I still remember the day I painted my living room walls mustard yellow.
I loved the warm, sunny vibe it gave the room.
But when it came time to pick new curtains, I struggled to find colors that didn’t clash with the bold yellow walls.
After trying out different combos, I found sage green and light blue to be perfect curtain colors for toning down the brightness of my mustard walls without dulling the room.
Through trial and error, I learned not just which shades work best, but how to use textures and patterns to really make the colors pop:
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Sage Green Curtains
Go for a soft sage green with olive undertones when picking green curtains for mustard walls.
This natural green hue blends beautifully with the warm yellow walls.
The combo feels bright and airy, perfect for a living room or bedroom.
Look for hues like magical sage or chamomile green rather than darker hunter shades.
A breezy sage green adds a soothing, earthy vibe that keeps the room feeling vibrant without overpowering the mustard walls.
You can go a couple shades lighter or darker, depending on how much contrast you want.
Sage green patterned with leaves or foliage prints adds a nice botanical detail.
For texture, look for linen-blend sage curtains or ones made from natural fibers like cotton and jute.
If the rest of your decor has warm maple or cherry wood furniture, deep forest or olive sage curtains will tie everything together beautifully thanks to the similar reddish-brown tones.
I find that going too pale with sage washes out the room, so stick to shades in the middle range of the green spectrum for the most pleasing balance with golden mustard walls.
Whether going for solids or prints, make sure your sage curtains have yellow undertones rather than cooler blue/gray ones.
If you want to echo the color somewhere else in the room, use sage green pillows on neutral couches or sage table lamps for a pulled-together look.
Paint an accent wall in a darker olive green for some drama and added contrast.
Sage green is versatile enough to work in many styles from modern farmhouse to boho chic to traditional.
In a nursery, soft sage curtains create a peaceful atmosphere that’s still playful.
For bedrooms, make sure there is enough contrast between sage curtains and bedding so things don’t blend together.
Sage green has healing properties, promoting tranquility and harmony.
Minty sages with hints of cyan make small dark rooms feel more expansive thanks to the cool undertones.
In a cottage core or farmhouse kitchen, deep green gingham or checkered curtains complement vintage dishware.
Pair sage curtains with marble, travertine and limestone decorative accents which share similar veining in creamy tan and pale green.
Sage green brings the flavors of fall like pumpkin spice and apple cider to mind.
Embrace the seasonal coziness with velvet curtains.
For trim and borders on sage curtains, metallic gold and copper embroidery plays beautifully with the golden warmth of mustard walls.
Light Blue Curtains
Light and airy blue shades complement the vibrant mood of mustard walls.
Stick to crisp sky blue or powder blue curtains to keep things feeling light.
Navy blue would be too harsh – go for blue with hints of gray instead of jewel tones.
Try out a nice pale robin’s egg blue, or experiment with other pastel shades like buttercream or icy blue.
Sheer curtain panels in these light blue hues work especially nicely, allowing some of that bright mustard wall color to show through.
For patterns, look for geometric prints or wavy diagonal stripes over busy florals, which might compete too much with bold mustard walls.
A nice trick is hanging sheer powder blue curtains behind opaque curtains in a navy and white stripe.
This lets you layer lighter and darker shades of blue that play beautifully with golden mustard walls.
If using blue patterned curtains, stick to crisp white backgrounds rather than cream or taupe which can feel too muddy next to such a clear, strong wall color.
Look for lightweight linen or cotton curtains to enhance the casual, relaxed feeling mustard yellow walls naturally create.
Soft blue curtains will make a space with mustard walls feel beachy and airy, perfect for a laidback living area.
Robin’s egg blue accessories like throw blankets and pillows enhance the cheerful vibe light blue curtains establish.
In a kitchen with mustard walls, pale blue curtain tie the space together with existing blue and white dishware.
Soft blue helps stimulate productivity and concentration, great for a home office when paired with invigorating yellow walls.
Light blue evokes feelings of trust, honesty and clarity.
In kids’ spaces, fun patterns featuring animals or vehicles appeal to little ones’ interests.
Dark wood furniture and built-ins help ground all the airy lightness.
Sheer periwinkle curtains filtered with morning light create a dreamy, ethereal look in a bedroom with mustard walls.
In a spa-like bathroom, airy powder blue curtains contribute to the tranquil aqua ambience.
Look for ribbed and textured curtains which add nice dimension against flat painted walls.
Navy and white nautical stripe curtains with touches of pale yellow and sky blue enhance the maritime colors.
In a desert boho living room, a light denim blue plays nicely with terracotta pots, wicker baskets and macrame wall hangings.
White Curtains
You can never go wrong with classic white curtains.
Crisp white helps bounce light around the room and illuminates mustard walls.
Go for textured or patterned white curtains to add visual interest without taking away from the main color palette.
Try natural linen or textured cotton curtains for nice contrast against the flat matte finish of most yellow painted walls.
For patterns, look for classic blue and white stripes or prints with abstract shapes over florals.
Geo patterns with clean lines in white, gray, and mustard yellow help reinforce the color scheme.
A nice idea is getting patterned mustard yellow curtains for one window and clean white ones for another to mix and match.
Sheer ivory or pearl white curtains let in plenty of light to brighten up those bold yellow walls.
White curtains that are too stark can feel clinical, so go for off-white shades like oyster or cream instead for softness.
Crisp yet cozy white curtains will make a room with mustard walls feel welcoming and cheerful.
The high contrast white curtains create makes them quite striking and eye catching next to vivid mustard walls.
White reflects sunlight well, keeping rooms feeling open and airy.
In an awkward room with strange dimensions or lacking natural light, white helps expand the space.
Rustic and Mediterranean inspired rooms benefit from white’s breezy, casual elegance.
Crisp white against intense yellow evokes sunshine, fruit stands and seaside living.
Too much white can feel hollow or clinical, so be sure to incorporate wood, canvas, denim to soften.
For beach-inspired rooms with seashells and weathered wood, natural linen provides organic texture.
In industrial lofts with concrete floors and exposed ductwork, bright white lends an airier counterpoint.
Sheer voile panels diffuse bright mustard walls nicely while still letting in sunlight.
Crisp poplin or dense canvas curtains provide sturdy contrast against that flat wall paint.
Pearl white curtains with subtle silver shimmer add a touch of glamour and catch the light beautifully.
Beige and Tan Curtains
Bring in earthy neutrals like beige and tan to complement mustard’s natural golden tone.
Velvety curtains in camel or khaki add subtle contrast while still letting the mustard walls take center stage.
Keep the beige on the lighter side so things don’t get too muddy.
Natural jute, burlap, or muslin curtains offer an organic texture that pairs nicely with rich mustard walls.
Speckled, subtly patterned options in light coffee or fawn add interest without detracting from the main yellow wall color.
If going for solid tans, look for warm shades with golden undertones like goldenrod, maple syrup or caramel.
For pattern mixing, you could do mustard and white buffalo check curtains alongside solid tan drapes.
Creamy hues like buttercream and oatmilk work for sheer curtain panels that soften bold walls.
Just stay away from brown tones that risk clashing with yellow or making the palette veer into autumnal territory.
Don’t shy away from layering tan patterned curtains over windows that already have inferior blinds.
Tan and beige curtains essentially expand your color palette beyond that initial paint choice.
In a southwestern adobe style room, earthy ecru curtains tie everything together beautifully.
If your mustard walls have orange undertones, stick to warmer tans with hints of peach and gold.
Cool toned mustard walls with hints of green feel more balanced with light beige tones like buttermilk and almond.
Natural jute braided tie-top curtains add an casual, earthy feel that grounds mustard’s vibrant energy.
In a nursery, soft chenille blackout curtains in light fawn help darken the room for baby’s naps.
For south facing rooms lacking cool tones, ivory sheers with hints of lilac and gray balance things out.
Don’t overlook roman shades when considering ways to incorporate tan and other neutrals.
If your floors have warm wood staining, opt for camel colored curtains to unify the lower and higher halves of the space.
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Charcoal Gray Curtains
For a bold, daring contrast, go for charcoal gray curtains with your mustard walls.
The cool tone of gray dramatically offsets the warmth of the yellow for an edgy, contemporary vibe.
Stick to dark charcoals rather than medium grays for the biggest color impact.
Deep graphite gray or matte blackout curtains make the vivid mustard walls pop even more.
Conversely, for texture interest, add yellow curtains with a charcoal gray print instead of solid grays.
Gray and yellow is a very on-trend color scheme right now, taking a basic combo into bolder territory.
Go for thick linen or velvet curtains in charcoal to dial up the cozy, luxurious feel and contrast nicely with the flat wall paint.
Charcoal curtains with sparse yellow accents like piping details or sparse dots tie everything together.
Abstract zigzags, chunky plaids, or graphic prints in white, gray, black, and mustard prevent this contrasting color scheme from feeling too harsh.
The lively mood of the mustard walls keeps a charcoal gray palette feeling energetic instead of gloomy.
Charcoal curtains create dynamism and depth, encouraging the eye to move around the contrasting space.
In small rooms, this high-contrast color scheme makes things appear larger than monochromatic decor.
Contemporary art prints with bold graphic shapes in this color scheme enhance the modern vibe.
In a transitional room going for an updated classic look, charcoal and yellow create livable edge.
High contrast colors like these help define different functional areas in open concept spaces.
If your mustard walls have brick or wood architectural elements, cool toned charcoal gray helps modernize the traditional materials.
For windows lacking traditional molding or trim, frame out crisp charcoal curtains by mounting bronze or black rods extra wide.
In a home library or study, charcoal curtains and mustard walls evoke an academic collegiate feel.
Gray curtain panels made from suiting or menswear fabrics like wool and tweed smarten up a casual living area.
Don’t be afraid to really exaggerate the contrast with other pieces like black end tables next to yellow chairs.
In an eclectic room with mismatched furniture, high-contrast curtains coalesce things through color in lieu of overly matchy pieces.
Blush Pink Curtains
Blush pink is an unexpected yet beautiful color for curtains paired with mustard walls.
The interplay between the golden yellow walls and rosy pink curtains is bright and lively.
Stick to soft petal pinks or antique rose shades rather than neon pinks, which may be too intense next to intense mustard.
Blush pink adds a touch of romance along with the cheer of yellow walls.
Billowing cotton candy pink curtains evoke flowers, cupcakes and femininity.
For texture, look for waffle weave thermal blackout curtains in ballet slipper pink to insulate windows.
To take this color combo in a boho direction, add pink pom pom or macrame tassel details on neutral toned curtains.
In a little girl’s room, fairytale-esque sheer pink curtains create dreamy innocence when paired with offbeat yellow walls.
The sweet yet unconventional color pairing makes a fun statement in living rooms too.
If your decor features brass accents, rosy gold curtains pick up on metallic touches.
Blush curtains with prints in mustard, dusky rose and gray keep things tonal but interesting.
Adding pink allows you to carry touches of color into pillows, rugs and artwork without overwhelming the space.
In a south facing bedroom, light blocking linen pink curtains take on a salmon glow at sunrise and sunset.
The soft femininity of blush pink contrasts with yellow’s bright sunniness for dimension.
Mint Green Curtains
Mint green has a similar effect as sage, offering a revitalizing dose of nature to balance out warm yellow walls.
Being slightly cooler in tone, mint green pulls yellow walls into greener pastures rather than brownish olive territory.
Depending on its formulation, mustard wall paint can sometimes skew a bit lime green.
Pairing light mint curtains plays up that brighter aspect for tropical vibes.
Minty curtains with leafy botanical prints or colorblocked in pale yellow connect the colors gracefully.
Look for frosted or jute-textured sheer panels to downplay any harshness from vibrant walls.
For a beachy look, hang breezy seaglass green striped curtains with touches of sand and denim blue.
Paint the ceiling sky blue and the upper walls mint green for unexpected accent colors creeping down.
In a little boy’s room, playful mint curtains with dinosaurs or construction vehicles add color and youthfulness.
To enhance creativity and productivity, use invigorating mint curtains in home offices paired yellow wall murals or artwork.
Ceramic garden stools, woven baskets and natural fiber rugs reinforce the organic botanical theme.
If your mustard walls pull peach or terra cotta, stick to mints with hints of melon rather than cooler mineral shades.
Add some metallic touches like copper candle holders, gold mirrors or brass lighting against soft mint.
Lavender Curtains
Soft lavender or lilac curtains provide a pretty, unexpected counterpart to lively yellow walls.
The intermingling of spring-like colors makes rooms feel uplifting yet relaxed.
Pale purple has a soothing effect ideal for winding down chaotic family spaces or boisterous kid rooms.
Sheer voile lilac curtains filtered by sunlight transport you to a Monet garden dreamworld.
Go for a muted heathered lavender with hints of gray rather than intensely pigmented royal purple.
Haze purple Shibori dip-dyed curtains add artisanal texture and visual interest.
Paint one accent wall below chair rail in a deep eggplant purple for contrasting drama.
Wisteria and lilac branches in vases further emphasize the ethereal magical color story.
The whimsical pairing brings a touch of playfulness and imagination to mundane spaces.
In a breakfast nook or reading corner, gauzy lavender veils filter sunbeams for cozy relaxation during hectic mornings.
For pattern mixing, blend some Jacobean floral prints featuring purple blooms into the mix.
Orchard-inspired art prints with ripe plums, cherries, peaches echo the fruit tones in these cool and warm wall and curtain colors.
Keep hardwood floor stains on the graphite gray spectrum rather than competing warm browns.
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Champagne Curtains
Metallic champagne curtains lend an air of subtle glamour to vibrant mustard walls.
The glossy, shimmering drapes catch and reflect light beautifully.
Champagne radiates old world grandeur ideal forformal spaces but livable enough for daily family living too.
Antique brass chandeliers, candelabras and picture frames harmonize with the gilded color story.
Hand-painted champagne drapes with vines, paisleys and architectural motifs embody wall murals without the commitment.
For pattern mixing, blend in damasks, medallions or brocades featuring golden hues.
Column-like champagne metallic sheer panels frame windows and play up traditional architecture.
Champagne is versatile enough to work in maximalist, Hollywood regency and eclectic spaces or pared-down mid century rooms equally.
Pair champagne curtains with marble and quartz surfaces that have similar golden veining details.
In open concept great rooms, long flowing metallic champagne drapes help delineate sitting areas from dining spaces.
Champagne radiates warmth and luminosity perfect for dreary Pacific Northwest climate.
Mustard yellow evokes happiness; combine it with celebratory champagne for joyful spaces year-round rather than just special occasions.
Plum Curtains
Deep red-purple plum makes a striking, high-contrast pairing next to golden yellow walls.
The dynamic colors play off each other vibrancy, making spaces feel bold and artsy.
Paint the ceiling purple and upper walls graduating downwards to envelop you in this theatrical color story.
Eggplant velvet blackout curtains lend a moodiness that contrasts nicely with the optimism of yellow.
For pattern mixing, blend rustic Paisley prints and Ikat woven textures alongside vivid solids for interest.
White molding and neutral furniture keep things livable so this daring color combo doesn’t go over the top.
In a kitchen or dining room make one wall plum as an accent to balance the intensity of yellow.
Deep plum sateen curtains with mustard yellow greek key embroidered border pulls the color duality into textiles.
Plum symbolizes royalty, dignity and ambition – embrace the regal dynamic by adding gold mirrors, antique trinkets and opulent chandeliers.
Equally, this combo embodies creativity and emotion.
Hang modern abstract art prints mixing these expressive tones.
Fruit bowl centerpieces with plums, cherries, oranges, lemons bring out delicious secondary shades from these curtains and walls.
Light fixtures cased in smoky plum glass or textured mustard glass emit flattering ambient lighting to set the mood.
Top 10+ Mustard Wall Curtain Colors: Rated & Explained
| Rating | Why It Works | |
|---|---|---|
| Sage Green | 9.5 | Soothing natural tone; vibrant yet relaxing |
| Light Blue | 9.0 | Crisp, airy; plays up cheerful mood |
| White | 8.5 | Classic, illuminating; great contrast |
| Beige | 8.0 | Warm, subtle; let’s walls stand out |
| Charcoal Gray | 8.0 | Bold, dramatic difference; modern edge |
| Blush Pink | 8.5 | Unexpected; bright yet soft |
| Mint Green | 8.0 | Revitalizing green; keeps things fresh |
| Lavender | 7.5 | Soothing, pretty surprise |
| Champagne | 7.5 | Touch of glamour; light-reflecting |
| Plum | 7.0 | Bold high-contrast; dramatic richness |
| Seafoam Green | 8.0 | Cool, calming; makes space feel expansive |
| Dusty Mauve | 7.0 | Fashion-forward surprise take on neutrals |
| Warm Gray | 7.0 | Inviting contrast; cozy sophistication |
| Mustard Yellow | 8.5 | Monochromatic accent; makes walls pop |
| Navy Blue | 8.0 | Classic, moody contrast |
| Storm Gray | 8.5 | Mysterious atmosphere; weathered look |
| Emerald Green | 9.0 | Vibrant accent; jewel toned richness |
| Sunflower Yellow | 8.0 | Warm, cheerful; light-enhancing |
| Wine Red | 7.5 | Sultry; tempers brightness with coziness |
| Jet Black | 8.0 | High drama; intensely bold modern |
