What Are the Best Curtain Styles for a Farmhouse Living Room?
This article is for you if you want to discover the best curtain styles for a farmhouse living room.
Alright, let’s get real for a second: picking out curtains shouldn’t feel like a life-or-death situation, right? But somehow, when you’re trying to style a farmhouse living room, it totally does. You’ve got that cozy, rustic thing going on—weathered wood, soft textiles, maybe even a vintage crate turned coffee table—and now you’re staring at your windows like they just betrayed you.
What are the best curtain styles for a farmhouse living room? Spoiler alert: it’s not those glittery, velvet, floor-to-ceiling drama queens you saw on TikTok last week. If you want your living room to feel warm, lived-in, and charming without screaming “I just Googled ‘modern country’ five minutes ago,” you’re in the right place.
I’ve spent way too much time experimenting with window treatments (don’t judge, we all have our things 😅), and I’ve finally narrowed down the curtain styles that actually work in farmhouse spaces. So, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s chat farmhouse curtain vibes.
Classic Linen Curtains: The Farmhouse MVP
Let’s start with the GOAT—linen curtains. These bad boys are basically the denim of farmhouse design: effortless, neutral, and always a good idea.
Why linen works like magic:
- Natural texture = instant cozy.
- Soft drape feels relaxed, not stuffy.
- Neutral colors (think ivory, oatmeal, soft gray) blend with everything.
Linen doesn’t try too hard. It just hangs there, looking chill and timeless. If you’re into that Joanna Gaines but make it subtle look, linen is your best friend. Bonus points if they puddle just slightly on the floor. Not too much—this isn’t a castle.
Pro tip: Go for unlined or semi-sheer linen if you want natural light to pour in during the day. It’ll give your space that soft, filtered glow. You know, the kind that makes even your dusty bookshelf look romantic.
Rhetorical question alert: Can curtains be both relaxed and elegant? Yep. Linen said, “hold my tea.”
Buffalo Check Curtains: A Little Country Sass
You know how every farmhouse has that one bold personality? That’s buffalo check curtains. These are the curtains that say, “I bake sourdough, but I also have strong opinions about cow print.”
Why they work:
- Pattern without chaos. The check is bold but orderly.
- Instant farmhouse charm—like, it literally screams country kitchen (in a cute way).
- They play well with solids like beige walls, jute rugs, or distressed furniture.
Just don’t go overboard. If you’ve got buffalo check pillows, throws, placemats, and curtains… it’s a little too much plaid, Karen. Balance it out with some plain textures.
IMO, black and white buffalo check feels modern farmhouse, while red or tan versions lean more traditional country. So pick your poison.
Sheer White Panels: The Dreamy Option
You know those mornings when the sunlight hits your floor just right and everything feels possible? That’s the magic of sheer white curtains.
What makes them amazing:
- Super affordable, like, why-is-this-so-cheap level.
- They let in light but still give a bit of privacy.
- Perfect if you’ve already got a lot of visual weight in the room (wood beams, heavy sofas, etc.).
These are the wallflowers of the curtain world, but they’re secretly the backbone of the party. Simple, elegant, and always a safe bet.
FYI: If you have pets or toddlers, these may end up being snack material. Choose wisely.
Burlap Curtains: Rustic and Raw
I’ll be honest—burlap curtains aren’t for everyone. Some people say they’re itchy and too “barn wedding 2014.” But you know what? If you want pure rustic texture, burlap delivers.
Here’s what burlap brings to the table:
- Coarse texture that plays off soft elements like throw pillows and knit blankets.
- Earthy, natural tones that scream “I garden on weekends.”
- Total country cabin vibes, if you’re into that sort of thing.
But fair warning: if you go full burlap on windows, skip it elsewhere. No burlap wreaths, burlap runners, and burlap quote signs all in one room. That’s a no from me, dawg.
Tab Top and Tie Top Curtains: Details Matter
Okay, let’s talk about how your curtains hang. It’s not just the fabric—it’s the little touches that give a farmhouse room its charm.
Tab tops and tie tops are perfect when you want to lean into the laid-back, vintage vibe.
Why we love ’em:
- Visible rods and loops add casual character.
- Easy to install (no eyelets or weird clips).
- They give curtains a slightly handmade look.
Tie tops in particular feel like your artsy aunt who owns too many tea towels made them herself—and honestly, we love her for that.
Pro tip: Pair tab or tie tops with distressed wooden rods. Trust me, the whole thing will look intentional and Pinterest-worthy AF.
Layered Curtain Looks: Double the Cozy
Ever felt like your curtains were missing something? Try layering them. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.
The go-to combo:
- Start with sheer panels for that light, airy base.
- Add heavier outer curtains (linen, cotton, even burlap) for depth and privacy.
Layering adds texture and visual interest without making the room feel chaotic. It also lets you control light and style.
Think of it like dressing in fall: a cozy sweater over a breezy top just hits different.
Neutral Tones for the Win
When in doubt? Go neutral. Not “blah beige” but warm whites, oatmeal, soft taupe, maybe even a dusty sage if you’re feeling adventurous.
Here’s why neutrals rock:
- They go with everything. Literally everything.
- They make small rooms feel bigger and brighter.
- You can switch up your decor seasonally without redoing your windows.
I once had navy curtains in my farmhouse space. Looked fab in the store. Looked like a cave in my house. Neutral tones = less regret.
Curtain Length: Don’t Go Shorty
Let’s settle this once and for all: farmhouse curtains should be long. Like, floor-length minimum.
Why long curtains matter:
- They make the room feel taller.
- They bring elegance and softness.
- Short curtains = hospital waiting room. Let’s not.
Ideally, your curtains should “kiss” the floor or puddle just slightly for that relaxed, lived-in look. Nobody’s got time to measure with a ruler, but still—aim low.
Rod and Hardware Vibes
Curtains don’t exist in a vacuum. Your rod and hardware matter more than you think.
Stick with:
- Matte black or oil-rubbed bronze for a modern rustic edge.
- Distressed wood for that true vintage feel.
- Wrought iron if you’re going full-on Fixer Upper.
Avoid shiny chrome or plastic. We’re decorating a farmhouse, not a spaceship.
Final Touch: Tiebacks and Accessories
Lastly, let’s talk accessories. Curtain tiebacks can either elevate your farmhouse vibe—or totally ruin it.
Top farmhouse-friendly tieback options:
- Rope or jute (super rustic).
- Vintage hooks or iron holdbacks.
- Even dried floral tiebacks if you’re feeling crafty.
These little touches say, “I pay attention to details… but I’m also effortlessly cool.” Which, let’s be honest, is the dream, right?
Final Thoughts: Keep It Cozy, Keep It You
So, what are the best curtain styles for a farmhouse living room? Honestly, the best ones are the ones that make your space feel like you. If you want soft, classic linen—go for it. If buffalo check gives you joy, who’s stopping you?
Just remember:
- Stick with natural materials.
- Keep it relaxed and cozy.
- Let your curtains enhance—not compete with—your space.
And hey, don’t be afraid to play around a bit. Try different combos, lengths, patterns. Trust your gut. Your farmhouse living room deserves curtains that bring the whole vibe together—and maybe even earn you a compliment or two at your next book club. 😉
Got a favorite curtain trick that never fails? Share it! I’m always down to steal—uh, borrow—a good idea.
