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Breezy Curtains for Your First Place 🪟
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
Lorena Comstock
I moved into my first apartment last year and had zero idea how to pick curtains. I wanted light, airflow, and something that didn't make my tiny rooms feel like a cave. Here's what actually worked.
Sections
6
 
Sheer White Basics
 
Light Filtering Picks 🌤️
 
Patterned But Breathable
 
Rods and Hardware 🔧
 
Styling Extras
 
For the Bedroom 🛏️

Sheer White Basics

You can't go wrong starting here. These let in so much natural light while still giving you a little privacy. My living room went from sad to airy overnight.

 
Lorena Comstock profile picture
the linen texture makes it look way more expensive than it is 🤌
Threshold Linen Curtains | Light Filtering & Design Options
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
hung these in my bedroom. soft light in the morning without the harsh glare.
Threshold Light Blocking Curtains | Blackout Options & More
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the crushed texture is SO good. gives that effortless look
crushed sheer curtain panel
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
cheapest option and honestly works perfectly fine for a first apartment
1pc Sheer Window Curtain Panel White - Room Essentials
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
got these for my kitchen window. they move with the breeze which I love 🌿
54"x84" Light Filtering Solid Window Curtain Panel Natural
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tiny metallic threads catch the light. subtle but pretty.
Opalhouse Drapes | Blackout & Light Filtering Curtains
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Light Filtering Picks 🌤️

These block SOME light but still let air and brightness through. Perfect if you don't want total darkness but need a step up from pure sheers.

 
Lorena Comstock profile picture
these are thicker than expected but still breathable. great middle ground.
Eclipse Winter Curtains | Room Darkening & ...
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I put these in my office corner. no more screen glare during video calls
Threshold Linen Curtains | Light Filtering & Design Options
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
technically for kids rooms but the colors are fun for a first apartment too 😂
curtain panels pillowfort
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
the linen look without the linen price. pretty solid quality.
Sun Zero Curtains | Blackout & Thermal Outdoor/Indoor
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
muslin fabric feels so soft. kind of obsessed with the drape on these
Cotton Muslin Curtains | Light Filtering & Blackout Options
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
the tassels along the bottom add personality. got compliments from literally everyone who visited.
Opalhouse Curtains: Blackout, Sheer & Thermal Curtains
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Patterned But Breathable

Plain white curtains aren't for everyone. I wanted some personality in my living room without blocking all the air. These have pattern AND flow.

 
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subtle stripes, nothing crazy. ties a room together real quick.
Threshold Striped Curtains | Blackout & Indoor Options
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the embroidery detail is beautiful up close 🪡
Opalhouse Curtains: Blackout, Sheer & Thermal Curtains
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
plant print curtains when you can't keep real plants alive. no judgment.
Botanical Garden Curtains - Sizes, Colors, & Materials
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gives boho vibes without trying too hard
Opalhouse Curtains: Blackout, Sheer & Thermal Curtains
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
simple geometric pattern. works in basically any room.
Mid century curtain ideas | Geometric panels | Linen look
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the woven texture makes these feel handmade. really nice for the price
50"x84" Blackout Woven Stripe Border Window Curtain
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Rods and Hardware 🔧

I literally forgot to buy curtain rods when I got my first curtains. Don't be me. These are affordable and actually look decent.

 
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basic matte black. goes with everything and takes 10 minutes to install.
Threshold Curtain Rods | Various Materials & ...
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
adjustable length saved me because I measured wrong the first time lol
48"x84" Single Adjustable Curtain Rod White
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
the knob ends look more polished than plain rods
Knob Curtain Rod - Threshold
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these curve into the wall so light doesn't leak around the edges 👌
French Return Curtain Rods | Double & Adjustable Options
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no drilling needed. perfect if your landlord is strict about holes.
36"-60" Oval Spring Tension Curtain Rod White
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layer sheers behind a heavier panel. looks so intentional.
Hang Curtain Rod - EASY DIY - How to
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Styling Extras

Little things that made my curtain setup look like I actually knew what I was doing. Spoiler, I did not.

 
Lorena Comstock profile picture
pull your curtains to the side during the day. instant fancy vibes.
Curtain Holdback Oil Rubbed Bronze - Threshold
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
way easier to hang curtains with these than threading through a rod pocket
1.5" Curtain Clip Rings Set - Threshold
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used these to hold back sheers without putting holes in anything 🙌
Command Clear Window Hooks
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adds a little something. my friend thought I hired a decorator.
Curtain Holdback Tassels & Tiebacks: Stylish Options
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cheap and functional. exactly what you need and nothing you don't.
Room Essentials Shower Rings
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magnets hold surprisingly well. easy to reposition whenever you want
Magnetic Curtain Tiebacks | Stylish Holders & Sets
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For the Bedroom 🛏️

Sleeping in a bright room was killing me but I still wanted airflow. These balance light control with breathability so you're not suffocating.

 
Lorena Comstock profile picture
gauze fabric is so breathable. feels like sleeping with a window open even when it's closed.
Casaluna Curtains & Shower Curtains - Lush Décor & More
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heathered texture softens the light perfectly for naps
Heathered Curtains | Blackout, Thermal, & Sheer Options
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blocks enough light to sleep in but doesn't make the room pitch black
Semi Sheer Curtains | Light Filtering & Stylish Designs
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Lorena Comstock profile picture
splurged on these for my bedroom and zero regrets. worth every penny 💯
72"x72" Linen Shower Curtain Natural - Casaluna
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pair this behind a sheer when you need darkness. best of both worlds.
Threshold Light Blocking Curtains | Blackout Options & More
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somehow insulates AND breathes. my heating bill actually went down a bit.
Eclipse Solid Thermapanel Room Darkening Curtain Panel
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