BEST AND WORST IKEA CURTAINS | TOP DESIGNER APPROVED CURTAINS & WHAT TO AVOID | SHOP WITH ME

[@krisy-in-italy]

I used to be a curtain ring hater until I had to quickly buy and put up something and ended up with the metal rings. Well once I realized how easy and smooth the open and close, never snagging along the rod I learned to love them. Living near the beach I open and close my curtains numerous times a day and having curtains that easily slide is a game changer. I’m sold. 😘

[@deekang6244]

Agreed. It’s a more casual look, but that fits most of my house. I love the rings.

[@JillBrewerVideos]

I would love a video exclusively on curtain rods. It’s so hard to find nice ones that are wide enough and look high quality. I would especially love some nice curtain rods for my modern rustic home.

[@Ilovefreshair]

This was great. Can you also review curtain rods? I’d like recommendations on the double rods that can be used for sheers and black out curtains together.

[@maylee8297]

TYSM for this detailed video. Everytime I go to look at the curtains at Ikea, I get overwhelmed and leave empty-handed. Love your channel and the content!

[@lisafield4154]

I live in a Victorian and discovered IKEA shortly after moving in. They have amazing prices for extra long curtains. I have them throughout my house. I had my seamstress turn their grommet curtains upside down and hem them leaving the grommets in place because it weighted them down. She also did what you suggested, added width by using 2 panels per side. She sewed them together, which you really don't have to do but for the inexpensive price of the panels I definitely opted for her cost of joining them. Their curtains are amazing & their option for adding blackout panels is brilliant.

[@Pipsterz]

Flipping them upside down and using the grommets as weights, good idea, especially for longer panels, and if you already have some that you really like but dislike the look. Thanks :) ♡

[@lisafield4154]

@@Pipsterz Right, grommets work perhaps in a contemporary home but definitely not in a Victorian.

[@kellytakeda429]

Can you post a pic of your curtains?

[@lxine1868]

I did exactly the same thing to my curtains, except I didn't leave the grommets in place! What a good idea!

[@margareth1504]

Ive had the vilborg for maybe six years or so, still look very classy and new. Wash them once or twice a year and its very easy to launder. I have 6 curtains = 3 pair on a window 2500mm wide, even with just 2 pair it look ok on this window. Ive got some clothes line from diaiso and 3 pool noodles from ? , thread noodles on the line and hook the lot up with the hooks built in on daiso line. Can hang curtains to dry over the pool noodles for a totally smooth no kink no crease, no clothes line marks at all. All good.

[@Leasola38]

Actually the Hilja are really great! They look really good in my space. Don’t let the price fool you! I get lots of compliments on. Them!

[@alexandramonica8686]

Me too! They look awesome 🤩

[@FairyAngel111]

Same here! Even my curtain installation guy paid me a compliment as to how great the curtains with the hugad curtain rod and blast finials combo turned out. And he told me he never comments on the finished product when he does installations, but felt compelled to do so in my case. Just goes to show that trusting your own taste and aesthetic is so important.

[@jacquelinegrace3]

@@FairyAngel111 Sounds stunning! I wish you could attach a picture! I want to do large curtain rods…☺️ Also, we can I find a curtain rod hanging person? 😄 I’m done ruining my Sheetrock

[@urbanessencesalon]

Me too! The Hilja curtains are the best. They filter the sun and look amazingly high-end. We just bought 3 more the other night.

[@msaijay1153]

Can you guys give me some tips of the hilja? I put them on my living room windows and master bedroom in white. They're just missing something. Maybe I didn't use the right amount of hooks or I need to hem them (they do puddle a bit on the ground)

[@awellock1917]

Thank you it's 5 am on Saturday and I have been binge watching you and the Fabulous Jack for hours catching up on your journey. V you and Jack are a magical couple. You are inspiring and entertaining. Thank you for all your vision but sharing laughter to your audience. XO A

[@jensung3304]

Thanks for this great video! You mentioned you don’t recommend the IKEA rods.. where do you get your curtain rods from or where do you recommend checking out? Thanks!

[@tammieroberts-crays9991]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that despises those ugly rings sewn into the curtain. I will never understand a manufacturer that designs a good quality curtain and then ruins it by putting those rings in it. 🤦

[@alexanderpasnl]

I have the Merete and I love those rings haha. Not only do I like the look of them, but the function is great. There is no other way to open the curtains more than with this system. You can really push the curtains almost flat to the wall. My rooms are only 1,9 or 2,10 meters wide, so approx 6-7 feet. Without those rings, half of my room still has curtains when they are open and I really want the light to come in. So it's not only the look that matters. But they do look stunning even in smaller rooms.

[@sparker7768]

Great point; the grommeted panels look great when the curtains are pulled open, and I also love how they remain open without effort. However, I 'm not crazy about how they look when closed 😐

[@margareth1504]

Thats a good point. I also bought some merete and cut the rings off, and added curtain header tape. Still like them but i do see how the rings allow to fold almost flat

[@dianebanke3439]

Question in regards to opening and closing curtains. If not using blinds (one of your no no’s😉) for privacy with the curtains and you don’t use any kind of ring how do you open and close on a daily basis with out eventually pulling them out of shape as you tug them along? Thanks so much! Also, your music is always so nice.

[@ntran981]

I just bought one of the curtains from there. White with blue floral pattern. For 39$ it was a great price, and it brighten my room up so much. Lots of light but we still have our privacy when closed! It was a great purchase.

[@phototristan]

Surprisingly few of the Ikea curtains that have a nice texture are blackout curtains. Most let in light. I actually bought one of the ones you don't like that are total blackout ones which I needed for my bedroom, the Majgull. The material texture is not as nice as others, but they are total blackout.

[@lxine1868]

I have a wall of Sanela hanging in my bedroom. They’re an older model that used to have the grommets. I flipped them upside down, sewed the ikea curtain tape on, and cut off the grommets and hemmed to floor length. I also added a 2nd layer of of darkening panels that ikea sells (or used to sell?). They hang from the hooks on the back as a liner.

[@msaijay1153]

That's ingenious

[@1taylorgibson]

The curtains with the rings were called “loft” curtains when they first came out and they had a purpose in that they covered curtain walls and stacked back to nothing in daytime. I loved my vilborg curtains in natural until i came back from cataract surgery 2 wks ago and they looked pink. These drapes have a very thin pinstripe in a terra cotta colour ( the new trend color). Thinking of trying the ritka white drapes which are more sheer and let in more light. I’m enjoying having more light in the room with no drapes.

[@fantasticworld7485]

I trust you Valentina, this is why I always watch your videos ♥. Much respect all the way from Saudi Arabia to you.

[@kellywest1032]

The white net ones are very inexpensive and great for outdoors. I hung them around my patio with market lights and they look terrific! They last a long time, too.

[@meganalter]

Valentina, Can you make a short video update of how you feel about the current selection of ikea curtains? I’ve watched this video so many times and it’s SO helpful but the selection changed a bit

[@rebeccalee5320]

Thank you! This is so timely. Shopping for curtains later this afternoon. Already check the store here on line. I might have to order what I want!

[@lisaweigand524]

Timely for me too!!

[@fifteensouth6872]

Thank you, thank you!! Now can you do another one for Amazon too?!?

[@JoR00ke]

I went to IKEA last weekend and was hoping to see the Ritva but they had so few curtains, probably not even half of what your store had. I wish they did more shades in some of their ranges. This type of 'spotlight on' video is really helpful, thank you Valentina x

[@parminderaulakh3879]

I admire you so much and your wealth of knowledge about design. You put so much information and content in each of videos, it’s impressive!! 🤗💕 Please do another day in the life video. Thank you.

[@marilyns6043]

Perfect timing!!! I'm buying a 1933 Spanish-style home and know I want to put in long white curtains...probably from IKEA. This is so helpful - I actually took notes!! I'm with you on the grommets...they remind me of hotel shower curtains. Black rings aren't very much money and they make such a difference. Thanks for showing both what you liked and what you didn't like.

[@roxanatarinpisheh6334]

Thank you, Valentina for this video. Your comment about IKEA curtain rods made my decision soooooo much easier. I completely agree with you that IKEA's curtain rods and brackets do not have the elevated look and quality.

[@patriciakelly69]

I think before you cut the curtains to length wash them first as the cotton curtains I bought shrunk after a wash. Fortunately a friend warned me prior. Liked your video. X

[@CA_Doc]

GREAT info Valentina! Thank you! I took notes & screenshots for my next trip to IKEA. Where do you get the Curtain hooks/loops that YOU use in your home? Also, the inventory in your store is far greater than our store in Sacramento.

[@chiarodesign]

Great video as always… thanks! Any particular reason Hannalill didn’t make the cut? I have the green ones in the package waiting for me to paint before I put up in my living room. I thought they were a good choice because they were all cotton and fairly neutral.

[@grayciesmom5807]

It would be helpful if there was a list of recommendations in the description area below. It's difficult to understand which curtain you are recommending without seeing the tag or a list. Thank you.

[@HAIRHOLIC_1]

What about the SILVERLÖNN? I have a very nosy neighbor that loves to stare and peek through our windows and property, so I was looking for some privacy curtains but that still allowed me to look outside and let light in, and these SILVERLÖNN are the best, they look like they are made of linen too. Since I’ve got them my nosy neighbor doesn’t even try to look inside anymore because she can’t see a thing, GOTCHA!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@carolebuckle7977]

You look snuggly in that jumper, gorgeous colour as well… I have just bought some curtains from John Lewis in the UK , I never have bought anything from IKEA, but seeing your purchases 🧐🤔🤔 🇬🇧xx

[@ericagreen4015]

I adore and have the Ritva curtains. I’m considering having a cotton lining sewn on to the back of them because I love how high end lined curtains feel. Thanks for this video!

[@dianemason1356]

Just bought drapes at IKEA yesterday! Bought the white on white pattern that you passed on. They look good. Need the wrinkles to be steamed out. Wish I’d seen this first. Really good presentation.

[@ElenaKamesh76]

Ciao, i moved to Italy then to UK my struggle with curtains started, in the UK needed sheer& black out curtains coz lived close to neighbors road, people were looking at me from the bus lol i'v got colorful curtains that i don't use here in Italy (shutters) i'v got Dytag i love them, wish i could double them and get for all my 10 windows🥰 now looking for cheeper&quality curtains can't decide wich could be perfect, problem is high ceilings with moldings, i like Tibast a lot but feels like 1 panel is kind of empty maybe also sheer needed?🤔, i see there yellow Sanela we don't have it here, i'm happy for this video really helpful to me right now to get rid of my doubts& to be sure i'm right also because was planning to go to Ikea. ciao cara😘

[@cottoncandi7672]

This video was soo helpful! Would love some cheaper great options for the rods and rings! ♥️ 👍Again, the rings in the curtains themselves are called grommets☺️ Have a fabulous day! 👌👌

[@OfcBlarneyfife]

I see a lot of curtains Valentina likes have tabs in the back. I open and close curtains every day. Are these difficult to slide? I may have to use ring?

[@susanfryer-keene2138]

Any comments on Silverlonn? I bought some in white for linen look soft light filtering. I will mount then on a black umbra curtain rod and rings.

[@ketoabigail3306]

What are your thoughts on the Matilda curtains? I think they have a light and slightly sweet look without being tacky.

[@best4u2b]

Oh wow... you're an Autumn! All this time I thought you were a Winter...bc of your decor. Cool

[@888Roe]

Thank you for taking the time to film this curtain buying guide. You're clear about color which is a HUGE help to me, however I'm not sure about the length. I have radiators under my windows so right now I have the curtain reaching to the window sill. I'm looking to update, should they reach the floor in my Living room, bedroom. Thank you in advance.

[@rebegre]

The Senala curtains are my favorite from IKEA too!

[@bettyclaxton2188]

Loved your video. What do you recommend for covering a French door for privacy when you want a modern space?

[@ps4402]

Thank you for the great video. We have picked out the Dytag curtains for our upcoming renovation. So nice to have validation from you!

[@laurapaton206]

Hi Valentina. For wide windows do you recommend sewing the panels together? Any tricks for keeping multiple panels from separating? I sewed mine but now too bulky for the home washing machine.

[@kelco64]

First, I have to say love you and your family! Great videos, great designer, just love! Question re: curtains- if you have wide windows, is it ok to have 2. To 3 panels on each side? Or is it better to try to find a wider width panel? If I gather what I have now properly, I will have to use 3 panels on each side. Thank you in advance! Looking forward to more great videos with you and your husband, and family as well! 🥰

[@mariakepler1700]

I just got the rivalry curtain. Used pleating hooks and they are beautiful.

[@mtralyson4659]

To cat owners, I really recommend the Dytag. My cat loves to play hide and seek behind the curtains and there's always little snags on my curtains, but with the linen ones I only massage the fabric so the fibers go back in place and they look brand new again. Totally worth the money 💯 What would you recommend for good cushion fillers that are not made with feathers? I'm allergic. Ideally from IKEA because I shop from France. Thank you 😊

[@urbanessencesalon]

Yeah my cat snagged our Hilja curtains.

[@michellegiardinobast7471]

Just painted our walls Behr polar bear white. Any suggestions on what color to buy and what color rods to use?

[@rocioprado2014]

Love your videos, so glad I found your channel. Will you please do a video on how to hang blackout curtains. I’ve seen a few but they don’t look classy.

[@bellalex684]

I have the Sanela in the dark gray color, HANNALILL in the biege color(they look very pale gray during sunny days, night they look natural biege)and the Ritva in the white color. I love them and get compliments all the time on all 🤩😉

[@nargees26]

hi! do the hannalill curtains provide privacy at night?

[@oitall2christ]

I have been looking for good and inexpensive window coverings for my home and this is such a great video! Thank you for all the research!

[@youngvictoriafashion2109]

When I saw the black rod, I thought you would definitely choose that one you are certainly black & white designer.

[@bectinha]

Well I'm in a pickle 🤣 I live in UK. I love curtain but all my bedroom the radiators are underneath my windows. Most of people use those horrible small curtain, shutters or window blinds. I don't know what to do. I need a blackout for the bedrooms. I'm thinking put a blackout roller blind to use in the night and curtains to leave open all the time just for the look . What do you think?

[@wendybeattie6935]

I was watching another channel - she has long ikea curtains in her apartment. She didn’t want to make holes in the walls for the curtain rod so she used the command clips for brooms or mops upside down on the ceiling and clipped the curtain rod into them. They are hidden by the curtains

[@Maricarrrr]

I'm shopping this list right now! Will definitely be grabbing a few sets of the Ritva since I'll be moving to Vegas and want a lighter feel during the summer.

[@LivingInNashvilleTennessee1]

If you can order the Ritva, can I pay you to order for me and I’ll pay for shipping and the items?? I’ve been trying for 4 months to get 3 pair and I can’t get them to Nashville!!

[@kmon56]

Actually, the Lenda is a great curtain. I have them throughout my home. Have received numerous compliments from designers and homeowners alike. Rethink those curtains. The tabs add a special "extra" to their look. The texture and design of the curtain is beautiful and adds a lot to their look. When the sun shines in in the morning, I can't help but smile. Just a suggestion!

[@CCisRight]

I have Sanela curtains covering a full wall in my powder/laundry room. I needed the perfect color and weight to hide the laundry machines which are tucked into a closet. We removed the doors because the machines stuck out. LOVE them even after 13ish (maybe more) years! They match the other walls almost perfectly and bring a touch of class into a functional space. I bought 4 panels for an opulent look and to show off the pleating, they also fall graciously without fluffing out like cheaper curtains tend to do. They go from ceiling to slightly touching the floor. The only problem is that after several years of contact with cleaning products, they are showing some wear at the bottom and the color is now discontinued and since I still love the khaki green/olive of my walls I am not keen on changing to their more modern palettes... besides, the new colors don't appeal to me as a wall color. I guess I'll just have to "suffer" through the small flaws until Ikea comes out with a color that I'd be willing to paint my walls. They sure have risen in price since I bought them so let's hope I can still afford them when the time comes.

[@mary_chu]

Thank you so much for sharing!! Love your videos as always Valentina!! I remember you once recommended the sound proofing curtain from Ikea, may I ask are they something you'll pass on now? Thank you so much! ❤️

[@karenreid4822]

I appreciate this video ,thank you thank you,then the notes / recap a person wrote really made me feel prepared to go to an IKEA and act like I know what I looking for😊

[@joycemcgee2226]

Truly enjoy everything you do! Do you have recommendations for sliding patio doors that are used as an entrance to get into the house? Not sure I can do drapes because of furniture arrangement. Thank you!

[@lizhoward9754]

Thanks so much for this review. I am looking for curtains for several rooms in my house so the timing couldn’t be better

[@same6158]

What type of rods would you recommend then? Would black/grey Roman shades look good on a white wall?

[@carianin5293]

Yes, I love field trips to Ikea. My Ikea is 100 miles away so I just don't drive up there like I would like to. These videos are very helpful. 🖤

[@HouseofValentina]

Thank you!

[@andrealimbourg7713]

I used those white rails to create curtains around my kids’ bunkbed to give them each some privacy. So easy to put up on the ceiling and on the front if the bed and thy work great. I was hoping you’d talk about the Gunnlaug - it’s a sound absorbing curtain. I’m thinking if it for the front door if our apartment but it only comes in white so I would definitely have to dye it.

[@tammy5862]

Loved that you showed us this and were so honest! I have spent a tonne on curtains and its nice to know that there are other options.

[@angelalabauve9131]

Thank you for this helpful video. Curtains can be a problem and you just helped to solve a lot of issues....especially if you’re buying online.

[@cola109]

I wish this video came out last week! I just bought and put up my IKEA curtains 😖

[@LivingInNashvilleTennessee1]

The problem is that the Ritva has been out of stock for months and I just checked - the Tibast is also not available to me😑😑 Love your videos and ideas though. Any other store have good readymades curtains?

[@everythinghome2287]

I love most Ikea curtains!

[@shellynienke978]

The rings are called grommets. Makes it easy to open and close. If you don't want to add rings.

[@sbettieross1490]

Thank you so much Valentina ! This is so helpful. You are my curtain spirit animal lol. I live on a busy road….wondering if you think I can achieve privacy with curtains only 🧐

[@SarahJones-un9xh]

Really needed to know what curtains to buy for my new home! Thank you!!! I’m thinking Ritva and Sanela or Vilborg 😊👍

[@shellydamele559]

Love the video. I’ll need check out IKEA for sizes as I need curtains for my sliding glass door in my bedroom. Need room darkening as well privacy when the main curtains are open 🤞

[@jessieliu1731]

Thanks for this video! You mentioned that you are getting an extra set of curtain for a fuller look. My bedroom window is very wide (4metres) so this sounds like a possibility for me to buy 2 sets of curtains! But just wondering if you have to sew them toghether or just putting the 2 joining hooks on one ring? Would that look like one when opened?

[@kellyco.1022]

Ritva hands down are beautiful curtains!! I LOVE them. They look amazing in my house!

[@jillbruce3624]

Thank you for this video. So much valuable info. I need to find your video on how to hang curtains next.

[@nicolastavrinou3163]

I hate the curtaun rings too

[@fransirahome]

This is help me to find the perfect and beautiful curtain, thanks. Yes Sanela is beautiful.

[@christineavalone353]

hi, I have video suggestion :) trying to put together a track curtain system, am currently on the Ikea site and am losing the will to live. Searching videos to explain the difference ( basically the diff btwn a track and a rail; and need those cute corner pieces which arent an option on the design it yourself section!, the site is confusing since the $ dont add up so "something" is different when comparing, but idk what. Anyway, I cant be the only one who is #lost

[@cheche3934]

Can you please enlist the best curtains. Appreciated!

[@cardsaremycanvas9065]

Great video! I have had the Ritva, I’m not even kidding, for 20 years, since I moved into my house and they honestly still look fantastic! I also love that if you have high ceilings these will work. Cellular shades tend to be popular in Canada because they can really help with temperatures, that said, I don’t love them and haven’t seen IKEA’s. I actually am dying to get the ceiling tracks and hang my bedroom curtains from the ceiling!

[@SurbhiGupta]

this was so informative! Valentina, I would love your suggestion on lux looking curtain rods and your thoughts on combining roman blinds and curtains together for a living room

[@SurbhiGupta]

Hey V, I got the RITVA curtains after watching this & I have to say- I love them! Before I hang them up, do you recommend pre-shrinking them? washing them?

[@danak1600]

Hi Valentina can you make a video about curtains for a sliding patio door please?

[@Cesar-ee9fb]

I love your clear opinions. What curtain rods do you like or have bought?

[@jacquelinegunther1012]

Thank you Valentina for another informative video. You really put your heart and soul into each one. I really appreciate the effort that you make to help us. I wish that IKEA made their curtains (especially Sanela) longer than 98 inches as I need 108 inches.

[@anitacalivas8315]

Love this but like you I was hoping to see the rod that can be attached to the ceiling! TFS

[@traceyg07]

we have both the Lenda and the Rivta in our new house. Based on availability at the time I installed all white Lenda's on the main level in all the windows w/ brass curtain rods by Umbra. I hung the Rivta in our master bedroom and a set of pink Lenda's in the 1 guest room. Had to have some fun somewhere !

[@IsraelJ714]

Hi, Which do you prefer, ritva or luenda. Thanks for sharing.

[@irmayorke9075]

Oh thanks this is great timing as I've been looking for curtains. I guess I will be heading to ikea!!

[@kathleenparisi283]

I love your new RH cabinet, color, scale, look is beautiful and looks so much better than the other piece. But it does take time to find the right piece! Love valentina Kathleen

[@HouseofValentina]

Thank you so much!

[@milolind9758]

The track rods are okay considering the price. However the little wheels in them get stuck easily. Wich is not a huge problem, they unstuck just as fast, but it does cheapen the experience. And I would also recommend not buying the double track rods because the curtains get stuck in each other (the pleats is wider than the space between the curtains). Instead buy a double set of singles. The wall mounted one you need to install approximately 1 inch down from the ceiling to be able to install it.

[@CCisRight]

Interesting, I have one in my laundry room, the kind that attaches to the ceiling. It spans about 8 or 9 feet and I've been pulling it back and forth for about 13 years with no problems. I wonder if the weight of the curtain has any influence on that? Mine are the heavy Sanela curtains.

[@kimberlyerickson7107]

Valentina is so talented and hysterically funny too. She brightens my day! I loved how she just hated the grommet curtains in this video!

[@superfacch]

Curtains with grommets are a big no for me. I have the HANNALILL panels throughout my house on curtain rings with clips and they are a great casual look. Definitely need to double them up for fullness though. I have the GJERTRUD sheers behind them and they look great.

[@jessieliu1731]

How do you double up a curtain? Do you need to sew them toghether to really look like one? I have wide window so if this could work it would really save me from going custom

[@superfacch]

@@jessieliu1731 yes I just did a quick hand stitch on them so they are easy to separate later if needed. But I don't think you have to if you're careful with how you open and close them

[@mmoto22]

Thanks for this helpful video, Valentina! If I'm looking for a more simple and minimal vibe, what curtain hanger(s) would you recommend if not the Ikea ones? Thanks!

[@ejej1964]

I have a question. I’m looking for curtains. Why do u not like the rings?

[@Anna.Z.]

I love your honesty! Ps. Your jumper is beautiful too. 😘

[@Cocoaserendipity]

Thanks for the options. Are there any sheer curtains you would recommend? What about Ikea's GJERTRUD Sheer curtains?

[@dgeres2706]

Hi Valentina, just wondering if you have recommendations for layering shades/blinds and curtains? When to do it and how. I'll be moving in a few months to a new place, which I want to feel like a spa. I'll have white trim, and light grey walls, and I'm trying to figure out if I should have light grey cellular shades (blocks a fair bit of light) and white shear curtains. I love the look of wind sweeping the sheer curtains, but also want the ability to darken the room a bit. Thanks!

[@periteu]

Im thinking on buying a RINGBLOMMA for privacy during the day and a MAJGULL for blackout during the night. I prefered MAJGULL over SANELA because the first one block more light. What do you think?

[@liszaf3976]

Thank you great video, however would have love you to have reviewed all the sheer curtains!

[@jennyc1905]

Hello Valentina, can RITVA black the heat, not just the sun light? Thanks for your info!

[@jennifergraham3752]

Another great video! I have the Sanela curtains in my living room and dining room. They had the grommets at the top so we cut those off and hemmed them. I use the Lill mesh curtains outside around my pergola and they look lovely. They are so inexpensive that I don’t mind if I have to replace them the following year. I tried them inside to see how they looked and they lasted five minutes before I took them back down.