Goodbye, Boring Curtains: The Bold Trend Taking Over Bedrooms In 2026

Normally, drapes are only thought of as something that goes around your windows to block some light and visibility into your house. However, in 2026, curtains are taking up a larger presence in your home, especially in the bedroom. They can be used to make a statement, add texture, or break up a space. You can't get these effects, though, when you limit these fabrics to your windows, which is why their placement in a bedroom is also changing. 

"Curtains are no longer confined to the role of window dressing — they've become a versatile design statement," said designer Rebecca Hughes during an interview with Homes and Gardens. "We're using them as soft space dividers, to frame cozy nooks, or to introduce a layer of texture and opulence through sumptuous fabrics. When chosen thoughtfully, they merge form and function beautifully, transforming the atmosphere of a room while adding a sense of theater and intimacy."

There are many creative ways to use curtains in your space, including open wall spaces or at entryways to add a softer feeling and a sense of coziness. Some people use them in place of an ensuite bathroom door or to outline a reading nook, breaking the room up into functional spaces. For example, if you have a lot of dark colors in your bedroom, a lighter fabric around your bed or doorway helps to make the space feel less enclosed. 

Allow curtains to take center stage in your bedroom by creating a curtain wall, turning a blank, open space into something full of texture, color, and detail. It is the interior design trend that people are replacing their accent walls with because of the flexibility it offers. In addition, if you put curtains on a thinner wall, it can help to muffle sound and add a bit of insulation. These curtain walls can also hide some of your more unattractive design elements, like an electrical panel or wall plate. The best part is that this trend works for both renters and homeowners. 

You can also simply hang your curtains behind your bed to act as a decorative headboard, even if you don't have a window there. Carry your drapes up to the ceiling to make a canopy above or around your bed to get in on the decades-old bedroom trend that's making a hard comeback — or drape them in an unusual way to act as a statement piece. Placing your curtains in different areas around your room can influence the mood, but you need to do more than just hang them somewhere new. The atmosphere you want in your room comes down to the textures, materials, and colors you choose.

When it comes to colors, for a more relaxed space, soft beiges, browns, and grays are ideal choices. Meanwhile, to give your room a warm and welcoming feel, you can go for slightly bolder browns, including terracotta and honey beige. Softer pinks, such as dusty rose and champagne, provide a romantic element, while dark greens and blues create a cozy and den-like space. 

Velvet and brushed cotton are two popular materials if you are looking for curtains that will help bring a sense of softness to a space, darken a room, and add some insulation. Their thickness also adds a sound-dampening element, and velvet is one of those budget-friendly curtain choices that look more expensive than they actually are. 

Linen adds to a relaxed or beachy feel, while pleated curtains are more sophisticated. Although you don't want too bold a design, lightly patterned curtains can work in a bedroom, especially if you are looking to add layers of pattern with your bedspread and rug. To help you pick the right curtains, you can treat them a little like paint. See if you can get a couple of yards of the material you are considering, and hang it up in your bedroom where you are thinking of placing the curtain. Then take the time to look at it at different points during the day to see how it looks.