Open plan living is all about space, light, and flow- but dressing windows in these large spaces needs a thoughtful approach. The right curtains can bring warmth, structure, and practicality to an open plan room without disrupting its airy feel. With made-to-measure curtains, you can achieve a seamless look whilst also meeting your exact needs for light control and privacy.
Here are our expert tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect curtains for open-plan spaces.
1. Choose Made-to-Measure for a Seamless Finish
Open plan spaces often include a combination of large windows, sliding doors, and varying ceiling heights. Ready-made curtains rarely offer the consistency or fit required.
Made-to-measure curtains ensure:
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Uniform lengths across all windows
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The right fullness for wide expanses
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A tailored, high-end finish
A custom fit is especially important when multiple windows are visible from one viewpoint.
2. Select the Right Curtain Heading Style
The heading style you choose plays a big role in the overall look of your open-plan space. At Direct Order Curtains we offer:
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Eyelet curtains – Ideal for modern interiors, offering soft, even folds and smooth operation.
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Wave curtains – Perfect for contemporary open plan living, creating a clean, flowing look that works beautifully on wide tracks.
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Pinch pleat curtains – A more structured, elegant option that suits formal living
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Pencil pleat curtains – Versatile and timeless, with adjustable fullness- suitable for both classic and modern homes.
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Roman blinds – A great alternative for kitchens or smaller window sections within open plan layouts, offering a neat and compact finish.
Keeping the same heading style throughout helps maintain visual harmony within your home.Â
3. Use Curtains to Define Layout
Curtains can do more than dress windows- they can also help define different areas within an open-plan layout.
Smart uses include:
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Separating a dining area from a living space
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Creating privacy for a home office corner
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Softly dividing spaces without solid walls
Wave curtains on ceiling-mounted tracks work particularly well for this purpose.
4. Layer for Light Control and Privacy
Open-plan homes typically benefit from plenty of natural light during the day and privacy in the evening. Layering is the key.
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Sheers (unlined) gently diffuse daylight while maintaining openness
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Blackout lining provides privacy and blocks light when needed
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Combining sheers with lined curtains offers maximum flexibility
This approach works especially well in living and dining areas with large windows or patio doors.
5. Choose the Right Fabric for Comfort and Style
Fabric choice has a big impact on how an open-plan space feels.
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Poly cotton is durable, versatile, and ideal for everyday living
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Premium satin adds a subtle sheen and an elegant, luxurious finish
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Sheers create an airy look and allow gentle daylight to filter through
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Blackout curtains block sunlight, reduce noise, and enhance insulation
In large spaces, fabrics with some weight also help improve acoustics and reduce echo.
6. Go Floor-to-Ceiling for a Luxurious Look
Hanging curtains from ceiling height enhances the sense of space and creates a polished, designer finish. Floor-length curtains work particularly well in open-plan areas, where proportions truly matter.
Final Thoughts
Curtains play a vital role in open-plan spaces- bringing cohesion, comfort, and style to large, multifunctional rooms. By choosing Direct Order Curtains’ made-to-measure curtains, selecting the right heading style, and pairing the perfect fabrics and linings, you can create a space that feels both practical and beautifully finished.
Whether you prefer modern wave curtains, classic pinch pleats, or sleek Roman blinds, the right choice can transform your open-plan home into a space that truly works for everyday living.
Get a feel for our materials before you buy—order 10 samples for free on the Direct Order Curtains website!
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