Curtains are such a transformative piece of decor — they can elevate a lacklustre room into a space full of character and warmth, and this is exactly what we're craving in our homes right now. We want rooms that envelop us, in comfort and tactility, and adding a considered, stylish curtain is one of the easiest ways to do this. However, if you choose incorrectly, they can have a particularly negative impact on your space.
So, how to choose? Aside from deciding on the type of curtain that will work best for your space — long, short, blackout, or light-filtering — you, of course, want them to look beautiful in situ, be of good quality, be easy to install and use, and ideally not cost a fortune, too. And, although I see plenty of gorgeous curtains on a daily basis, I must admit, it can still be hard to find ones that tick every one of those boxes. So when I came across IKEA's GINSTMOTT Curtains, it was easy to see why they have a solid 5-star rating.
Effortlessly chic and versatile, the minimalist design of these neutral-toned curtains would suit any style of space, adding a layer of softness and a refined quality, all while being easy to install and practical to use. But do you know what the icing on the cake is? They cost less than £20, making them really great value, too.
Size: 145 cm x 250 cm
IKEA's GINSTMOTT Curtains are made of recycled polyester, which is fade-resistant, lightweight, and machine-washable, making them practical as well as chic. They're light-filtering while offering a sense of privacy.
The heading tape means you can hang the curtain directly onto a curtain rod, using the tabs or the rod pocket, for fuss-free installation and removal for washing; there is also the option to use hooks and gliders to hang them onto a track rail so that the hardware is not visible for a more streamlined look.
The style is also available in four other colorways, and three of the hues also come with an eyelet option to suit your setup.
IKEA’s GINSTMOTT Curtains are a simple, stylish, and affordable way to elevate your space. Great for use on patio doors as well as windows, they are a versatile pair of curtains that will add that much-desired layer of elegant tactility we are yearning for in our homes right now.
Lighter, airier designs are one of this year's biggest curtain trends, with designers opting for softer, more neutral styles with restraint, rather than bold patterns and color. While heavier fabrics can be great for added warmth and privacy, they can sometimes have a more rigid and bulky appearance in a space, whereas lighter designs can create more depth and flow.
We are gravitating towards spaces that prioritize comfort, coziness, and warmth. And while these curtains are by no means thermal or blackout, it's the feeling of warmth that they emit in their design — diffusing natural light for a warm, cozy glow with a textured finish.
Plus, it's hard to come by quality pieces at such an affordable price — multiple customers have commented on the curtain material's quality and how well they hang, which is absolutely key when looking for a decor piece that could be a significant focal point in your space. Here are just a few of the things customers had to say about them:
- "Lovely in beige, filling the room with a warm glow when closed during the day. The texture is great, and they feel good and hang well, too. Fantastic value."
- "Look more expensive than they are. Hang lovely after steaming. Lovely neutral color."
- "I bought two pairs of these curtains for bedroom windows. I matched them up with the Roman blinds, also from IKEA. They look very good together. Hang perfectly. Very pleased with the results, and the price was outstanding."
- "Was looking for curtains that would let light into the room in the day and also give you privacy, especially at night with the main light on. Lengthwise, too long, but can be easily adjusted, so not a problem. Width not bad, lovely material, plain with no patterns. Used these curtains in the bedroom with an IKEA cream-colored Roman blind in the window. They look great together, very happy. Also checked the view from outside with the main bedroom light, and only a slight shadow is visible, so privacy is great."
However, if you're looking for curtains that offer full privacy, these are not the ones for you. While they reduce glare and dim daylight, silhouettes will still be visible at night, from outside when a room is lit. For total privacy, you could pair them with another set of curtains or blinds.
But as a considered design element, IKEA's GINSTMOTT curtains will contribute to a refined, layered approach to your scheme, while adding a dose of subtle tactility along with a heap of style.
Stylish Alternatives
If you're keen to explore similar options to IKEA's GINSTMOTT Curtains, I've rounded up six more curtains that earn big points for both style and value.
Size: 140 cm x 229 cm
Habitat's sunlight-filtering voile curtain is made from polycotton, is easy to hang, and would add a laidback sophistication to your space — just as suited to a colorful palette as a neutral color scheme.
Size: 168 cm x 137 cm (also available in three larger sizes)
New to M&S, these cotton-linen blend multiway curtains are available in seven other colorways and will bring a light and airy softness to a space; one customer said they give her bedroom window "the most refreshing, updated look".
Size: 140 cm x 180 cm (also available in three larger sizes)
Available in a further 11 hues, AM.PM's Private Lined Washed Linen Curtains are minimalist-chic and rated 4.4/5 stars after 235 reviews. With a subtle, crumpled look (in a good way), they come complete with faux leather hooks and are machine-washable.
Size: 127 cm x 213 cm (Also available in 127 cm x 274 cm)
To fully maximize light in your space, decorating with sheer curtains is a great choice, and this Leena Sheer Curtain is no exception. Made from polyester, it is machine-washable and has 4.6 stars following 29 reviews.
Size: 150 cm x 300 cm
Part of H&M's Conscious Choice collection, these super chic, extra-long voile curtain lengths are made from a cotton-polyester blend, and the multiway header allows for greater flexibility for how you style your curtains; it's also available in four other hues.
Size: 127 cm x 274 cm
The beautiful detail of this Embroidered Scalloped Border Curtain from Anthropologie adds a delicate touch to these ethereal-style curtains. Available in Neutral and Blush shades, the 90% cotton, light-filtering style is also machine-washable.
If you're not sure whether light or dark curtains will work better for your scheme, experts share the rules they live by — and when they bend them, too.
