Renter-Friendly Bedroom Makeover with Velvet Curtains

By Sandy Saintilus

When my friend asked for help with her apartment bedroom makeover, she had two rules – no paint and no wallpaper. She’s renting and didn’t want the hassle of repainting when she moved out and she didn’t want to splurge on wallpaper since she won’t be in the apartment for long. She still wanted a cozy space that had personality so our solution was floor-to-ceiling curtains in rich, contrasting colors.

Pictured: Birkin Velvet Curtain Pleated in Sapphire Blue 

Choosing the Color Scheme

We started with a few mood boards to explore different color palettes. She loves jewel tones so we landed on a blue and green color scheme. This combo felt fun, vibrant and worked well with her existing furniture. 

The Curtains that Transformed the Room

We used the Birkin Velvet Pinch Pleat Curtains. We chose Sapphire, a rich blue, and Fawn, a goldish green, that complemented the blue. These curtains instantly elevated the room. The bold colors became a dramatic backdrop for the other furniture items, the velvet texture catches the light as you move around the room, cocooning you in a soft luxe vibe; and using this much fabric steeps the room in quiet – perfect for sleeping.

Ceiling curtain tracks allowed us to hang the curtain from floor to ceiling for a hotel look. On the headboard wall we used four curtain panels that spanned the length of the wall. This created a fuller look on that wall – closer to how the curtains would gather if they were pushed open. On the window wall we used two panels, each panel half the width of the wall, to frame the window rather than cover it. This made the entire room feel taller and more grand.

Here are the exact curtains we used:

HEADBOARD CURTAINS

Fabric Type: Birkin Velvet Pleated

Color: Sapphire Blue

Header Style: Pinch Pleat

Width: 150”

Length: 103”

Lining Type: Unlined

Memory Shaped: Yes

Number of Panels: 4

WINDOW CURTAINS

Fabric Type: Birkin Velvet Pleated

Color: Fawn

Header Style: Pinch Pleat

Width: 68”

Length: 103”

Lining Type: Blackout

Memory Shaped: Yes

Number of Panels: 2

Why Curtains Work for Renters

This project proves that curtains can be a renter’s secret weapon. Without paint or wallpaper we completely changed the mood of this room in one day. The layered textiles added texture, warmth and personality to the space, and when she moves she can simply take them down and reuse them in her new home.

Whether you’re renting or just looking for a quick room refresh, don’t underestimate what a full curtain wall can do. They’re cost effective, removable, and can make any bedroom feel intentionally designed.

Pro Tips:

• Floor-to-ceiling curtains are heavy. If you’re adding curtains to a wall that doesn’t have a window, get unlined curtains since you won’t need to block any light.

• If your budget allows, add even more curtains to the wall for an even fuller look. I used 4 panels but can try 8. This will give the wall a more formal look, almost like fluted wood or plaster – especially if you use a neutral color. 

• Take your time deciding on a color scheme. We went through 15 different mood boards before landing on blue and green.

*All photographs credit: Sandy Saintilus

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