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
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.
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.
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
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.
Oat
A light, bright plaid that mixes warm greys and beige for an inviting look.
bisque
An irresistibly warm plaid with creamy ivory and beige tones ideal for cozy spaces.
pewter
A bold dark grey balanced with lighter grey stripes for a subtle touch of drama.
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
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.
fog
Cool light grey stripes interlock over a warm creamy background for subtle contrast.
batik blue
Deep blue and dark grey stripes pop on a cool off-white background for an eye-catching look.
driftwood
A mix of warm creamy and beige tones deliver an inviting sepia-inspired aesthetic.
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
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.
cloud
A light, warm off-white that will brighten your space.
parchment
A mix of warm beige tones for a cozy, inviting aesthetic.
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
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.
shea
Soft, warm tan stripes on a creamy background create an inviting aesthetic.
fog
Cool grey stripes contrast gently with the warm ivory background for a distinct look.
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.
cozy warm nursery
Create a cozy nursery for your little one with plaid curtains made of Aberdeen in Bisque for your windows, paired with Woven Wood Shades in a similar tan tone for added texture. Add visual interest while keeping the color scheme monochromatic with visual and tactile textures like patterned wallpaper, wicker baskets, wood furniture and throw pillows and blankets.
Pictured: Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery, Aberdeen in Bisque and Inner Layer: Waterfall Woven Wood Shade, Laguna in Shell, design by Mindy Gayer
inviting sitting room
Use plaid curtains in a sitting room to create an inviting atmosphere for intimate conversations and convivial spirit. Aberdeen in Iris adds welcoming tactile and visual texture with its design and lush fabric. The cool blue and grey tones gently contrast with the warm dark grey walls and furniture for a balanced aesthetic. The striped accent walls further accentuate the linear design of the plaid drapes and shade for an intricate look.
Pictured: Tailored Pleat Drapery and Flat Roman Shade, Aberdeen in Iris with Samuel & Sons trim, Flanders in Onyx and Capella Mohair in Shale, design by Kirsten Fitzgibbons and Kelli Ford for the 2023 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, photography by John Bessler
welcoming guest bedroom
For a simple, bright guest room, use plaid curtains made of Holland & Sherry Emerson in Sky to further enliven the room with its bright sky-blue stripes. Let the pattern be the star of your interior design by choosing subtle minimalist-style furniture, bedding and décor. To pull the plaid pattern throughout your design, opt for custom throw pillows made of the same fabric for a cohesive, intentional design.
Pictured: Pinch Pleat Drapery, Holland & Sherry, Emerson in Sky, design by James Huniford
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.
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