Good Questions: Colors to Coordinate with Curtains?

Courtney sent in a good question: Hi AT! I just splurged on Pier 1 curtains for my student rental. They're currently in my bedroom, but will likely migrate to the living room in my next ("real", post-graduation) place. I love how dramatic and vibrant they are, but I'm having problems figuring out what colors would be best for coordinating textiles - I'm in the market for a coverlet or throw and some accent pillows. I'm worried that pulling a color directly from the drapes would be too overbearing, but I'm at a loss for what else to use. Any thoughts?

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I've included a picture from one set in the room, with an inset from the Pier 1 website because my picture came out a little dark. Thanks!

Please add your suggestions for Courtney to the comments below...

Comments (10)

I'd use white and pale grey as your neutral, and small touches of charcoal and chocolate for case goods and accents.

either green or grey walls, but a MUST on the bedding being a solid white or something complimentary in a solid!

Maybe a similar shade of green (or is that tan?) from the curtains for your bed linens? Nothing really dark. Keep the really patterned stuff to small items like pillows and accessories.

Until you said you were looking for a new bed cover, I was pretty impressed with the current combination. It's a nice compliment, and looks like sophisticated Bohemian.

I'd get more of those window panels and have pillows made to match.

chocolate brown, sage green (or is it khaki in the curtain) in solids and quiet patterns like narrow stripes. Use that cranberry color for pops throughout the room

Just imagine what you would wear with them, if it were a scarf, shirt, or whatever it is that you like to wear for print and color.

Hi Courtney,

I think you should pull small doses of the red in the pillows because that will balance the room but keep it subtle. Get a solid, textured coverlet so the pillows stand out. I would give these items a try based on the draperies and your existing paint color:

Pillows:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1272&f=27152
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1273&f=29157
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1271&f=27912

Duvet cover: (in Olive)
http://www.linensource.com/default.aspx?page=productdetails&categoryid=36&pattern=XBG&productcode=00&cm_re=sc-_-Matelasse-_-cherry%20blossom%20matelasse

Good luck!
~Lorrie @ mydesignsecrets.com