More and more people are choosing smaller spaces to save on expenses, but one challenge they might not expect is finding the right décor for tiny windows.
Even big homes can have these little windows in places like basements, kitchens, or bathrooms. Don’t just cover it up with heavy drapes!
Letting in natural light can make a space feel bigger and brighter.
In this blog, we share some ideas and tips on choosing the perfect window treatments for your small windows.
Here are some ideas to jazz up those small windows, whether you’re into trendy colors or classic patterns.
Window Treatments for Small Windows
Small windows are like hidden gems, tucked into cozy corners or tight spots where you still want a peek outside. They bring character to any room, but figuring out how to dress them up can be fun.
There’s a wide range of options to make your small room look great, from classic shutters to delicate curtains.The right window treatment not only adds style but also makes your room feel bigger.
So, let’s explore the best options for dressing up those tiny windows!
Why Choose Special Window Coverings for Small Windows?
When it comes to small windows, they need a special touch that’s different from bigger ones.
Picking the right window treatments can do wonders – they can make your room feel brighter, seem bigger than it is, and give it a unique style.
Whether you’re in a cozy cottage or a sleek city apartment, there are plenty of options to make your small windows shine.
Window Treatment Ideas for Small Windows
When it comes to dressing up small windows and cozy spaces, there’s a whole world of window treatments waiting to bring in light, expand the room visually, and add some flair to your home decor.
Whether it’s opting for sheer curtains, clever blinds, or even decorative window films, the key is to let that sunshine in and make the most out of your compact space.
By playing with these elements, you can make your room feel more open and give it a fresh, inviting vibe.
Window Shades
When it comes to dressing up a small window, there are several types of shades that do the job beautifully.
- First up, we have Roller Shades. These are super versatile, coming in all sorts of colors, patterns, and materials. They’re sleek, rolling neatly into a compact cassette when not in use.
- Plus, they’re pretty easy on the wallet and simple to install. With the right fabric choice, you can still let some light filter through even when the shade is down, keeping your space bright and cozy.
- Then there are Roman Shades. These add a touch of elegance with their soft, folding fabric design. They’re a bit heavier than rollers, so they might not be the best fit for the tiniest windows, but they offer great insulation if that’s what you’re after.
- For those concerned about energy efficiency, Cellular Shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are a top pick. They’re excellent at trapping heat, making them perfect for drafty spaces. However, they’re not the best choice for humid areas like bathrooms as they can hold moisture.
- Finally, we have Solar Shades, the ultimate solution for preserving your outside view while still managing light. They’re like sunglasses for your windows, rolling up neatly to maximize your view and let in tons of natural light. Perfect for any small window, they strike a balance between functionality and style.
Blinds
If you’re hunting for window treatments for your cozy space, blinds are a fantastic pick. They’re versatile, fitting snugly into your window frame and offering more functionality than curtains.
For small windows, consider options like pleated blinds or slim wooden Venetian blinds to let in plenty of sunlight. If you’re on a budget, go for mini blinds, typically crafted from aluminium, which you can adjust based on temperature and privacy needs.
Aluminium blinds are perfect for narrow frames and can make your room appear larger. Vertical blinds are also great for small windows, customizable to your exact specifications and easy to maintain.
For a classic look, opt for wood blinds, or choose faux wood for affordability and durability, especially in humid environments. Pleated blinds are another option to brighten up your space while adding flair with various designs.
With plenty of materials and styles to choose from, finding the right blinds for your small room is a breeze!
Estate Shutters
Custom-made estate shutters crafted by a local window contractor are the perfect fit for small window spaces, offering versatile light control and privacy options.
Whether you need to maximize natural light or block it out completely, these shutters adjust to your needs while adding a classic touch, ideal for historic homes.
While they may be pricier than standard roller blinds, their quality craftsmanship and material, often wood or faux wood, ensure durability and elegance.
Estate shutters were historically known as plantation shutters. Plantation shutters not only enhance the aesthetics of small rooms by creating a tidy appearance but also expand the perceived space by allowing sunlight to filter through when folded back.
Beyond aesthetics, they provide protection from sunlight and insulation during winter months, offering privacy and security while allowing for better airflow control compared to traditional ventilation methods.
Their easy maintenance and ability to retain their shine for years make them a worthwhile investment for adding both space and value to any room.
Valances
Adding valances to your small window is a great way to spruce up its appearance without sacrificing natural light.
Valances, which hang gracefully at the top of your windows, not only enhance the overall look but also let sunlight flood into your space, making it feel brighter and more spacious.
Pairing them with a light-filtering roller shade underneath gives you control over both light and privacy.
Whether you prefer a customized design to match your decor or want to create a layered effect for added style, valances offer versatility and charm.
Opt for bold patterns to make a statement or choose neutral tones for a subtle touch.
With valances, you can effortlessly elevate the look of your small windows while maintaining their functionality.
Small Window Curtain Options
For small windows, you have a few options to enhance the space without overwhelming it.
Sill-length curtains are a safe bet, reaching just below the window and keeping things balanced. Another option is café curtains, which cover the bottom half, offering privacy while still letting light in.
Want to create the illusion of a larger window? Hang long curtains high and wide, and avoid heavy decorations like fringes or tassels, which can make the window seem smaller.
Consider using full-length curtains in a similar shade to your wall; they draw the eye and can even add storage space if hung in a kitchen.
For a minimalist approach, café curtains are perfect, allowing natural light to filter in while keeping things sleek and stylish.
Just coordinate the colors with your room’s design for a cohesive look that expands your space visually.
Frosted Glass
Frosted glass is a great solution for small windows in places like bathrooms or hallways, where you need privacy or want to reduce glare from the sun.
It’s hassle-free since you don’t need blinds or curtains, keeping the area neat, while still allowing in plenty of light.
Achieving this effect is easy too, with sprays or decals that you can easily remove if you fancy a change in the future.
Stained Glass
Adding stained glass to a big window can be pricey and take up a lot of time, plus it might make the room feel too busy.
But for smaller windows, it’s more affordable and can add a charming touch while keeping things private, skipping heavy curtains, and inviting sunlight.
If you’re keen on making your window appear larger from the outside, going for a reflective glass finish is worth considering too.
Colors and Prints for Small Window Treatments
When picking colors or patterns for your small window treatments, think smart. Light and cool shades can make your space feel bigger and your window seem larger.
If you prefer bold colors, align your curtains with the wall color. This trick attracts more attention to the window and tricks the eye into perceiving more space indoors.
Opt for subtle patterns that blend with your décor for a cohesive look.
Tips For Window Treatments For Small Windows
Let’s be honest: dealing with small windows can feel like a bit of a downer, especially when we crave those big, bright openings that not only illuminate a room but also elevate its style.
It’s a common predicament, especially in rental spaces where breaking down walls isn’t an option.
But fear not! With some creative decorating tricks and tips, you can transform those modest windows into focal points bursting with charm.
So, let’s dive into some tips to make your windows look larger and add flair to any space.
Small Windows – Big Design Opportunity
Covering small windows might feel like sacrificing precious light and air, but leaving them bare risks losing control over privacy and illumination.
Striking a balance is key, and that means finding the perfect window dressing and styling to enhance your space.
Challenges abound when dealing with small windows: they may be the sole source of natural light, have limited space for treatments, or sit awkwardly close to the ceiling.
Yet, these challenges present opportunities for creative design solutions.
While we can’t enlarge the windows, we can optimize their functionality and appearance with clever treatments.
From minimizing bulkiness to cleverly positioning treatments, there are numerous ways to transform small windows into stylish focal points that brighten and enhance any room.
Avoid Complex Layering
If you’re trying to keep things simple and avoid bulky setups, steer clear of complex window treatments for small windows as they can make the space feel cramped.
The only time you might consider layering is in a bedroom where you need extra darkness for better sleep.
Even then, think about using blackout shades alone to keep things streamlined.
Alternatively, you could opt for a solution like banded Zebra roller shades which offer both sheer and blackout options in one neat package.
Traditional combos like valances and curtains might seem dated and overcrowded on smaller windows, but each can work well alone. Cafe curtains are a good compromise if you still want that layered look without overwhelming the space.
For a sleek and space-saving option, consider roller shades that retract neatly into compact cassettes, leaving your window area clear when not in use.
Mount Correctly
To make a small window appear larger, it’s all about clever design tricks rather than actually changing its size. One key strategy is playing with window treatments.
For instance, with Roman shades or blinds, go for a simple style like flat fold shades and mount them a bit above the window frame, overlapping just slightly.
This gives the illusion of height. Instead of fitting them inside the frame, mount them outside and let them extend a few inches on each side when closed, creating the perception of a bigger window.
When it comes to curtains, hang the rods higher than the window and extend them outwards, framing the window and allowing light to flow freely when drawn aside. Choose curtain panels that aren’t too wide, opting for a cleaner look with fewer pleats.
As for valances, position them high enough to overlap the window trim slightly, obscuring it and making the window seem taller. Adding patterns to the valance can draw even more attention, enhancing the effect effortlessly.
These simple adjustments can work wonders in making your small window appear more spacious and inviting.
Go for Light-filtering Materials and Structures
When sprucing up small windows, it’s crucial to strike a balance between style, light, and privacy.
Avoid bulky treatments that can overwhelm the space, opting instead for lighter fabrics like linen or polyester blends to maximize natural light without sacrificing privacy.
Bedrooms and bathrooms may need more substantial options for privacy, but if the windows are high or face an unobstructed area, sheer fabrics can still work.
Louvered treatments like venetian blinds or sheer roller shades offer a sleek alternative to heavy options like plantation shutters, allowing light and air to filter through while maintaining a stylish look.
Let the Window Size Inform the Choice of Window Treatment for Small Windows
When it comes to sprucing up your space, choosing the right treatment for your windows is key. Imagine you have a cozy little room with a small window, and you want to enhance its style without overwhelming it.
If you have a traditional setup, long drapes might steal the show, but for smaller windows like those in a laundry room, sill-length curtains or roman shades are a better fit.
These options cover just the window area, leaving room to spare for furniture and keeping the space feeling open.
If modern vibes are more your thing, consider handcrafted roman shades or sleek blinds that won’t take up extra space.
And for less private areas like bathrooms or small bedrooms, decorative toppings like valances or faux roman shades add elegance and can visually elongate the window.
With the right treatment, even the smallest windows can make a big style statement!
Clever Furniture Placement
Imagine you have a tiny window all by itself, nothing around it to steal the spotlight.
In that scenario, that little window becomes the star of the show, drawing all eyes towards it.
But, if you stick a sofa, table, or any other furniture below or around it, suddenly the window isn’t the main attraction anymore; attention shifts to the nearby furnishings instead.
Picturize there’s a narrow window, but it’s not alone; it’s got a whole home office setup surrounding it. With a desk, chair, and wall storage, the focus shifts from the small window to the functional workspace created around it.
Can I Put Curtains or Drapes on Small Windows?
Absolutely! Curtains or drapes can add charm and personality to small windows just as they do to larger ones.
In fact, they can make small windows appear larger by extending the curtain rod beyond the window frame and letting the fabric hang wider than the window itself.
This creates an illusion of spaciousness and adds a cozy touch to the room.
So, go ahead and dress up those small windows with some lovely curtains or drapes to enhance their appeal!
Can I Put Shutters or Wood Blinds on a Small Window?
Absolutely! Shutters or wood blinds can be a fantastic choice for a small window.
They not only provide privacy and light control but can also add a touch of charm and warmth to your space.
Just make sure to measure your window accurately to ensure a perfect fit, and consider the style and color that best complements your room’s decor.
With the right choice, your small window can become a stylish focal point in no time!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to decorating smaller spaces, such as those with tiny windows in areas like basements, kitchens, or bathrooms, it’s essential to consider the impact of window treatments.
Opting for light-filtering materials and cleverly positioning treatments can make a significant difference in how a space feels.
Whether you choose roller shades, blinds, curtains, or shutters, letting in natural light not only enhances the room’s appearance but also creates a sense of openness and brightness, ultimately transforming even the tiniest windows into stylish focal points.