10 Stylish Living Room Drapes Ideas (72"W x 60"H): How I Style and Choose the Perfect Drapes for My Living Room

Over my 10+ years as an interior designer, I’ve found that small touches—like the right living room drapes—can completely change a space. With today’s interior design trends leaning toward cozy minimalism and functional elegance, small living rooms can truly inspire big creativity. In this article, I’ll share 10 design inspirations for living room drapes (72" wide x 60" high), blending my personal experience with expert-backed data.

1. Minimalist Linen Panels

My Take: I love using natural-textured linen panels in my own small living room because they add softness without overwhelming the space.

Pros: Lightweight fabric lets in filtered light, maintaining brightness while offering privacy. According to the American Society of Interior Designers, natural fibers remain a top choice for sustainable home styling.

Cons: They wrinkle easily, so if you’re not into ironing, this might bug you.

Tip: Pair with simple black curtain rods to keep the look understated, similar to minimalist kitchen storage designs in terms of clean lines and efficiency.

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2. Floor-Grazing Velvet Drapes

My Take: In one client’s compact apartment, deep-blue velvet drapes gave the living room an elegant focal point.

Pros: Offers excellent insulation, blocks out more light, and gives a sense of luxury. Velvet in rich colors helps anchor the room’s palette.

Cons: Velvet attracts dust—so if you live in a city, be prepared for regular cleaning.

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3. Sheer White Layers

My Take: When I want a dreamy, airy feel, sheer double layers work wonders without making the room feel closed in.

Pros: Maximizes daylight, makes small living rooms feel bigger, and works with almost any décor style.

Cons: Offers little at night for privacy unless matched with blinds.

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4. Neutral Thermal Drapes

My Take: I recommended well-lined neutral-toned drapes to a couple in a drafty old house—they told me their heating bill went down in winter!

Pros: Energy-saving, great for temperature control, and blends easily with any color scheme.

Cons: Heavier weight requires sturdy rods and installation.

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5. Patterned Statement Drapes

My Take: Bold patterns can transform a plain living room wall into a design feature all on its own.

Pros: Adds personality, can tie in multiple colors from furniture and rugs, and makes the room look styled.

Cons: Can date quickly if trends change—choose something you’ll love for years.

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6. Roman Shade Panels

My Take: Roman shades with side drapery panels gave my friend’s small living room a tailored, hotel-like feel.

Pros: Offers precise light control while still bringing in fabric texture for warmth.

Cons: More expensive than a standard drape setup due to custom sizing.

Case Idea: If you’re drawn to layering, you might like the textural variety seen in glass backsplash for a more open kitchen feel—different material, same spatial principle.

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7. Grommet-Top Polyester Drapes

My Take: I installed grey grommet-top drapes for a rental client—they loved how easy they were to slide open every morning.

Pros: Budget-friendly, smooth operation, and plenty of ready-made size options including 72"W x 60"H.

Cons: Less formal appearance compared to pleated headers.

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8. Two-Tone Color Blocking

My Take: A split-tone panel with cream on top and navy below gave my own living room height and drama.

Pros: Creates visual interest without heavy patterns, elongates the perceived height of windows.

Cons: Hard to match with busy patterned furniture.

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9. Tie-Back French Pleats

My Take: When staging a traditional home, French pleats with decorative tiebacks instantly elevated the room.

Pros: Classic elegance, sharp tailored look, works beautifully in formal spaces.

Cons: Takes more time to arrange perfectly.

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10. Lightweight Cotton Prints

My Take: For a cheerful cottage-style space, I hung breezy cotton drapes with tiny floral prints—they made the room smile.

Pros: Affordable, easy to wash, and brings in subtle patterns for charm.

Cons: Fades faster in strong sunlight.

Case Note: Cotton prints can carry the same warm tone impact as wood accents creating a cozy vibe in other areas.

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Summary

Choosing the right 72"W x 60"H living room drapes isn’t about limits—it’s about making smarter design choices. Small living rooms challenge us to blend style with purpose, as proven by both my own projects and design research from the National Association of Home Builders. Which of these drape styles do you want to try first?

FAQ

Q1: What is the ideal fabric for 72"W x 60"H living room drapes?

A: Linen and cotton are breathable favorites, while velvet and thermal options add insulation.

Q2: Should drapes be longer than the window height?

A: Mounting drapes higher and letting them extend to the floor adds height to a small room.

Q3: How to choose drape colors for small living rooms?

A: Lighter neutrals open up the space, while deep tones anchor the décor.

Q4: Are sheer drapes enough for privacy?

A: During the day yes, but pair with blinds or blackout panels at night for full coverage.

Q5: How often should drapes be cleaned?

A: At least once or twice a year; more frequently if you have allergies.

Q6: Can I install 72" x 60" drapes myself?

A: Yes, with simple tools—many ready-made panels are designed for DIY installation.

Q7: Do drapes help with energy efficiency?

A: Yes—thermal and lined drapes can reduce heat loss by up to 25%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Q8: What’s the best drape header style?

A: It depends on the vibe—grommets for casual, pleats for formal, rods pockets for in-between.