinged on nature themes, whereas a slim striped curtain can play to the clean-lined details of minimalist spaces. A graphic monochrome abstract design could give a modern edge, while a soft-toned buffalo check could give a vintage twist. Whatever the direction you wish to take, know that a well-considered closet curtain not only puts together the entire space but also makes this corner look less like a utility space.

HAUL 'EM HOME: Floral Curtains | Striped Curtains | Check Curtains

Blend Style and Function in the Choice of Heading Style

The heading style refers to the design and construction of the top header of a curtain panel. It defines the pleat silhouette of your drapery, decides its compatibility with hardware, and impacts its operational ease. So, you can’t miss customizing this very important detail to your needs and decor.

If you intend to leave your closet curtains closed at all times, cancelling any requirement of operation, or gather them into a hold-back, delicately framing the doorway like a swag, consider styles like rod pockets and hidden back tab tops. They don’t slide off from their position easily and tend to stay taut on the pole, allowing the panels to cascade gently, forming a stylish swag.

On the contrary, if you expect to glide your curtains open whenever you need access to your closet, look for heading styles that use rings/clips/grommets. These include pinch pleats, grommet tops, flat panel tops, and the like. Get familiar with the options galore arrayed in our Drapery Headings Style Guide before you make the choice.

Tailor the Number of Panels to Your Needs and Aesthetic

The style quotient of drapery goes beyond fabric and heading style. When deciding on the number of panels, factor in whether you wish to sprinkle some drama or maintain a visual rhythm. And let your decision be informed by the width of your closet doorway.

For a narrow doorway, a single one-way-draw panel suits from the perspective of proportionality. For a nod to Victorian bling, opt for luscious silk or velvet panel edged with tassel trims. Let it drape sumptuously and gather into a sculptural hold-back, lending a flourish of theatrical elegance and elevating the closet from utility space to style statement. In a minimalist setting, opt for a neutral-toned, clean-edged panel that, when stacked to a side, leaves the rest of the doorway free for passage. 

For a wider closet opening, the standard double-panel coverage is more apt as it looks both proportionate and symmetrical. Closet curtains with high-contrast tones and bold patterns are best designed as a pair to ensure visual balance in the design.

HAUL 'EM HOME: Drapery Trims | Silk Curtains

Size Your Closet Curtains Appropriately

The sumptuous appeal of drapery comes from its flowy trails and luxurious pleats. Closet curtains must bank on this legacy to make their own mark in the overall design. So, when curating your closet curtains, make these careful considerations before taking measurements.

LENGTH: Tailor the drop point of your closet curtains with forethought. Letting them ‘float’ an inch above the floor, or lightly ‘graze’ the floor, allows them to glide smoothly and evade lint balls. ‘Puddling’ is best avoided to prevent tripping accidents, but if you’d love a touch of oomph, go for the one-inch indulgence of ‘break-puddle’ drop point—just enough to add softness, and never overdone. To explore each drop point in detail, visit our blog How Long Should My Curtains Be?

WIDTH: Curtains form dense pleats only when sewn with generous width, so ‘fullness’ level must be chosen thoughtfully. For a wide doorway, opt for 2x fullness for any ‘hand gathered’ style of curtains so the curtains form rich pleats. Or opt for one of our pinch pleat styles, which come pre-sewn with generous volume. For a narrow doorway, however, pinch pleats can be overwhelming. Instead, opt for any other non-pinch heading style, and keep to 1.5x to 1.75 fullness to moderate the gather, and ensure a sleeker pile when the panel is stacked. As to the concept of fullness, you’ll find a detailed explanation in our Drapery Measurement Guide.

Shop Closet Curtains at Sewn

Whether you crave a smooth transition or a full cover-up, you can count on closet curtains to transcend their function, and add softness and character to the room. A thoughtfully curated closet curtain makes your morning routine of getting dressed—be it the Monday meeting or the Saturday soiree—a touch smoother and more considered. So, head now to Sewn's curated collection and look for that drapery that can change the fate of your closet from something to close off to something worth showing off.