Velvet curtains bring warmth, texture and elegance to a room. Their soft surface and substantial drape can make an ordinary window feel more refined, while the dense fabric helps improve privacy and reduce some outside light.
However, choosing velvet curtains involves more than finding a colour you like. Curtain size, panel width, hanging style, room design and light-control requirements all affect how the finished window will look and perform.
This velvet curtains buying guide explains how to choose the right colour, size and style for your space. It also clarifies the important difference between regular velvet curtains, room-darkening curtains and true blackout curtains.
What Are Velvet Curtains?
Velvet curtains are window panels made from velvet or a velvet-style fabric. The material has a soft, raised surface that reflects light differently depending on the viewing angle. This gives velvet curtains their distinctive depth and rich appearance.
Compared with lightweight curtain fabrics, velvet usually creates a fuller and more structured drape. It is frequently used in:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Home theatres
- Hotels and lounges
- Stages and event spaces
- Traditional and luxury-inspired interiors
Velvet curtains are available in many colours, sizes and hanging styles. Some are unlined, while others include room-darkening or blackout lining for greater light control. You can browse the full range in our velvet curtains collection, or compare materials side by side in shop by texture.
Why Choose Velvet Curtains?
Velvet curtains are popular because they combine decorative appeal with practical benefits.
Rich Texture and Colour
The raised surface of velvet gives colours greater visual depth. Green, red, blue, black and brown velvet curtains can look different throughout the day as natural and artificial light moves across the fabric.
This makes velvet especially suitable for rooms that need a strong decorative feature.
Elegant, Full Appearance
The weight of the material helps velvet curtains hang in smooth, substantial folds. When the panels are wide enough, they create a full appearance that works well in both classic and modern rooms.
Greater Privacy
Dense velvet fabric generally provides more privacy than lightweight or sheer curtains. This makes it a practical option for bedrooms, living rooms and street-facing windows.
Some Natural Light Reduction
Velvet can help soften and reduce incoming light because it is denser than many standard curtain fabrics. However, the level of light control depends on the fabric construction, colour and lining.
Velvet curtains should not automatically be considered blackout curtains.
A Warmer Atmosphere
The texture and visual weight of velvet can make a room feel warmer and more comfortable. Darker velvet colours are particularly effective in bedrooms, dining rooms and entertainment spaces.
Are Velvet Curtains Blackout?
Not all velvet curtains are blackout curtains.
Velvet describes the curtainâs fabric and appearance. Blackout describes its light-control performance. These are two different characteristics.
A regular velvet curtain may reduce light because the material is relatively dense, but light may still enter through the fabric, around the curtain edges or between the panels. A true blackout curtain normally uses a tightly constructed fabric, a specialized backing or an additional blackout lining.
Curtains are generally described using three light-control levels:
Light Filtering
Light-filtering curtains soften daylight while still allowing some light into the room. They provide moderate privacy but are not designed to make a room dark.
Room Darkening
Room-darkening curtains block more light than regular curtains, but some daylight may remain visible. Dense, dark-coloured velvet curtains may provide a room-darkening effect even without a dedicated blackout lining.
Blackout
Blackout curtains are specifically designed to block a very high percentage of incoming light. They are a better choice for bedrooms, nurseries, home theatres and rooms used by shift workers.
If light control is your main concern, check the product specifications instead of relying only on the word âvelvet.â Look for a confirmed blackout construction or lining.
You can shop by material in our velvet curtains collection, or explore curtains designed specifically for stronger light control in our blackout curtains collection.
How to Choose the Right Velvet Curtain Colour
Curtain colour affects the mood of the room, how prominent the window appears and how much light may be visible through the fabric.
Green Velvet Curtains
Green velvet curtains create a rich but calming look. Deep emerald and forest green work particularly well with:
- Warm wood furniture
- Cream or beige walls
- Brass and gold accents
- Botanical interiors
- Traditional or art deco dĂŠcor
Green can act as a statement colour without feeling as intense as bright red or black.
Red Velvet Curtains
Red velvet curtains produce a bold and dramatic effect. They are suitable for theatres, stages, dining rooms, event spaces and rooms with a classic or luxurious design.
Because red naturally attracts attention, it is usually best paired with simpler walls and furnishings. Burgundy and wine shades offer a more understated alternative to bright red.
Blue Velvet Curtains
Blue velvet curtains can make a room feel calm, polished and contemporary. Navy and dark blue work well with grey, white, cream, silver and natural wood.
Blue is a versatile choice for bedrooms, living rooms and offices because it provides strong colour without overwhelming the rest of the interior.
Black Velvet Curtains
Black velvet curtains create a dramatic, modern appearance and may reduce more visible light than lighter colours. They work particularly well in home theatres, studios, event spaces and rooms with high-contrast dĂŠcor.
Black curtains can feel visually heavy in a small room, so consider balancing them with lighter walls, furniture or flooring.
Brown Velvet Curtains
Brown velvet curtains complement warm, neutral and traditional interiors. They pair naturally with beige, cream, tan, rust and wood tones.
Brown can provide the richness of velvet while creating a softer effect than black or red.
Light or Dark Velvet Curtains?
Light-coloured velvet, such as our off-white velvet curtains, can make a room feel softer and more open, but it may show marks more easily and provide less apparent light reduction.
Dark velvet creates a stronger visual statement and generally helps a room feel more intimate. Dark colours may also appear to reduce light more effectively, although colour alone does not make a curtain truly blackout.
When selecting a colour, consider:
- Wall colour
- Furniture and flooring
- Room size
- Natural light
- Desired atmosphere
- Required light control
If you are choosing between shades, ordering a fabric swatch first is the most reliable way to see how a colour behaves in your own light.
How to Measure for Velvet Curtains
Correct measurements are essential. Curtains that are too narrow may look flat and leave gaps when closed, while panels that are too short can make the entire window treatment appear unfinished.
Step 1: Measure the Curtain Rod Width
Measure the full width of the curtain rod, excluding decorative finials.
If the curtain rod has not yet been installed, it will usually look better when it extends beyond both sides of the window frame. This allows the curtains to sit outside the glass when open and helps the window appear wider.
Step 2: Calculate the Total Curtain Width
The combined width of the curtain panels should be greater than the width of the curtain rod. This additional fabric creates fullness and attractive folds.
As a general guideline:
- Minimal fullness: approximately 1.5 times the rod width
- Standard fullness: approximately 2 times the rod width
- Luxurious fullness: approximately 2.5 times the rod width
For example, if the curtain rod is 60 inches wide, a combined curtain width of approximately 120 inches will produce standard fullness.
Always check whether the listed width applies to one panel or the complete set.
Step 3: Measure the Curtain Length
Measure from the point where the curtain will hang to the desired endpoint.
Common curtain lengths include:
- Sill length: ends around the window sill
- Below-sill length: extends slightly below the sill
- Floor length: ends close to the floor
- Puddled length: includes additional fabric resting on the floor
Floor-length velvet curtains usually create the cleanest and most elegant appearance.
Step 4: Confirm the Hanging Style
The hanging style can change where the curtain begins and how the finished length is measured. Confirm whether the curtains use grommets, rod pockets, back tabs, rings or hooks before selecting the final size.
Choosing a Velvet Curtain Hanging Style
The heading or hanging style affects both appearance and ease of installation.
Grommet Curtains
Grommet curtains have metal rings built into the top of the panel. They slide easily along the rod and create broad, even folds.
They are practical for curtains that are opened and closed frequently and generally suit modern interiors.
Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket curtains have a fabric channel through which the curtain rod passes. This creates a softer, more gathered appearance.
They work well for decorative curtains that do not need to move frequently.
Back-Tab Curtains
Back-tab curtains have hidden fabric loops on the reverse side. The curtain rod remains less visible, creating a clean and tailored appearance.
Curtain Rings or Hooks
Curtain rings and hooks can create a more formal finish and make heavy velvet panels easier to operate. The curtain rod and hardware must be strong enough to support the fabricâs weight.
Should You Buy One Panel or Two?
Always check the package contents before ordering. Some velvet curtains are sold as individual panels, while others are sold as pairs.
Two panels provide a balanced appearance and allow the curtains to open from the centre. A single panel may be appropriate for a narrow window, doorway, stage opening or asymmetrical design.
When comparing prices, confirm:
- Number of panels included
- Width of each panel
- Length of each panel
- Combined coverage
- Included hardware or accessories
A lower-priced product may include only one panel and may not provide enough width for the window.
Best Rooms for Velvet Curtains
Bedrooms
Velvet curtains add privacy, softness and a comfortable atmosphere to bedrooms. If the room needs significant light reduction, choose velvet curtains with verified blackout lining or select a product from our dedicated blackout curtains collection.
Living Rooms
In a living room, velvet curtains can frame the window and add depth without requiring a complete redesign. Blue, green and neutral velvet colours are especially versatile.
Dining Rooms
The rich texture of velvet works well in formal and casual dining spaces. Burgundy, dark green, navy and brown can create a warm setting for evening meals. See the full range of curtains for dining rooms for more options.
Home Theatres and Media Rooms
Dark velvet curtains help reduce visual distractions and create a theatre-inspired atmosphere. For stronger light control, use blackout-lined curtains and install them wide enough to minimize light entering around the window edges.
Event and Stage Spaces
Red and black velvet curtains are commonly associated with stages, ceremonies and event dĂŠcor. Before purchasing, confirm fire-safety requirements and whether the fabric needs a specific flame-retardant certification for the intended commercial venue.
How to Improve Light Control
Even blackout curtains may allow light to enter around the edges if they are installed incorrectly.
To improve light reduction:
- Extend the curtain rod beyond both sides of the window.
- Install the rod above the window frame.
- Select panels with adequate width and fullness.
- Use floor-length curtains where practical.
- Allow the panels to overlap slightly in the centre.
- Consider a wraparound curtain rod.
- Combine curtains with blinds or shades.
- Choose verified blackout lining when strong light control is required.
Proper sizing and installation can be just as important as the curtain material.
How to Care for Velvet Curtains
Care requirements vary depending on whether the curtains are made from cotton velvet, polyester velvet or another velvet-style material.
Always follow the care label provided with the product.
General care recommendations include:
- Remove surface dust using a soft brush or upholstery attachment.
- Vacuum gently in the direction of the velvet pile.
- Avoid aggressive rubbing or scrubbing.
- Treat spills promptly according to the care instructions.
- Use steaming only when permitted by the manufacturer.
- Do not machine-wash curtains unless the label specifically allows it.
- Consider professional cleaning for heavy, lined or delicate velvet curtains.
Because velvet has a directional pile, pressing or rubbing it incorrectly may affect the appearance of the fabric.
Velvet Curtain Buying Checklist
Before placing your order, confirm the following:
- Window or curtain rod width
- Required curtain length
- Width of each panel
- Number of panels included
- Desired fullness
- Curtain colour
- Hanging style
- Light-filtering, room-darkening or blackout performance
- Fabric and lining details
- Curtain rod weight capacity
- Cleaning instructions
- Product availability
Checking these details helps prevent ordering curtains that are too narrow, too short or unsuitable for the room.
Shop Velvet Curtains in Canada
The best velvet curtains should provide the right balance of colour, texture, size and function for your space.
Choose velvet curtains when material, softness and decorative style are the main priorities. If your primary goal is reducing daylight, look for curtains with clearly stated room-darkening or blackout performance.
Explore the velvet curtains collection from North Curtain to compare available colours, sizes and styles, or browse all curtains by colour to match an existing scheme.
For products specifically designed for stronger light control, visit our blackout curtains collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all velvet curtains blackout?
No. Velvet describes the fabric, while blackout describes light-control performance. Some velvet curtains reduce light naturally, but only products with a confirmed blackout construction or lining should be considered blackout curtains.
Do velvet curtains block sunlight?
Velvet curtains can reduce and soften sunlight because the material is relatively dense. The actual result depends on fabric thickness, colour, lining, curtain width and installation.
What colour velvet curtains block the most light?
Dark colours such as black, navy and deep brown may appear to reduce more light than pale colours. However, colour does not replace proper blackout lining when strong light control is required.
Are velvet curtains suitable for bedrooms?
Yes. Velvet curtains provide privacy and create a warm, comfortable appearance. For bedrooms that need to be kept dark, choose velvet curtains with verified blackout lining.
How wide should velvet curtains be?
For a full appearance, the combined curtain width should generally be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of the curtain rod. Around two times the rod width is a common choice.
Should velvet curtains touch the floor?
Floor-length velvet curtains usually create an elegant and finished appearance. They can end just above the floor, lightly touch it or include extra fabric for a puddled look.
Can velvet curtains help keep a room warmer?
Heavy velvet curtains may help reduce drafts and heat transfer around windows, especially when lined and properly installed. They should not replace appropriate window insulation.
How should velvet curtains be cleaned?
Follow the product care label. Some polyester velvet curtains may allow gentle cleaning, while delicate or lined velvet curtains may require professional cleaning.