Throw a light show. Teal gives the velvet curtains in this bedroom a modern aesthetic. They’re an important factor in the opulent whole: Gold floral wallpaper and a silky carpet together with an upholstered headboard complete the picture.

If you like the idea of upping velvet’s impact, you could follow this room’s lead by lighting curtains from above to exploit the fabric’s reflective nature. It’s a worthwhile addition in a room that’s largely used after dark.

Pick a worthy ally. When there’s a huge expanse of window to dress, the treatment needs to be its match — and these velvet curtains have the substance for the job. They’re neither billowy nor barely there; instead, the fabric’s weight, drape and color add up to a feature that demands attention. Besides holding their own against the expanse of glass, they temper the effect of a large area of hard flooring, ensuring that the big space feels homey.

The block of curtain color is part of a tonal blue-and-green palette incorporating both hard cabinetry and soft furnishings. Why repeat colors? Because it’s a trick that lets separate zones feel part of a whole.

Lighten up. Velvet curtains often sport dark shades, but this room features a punchier color as part of a design that showcases floral pattern and celebrates the hues of summer blooms and foliage.

To get the look, opt for a velvet with a deep pile, like this one, and allow curtains to pool on the floor — another way to bolster a room’s sumptuousness.

Get the royal treatment. With its regal associations, purple is a natural choice when luxury is desired, and how better to introduce it than with velvet curtains? The luxe continues in this bedroom with a tall, wide upholstered headboard and a dark wood bed base that have hotel good looks.

If you’re investing in the beauty of velvet, it’s worth bearing in mind that it can be made from silk, cotton or polyester. Silk reigns supreme when it comes to shine. Cotton has a softer — and still beautiful — sheen, and artificial velvets promise a silk shine with stain resistance.

Watch the waves. This bedroom is both cocooning and sophisticated, with jewel-like red velvet drapes at the window. The expanse of fabric is indulgent — just the ticket for a room that’s a sanctuary from the world.

To get the regular pleats of these curtains, try a wave heading tape. Be aware that it will need a compatible rod to work.

Go peacock pretty. Here’s curtain inspiration straight from nature at its most showy — and bang on trend to boot. This velvet, in a peacock green, teams with pillows featuring a tail-feather motif that makes the link overt.

Look at how the puzzle of dressing the window is solved here. If the curtains had hung vertically, there would have been little space left alongside the bed. To avoid this, a clear rod toward the bottom of the window ensures that the fabric follows the wall contours.

Stay dark. A good night’s shut-eye will not be yours if the window treatment doesn’t block light effectively. In this penthouse, early dawns and city lights aren’t a bother because of the velvet curtains. The fabric’s renowned for its efficiency in keeping an interior dark, so it’s a winner for the easily disturbed.

Make sure you measure accurately when buying curtains for a light-stopping fit. A metal tape measure is best, as fabric versions can stretch.

Get that five-star feeling. Velvet’s a favorite in hotels as well as homes. Here, the velvet curtains are part of the recipe used to evoke boutique-hotel style, along with a textured teal wallcovering.

For a rich finish in your own bedroom, be inspired by this room’s use of metallics, including the tone of the velvet fabric. It’s effective for layering on the luxe.