From standard to showpiece: How curtains transformed this dining room
Curtains are often the missing piece of the puzzle in modern new apartments: everything is fresh, bright, and clean – and yet the room somehow feels unfinished. That was exactly the case in this dining room: plenty of natural light, a view of the pond, a high ceiling – but little character.
Instead of painting walls or planning major renovations, we focused on a single design element: curtains that define the room . The result impressively demonstrates how dramatically fabric, color, and drape can alter the atmosphere of a space.
Initial situation: beautiful, but lacking personality
Architecturally, the space already had a lot to offer:
A high, slightly vaulted ceiling, large windows, and a beautiful view. The existing dining room set and display cabinet absolutely had to stay, as they held sentimental value for the residents.
Nevertheless, the room felt empty – more like a stage without scenery. What was missing was a unifying element that would bring the furniture, architecture, and lighting together into a harmonious whole.
The solution: curtains as a central design element
The decision was made in favor of lightly structured, light-natural curtains made from a linen-cotton mix with subtly embroidered blue stripes.
They introduce patterns without being loud, while simultaneously picking up on the blue accents from art, accessories and decoration.
Instead of blocking the beautiful daylight, the curtains frame the windows and direct the gaze upwards.
This makes the ceiling appear higher, the room seems larger and significantly more elegant. The soft fabric panels soften the dining room's starkness and give it a deliberately designed, "finished" feel.
Old and new in balance
A particular challenge was combining modern and traditional styles. The residents loved their clean, modern light fixture above the table.
– but equally important to them was their mother's display case, which was refurbished and integrated into their new home.
The chosen curtains became a stylistic bridge between these two worlds. The classic pleating and embroidery add a slightly traditional touch, while the color and material create a modern and casual feel. In this way, the curtains combine modern, boho-inspired, and classic styles into a harmonious overall look.
Color play: Blue as a unifying detail
The embroidered blue stripes in the fabric set the tone for the rest of the color scheme. Art on the wall, small home accessories, and individual decorative elements picked up the blue without overwhelming the room. The base remained neutral—walls, large pieces of furniture, and curtains in natural tones—and the color accents added targeted highlights.
This resulted in a palette that is calm but not boring : lots of natural white, beige and wood, complemented by targeted blue tones that guide the eye.
The final details that bring everything together
With the curtains in place, the room suddenly began to "work": plants appeared more vibrant against the soft fabric background, the boho rug reflected the texture of the embroidery, and even simple wall art looked significantly more sophisticated.
All the existing elements were already there – but it was the curtains that truly defined the dining room . Instead of looking like a randomly furnished room, it now appeared as a deliberately designed focal point of the house.
A room transformed – without any renovation
This project demonstrates that a major renovation isn't always necessary to fundamentally transform a room. Sometimes, a thoughtful decision —like choosing the right curtains—is enough to turn a builder-grade dining room into a personal, inviting, and harmonious space.
Anyone planning a similar change for their own home can order dining room curtains for stylish evenings and cozy meals by looking at a sample book or by browsing a sample book. Gather initial ideas and test materials in your own light.
