Choose Drapes or Blinds for a Small Space

Originally Published in SFGate - July 18, 2021
Original Article can be viewed here

Planning Your Drapes or Blinds

Finding drapes for small windows takes a bit of planning and often a lot of searching. Treatments that are too heavy or long can overwhelm a smaller window, while something too sparse can make it disappear into the wall. To start, determine your budget. While a wise financial choice, it will also make it easier to narrow down retailers or suppliers and subsequently your choices. As you begin your search, remember that what you choose for the window will have a big effect on the overall room, so take your time.

Meet Your Privacy

When choosing curtains for small bedroom windows, ensure you’re meeting your privacy needs while still allowing for as much natural light as possible, which is important when working with a small window. Start by looking out your window. If the view is private, you’ll have more leeway with window treatments, as you won’t have to worry about trying to block the view of those outside and can focus more on how the shape of the curtain works with the size of the window.

If you do need privacy, stick to light-colored curtains that still let some sunlight through while blocking the view of the interior of your home. Bob Vila reports that semi-sheer curtains work well for this purpose. Other options include blinds that can be angled for privacy while still allowing for natural light or heavier, more private shades or drapes.

Let Mount Up Help you Select and Install your blinds. We are Partners with BlindsGalore.com and can get substantial discounts that we pass along to our customers.

Best Curtain Styles

Hanging a panel on either side of a standard or larger window is a common choice in window treatment styles, but this doesn’t work with many smaller windows. Narrow windows tend to look best with vertical blinds (Atlantis Curtains suggests using Roman blinds), one long panel pulled off to the side with a hook or tie, built-in shutters or a combination of two of these.

Wide, short windows can also work with built-in window treatments, as well as roll-up curtains like roman shades or bamboo blinds. For a standard size small window, any of these options will work.

Make Your Windows Appear Larger

A few tricks can camouflage a small window. If it’s narrow yet tall, hang panels on either side so they’re actually covering the wall, with only the edge of each panel coming up to the edge of the glass of the window on either side. This makes it look as if the glass extends behind the panels.

A variation of this trick can be used to make shorter windows appear taller. Install a valance just above the window, again so the edge meets the glass (covering the trim), making it look as if the window extends behind the panel. The valance and panel tricks can be used on their own or together.

Narrow Your Choices

After you have a good understanding of the style of curtain you want for the window, spend time looking through fabric options and color swatches. To make the small window stand out inside the home, you'll want curtains that are substantial enough to draw attention to the window without overpowering it.

If you want the romantic look of sheer panels, layer various panels rather than simply hanging one; this allows for that light, airy feel while still framing the window. For traditional curtains, medium-weight fabrics, rather than heavy, velvet drapes, often work best with smaller windows.

Look at the fabric in front of the window to determine how it filters the light and how it will enhance the window, despite its small size. Most retailers will send you several swatches for free or for a nominal fee. This gives you a chance to look at the curtain material up close before you make your decision.

Let Mount Up Help you Select and Install your blinds. We are Partners with BlindsGalore.com and can get substantial discounts that we pass along to our customers.