The right type of curtains won't only change the look and feel of a room, but they can also help guard against glare, heat from the sun, and curious passersby. "Curtains are interior designers' best friend for layering in texture, comfort, and movement into a space," says Heather Goerzen, design editor at the interior design service Havenly. "They also add vertical interest and help draw the eye upwards."
Keeping Goerzen's insights in mind, we researched the best places to buy curtains, assessing them on selection, variety of price points, customization options, shipping, and more.
Pottery Barn
What We Like
Wide range of fabrics
Custom options
Free swatches
What We Don't Like
Must have membership for special coupon codes
Pottery Barn Classic Belgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain Review
Shoppers looking for curtains can visit a Pottery Barn store in person (there are more than 150 nationwide) or use their comprehensive website. There are dozens of curtains available, and Pottery Barn is known for its distinctive fabrics, such as linen from the famed Belgian mill Libeco, shimmery Dupioni raw silk, and groovy Ikat prints.
It's easy to search the site using the filters provided (they include type, material, and length, as well as others like fair trade), and you can also restrict your search to only in-stock items. Pottery Barn's prices match its quality (meaning high), so they're best for those who are willing to invest in some statement window treatments.
Our testers loved theBelgian Flax Linen Blackout Curtain, which is made from durable fabric and can be hung in a variety of different ways. They also gave high marks to the, which looks good, is sturdily constructed, and comes in many different finishes and finial options.
Pottery Barn's custom window treatments include the Emery Linen and Belgian Flax curtains, as well as several different shades. For curtains, lengths are available in one-inch increments between 24 and 180 inches, and widths are available in six-inch increments between 24 and 156 inches.
Know that Pottery Barn hosts frequent sales, and coupon codes are available for rewards members. You can filter your search results by "Limited Time Offer" or "Clearance," search the site for "open box curtains," or look at the "Windows" section in the clearance section.
Return policy: 30 days; custom curtains are not returnable | Delivery options: In-store pickup using ship-to-store delivery, shipping to home through carriers like USPS and UPS, pickup at UPS access points | Perks: Members of The Key earn 2 percent back in rewards at Pottery Barn as well as sibling stores West Elm and Williams-Sonoma, and receive coupon codes and special offers via email | Customization available: Yes
Amazon
What We Like
Generally easy returns
Amazon Basic curtains are popular
What We Don't Like
Quality can vary
Takes time to sift through options
With a simple search for "curtains", Amazon pops up more than 20,000 results. Luckily, the retailer's site is easy to use and offers hundreds of customer reviews to help you get a sense of what's worth buying. There are many different search filters, including price, style, pattern type, and even climate-pledge friendly.
You'll also find the affordableAmazonBasicsline, which features several different blackout curtains, including heavyweight theater-grade, basket weave, and textured linen.
During testing, we liked theNicetown Thermal Insulated Grommet Curtainsfor their full drape and pleasing texture, especially given the price. The curtains hung straight to the floor and flow seamlessly when pulled open. If you also need hardware, they spoke highly of theUmbra Twilight Single Curtain Curtain Rod Se for its ability to sit directly against the wall and truly block light.
But the beauty of Amazon is that you can go in with a single idea—maybe your child is obsessed with sloths, for example, or you really need a pair of red velvet curtains—and likely be able to act on it.
We recommend purchasing directly from Amazon versus from a third-party seller—the return process is far more straightforward for products purchased from Amazon.
Return policy: Within 30 days for items sold by Amazon, third-party sellers may vary | Delivery options: Varies, carriers include UPS, Amazon, and third-party vendors | Perks: Amazon Prime members get free 2-day shipping (and in some cities, same-day shipping) as well as other benefits like Amazon Fresh service and member-only deals | Customization available: No
Wayfair
What We Like
Great customer service
Large selection
Frequent sales
What We Don't Like
Overwhelming array of options
Search for "curtains" on Wayfair, a popular web-only clearinghouse, and you'll see more than 50,000 results. Wayfair sells a large array of curtains, drapes, valances, kitchen curtains, blinds, and shades and has an entire section devoted solely to blackout curtains (with more than 4,000 to choose from).
You can also take advantage of the "Window Treatments Sale" section, which offers even higher markdowns on many top-rated picks. To help narrow down your results, you can filter Wayfair's offerings by your desired length and width, color preference, header type, material, and more. (Because there are so many choices, it helps to have an idea of what you want before you browse.)
A search for white living room curtains using eight different filters still brought up more than 100 options, including these statement-makingScandinavian Wave Geometric Semi-Sheer Thermal Rod Pocket Curtain Panels.
For hardware, our testers liked theWayfair Basics Adjustable Curtain Rod, which can't support fabric weighing more than 7 pounds but has a telescoping rod, many color options, and decorative ball finials.
Return policy: Within 30 days (shipping charges not refunded) | Delivery options: Most deliveries made by UPS or FedEx | Perks: Wayfair's credit card offers 5 percent back in rewards that don't expire | Customization available: No
Target
What We Like
Wide selection
On-trend looks
What We Don't Like
May not hold up for long-term use
As with their other housewares, Target offers curtains that are both affordable and stylish. At the time of publish, you can brown more than 2,000 curtains organized by length and light filtration level.
Some of our favorite options include the Bella Sheer Hidden Tab Top Curtain Panels, which have a breezy look and feel that would particularly suit the bedroom (though not if you're sensitive to light, as they're fairly sheer). The Eclipse's Kira Herringbone Absolute Zero Blackout Window Panel is ideal for those who need maximum darkness but don't want to skimp on style.
Target's website is easy to browse, and along with length, you can filter by pattern, material, and heading style (such as grommet top or pleated). The retailer offers free shipping on orders over $35 and a generous 90-day return policy. Pro tip: To find deeply discounted window treatments, go to the Home section of Clearance, and filter by "curtain panels."
Target is also known for putting out coveted merch via designer partnerships, and, during testing, we loved the Zig Zag Macrame Curtain Panels from Justina Blakeney, which offer a more boho style, with delicate lines and unfinished edges. Besides the popular curtain panels and hardware, Target also stocks tier curtains, valances, and window shades.
Return policy: Items must be returned within 90 days of purchase with original receipt, or one year for Target-owned brands | Delivery options: Standard shipping (carriers vary), curbside pickup, or in-store pickup | Perks: Exclusive discounts after signing up for Target Circle; Target Red Card holders also get benefits like free 2-day shipping, 5 percent savings, and an additional 30 days for returns | Customization available: No
Ikea
What We Like
Hundreds of curtain options
Particularly great selection of blackout curtains
What We Don't Like
Customer service is mixed
Not many prints
If you're already familiar with the retailer, it should be no surprise that Ikea has hundreds of curtain options, ranging from decorative to blackout options.
If you're on a tight budget, you can snag a single 83-inchBengta Blackout Curtain, which is made from laminated fabric you can cut to your preferred size. Even at the higher end, you likely won't spend more than $100 for a pair—take these crushed linenDytag Curtains, for instance.
One area that IKEA falls short: There aren't many print or pattern options. There are a few that are kid-friendly, like these butterfly-themedSanglarka panels, and a few botanically inspired options, like the splashyGardskrappa, but otherwise, it's mostly solid colors.
Shoppers looking for discounted window treatments may be able to find them in the Deals section under "Our Lowest Prices", along with the "Affordable Home Essentials Under $20" area. If you can't make it to an IKEA store in person, make sure to use the "Buyable Online" filter—not all of the options listed are shoppable online, though you can opt to pick them up in person.
Return policy: New and unopened products within 365 days, open products within 180 days | Delivery options: Flat-rate delivery starts at $5 using local third-party companies | Perks: IKEA Family program gives a discount, exclusive deals, and a birthday offer | Customization available: No
Pepper Home
What We Like
Completely custom
Made in the USA
Helpful paint suggestions for coordinating with fabrics
What We Don't Like
Items not returnable
Pepper Home was started by Erin Banta and Kelsey Brown, two friends in New York City who were looking for stylish textiles to bring life to their rental apartments. Pepper's fabrics are bold, chic, and high-quality, and they use a direct-to-consumer model to help keep prices down.
All curtains are custom-made in American southern states, and they also sell pillows (also made custom), table linens, throws, fabric, and wallpaper.Widths are fixed at 25, 50, or 100 inches, but you can specify the length to the nearest fraction of an inch. All curtains are made from cotton, and you can opt to add trim to the sides and bottom.
There are five different header types available, including ring top, tailored pleat, and grommet, and two different types of linings: privacy, which blocks 70 percent of light, and blackout, which blocks all of it. For long styles, you can opt to have your curtains break at the floor, which looks more clean, or puddle, which looks more formal.
Not only are there nearly 50 curtains to choose from, but Pepper also sells fabric and will make curtains in any style that isn't shown in the curtain section (shoppers just need to send an email).
Bestsellers include theDenton Custom Curtain, which is sky blue with a simple square pattern. For offices and playrooms, the Hockney Moss Curtain, which has a bold swirl pattern, is a great option.
We also love that customers can also get complimentary design assistance by submitting questions and uploading photos of their spaces. Plus, the designers' blog includes lots of helpful resources, including suggestions for paint colors that match their prints.
Return policy: Curtains are all custom orders, so not returnable | Delivery options: 2 to 8 business days, carriers vary | Perks: Customers will receive free shipping on next order, along with announcements about sale events, with email signup | Customization: Yes
JC Penney
What We Like
Many sales and coupon offers
Wide selection
Site is easy to search
What We Don't Like
Styles tend to be fairly traditional
Not many shopper reviews
JCPenney, which has roughly 650 stores nationwide, has an impressive selection of curtains, valances, and window tiers, as well as many different types of shades and hardware. The site is easy to search, as shoppers can select filters such as brand (there are dozens), item type, price, and deals (at press time, more than 1,800 curtains were listed as on sale).
Although JCPenney isn't reinventing the wheel when it comes to style, there are plenty of attractive, well-made options, and prices tend to be reasonable, especially given the number of discounts that tend to be available.
TheseCHF Rainbow-Tufted Stripe Curtain Panelshave pretty 3D detailing and can be hung, so the stitching is either at the top or bottom, depending on the look you prefer. And these elegantRegal Home Damask Sheer Panels were recently discounted to less than $21 for a pair.
JCPenney has a 60-day return policy, which is helpful because one of the site's main downsides is the dearth of shopper reviews. If you're looking for something custom, the only options currently available are theBali Coastal and theBali Valencia, both of which are simple, light-filtering panels and have a customizable length to the nearest fraction of an inch (the width is fixed at 50 inches).
The current deals flash across the top of the website and might include specific events and might include an extra 30 percent off with a code, a dorm flash sale, and doorbusters, which are excluded from coupons. There are also many curtains sold in the clearance section.
Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Standard shipping with USPS or UPS, same-day through DoorDash, in-store pickup | Perks: JCPenney Rewards members get 30 percent off with signup, $10 reward for every $200 spent, a birthday gift, and other offers | Customization: Only for one type of curtain, but many options for shades
Smith & Noble
What We Like
Easy, full-service experience
Hundreds of fabric options
Totally customizable
What We Don't Like
Only 50% credit given for returns in some cases
If you have the cash to invest in high-quality drapes and don't want to lift a finger besides ordering online or chatting on the phone, Smith & Noble might be for you. This online-only retailer sells only window treatments, is based in California, and has been around for more than 30 years.
Besides shades, blinds, cornices, and valances, Smith & Noble sells three different types of drapes: pleated, wave fold, and casual, and there are a variety of headers available as well, such as grommet, pinch pleat, and rod pocket. You can get an estimate quickly using the tool on the website; pairs of curtains tend to start around $350 and quickly go up from there.
There are more than 600 fabrics available, but shoppers report that S&N's customer service reps are helpful and patient when reached by phone or text with questions, and the first 30 fabric swatches requested are free of charge.
Smith & Noble recently offered a 25 percent off storewide code that included free design help and measurements, and when you select fabric, you can filter it to only select options that are on sale. The company also offers free in-person measuring and installation, which starts at $99. If you use the measuring and installation services and your drapes don't fit, Smith & Noble will replace them at their expense.
If you do it on your own and let them know within 60 days that they don't fit, you'll get a 50 percent credit of the original purchase price, and they will remake a new set. That same policy (50 percent credit) applies if you just simply don't like what you've purchased. All drapes are also covered by the company'slimited lifetime warranty 403 403.
Return policy: Varies, but typically 60 days for defective or improperly fitting drapes, in some cases only 50 percent store credit is given | Delivery options: Mostly UPS, with larger packages going by freight carrier | Perks: Smith & Noble credit card offers no interest if paid within a certain time frame | Customization: Yes
Society6
What We Like
Unusual designs
Purchase supports independent artists
What We Don't Like
Limited number of styles and header types
No customization
Society6 is an online marketplace of more than 450,000 artists from 170 countries. The gist: Artists upload their original designs, and Society6 takes care of putting them on items like cell phone holders, wall art, and, you guessed it—curtains. Artists receive a 10 percent commission from each sale, so you can feel good knowing at least a small part of your purchase is going directly to them.
In terms of selection, it's straightforward: You can choose either sheer curtains or blackout curtains in two different size options, and at press time, both cost less than $150 for a pair, with single panels also available. They currently only have pole-pocket headers, so those who want grommets or tab tops are out of luck.
Although the price might seem high compared to big box stores, you're paying for what's essentially a distinctive piece of art that you likely won't see in your friends' windows. The selection is massive, but you can filter results by categories like popular, new, or random, as well as design style, and there are subcategories within those as well. The retro section has a subcategory called "midcentury," where you can find options like thisModern Abstract Blackout Curtainby Tony Magner.
There's no official sale section, but Society6 often offers discounts and coupon codes; a recent one included $25 off purchases totaling more than $115. Those who sign up for updates will receive additional offers throughout the year.
Return policy: 60 days | Delivery options: Standard (U.S. and international), expedited, rush | Perks: 25 percent off order with email signup | Customization: No
56 Wall Decor Ideas to Transform Every Room in the House
Annie Selke
What We Like
High-quality
Eye-catching patterns
Products made in fair-labor conditions
What We Don't Like
Somewhat small selection
Founder and textile designer Annie Selke, who originally hails from Massachusetts, is also the visionary behind brandsPine Cone Hill(bedding) andAlbert & Dash(rugs). The company is based in Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains, where the two retail stores are located, but you can also find shops that sell Selke's products using thestore locator.
There are around 50 different curtain panels sold online, and they include lined, sheer, linen, and cotton options. There's no customization available, but there are around 20 different sizes offered, though not every panel comes in every size. You can search by size, color, material, and more, and also filter by on-sale options. There aren't many choices that would work as blackout, but there are a few options in thelined curtains sectionthat should be fairly dark, like theAnatolia Linen Panel, which is reminiscent of an Oriental rug.
For shoppers looking for deals, there is a sale section that includes several curtains, and the company also runs sale events with promotional codes, which are often flagged at the top of the site.
Return policy: 30 days | Delivery options: Carriers such as UPS or USPS | Perks: 15 percent off with email signup | Customization: No
Anthropologie
What We Like
Quirky, eclectic styles
Lots of interesting details
Unusual hardware and tie-backs
What We Don't Like
Search is limited
Items sell out quickly
Anthropologie has more than 200 locations in the United States. Originally just a clothing store, in recent years, it has become known for its home decor items, which, like its fashion offerings, have an eclectic and free-spirited feel.
A search on the AnthroLiving Home area of the website brings up more than 100 curtain choices, though it's smart to use the "ready to ship" filter, so you won't fall in love with a style only to discover it's on backorder. You can sort results by price, color, brand, and size, but it would be nice to be able to add additional categories like style or vibe (such as boho-style or farmhouse).
Anthropologie is best for those who want curtains to make a big impact. These 100 percent cottonBlockprinted Formation Curtainsfrom Jen Hewett were inspired by scarf designs. The cotton-linenLisette Curtainshave a whimsical bird motif that would spruce up a bedroom. There is a wide range of materials that includes heavier fabrics as well—theLouise Curtainsare made of a rich-looking polyester velvet that can be machine-washed and comes in a range of colors.
If you're looking for sale items, you can simply go directly to the "Rugs and Curtains" section of the sale area, and at any given time, you'll probably find a handful of discounted curtains. Anthropologie also runs frequent sale events and offers coupon codes to newsletter subscribers.
Return policy: 60 days for full refund, merchandise credit after that | Delivery options: 2 to 8 business days, carriers vary, or in-store pickup for some items | Perks: Customers will receive free shipping on next order, along with announcements about sale events, with email signup | Customization: No
Lowe's
What We Like
Lots of options
Easy-to-use website
What We Don't Like
Quality can be mixed
Some items don't have many reviews
Lowe's is a longtime home improvement retailer with more than 2,200 locations in the United States. They have a robust selection of curtains—more than 5,000 at the time of this writing—but as with other large companies, their website is easy to search and navigate. There's a wide range of brands like Safavieh, Nicole Miller, Tommy Bahama, and Martha Stewart.
Customers can sort search results by the usual categories like brand, style, price, color, and pattern and also opt to hide unavailable items. Prices range from affordable choices like these gauzy Allen + RothSheer Rod Pocket Panels, which are just $7 each, to Designart's 108-inch decorativeRoom-Darkening Panels, which are made with eco-friendly ink and retail for nearly $200 each. Our testers praised theBest Home Fashion Blackout Curtainsfor their ability to guard against noise and help provide thermal insulation.
In the savings section, customers can filter by category and find daily deals. Lowe's also publishes their weekly ad online, which has a guide to all the current discounts.
Return policy: 90 days | Delivery options: Carriers like UPS, in-store pickup, curbside pickup | Perks: Military discount, Lowe's Advantage Card members get 20 percent off when they sign up, and 5 percent off regularly | Customization: No
FAQ
When's the best time to buy new curtains?
"If you're looking for a major curtain overhaul throughout your home, consider holding off for one of the major holidays that's bound to come with major sales, like Memorial Day, July 4th, or Black Friday," says Heather Goerzen, design editor at Havenly, an online interior design service. She also suggests swapping out your curtains when you want a change of color palette or something to mark a new season. "Whether it's breezy spring or cozy fall, if you're looking to welcome a change of season, consider swapping to sheer curtains or a more luxurious velvet," she says.
How often should you replace your curtains?
There isn't a hard-and-fast rule—instead, let your intuition guide you. "My recommendation is to keep an eye on them for either extreme fading due to harsh sunlight or wear and tear—things like pet hair or snags," says Goerzen. Depending on the material, dusting, gently vacuuming, machine-washing, or dry-cleaning should also help prolong their life and keep them looking fresh. However, you may also find yourself naturally gravitating to new textiles every few years. "I had some bold navy velvet curtains that I loved for several years, but I wanted to update our living room to feel lighter, fresher, and a little more timeless, so I ultimately swapped them out for a more neutral and natural linen material," Goerzen shares.
Is it better to buy curtains online or in person?
Although it's always nice to see and feel the materials in person, when it comes to home decor, shopping online offers an impressive array of choices. "I tend to scour online and narrow down my selections. Then, I'll buy three or four options with flexible return policies so I can see the fabric, color, and design in real life," says Goerzen. Textile-focused companies like Pottery Barn, Annie Selke, Pepper Home, and Smith & Noble also offer free or inexpensive swatches. Note that custom-made curtains won't be eligible for returns, so it's best to try to at least get a sense of the fabric first.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyerhas contributed to The Spruce since 2019 and often writes about home-related topics like faux fur blankets and woven baskets. She has experience with the majority of brands on this list. To compile her curtain sources, she spent several hours doing research and tried to include a mix of larger companies with a wide range of price points, as well as smaller retailers doing creative and unusual things. She considered things like the number of brands sold, the number of styles offered, customization options, customer satisfaction, and policies like shipping and returns.
Our Experts:
- Heather Goerzen, design editor at Havenly, an online interior design service
- Lily Sperry, a commerce editor for The Spruce, performed additional research and updates.
The 21 Best Places to Buy Rugs Online in 2024