Let the light in with voile curtains
For small windows, it is important to have window dressings that are uncluttered. Sheer fabrics like voile allow natural light to filter through to a room, creating an open, airy ambiance and a view that is unencumbered. Thankfully, these fabrics have moved on a long way from the era of twitchy net curtains - today, there are lots of new and exciting voile curtain ideas for small windows, as sheer curtains are experiencing something of a resurgence. Fabulous new materials, modern prints and coloured voiles all offer a light, bright functionality that suits most interiors.
Create café curtains for some French chic
Café curtains cover only the lower half of a window, offering privacy while still letting in ample daylight. This style works particularly well as kitchen curtains for small windows, as they provide a good balance between privacy and natural light. They are simple to make at home, and can be a good DIY project to use up remnants of fabric. Café curtains typically hang from a curtain rod installed about half way down the window frame. You can make decorative, ruffled headings to sit on top of the rod for a more Bohemian feel or keep it simple.
Use Roman blinds for a sleek finish
Roman blinds offer a clean and streamlined look, making them ideal for small windows where bulky treatments might overwhelm the space. It is a good idea to use fabrics that have some structure, such as with Roman blinds, in a small window to give an illusion of purpose. Because these fabric window coverings fold neatly when raised, they create a clean and sophisticated appearance.
Add trims to trick the eye
Just because you have small windows, don’t be tempted to skimp on the extra details. You can use little tricks to create the illusion of height and space, such as adding a trim to both sides of the curtain and to the heading so that the eye is drawn upwards. Adding a pelmet or valence will also have the same effect - take a look at how to do this in our blog on Homemade curtain Pelmets and Valences
Embrace cottagecore curtains
Cotswold cottages are renowned for having small windows which can make homes quite dark. These windows will quickly feel dwarfed by full-length curtains, so opt for curtains that finish at the window sill to provide a lighter touch that adds to the cottage aesthetic. Shorter curtains are also a good option if you plan to have furniture or a radiator directly under your window, which would hamper access and functionality.
Create an optical illusion with pole position
If you have a small window or doorway, a simple trick to create a sense of space is to focus on your pole. Choose a pole that is wider than the window, so that curtains can be stacked fully back on each side - having most of the window frame on show creates the illusion of width. Fix the pole slightly higher than the window frame and your windows will appear taller too.
Choose striped fabrics to enlarge the frame
Stripes give an illusion that your space is bigger than it is. Fabrics with vertical stripes will draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of height to a window. Conversely, fabrics with horizontal stripes will create an illusion of width. Keep colours muted for a more natural, rustic look or go bright to create an eye-catching statement.
Need curtains for your small windows?
There are lots of ideas for small window curtains that will help you create the effect you desire for your home. Whether that’s a sense of space, to let light in or to protect your privacy, we can advise on the right small window curtain treatment for your room. For more advice, get in touch with one of the advisers at our showrooms.
