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Long floor-to-ceiling plaid curtains adorn a contemporary office setting with built-in shelves behind an office desk
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March 15, 2024

Plaid Curtains: Explore 15+ Styles & Colors

Timeless, versatile, and full of character, plaid curtains are the perfect choice to add warmth and texture to any space. The visual complexity of the design and traditional wool fabric used to make plaid all combine to deliver classic elegance that is both comforting and chic.

Discover fabrics for plaid curtains and see inspiring examples of plaid drapes in curated space to see how these character-rich window treatments can transform your home’s aesthetics and ambiance.

Cover Photo: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Aberdeen in Oat, design by Studio McGee

Fabric pieces of Aberdeen are folded neatly, showcasing the different colors in inviting plaid designs

What Is Plaid?

Plaid is a pattern with a long history. Originally called “tartan,” the pattern we know as plaid today originated in Scotland as early as the third century A.D. and was developed in different colors and designs to represent family clans. The traditional tartan pattern uses a two-over-two twill weave to create the iconic interlocking stripes. It was only when this pattern was commercialized for British and American consumers that it was referred to as “plaid.”

Plaid vs Checkered Patterns

When considering plaid curtains, you may also be interested in other similar patterns like checkered designs. Learn what the differences are between these types of patterns to better determine which is right for you.

A close-up shot of a pile of swatches for plaid curtains in different colors that illustrates their impeccable design

Plaid

Plaid, or tartan, features a two-over-two twill weave to create its interlocking stripes. It usually has more than two colors and lots of variation in its striped layout and in some cases are asymmetrical. Plaids are typically made from sturdier fabrics like wool and wool blends.

A close-up material shot of a checkered fabric for curtains that illustrates their impeccable design

checkered

Checkered patterns use only two repeating colors in their design such as white and a color or black and a color. Checkered patterns always feature a symmetrical layout and are often made from lighter weight fabrics like cotton and linen.

While plaid and checkered fabrics are considered two separate patterns, the two terms are often used interchangeably. In the case of buffalo check, for instance, the pattern has its origins in the MacGregor clan tartan, allowing it to straddle the line between “plaid” and “check.”

Benefits of Plaid Curtains

Plaid curtains, thanks to their visually intricate designs and typical lush wool fabric offer several unique benefits, including:

  • Adding visual interest and design dimension to your space thanks to the interlocking striped pattern.
  • Creating a sense of warmth and coziness thanks both to the inviting design and the lush wool fabric.
  • Boasting durability and longevity thanks to being made from wool or wool blends, which are strong, resilient fabrics.

Explore Fabrics for Plaid Curtains

Now that you understand a bit of the history of plaid as well as the benefits of choosing this character-rich pattern, explore your fabric options for plaid drapes to find the right fit for your home. 

Aberdeen: Luxe Tradition

Plaid curtains adorn a cozy inn bedroom along one wall with multiple windows beside the bed and dresser
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Aberdeen in Fog and Inner Layer: Flat Roman Shades, Dakota in White, design by Virginia Toledo for the 2022 Kaleidoscope Showhouse

Aberdeen is a traditional pattern for plaid curtains with interlocking stripes of varying sizes for lots of visual interest and design dimension. The colors used in this fabric are all soft neutrals with different degrees of saturation for a subtle, yet still distinct aesthetic. Made from a wool blend featuring a mix of wool acrylic and polyester, Aberdeen plaid drapes deliver an authentic woven texture that feels as beautiful as it looks.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Aberdeen Oat that has a soft, warm look and feel

Oat

A light, bright plaid that mixes warm greys and beige for an inviting look.  

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Aberdeen Bisque that has a inviting, warm look and feel

bisque

An irresistibly warm plaid with creamy ivory and beige tones ideal for cozy spaces.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Aberdeen Pewter that has dark gray coloring

pewter

A bold dark grey balanced with lighter grey stripes for a subtle touch of drama.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Aberdeen Iris that has a cool, yet inviting look and feel

iris

Cool greys combine with a refreshing blue stripe for a touch of color.

Compare Colors at Home

Aberdeen is available in one more additional color. Explore all your options and order swatches of all your favorites for free.

Highland: Scottish Heritage

Plaid curtains in a Tailored Pleat Drapery style with Relaxed Roman Shades work in tandem in a game room
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Highland in Mica and Inner Layer: Relaxed Roman Shades, Luxe Linen in Beige, design by Studio McGee

A simple design for plaid curtains, Highland features slender stripes that interlock in a symmetrical pattern. Inspired by the heritage of the Scottish Highlands, this plaid fabric is a simplified tartan design that adds just a touch of visual interest to your room. Made from a wool blend that mixes wool, acrylic and polyester, Highland is similar to Aberdeen with its authentic woven texture and soft look and feel.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Highland Fog that has light grey stripes on a creamy background

fog

Cool light grey stripes interlock over a warm creamy background for subtle contrast.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Highland Batik Blue that has deep blue on a creamy background

batik blue

Deep blue and dark grey stripes pop on a cool off-white background for an eye-catching look.  

A close-up of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Highland Driftwood that has light brown stripes on a tan background

driftwood

A mix of warm creamy and beige tones deliver an inviting sepia-inspired aesthetic.

A close-up of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Highland Mica that has light tan stripes on an earthy brown background

mica

A brown background with cool undertones adds welcoming earthy warmth to any space.

Compare Colors at Home

Highland is available in two more additional colors. Explore all your options and order swatches of all your favorites for free.

Osprey Check: Subtle Sophistication

A close-up shot of material swatches for plaid curtains in Osprey Check in Cloud, Parchment and Nickel colors
Pictured: Drapery Fabric Swatches of Osprey Check in Cloud, Parchment and Nickel

With a subtle checkered pattern, Osprey Check offers a versatile aesthetic that adds just a touch of visual interest to your space. Made of a mix of bamboo and linen, this fabric is super soft and feels as beautiful as it looks. Available in three neutral hues, Osprey Check is highly versatile and will complement many different interior styles.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Osprey Check in Cloud, with a warm ivory check design

cloud

A light, warm off-white that will brighten your space.

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Osprey Check in Parchment, which features a light tan check design

parchment

A mix of warm beige tones for a cozy, inviting aesthetic.  

A close-up shot of a material swatch for plaid curtains in Osprey Check in Nickel, with a medium grey check design

nickel

A cool medium grey to add depth to your design.

Compare Colors at Home

Order swatches of your favorite color of Osprey Check, or all three, for free.

Emerson: Simple Plaid Elegance

Tailored Pleat Drapery made of Emerson in Shea are paired with Flat Roman Shades of the same fabric in a bright dining room
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery and Flat Roman Shades, Holland & Sherry, Emerson in Shea

While technically considered a check pattern, the multiple stripes and elevated design of Holland & Sherry’s Emerson allows it to straddle the line between “check” and “plaid.” Plus, it’s made from 100% Holland & Sherry wool, for a luxe, heavyweight feel that’s more characteristic of plaid than checkered fabrics. The simple yet distinct pattern for plaid curtains delivers classic appeal and an understated elegance making it ideal for formal gathering spaces like living rooms and dining rooms.

A material swatch made of Holland & Sherry, Emerson in Shea, has light pinkish stripes over a creamy background

shea

Soft, warm tan stripes on a creamy background create an inviting aesthetic.

A material swatch made of Holland & Sherry, Emerson in Fog, has cool light grey stripes over a warm creamy background

fog

Cool grey stripes contrast gently with the warm ivory background for a distinct look.

A material swatch made of Holland & Sherry, Emerson in Sky, has light sky blue stripes over a warm creamy background

sky

Bright sky-blue stripes on a warm tan background add a cheerful look and feel.

Compare Colors at Home

Order swatches of your favorite color of Emerson, or all three, for free.

Plaid Inspiration

Get ideas for how to incorporate plaid curtains into your own space by exploring these curated spaces with plaid and check fabrics.

Start Customizing Your Plaid Curtains

Choose your drapery pleat style, hardware, plaid fabric and more to create the perfect plaid drapes for your home.

Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Aberdeen in Fog and Inner Layer: Flat Roman Shades, Dakota in White, designed by Virginia Toledo for the 2022 Kaleidoscope Showhouse

Find the Perfect Plaid Curtains to Elevate Your Home

With a better understanding of the plaid pattern and its history, as well as lots of fabric options for your plaid curtains, you’re ready to compare all your options and solidify your decision. Order free swatches of all your favorite plaid and checkered fabrics to compare in the comfort of your home. Be sure to consider how each pattern and color works with your existing design and observe each swatch in different lighting throughout the day to get the best sense of which is right for your home.  

ORDER YOUR FAVORITE SWATCHES FOR FREE

Compare as many of your favorites from our collection of 1,200+ premium materials at home when you order free swatches online.

A close-up image of white swatches featuing different textures and materials shows the declicate details of these designs