The IKEA Tibast and Ritva are two of the brand's most popular curtain choices, but they are designed for very different results. The Ritva curtains are made from a thick, 100% cotton canvas that provides excellent privacy and a textured, high-end look, while the Tibast is a lighter 100% polyester curtain with a subtle herringbone pattern and a more formal, consistent drape.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right curtains from IKEA for your windows.
IKEA Ritva Curtains
The Ritva curtain is a cult favorite among home decor enthusiasts for its ability to deliver an expensive, designer look on a tight budget. Made from a heavy cotton fabric, it's known for its substantial weight, excellent privacy, and customizability, making it a go-to choice for achieving a high-end feel in living rooms and bedrooms.
- What it is: A pair of heavyweight, room-darkening curtains made of 100% cotton canvas with multiple hanging options.
- Key features: Tabs and a rod pocket on the back, allowing you to hang them directly on a rod or use rings and clips. Comes with SY iron-on hemming tape for easy, no-sew shortening.
- Price: Around $39.99 for a pair (57x98").
- Style: Highly versatile, fits with Scandinavian, modern farmhouse, transitional, minimalist, and coastal aesthetics. It mimics the look of linen.
- Materials/Construction: 100% sustainably-grown cotton. The dense weave gives it a textured, matte finish and considerable weight.
- Pros: Looks much more expensive than its price point. Excellent light-filtering and privacy. 100% cotton provides a natural, textured appearance. Can be dyed or customized with pleating tape. Versatile hanging options for a tailored look.
- Cons: Wrinkles easily and requires thorough steaming or ironing. Can shrink if machine washed improperly. Limited color options, primarily available in white and grey. Can have a specific odor from the cotton processing when new.
The Ritva is perfect for anyone seeking the look of high-end cotton or linen curtains who is willing to put in a little effort (steaming or ironing) to achieve it.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/ritva-curtains-with-tie-backs-1-pair-white-80063833/
IKEA Tibast Curtains
The Tibast curtain brings a more polished and formal style with its smooth drape and subtle, woven herringbone pattern. Made from recycled polyester, it hangs beautifully right out of the package, offering a low-maintenance solution for a clean, hotel-inspired look that filters light while still providing privacy.
- What it is: A pair of light-filtering polyester curtains with an elegant drape and a woven herringbone texture.
- Key features: Like the Ritva, it features a header with tabs and a rod pocket for various hanging styles. The polyester material is wrinkle-resistant.
- Price: Around $49.99 for a pair (57x98").
- Style: Best for modern, contemporary, or traditional interiors where a touch of elegance is desired. Its smooth drape feels more formal than the Ritva.
- Materials/Construction: 100% recycled polyester. The fabric has a slight sheen and a uniform herringbone texture.
- Pros: Excellent drape right out of the package. Wrinkle-resistant and very low maintenance. The subtle pattern adds visual interest without being distracting. Available in several colors, including white, beige, and dark blue. Eco-friendly option made from recycled materials.
- Cons: Lighter weight and less effective at blocking light compared to the Ritva. The polyester material may not feel as substantial or natural as cotton. The slight sheen isn't for everyone.
This curtain is ideal for those who prioritize a polished look with minimal fuss and appreciate a fabric that resists wrinkling and drapes fluidly.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/tibast-curtains-1-pair-white-10499876/
Ritva vs. Tibast Comparison
Materials & Texture
The most significant difference lies in the material. The Ritva curtain's 100% cotton fabric has a thick, substantial feel with a matte, textured weave that emulates high-end linen. This gives it a natural, organic look.
Conversely, the Tibast curtain's 100% recycled polyester is smooth and has a subtle sheen. Its defining feature is a woven herringbone pattern that provides a quiet elegance and a more refined visual texture compared to Ritva's rugged canvas.
Light Control & Privacy
When it comes to blocking light, Ritva is the clear winner. Its dense cotton weave qualifies it as "room darkening," effectively blocking most sunlight and providing excellent privacy day and night. It's an ideal choice for bedrooms or media rooms where light control is important.
The Tibast is categorized as "light-filtering." It softens incoming daylight and prevents harsh glare but will not darken a room. It provides privacy from the outside, but shadows and silhouettes might be visible at night if the room is brightly lit.
Drape & Appearance
Drape refers to how a fabric hangs. The Tibast is designed to drape flawlessly right out of the package, creating soft, consistent folds that look tidy and elegant. It offers an immediate, hotel-like polish.
The Ritva's heavy cotton construction means it has a more structured, almost stiff appearance initially. It requires a good steaming or ironing session to relax the fabric and get it to hang properly. While it takes more work, its heavy weight can be trained into beautiful pleats for a very custom, high-end look.
Care & Maintenance
The Tibast is the lower maintenance option. Its polyester fabric is naturally wrinkle-resistant and can generally be machine-washed without much fuss. The Ritva's cotton fabric is prone to wrinkles and may shrink if not washed carefully in cold water and hung to dry. It will almost always need a thorough steaming after washing to restore its smooth look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both curtains offer fantastic value for their price, but they fulfill different decorative and functional needs.
Choose the Ritva if:
- You want the high-end look and feel of thick, textured cotton or linen curtains.
- Maximum privacy and room-darkening are top priorities, especially for a bedroom.
- You enjoy DIY projects like dyeing fabric or adding custom pleat hooks.
- You don't mind steaming or ironing to get a perfect, wrinkle-free finish.
Choose the Tibast if:
- You prefer a polished, formal, or hotel-style appearance.
- You want curtains that are low maintenance and hang beautifully with minimal effort.
- You need curtains in a specific color like deep blue or beige.
- You want to soften harsh light without drastically darkening your room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Ritva and Tibast?
The main difference is the material and function. Ritva is a heavy 100% cotton canvas that is room-darkening and has a textured, natural feel. Tibast is a lighter 100% polyester fabric with a subtle herringbone pattern, it's light-filtering and has a smooth, formal drape.
Are Ritva curtains completely blackout?
No, Ritva curtains are "room darkening," not "blackout." They block a significant amount of light but are not lined, so some light will still filter through the weave. For a complete blackout effect, you'd need to add a blackout liner.
Which curtain is better for a bedroom?
For most people, the Ritva is better for bedrooms due to its superior light-blocking capabilities and enhanced privacy. Its heavy fabric also helps with minor sound dampening.
Can you wash IKEA Ritva curtains without them shrinking?
Yes, but you need to be careful. The tag recommends machine washing, max 86°F on a normal cycle. To minimize shrinking, use a cold, gentle cycle and hang the curtains to dry rather than using a machine dryer.
How can I make my IKEA curtains look more high-end?
For either curtain, hang the rod high above the window frame and extend it well beyond the sides. Use curtain rings with clips instead of the built-in tabs or rod pocket for nicer pleats. Most importantly, always steam or iron out all wrinkles before hanging.
Is Tibast or Ritva better for a living room?
This depends on your style. If you want a casual, cozy, or modern farmhouse look, choose Ritva. If your style is more formal, contemporary, or modern, the sleek drape of the Tibast is likely a better fit.
Do these curtains come with tie-backs?
The Ritva curtains currently include tie-backs in the same fabric. The Tibast curtains do not include tie-backs.
Do I need to hem these curtains?
Yes, IKEA curtains are often sold in long lengths like 98" or 118" to fit various ceiling heights. Ritva thoughtfully includes iron-on hemming tape to make it easy to shorten them without sewing. For an even more professional look, getting them hemmed is recommended.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
