How to Find Mid-Century Modern Curtains

I struggled to find mid-century modern curtains, drapes and rods for my 1960s house. Stores seems to think everyone wants busy (or boring) patterns instead of clean lines.

Finally, after many hours of research and online shopping, I tracked down coverings for all of my windows.

And now I hope you don’t have to spend so much time. Start with this guide to find mid-century modern curtains and hardware for your home.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. See my disclosures for details.

Curtain Shopping Tips

Certain search terms work better than others.

You might naturally start your search phrase with mid-century modern, retro, 1950s or modern and then add the item you’re looking for, like mid-century modern drapes. But online stores don’t often use these phrases.

Instead, try to use terms the stores might use to describe mid-century style items. Here are the search terms that have worked better for me.

• Search by Hanging Style: Back-Tab or Pinch Pleat
  Mid-century curtains often have tabs on the back. This gives them a pleated look, rather than the rod pocket style that gives curtains a more old-fashioned, scrunched-up look.
• Search by Fabric: Tweed, Wool, Linen
  Curtains in these fabrics usually have a modern look and feel.
• Search by Pattern: Starburst, Atomic, Abstract, Geometric, Rounded Squares, Moroccan, Overlapping Circles
  Curtains with pretty shapes and geometric patterns work well in modern homes. Moroccan pattern curtains are sometimes elaborate but sometimes more modern with simple overlapping circles.
• Search by Color: Turquoise, Orange, Yellow
  Some colors just feel retro, and for me those colors are turquoise, orange and yellow. Drapes and curtains in these colors tend to fit right into a mid-century home.

Mid-Century Modern Curtains

Using the above search terms, I tracked down curtains one pair at a time to treat all of my windows. Some of my curtains are no longer available, so I’ve included links to alternatives.

Here are several ideas to get you started on the curtain hunt!

Orange Tweed Curtains

Originally from Overstock

These are thick, high quality curtains, lined with a flat orange fabric facing outside the house and a modern tweed material facing inside. The mod orange color adds warmth to my home office.

More Orange Curtains

Faux Linen Panel Available Here

Blackout Panels Available Here

Turquoise Tweed Curtains

Originally from Overstock

Here are the orange curtains in another color—the turquoise that I use throughout my house. I like the contrast of the turquoise against the wood paneling in my family room.

More Turquoise Curtains

Thermal Insulated Set Available Here

Retro Turquoise Set Available Here

Blackout Panel Available Here

Yellow Mid-Century Modern Curtains

Originally from West Elm

I need more of this cheerful yellow in my house. These etched grid curtains are a room highlight in my basement guest room. The material is smooth cotton with a modern grid print.

More Yellow Curtains

Geometric Set Available Here

Velvet Set Available Here

Retro Yellow Set Available Here

Mid-Century Modern Starburst Curtains

Originally from West Elm

These little darlings hang in my cat-themed guest room. The starbursts give a retro mod feeling to the room. If you find anything with starbursts, snatch it up!

More Starburst and Geometric Curtains

Starburst Curtains Available Here

Starburst Clock Curtains Available Here

Honeycomb Set Available Here

Gray Wool Back-Tab Curtains

Originally from Overstock

I like the sophisticated look of these heavy wool curtains in dark gray. While most of the rooms in my house have bright colors, the master bedroom has a relaxing taupe and gray color scheme, and these drapes are perfect there.

More Modern Gray Curtains

Velvet Set Available Here

Geometric Set Available Here

Linen Look Set Available Here

Modern Curtain Rods

Finding your curtains is only half the battle. Next you have to find the hardware to hang them beautifully.

Curtain rods are hard to find for modern homes since most rods have highly elaborate finials rather than clean lines. I used search terms like brushed nickel, modern and industrial when shopping around.

Eventually I found this brushed nickel curtain rod. I like how sturdy it is. I have one holding up my heavy wool drapes over a 70-inch window with no signs of sagging.

Here are some mid-century style rod options, including the Umbra rod I use.

Nickel Rod Available Here

Nickel Curtain Clips Available Here

Warm Gold Rod Available Here

Warm Gold Curtain Clips Available Here

Black Curtain Rod Available Here

Double Curtain Rods Available Here

Finding Mid-Century Modern Curtains and Drapes

I hope this guide helps you find the right curtains for your mid-mod home.

You might also want to try the DIY route with a special fabric like this simple window valance.

Good luck in your curtain search!