If there’s one simple décor addition that can really tie a room together and make it look finished, it’s window treatments. While leaving windows undressed is a style choice of its own, sometimes it can leave walls feeling rather barren and perhaps even a little unkempt. So if there’s just one thing on your to-spruce-up list this year, make it your windows, and give them some lovely curtains.
Best of all, curtains don’t need to be a major expense. Whether you want something simple and sheer to maximize light in a small office space, something bold and patterned to make a statement in your grandmillennial-chic living room, or a more utilitarian blackout curtain to keep your bedroom dark for just a few hours longer, there's a style to fit any need.
Here, the best affordable curtains.
Pottery Barn Linen Rod Pocket Sheer Curtain
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Pottery Barn
Add subtle texture to a room with Pottery Barn’s Linen Sheer Curtains, made from premium flax fibers grown in Europe. Sold as individual panels, the gauzy curtains come in three lengths and five different colors. Not sure which one to pick? You can order free swatches to test them out at home. For easy hanging, there’s a rod pocket at the top of each panel, though you can also use clip rings if you so choose. All in all, these curtains are effortless, and exude effortless style, too.
Wayfair Basics Solid Sheer Rod Pocket Curtain Panels (Set of 2)
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Wayfair
It doesn’t get any easier than these sheer Wayfair Basics curtains. They come in a set of two, so all you need to do is thread your curtain rod through each of them, and voilà—your windows are properly dressed! These super sheer polyester curtains come in a variety of neutral colors, but also some vibrant shades like purple and turquoise.
Best of all is that they’re machine-washable, making maintenance a cinch. Pick one of three lengths, including a 63-inch variation that’ll fall right at the window sill if you want to keep things extra short.
Urban Outfitters Allover Fruits Window Panel
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Love a splash of citrus in your cocktails? Consider adding a splash of citrus to your décor scheme, too. The Allover Fruits Window Panel has a fun, blocky pattern of oranges and grapefruits that'll brighten up any room and add all-around sunny vibes. This cotton curtain is thin and breezy and lets plenty of light in, making it especially great for darker spaces.
The look is finished with a tie-top construction so you can casually affix the curtains to a rod with some hand-knotted flair. While these curtains are machine-washable, they’re on the more fragile side, so treat them with care!
Sun Zero Kenwood Chevron Blackout Grommet Curtain Panel
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With its stylish chevron pattern, this Sun Zero curtain is proof that blackout curtains don't have to be unattractive. While it won’t prevent all light from entering your room, it'll do a pretty good job of keeping the worst of the sun’s rays out—and that includes the heat that comes from them, too.
It's also great at muffling noises from outside, allowing you to get the restful slumber you deserve. This curtain comes in three colors—navy, gray, and stone— and three lengths, and it has a grommet top for standard-size rods.
Amazon Basics Room-Darkening Blackout Curtains with Tie Backs
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Amazon
Have east-facing windows in your bedroom? Block out the sun’s harsh morning rays with Amazon Basics' Room Darkening Blackout Window Curtains. Featuring a triple weave, these heavy-duty polyester window treatments not only effectively keep a room nice and dark (and quiet!), but they also regulate temperature, keeping heat in in the winter and out in the summer.
These machine-washable curtains come in sets of two and can be affixed to rods either via pockets or grommets, depending on the finish you select. Choose from a wide assortment of colors and patterns, and from widths and lengths, too.
West Elm Crossweave Curtain
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The elegant Crossweave Curtain from West Elm is a gorgeous, understated window treatment that adds just enough texture to keep things interesting. Its best feature, however, is the fact that you can order it lined with blackout backing or unlined to let dappled light filter through. If we had our way, we’d order one set of each!
It’s also versatile in the rod attachment department—there are both pockets and hidden back tabs atop the curtain so you can choose the style you want. Take note that this curtain is dry clean-only, and it should be ironed or steamed for smoothness and shine.
World Market Sahaj Tab Top Curtains
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For a subtle, textured look, World Market's Sahaj Tab Top Curtains work wonders. These super sheer curtains are all about piquing visual interest in a room, given that their transparency doesn’t do much in the way of blocking light. Natural jute fibers provide plenty of texture, while horizontal stripes contribute additional visual intrigue.
These tab-top curtains, which only come in one length, are sold as a set of two and are dry clean-only. Styling tip: These curtains look best when gathered to the side of your windows, tied back with a ribbon or string.
Exclusive Fabrics Heritage Plush Velvet Curtain
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Nothing says opulence like regal velvet curtains, even if the price is actually low enough to not break the bank! These sumptuous velvet curtains come in seven bold colors, from vibrant Aztec Gold to mysterious Eternal Blue.
Aesthetics aside, these curtains are ideal for blocking out sunlight—and keeping cold drafts at bay—so they’re ideally suited for a bedroom or a media room where you plan on watching movies. They have a rod pocket/back tab header construction for hanging, so no need to deal with rings and grommets.
Target Sketched Triangle Curtain Panel - Project 62
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Feeling a little bold? This design has just enough geometric patterning to make a statement, though its hand-drawn quality keeps things unfussy and even a little boho-chic. The colors also lend an earthiness to the curtains—they come in white with gray triangles, white with wheat triangles, and peach with terra cotta triangles. Pick from three lengths to create your desired look.
Keep in mind that these curtains are sold as individual panels, so you’ll need to buy two to create a complete set. They’re machine-washable, so they’re totally safe to have in a house with pets and young kids.
Exclusive Home Bella Sheer Curtain Panels
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The Home Depot
For an airy, gauzy look, try the Bella Sheer Curtain Panels. These sheer polyester curtains drape beautifully from the hidden tab tops (there’s also a rod pocket if you’d prefer) and can be left alone to hang vertically or cinched back for some billowy drama.
We’re partial to the beautiful dusty rose hue, but these curtains come in a variety of pastel and neutral colors, both in 84-inch and 95-inch lengths. Sold in a set of two, the Bella curtains can be spot cleaned or washed by hand and ironed on low heat to remove wrinkles.
Bee & Willow Home Quincy Curtain Panel
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Add a little nautical flair to a coastal-chic living room or complete your modern farmhouse kitchen with the striped Bee & Willow Home Quincy Curtain Panel. This breezy curtain, which comes in gray and light green, gently filters daylight for a diffused, soft glow.
Sold in individual panels, the Quincy Curtain comes in four different lengths and is easy to hang from rods via rod pockets or back tabs—and it’s machine-washable for low-key maintenance. It’s a perfect no-fuss window treatment that adds just enough pattern into a room to draw the eye without being too distracting.