The IKEA Ritva and Lenda curtains serve two very different functions despite their shared brand and budget-friendly price points. Ritva curtains are made from lightweight polyester designed for light filtering, creating a soft and airy feel, while Lenda curtains use a thicker, lined polyester fabric for blackout and thermal insulation performance.
Here’s everything you need to know about these popular IKEA window treatments to decide which is right for your space.
IKEA Ritva Curtains
The Ritva curtain is a staple for those looking for an affordable, simple, and stylish window covering. Made of lightweight polyester, it provides privacy while softly filtering daylight, preventing glare without completely darkening a room. Its minimalist design makes it incredibly versatile, working well in living rooms, dining rooms, and anywhere you want a bright and casual atmosphere.
- What it is: A line of affordable, lightweight curtains designed to filter light rather than block it.
- Key features: Soft, airy appearance, provides privacy, easy to hang and care for.
- Price: Around $15 - $25 per pair.
- Style: Simple and minimalist with a smooth, matte finish. Ideal for modern, Scandinavian, or casual decor.
- Materials/Construction: Made from lightweight polyester fabric that is easy to wash and resistant to wrinkling.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly. Creates a bright, airy look. Easy to machine wash. Available in multiple neutral tones and standard lengths.
- Cons: Does not block light effectively for bedrooms or media rooms. Lightweight fabric may fade over time with heavy sun exposure. Lacks thermal insulation properties.
Ritva is ideal for anyone who needs a simple, functional curtain on a tight budget and prefers a light, bright ambiance over a dark room.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/search/?q=ritva
IKEA Lenda Curtains
The Lenda is IKEA's answer for those needing serious light control and insulation. Featuring a special blackout lining, these curtains are designed to effectively block sunlight, making them perfect for bedrooms, home theaters, or nurseries. The thicker fabric also provides thermal benefits, helping to keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can contribute to energy savings.
- What it is: Blackout and thermal curtains designed to block light and help insulate rooms.
- Key features: Effective light-blocking capability, thermal lining, thicker and more durable fabric.
- Price: Around $20 - $30 per pair.
- Style: A more substantial, premium feel than Ritva, with a matte or slightly textured finish that fits well in contemporary spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Constructed from polyester with a dedicated lining that adds blackout properties and durability.
- Pros: Excellent light-blocking for better sleep. Provides thermal insulation, potentially reducing energy bills. Durable fabric holds up well to use. Looks more substantial and premium.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than Ritva. The heavier fabric doesn't offer the same light and airy feel. Limited color palette, often leaning toward darker shades.
Lenda is the clear choice for anyone prioritizing sleep quality, privacy, and energy efficiency, especially in bedrooms and media rooms.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/search/?q=lenda
Ritva vs. Lenda Comparison
Materials & Light Control
The biggest difference lies here. The IKEA Ritva uses a single layer of lightweight polyester. This construction is designed for light filtering - it will soften harsh sunlight and provide privacy, but it won't darken a room. You’ll still see shapes and bright light through it during the day.
The Lenda curtain, conversely, is built with a lining that enables its blackout properties. This thicker, multi-layered approach effectively blocks most incoming light, which is essential for bedrooms or any space where you need darkness. The denser material also offers some minor noise-dampening benefits that Ritva cannot provide.
Style & Aesthetic
Each curtain creates a distinctly different mood. The Ritva family offers a casual, airy, and relaxed look. Its flowy material and typically neutral color palette (whites, beiges, light grays) make it a perfect fit for Scandinavian, modern farmhouse, and minimalist styles where natural light is a prized feature. It adds softness without dominating the room.
Lenda has a heavier visual weight and a more formal, substantial appearance. The fabric drapes more rigidly and gives the window a more finished, insulated look. It works well in contemporary or modern rooms where function and form are equally important, particularly when used in darker tones like navy or charcoal.
Price & Value
At around $15-$25 a pair, Ritva is one of IKEA's most affordable curtain options. This makes it an unbeatable choice for outfitting an entire apartment, covering many windows on a small budget, or for renters who don't want to invest heavily in window coverings. Its value is in its low price and simple, effective design.
Lenda costs slightly more, typically in the $20-$30 range. However, for that small price increase, you gain significant functionality. The blackout and thermal insulation features provide value well beyond decoration, contributing to better sleep and potential energy savings. For spaces where these features are necessary, Lenda offers immense value for its price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA curtains are excellent, budget-friendly options, but they are built for entirely different needs.
Choose the Ritva if:
- You want to maintain a bright, light-filled room while adding privacy.
- You're decorating on a tight budget and need to cover multiple windows affordably.
- You love a minimalist, Scandinavian, or casual aesthetic.
- Blackout or thermal properties are not a priority for the room.
Choose the Lenda if:
- You need to completely block out sunlight for sleeping, watching movies, or a nursery.
- Keeping your room cooler in summer and warmer in winter is a priority.
- You prefer the look of a heavier, more substantial drapery.
- You are willing to spend a few extra dollars for improved functionality and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between IKEA Ritva and Lenda?
The primary difference is function. Ritva is a light-filtering curtain made of lightweight polyester, designed to soften light and provide privacy. Lenda is a blackout curtain with a thermal lining, designed to block light completely and insulate the room.
Which curtain is better for a bedroom?
For most people, the Lenda is the superior choice for a bedroom because of its blackout capability, which can help promote better sleep by creating a dark environment.
Are both Ritva and Lenda made of natural materials?
No, both curtains are made from polyester, which is a synthetic fabric. It is known for its durability and ease of care but is not a natural fiber like cotton or linen.
Can you clean these curtains in a washing machine?
Yes, both Ritva and Lenda curtains are machine washable. However, always check the care label on your specific product for instructions on water temperature and drying to avoid damage or shrinkage.
Can I shorten these IKEA curtains easily?
Yes, both curtains can be hemmed. IKEA even sells an iron-on hemming tape called SY that allows you to easily shorten the curtains to the perfect length without any sewing.
Do I need to buy curtain rings separately?
Some IKEA curtains feature hidden tabs or a rod pocket so you can hang them directly on a rod. However, for a pleated look or smoother movement, you may want to purchase curtain rings and hooks, which are sold separately.
Which curtain is more durable?
Lenda’s heavier fabric and lining make it more durable and resistant to wear and tear over time, particularly in rooms with direct, harsh sunlight which can cause lighter fabrics like Ritva's to fade.
Do Lenda curtains block 100% of light?
Lenda curtains are very effective blackout curtains and block the vast majority of light. However, some light may still seep through the sides or top depending on how you hang your curtain rod. For maximum darkness, use a wraparound curtain rod.
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