Q: I recently bought the Stitch Rug from CB2. I love the idea of mixing patterns and want to with curtain panels. The rug has a blueish tinge to it and it works really well in our living room. Combined with our wall paint, it's a lot of color in a small space so I am looking for something pretty neutral color-wise (think Iznik Tile Printed Window Panel from West Elm). Any ideas on what would work best with our rug? Should I just stick with the safe option and go with a solid curtain?
Sent by Suzanne
Editor: Leave your suggestions for Suzanne in the comments - thanks!
• Got a question? Email yours with pic attachments here (those with pics get answered first)
Weekend DIYs: 10 Wood Molding Projects for the Home
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I think those curtains are just fine. They actually seem pretty neutral, but I think a pattern is best since the wall is already a solid color.
If you're going to go with a printed rug, solid curtains would be a wiser choice because other-wise the patterns will clash, and give the room "visual noise". If you choose a color that's in the same palette as the base color of the rug and the walls, it would tie the room together and give it a clean, calm feel. Patterned/floral throw pillows would give your room some drama without clashing.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lirt8srIYAI/SiQs-H2Y8AI/AAAAAAAADz8/LI1iGn3fmco/s1600-h/grey+ruffle+pillow.jpg
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58169588/pair-of-2-lattice-work-designer-pillows?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=gray+pillow&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68915347/designer-pillow-cover-18-x-18-thom?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=gray+pillow&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
And I completely disagree with Kittn... as long as you stick to a limited palette of colors and vary the scale of your patterns, they will not clash. Pick what you like and remember that decorating is like life...It's not that serious! PS love the grey and white panels.
Solid panels are boring. Go for the pattern. It's subtle enough and in the same color family that there won't be visual clutter as long as the walls are solid. Of course, I'm on the "the more pattern, the better" train so...
I like the patterned curtains, too. I think the design has such a small, consistent repeat that it doesn't compete with the rug at all. Go for it!
The scale of the rug's pattern is so large that finding patterned panels of a smaller scale shouldn't be a problem. I like the one's you've chosen. Another option would be solid panels with a patterned border trim. Going this way would allow you to find solid neutral panels that go, then customize with trim, giving you a bespoke look.
I would say neutral but with some texture to add interest - maybe a nubby type material that has a few subtle colors woven in in your color scheme.
I love the curtains, and I think they look great with the rug. I agree with KaBoomBox that the difference in the size of the patterns will keep the room balanced. Texture would work, too, as malhs suggested, but I think the pattern is more interesting.
How about bamboo blinds with golden tones to match the flower outlines in the rug?
I like the bamboo idea with noooo curtains. Don't want to be too matchy matchy
The pattern of the curtain seems too small to go with the large rug pattern. Looks a little busy. Maybe something in a medium print?
I agree with dkl. I think the pattern on the curtains is too small in comparison with the size of the pattern on the rug.
I would probably stick to solid curtains, but I agree that carefully selected pattern could work.
Personally, I would probably look for somewhat circular pattern for the curtains - I am not sure - the pattern on the curtains in the picture clashes with the rug, IMHO, but I can't say exactly why ....
I think they would be fine to use together... but what color is your wall paint?