Curtains

How to Choose the Perfect Curtains for Your Home

A Designer’s Guide by Shiri Shemer | Marbella · Estepona · Costa del Sol

Curtains are more than just fabric — they’re the finishing touch that makes a house feel like home. They soften light, define atmosphere, and connect the entire design of a room. As an interior designer based on the Costa del Sol, I always say: the right curtains can completely change how a space feels.

At Shiri Shemer Interior Design, I don’t sell curtains — I curate them. I work with some of the best fabric showrooms, workrooms, and installers in Marbella and Estepona, ensuring that every project receives the highest level of craftsmanship and style.

Whether you’re choosing elegant drapery, relaxed linen panels, or modern roller blinds, here’s everything you need to know before deciding what works best for your home.

1. Start with the Mood You Want to Create

Curtains set the emotional tone of a room.

• Sheer curtains create softness and a sense of calm, perfect for coastal homes in the Costa del Sol.

• Linen or cotton fabrics feel natural, airy, and timeless — they allow light to move beautifully throughout the day.

• Velvet or heavier materials bring luxury and grounding energy to bedrooms or formal living rooms.

Think of curtains as energy filters — they control not only the light, but also the feeling that enters your space.

2. The Art of Layering: Sheers + Drapes

Layering is key to both function and beauty. A sheer layer filters sunlight, while a heavier drape adds privacy and dimension. This combination is ideal for Marbella apartments and villas where large glass doors and windows are common.

Layered curtains give flexibility: bright and breezy during the day, cozy and private at night.

3. Roller Blinds vs. Curtains

If you love a clean, modern aesthetic, roller blinds are a fantastic choice. They’re practical, space-saving, and perfect for minimalist or contemporary interiors.

Curtains, on the other hand, bring texture, movement, and softness that blinds can’t replicate.

My favorite solution?

Combine them — roller blinds for function, and drapery for atmosphere. This balance works beautifully in coastal homes across the Costa del Sol.

4. Choosing the Right Fabric and Color

Curtains should connect with the palette of your space — not overpower it.

• Light tones make a space feel open and calm.

• Textured neutrals add warmth without heaviness.

• Patterns can frame a view or highlight architectural details.

I always bring fabric samples directly into my clients’ homes to see how each tone interacts with natural light. This detail changes everything.

5. Getting the Length and Height Right

One of the biggest mistakes I see is curtains that are too short or hung too low.

A designer’s rule: hang them high and wide.

Mounting the curtain rod closer to the ceiling elongates the room and makes windows feel grander. Curtains should gently touch — or “kiss” — the floor for the most elegant finish.

6. Work with Trusted Installers

Even the most beautiful fabric can lose its impact if not installed properly. That’s why I collaborate with experienced curtain installers across Marbella, Estepona, and the Costa del Sol, who understand proportions, folds, and precision.

Professional installation ensures every pleat falls perfectly — the final, invisible touch that makes the difference between average and exquisite.

Final Thoughts

Curtains are one of the most transformative design elements in a home. When chosen intentionally, they bring balance, softness, and emotion to every room.

As an interior designer in Marbella and Estepona, my role is to help clients curate the perfect fabrics, styles, and installers to achieve that complete, cohesive look — without the overwhelm.

 If you’re ready to elevate your home with the perfect curtains, reach out to schedule a design consultation.

Together, we’ll bring warmth, harmony, and effortless beauty to your windows — the Shiri Shemer way.