Hotel curtains – how to create a hotel-inspired look at home

Whether you choose single-layer or double-layer curtains, hotel curtains are almost always associated with plenty of fabric – in both height and width. What we often picture when we hear hotel curtains is precisely double curtains in two layers. Many hotel rooms combine a thin, sheer curtain that lets in daylight while protecting your privacy with a denser outer curtain that can darken the room when needed. This way, you can control how much light you let in yourself.

You don't need two different curtains to create a hotel feel, though. Even a single layer of curtains can look luxurious if you let them take up space – ideally from wall to wall and from floor to ceiling – so that the curtains really take centre stage.

See our full range of curtains.

Hotel curtains can be made up of many different types of curtains and fabrics – it's the overall effect that creates the look. If you choose double curtains, the outer layer doesn't need to be dimout unless you need it to be; instead, you could go for a decorative linen curtain or a soft velvet curtain for a cosier look, for example.

If you are covering a wider window section with one and the same fabric, thin curtains are often preferable, as you still get daylight even when the curtains are drawn. Sheer curtains come in many different materials and textures – from completely smooth to more textured – so you can choose what suits your style. White curtains are still a popular choice, closely followed by light natural tones, but more and more people are also choosing to add colour to their curtain arrangement to enhance the hotel feel.

Curtains that run from floor to ceiling are one of the clearest hallmarks of the hotel style. That is why a ceiling-mounted curtain track is a popular choice for hotel curtains, especially a double track, which makes it easy to hang curtains in two layers for a luxurious, cosy look. A curtain track also makes it easy to draw the curtains back and forth along the track, as they run on curtain track gliders. 

However, you don't need a ceiling-mounted solution to achieve the same look. A wall-mounted curtain track or curtain pole placed as high as possible also gives a beautiful drape and creates the illusion of higher ceilings and more space – a key to the hotel feel. 

The most important thing is that the curtains are the right size. For the curtains to hang freely and have a beautiful, natural drape, we recommend that they end just above the floor. If you want to know how to measure for the right length, read more in our measuring guide. 

Well-thought-out curtain hanging is one of the most important details when you want to create a hotel feel with your curtains. By choosing the right hanging method and curtain hooks, you can give the curtain different looks – from soft waves to more defined pleats – while keeping the same luxurious feel. 

Remember to choose curtain hooks before you order the width of the curtains, as different hooks take up different amounts of fabric and therefore affect how wide the curtain looks. For beautiful hotel curtains and an overall look that feels well thought out and stylish, it is important to take care with the hanging and to space the hooks evenly, whatever type you use. Plenty of fabric gives a full and cosy impression, but it is the small details – such as where the curtain hooks are placed and how the pleats or waves fall – that add the finishing touch to a perfect end result. 

If you want to learn exactly how to insert the curtain hooks for the best result, read our hook guide.

When we talk about hotel curtains, many people immediately think of wave curtains, or so-called full waves – curtains with soft, flowing pleats. This way of hanging curtains creates a beautiful, harmonious look and works just as well for single-layer curtains as for double layers for an extra hotel feel. 

A wave heading works best with wide curtain panels, as the pleats take up some depth and use a lot of fabric. With the right spacing between the curtain hooks, you get even, beautiful waves that enhance the hotel feel and give an extra polished finish.  

So-called wave hooks create the beautiful wave shape of the curtain. If you also choose corded gliders – a clever accessory that locks the waves in place and keeps the spacing even – it's easier to keep the curtain's shape when you draw it back and forth. If you'd like to learn exactly how to use the wave hook and create beautiful full waves step by step, read our hanging guide.