Is it ok to have 2 different colors (patterns) of drapes?

Gina S.
by Gina S.
My living room & dining room are in close proximity to would it be okay to have 2 (patterns) different designs? Both living room and dining room have the same color schemes.
  15 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 05, 2017

    I would use a pattern on one and a solid on the other.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Feb 05, 2017

    If there is a tall plant, screen, divider, or some object, architectural feature that seperates the spaces may be helpful.

  • William William on Feb 05, 2017

    I agree with Janet! Different patterns would be to busy to the eye and make you focus on the difference. A blend of solid to pattern or vise versa would be easier on the eye and not bring the attention to the difference. Colors should be closely related.

  • Karen Karen on Feb 05, 2017

    If you cant afford to buy more curtains -- find a common color and get sheers that match that color add that to the curtains. White is always a "go to" color. Try to find one color in both room then try to present that color though out both rooms.

  • Cath windmueller Cath windmueller on Feb 05, 2017

    It's best to use only one pattern/color when the windows are so close. A solid on one window and patterned is definitely the way to go. Do the rooms have a common color? It would be easier on the eye if you use a color common to both areas. I totally agree with the others who have replied to your question. Good luck. You'll find a look you love!

    • Gina S. Gina S. on Feb 05, 2017

      Hi Cath, both rooms have the same color scheme throughout both rooms. I'm making the drapes (pattern) for the living room I guess I will do sheers the same color scheme. Thanks for your input. I will keep you all posted with pictures.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 05, 2017

    I think that you can have 2 different designs, as long as they work nicely with each other. Are you familiar with http://littlemissmatched.com/ - they sell socks in packs of 3 socks that don't match exactly but the designs looks great together. They really inspired my design decor

    • Gina S. Gina S. on Feb 05, 2017

      Hi Hillela thanks for your input. I will definitely check out the link you provided. I will keep you all posted with pictures.

  • Cath windmueller Cath windmueller on Feb 05, 2017

    I 'm anxious to see your final results!!

  • Don Don on Feb 06, 2017

    I agree with Hillela G variation can add interest.

    I would think, since these are two different rooms you would want some differentiation to separate them somewhat. Perhaps similar color but different design or vice versa. Or, even totally different...perhaps setting different style bed sheets in place just to get a "feel" for possibilities.

    I guess it also depends on your living style and whether you are adventuresome or prefer previously accepted style? Are you casual or more formal? Is there a wall between the rooms or open area?

  • Suzanne Perkins Newman Suzanne Perkins Newman on Feb 09, 2017

    First ask yourself a key question -When you look at the window, do you want to see the view, or is your objective to distract from what lies outside? I believe that truly is your answer when it comes to curtains.

    If you have a pleasing view out your window, by all means play down your curtains. Let the view take center stage. I would go with a very low-key print or solid curtain that will likely make the rooms uniform and working together.

    If you have a view that you want to distract from, then make the curtains the show stoppers- and if that is the case, you DEFINITELY want to not have them distract from one-another. I would use a pattern that works in both rooms.


    For me- I have a wonderful back yard- and my living room and dining room are open concept to each other. Even though they are open, they are a bit different in color scheme. My living room is more light blue, creams/tan/gold colors, and the dining room is cobalt blue and white with metallic gold accents. It was clear to me that the unifier and best color to use on the window was gold- as it blends with the outdoors, provides warmth and lightness. I found curtains at Target that is a small paisley print in gold and white, and they are absolutely perfect! I am thrilled at how they turned out!

    I then found some gold/white buffalo check fabric and made placemats for my blue/white dishes. I also took that same buffalo check and created a couple pillows for the sofa. It's stunning! ALL the dark blue/white in my dining room pops more than ever now. The living room compliments it, and still has it's own identity. It was definitely THE way to go, and I am thrilled with the results.

  • Cathy Cathy on Feb 09, 2017

    I see no problem having different curtains in each room---no one wants to be cookie cutter perfect anymore---one room might be more formal than the other so you would want different curtains if that is the case.

  • 861650 861650 on Feb 09, 2017

    You can have different patterns but they must have the same colors or some of the same colors.

  • Cath windmueller Cath windmueller on Mar 04, 2017

    It will be beautiful. I'm anxious to see the finished rooms.

    • Gina S. Gina S. on Mar 04, 2017

      Hi Cath, I believe it will be beautiful but I'm scared that the prints may clash or maybe I'm affraid that it just might look awesome. I will provide pictures of the material coming soon!

  • Carole Lee Philipps Carole Lee Philipps on Mar 04, 2017

    Redid my bedroom and dressing room this way: Used a striped material for draperies in the bedroom with a coordinating patterned material for the valences. In dressing room reversed that and used patterned material for draperies and striped for valences. It makes the 2 rooms not so matchy-matchy, but keeps things nicely coordinated.

  • Charl Charl on Mar 22, 2017

    I had the same situation, played around with curtains and ended up doing the same in both rooms. Looked the best in my opinion...made the rooms feel bigger...no breaks. I personally would never use two patterns.

  • Gail Gail on Apr 01, 2017

    Hang them up and you will love it. It allows no continuity because it states they are different rooms! If it is not right , you will know it. Mine are different on purpose in an open floor plan.