Decorating a child’s room is one of the most joyful (and sometimes challenging!) parts of furnishing your home. Whether you’re sewing your own curtains or browsing fabrics for a new project, finding the perfect curtain fabric can help transform a simple space into a wonderland full of imagination, colour, and comfort.
Here’s your friendly guide to choosing curtain fabrics for children’s rooms and playrooms — packed with tips on patterns, themes, colours, safety, care, and everything in between.
Make Their Space Magical: Fun, Happy Rooms That Spark Imagination
Children thrive in spaces that feel joyful, imaginative, and safe. Curtains play a surprisingly big role in shaping this environment — they can soften a room, tie in a theme, and even become part of the adventure.
Patterns & Themes: Let Their Personality Shine
Start by considering your child’s age and how long you’d like the curtains to last. If you’re planning for a few years, lean into playful designs with timeless appeal — or pick versatile prints that can grow with them.
Curtain Theme Ideas for Younger Children
1. Animals & Wildlife
Always a hit. From jungle prints to farmyard friends and family pets, animals bring charm and warmth.
2. Fantasy & Fairytales
Unicorns, fairies, castles, knights, and dinosaurs. Go big on the magic!
3. Popular Characters
There are so many character to choose from but here at Fabrics Galore, our favourite has always been Alice in Wonderland. Possibly because of this particularly great print by fabric designer Maison Thevenon.
See all our licensed fabrics at Fabrics Galore.
4. Transport & Travel
Planes, trains, automobiles... perfect for curious minds and mini adventurers.
5. Balloons & Circus Themes
Whimsical and full of fun, these add a cheerful twist to any space. If you are looking to add some Big Top vibes to your children's curtains, we have a stripe for every occasion.
Fabrics Galore's striped furnishing collection
Curtain Fabric Ideas for Older Children
1. Nature & Outdoors
Think florals, leaves, trees, or sea life. These create a calm and grounding atmosphere perfect for wind-down time.
2. Geometric & Abstract
Spots, stripes, stars, ginghams. They’re cheerful, stylish, and transition smoothly from toddler to teen.
Fabrics Galore Geometric Prints
3. Soft Pastels or Bold Primaries
Choose based on the vibe you’re going for: calming and serene or cheerful and energising.
Fabrics Galore's pale blue furnishing fabrics
You can find even more children’s bedroom themes in our blog “8 Ideas for Enchanting Children’s Bedrooms.”
Curtain Colour: Have Fun but Keep It Flexible
You don’t need to go all-pink or all-blue to create a lovely space. Some colours work beautifully across ages and genders:
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Gender-neutral favourites: greens, yellows, oranges, taupes, and neutrals.
- Want to play it safe with neutrals? Add ric rac, pom-poms, or fun trims to bring personality and fun into the room without overwhelming the space.
Curtain Safety, Practicality & Care
Parents know that mess is part of the package — so your children’s curtain fabrics need to be easy-care and safe:
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✅ Choose machine-washable fabrics — cottons, linens, or blends.
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✅ Blended fabrics (cotton/polyester) are durable and lower maintenance.
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✅ Look for OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified fabrics to ensure they’re free from harmful chemicals.
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✅ If you’re using blinds, make sure cords comply with child safety standards.
Light Control: Better Sleep Starts with Better Curtains
Getting those precious hours of sleep — for kids and parents — can come down to blocking out early morning sun or late evening light. Here's how to get it right:
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Blackout lining is a must — always line your curtains or blinds to block light effectively. Read our guide to lining curtains and blinds for handy tips.
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Use a continuous curtain heading (like pencil pleat or pinch pleat) to avoid gaps which will let in light.
- Extend your curtain pole beyond the window’s edges (if space allows) and mount it a few centimetres above the window to reduce light leakage.
Final Thoughts: Style That Grows with Them
Designing a child’s space means thinking about today and tomorrow. Aim for a balance of whimsy and practicality — pick curtain fabric prints that reflect your child’s personality but don’t feel so specific that you’ll need to update them every year. Remember, cushions and bedding are easier to change than curtains!
Whether you love sewing your own or browsing for ready-made, your choice of curtain fabric can make all the difference in creating a room your child loves to be in — and that you love, too.
Ready to get started? Browse our full range of fun, safe and stylish children’s curtain fabrics online — from animal prints to dreamy seascapes.
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
