Farmhouse style has taken the home decor world by storm with its inviting blend of rustic and refined elements. If you’re looking to embrace this cozy, countryside-inspired aesthetic, curtains offer an easy and impactful way to infuse those warm, welcoming vibes throughout your space.
In this article, I’ll explore rustic and modern farmhouse curtain styles, hanging tips, decorative accents, and all the inspiration you need to cultivate an Instagram-worthy “come on in” ambiance at home.
What Defines Farmhouse Curtain Styles
There are a few key elements that set farmhouse curtains apart from other curtain styles and give them their signature homey character.
Natural Fabrics
Curtains made from materials like cotton, linen, muslin, and burlap are quintessential farmhouse. These natural fiber fabrics have an earthy, textured appeal that complements wood beams, shiplap walls, and vintage furnishings beautifully. They drape with that perfect “lived-in” quality.
Neutral Color Palette
The farmhouse color scheme sticks to warm, earthy neutrals that elicit a sense of coziness and familiarity. Common farmhouse curtain colors include off-white, cream, tan, brown, gray and pastel hues like light blue and sage green. Distressed whites and atmosphere-inspired colors like “barn red” also fit the aesthetic.
Timeless Patterns
You’ll find a lot of classic patterns used in farmhouse curtain designs. Stripes (think ticking stripe or grain sack), checks (buffalo and gingham), and botanicals are all super popular. These timeless motifs add visual interest while keeping with the aesthetic’s traditional roots.
Rustic Accents
Wooden rods, natural jute tiebacks, antique-style rings and clips and checked or striped fabrics all provide the rustic accents that complete the farmhouse vibe. A visibly textured, multi-layered look also adds depth and dimension.
Best Fabric Options for Farmhouse Curtains
From breezy linen to cozy cotton, the fabric you choose makes all the difference in creating the perfect farmhouse-chic window treatments. Here are some of the best fabrics to consider:
100% Cotton
Cotton in it’s purest form offers unparalleled softness and breathability. Farmhouse cotton curtains have a casual, rumpled texture that invites you to curl up on the couch. Choose cotton in subtly weathered colors or faded patterns for the coziest cottage vibes.
Linen
Beloved for it’s natural fibers and simple beauty, linen has an understated elegance befitting cozy farmhouse spaces. Lightweight linen curtains diffuse sunlight gently while maintaining privacy. For added texture, look for linen woven with visible nubby knots.
Burlap
As a hardy, organic fabric often used for sacks and bags, burlap has an innate rusticity fitting for farmhouse decor. Burlap curtains provide a layer of charming ruggedness. Opt for natural brown jute burlap or try neutral-hued burlap for a more refined appearance.
Lace
What could be dreamier than lace curtains swaying gently in the breeze? Intricate lace adds storybook sweetness to any farmhouse interior. Go for wider woven lace panels or layer airy lace inset curtains with complementary sheer or linen panels.
Muslin
Lightweight and gauzy yet more durable than other cotton fabrics, muslin offers featherlight privacy perfect for a cottage bedroom
Popular Farmhouse Curtain Styles
In addition to fabric, the overall cut and construction of your curtains make a major impact. These popular farmhouse curtain styles infuse rustic ambience into any room.
Tiered Curtains
Tiered curtains are so quintessentially farmhouse! They have those horizontal ruffled fabric rows stacked on top of each other. This creates lots of cozy, billowy texture. Tiered curtains look perfect hanging in cottage-style windows with all their delicate gathers
Ruffled Curtains
Nothing says homespun charm quite like ruffles. Farmhouse ruffled curtains feature one or more rows of dainty ruffles along the bottom or edges for a playful yet polished touch. Ruffles soften hard lines and add a kiss of innocence.
Patterned Curtains
While solid neutral curtains are always classics, you can get playful too! Gingham checks and calico floral prints give farmhouse windows a pop. Or try timeless buffalo check patterns for that perfect rugged-yet-cozy vibe.
Cafe Curtains
These short, tiered curtains got their name from French cafes! Cafe curtains only cover the bottom half of the window but pair beautifully with other toppers. The intricate rosette or pom-pom trims seal the perfect shabby-chic farmhouse look.
Sheer Curtains
Cottagecore feel, go for sheer curtain panels. The gauzy fabric diffuses sunlight in such a pretty, dreamy way. Layer sheers over thicker curtains to get the best of both worlds – softness and privacy when needed.
Farmhouse Curtain Ideas for Every Room
Farmhouse style works beautifully in cottages and cabins but also shines in modern spaces yearning for yesteryear character. Here’s how to rock the farmhouse curtain look in any room:
Living Rooms
- Airy cotton muslin panels for a laidback lounge vibe
- Gauzy sheers hung high and wide on rustic wood rods
- Textured burlap drapes to complement leather sofas and vintage pieces
Bedrooms
- Billowy ruffled curtains in soft whites or dreamy prints
- Delicate sheers for that perfect filtered sunrise glow
- DIY tiebacks from ropes or ribbons for extra whimsy
Kitchens
- Hardworking ticking stripe panels that can handle spills
- Gingham or buffalo check cafe curtains to frame the sink
- Botanical or check toppers to dress things up a bit
Dining Rooms
- Rich ruffled curtains in moody hues like burgundy or sage
- Sheer underlays for a touch of romantic dimension
- Crisp linen panels paired with antique wood tones
Bathrooms
- Creamy ruffled sheers over moisture-resistant curtain panels
- Excellent rustic branch rods for a touch of nature
- Whites and greys for a spa-like, serene oasis
Entryways & Hallways
- Gauzy sheers or semi-sheer panels in neutral shades
- Durable rods in reclaimed wood or iron for high-traffic durability
- Making a cosy first impression from the moment you walk in
Hanging and Layering Farmhouse Curtains
Hanging Tips:
- Mount curtain rods higher than the window frame – about 4-6 inches from the top
- Extend rods 3-6 inches past the sides of the window for a grander look
- Use rustic wood, wrought iron or distressed metal rods for that farmhouse feel
- Get curtains with clip rings instead of rod pockets for a tailored look
Layering Made Easy:
- Start with sheer cotton voile or lace panels to let in filtered light
- Layer solid cotton or linen panels over the sheer ones
- Finish with gathered tiers, ruffles or patterned toppers like buffalo check
- Mix and match textures – sheer, ruffled, patterned, different fabrics
Farmhouse Curtain Ideas to Make Your Windows Pop
Some eye-catching farmhouse curtain ideas include:
Creative Tiers: Transform basic tiered panels into works of art by selecting alternating bands of complementary patterns and hues. Think buffalo check, floral, polka dots, calico print – mix and match to delight.
Whimsical Scallops: Scalloped fabric edges and hemlines provide cottages with instant playfulness. Pair scallops with pom poms for fairy tale sweetness or try scallops on breezy lace panels.
Rainbow Ruffles: Inject farmhouse windows with happiness using rainbow ruffle tiers. The blend of bright colors and cottontail shape makes any rainy day brighter. Rainbow ruffles add magic to little girls’ rooms.
Textural Stripes: Thick horizontal stripe designs woven with varied textural details like fringe and knotted sections add wonderful visual depth. Stripes work well on long living room curtains or valances.
Macrame Accents: Bohemian and completely on-trend, macrame contains infinite textural possibilities. Accent solid curtains with hand-knotted panels for interest or DIY entirely macrame curtain sets. Hanging crystals amp up dazzle.
Pom Pom Trims: Poms signal playful charm every time. Search for cotton lace-edged tiered panels pre-trimmed with precious pom accents. Or attach poms along the edges of basic curtains and valances to build cottage style.
Farmhouse Curtains to Fit Any Budget
One of the great aspects of farmhouse style is that it embraces imperfections and thrives on DIY culture. You can handmake quality farmhouse curtains on even the tightest budget. Or if time doesn’t allow for homemade goods, check out these budget-friendly farmhouse curtain options:
Buy Discount Fabrics
Craft stores like JoAnn Fabrics regularly run sales offering 40-50% off curtain panels, fabric by the yard, trim and other DIY components. Download mobile apps to snag coupons, then stock up on supplies during seasonal sales.
Building your own panels using discount fabric can prove extremely affordable. Some easy DIY ideas include:
- Tiered curtains from muslin fabric strips
- Ruffled curtains made using a sewing machine or by hand
- Curtain embellishments like pom trim, lace and fringe purchased separately then hand-stitched on
- Print-your-own custom calico or buffalo check fabric via Spoonflower starting at just $18 per yard
Order Custom Size
Big box stores like Target, Walmart and Amazon supply quality farmhouse curtains without the shocking boutique price tags, especially if ordering custom sizes. Ordering made-to-measure allows choosing the exact small windows dimensions needed. Consider custom for oddly shaped windows like in old cottages and bungalows.
While structured custom panels with weighted hems and precise stitching contradict the shabby chic farmhouse aesthetic slightly, the affordability makes up for it. Layer custom pieces behind distressed DIY panels for perfectly imperfect style.
Buy Discounted Display Models
Check big box home goods stores like At Home, HomeGoods and Tuesday Morning for discounted window display models. Light wear models with small snags can be purchased for up to 70% off retail prices. Repurpose living room displays as bedroom backdrops and vice versa – no one will know the difference.
With a little effort and imagination, upgrading windows stylishly needs not drain bank accounts. Follow these budget tricks and transform any space with dreams and sewing machines, not dollars.
Common Farmhouse Curtain Mistakes to Avoid
While achieving an authentic farmhouse vibe seems pretty straightforward, some subtle yet significant errors can disrupt the aesthetic cohesion. Sidestep these common farmhouse curtain mistakes:
- Ignoring Functionality: Always consider the primary function of the room. For example, thicker curtains can be great for privacy and blocking light, but they might feel too heavy in a sunroom.
- Wrong Length: Curtains that are too short can look awkward. Generally, they should either kiss the floor or slightly puddle on it for that classic farmhouse feel.
- Overdoing Patterns: While patterns like gingham or plaid are quintessentially farmhouse, using them excessively can overwhelm a space. Balance them with solid colours.
- Neglecting Layering: Layering curtains with sheers can add depth and interest to your windows, enhancing your room’s overall aesthetic.
- Skimping on Quality: High-quality fabric changes how curtains hang and endure over time. Opt for good quality to achieve the best look and longevity.
By avoiding these common mistakes, your farmhouse curtains will hang and drape beautifully!
Conclusion
The charm and coziness of the farmhouse aesthetic is as easy as dressing your windows properly to let that style shine through. Farmhouse curtains in natural fabrics, softly faded colors, and relaxed silhouettes effortlessly welcome in warmth, nostalgia, and casual comfort. Tiered ruffles, breezy sheers, sturdy linens, and vintage accents crafted from natural fibers imbue cottage vibes and create a welcoming backdrop for rest and gathering with loved ones.
By following the fundamental guidelines around fabrics, patterns, and styling details that define farmhouse curtains, you’ll adorn your space in hygge and domestic bliss. Let your curtains reflect the beauty of simple living and the textures of the countryside right at home. Any room, big or small, urban or rural, can channel that timeless farmhouse feeling with windows beautifully dressed to complement this enduringly popular interior motif.
