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Colour Stories: How Curtain Colours Influence Light, Mood, and Perception

Written by

Redgraves Home Fabrics

09 November 2025

 • 

3 min read

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Curtains are more than window coverings—they set the tone for a room. By carefully choosing colour, texture, and fabric, homeowners can influence not just light and privacy, but also emotion, spatial perception, and the overall ambience of their living spaces. At Redgraves Home Fabrics, our North Shore and Auckland design consultants help clients translate colour psychology into timeless interior harmony.

Understanding the Psychology of Colour in Interiors


Colour has a profound effect on how a space feels and functions.

  • Warm hues like terracotta, gold, and coral add energy and intimacy, ideal for living and dining areas.
  • Cool tones—think seafoam, lavender, or soft grey—create calm, open-feeling retreats suited to bedrooms or reading spaces.
  • Neutral curtains in ivory, dove, or taupe offer balance and longevity, pairing well with evolving décor trends.

In visual design, lighter curtain colours reflect more daylight and amplify brightness, while deeper tones absorb light, lending warmth and sophistication. This dynamic interplay makes fabric selection both a practical and aesthetic decision.


Light, Texture, and Fabric Selection


The way fabric interacts with sunlight defines its impact on a room:

  • Sheer fabrics diffuse light softly, maintaining privacy while brightening interiors.
  • Linen blends allow gentle translucence and a relaxed texture ideal for coastal or contemporary homes.
  • Velvets and jacquards reduce glare and add depth—perfect for formal spaces or home cinemas.

Redgraves custom-made curtains and blinds are tailored for each window’s light orientation, ensuring balance between natural lighting, energy efficiency, and durability.


Creating the Right Mood Through Colour


Choosing the right curtain colour begins with understanding how you want your space to feel.

  • Serene blues and greens evoke nature and tranquillity—excellent for bedrooms or bathrooms.
  • Warm yellows and blush tones promote positivity and playfulness, inviting energy into social spaces.
  • Charcoal, navy, or deep plum introduce luxury and definition, grounding larger rooms with visual depth.

Our designers recommend sampling colours in your own environment, as natural and artificial lighting can dramatically change how fabric appears throughout the day.


Perception and Room Size Illusions


Colour choice also affects how we perceive scale and proportion.

  • Pale curtains can make smaller rooms feel larger by reflecting light.
  • Darker drapery in a spacious area creates intimacy and draws the eye inward.
  • Floor-to-ceiling treatments elongate walls, enhancing a room’s height and architecture.

Combining these principles with carefully layered textures—such as pairing sheer roller blinds beneath heavyweight drapery—adds dimension and control.


Bringing It All Together with Redgraves


At Redgraves Home Fabrics, we believe textiles are living elements of design—shaping light, comfort, and personality. Our complimentary in-home design consultations connect you with experienced stylists who consider every variable: light direction, wall colour, flooring, and mood. Whether your goal is a modern minimalist tone or an opulent layered look, we help you craft a cohesive, custom solution.

Book your free design consultation with our Auckland and North Shore team today. Discover how colour, fabric, and craftsmanship can transform your home—because at Redgraves, every curtain tells a story.