What curtains make a small room look bigger?

When it comes to decorating a small room, using the right window treatments can make a big difference in creating the illusion of more space. Curtains that are the wrong style, color, or length can make a room feel cramped and closed-in. But with some clever choices, curtains can visually open up a room and make it appear more spacious and airy. Here are some tips on choosing curtains to make a small room look bigger.

Go for floor-length curtains

Hanging curtains that just cover the window frame accentuates the window’s small size. Going for floor-length curtains extend higher up the wall, drawing the eye up and creating the illusion of a taller window. This helps make the room feel more open and expansive. Go for curtains that either just kiss the floor or puddle slightly for maximum effect.

Choose lightweight, breezy fabrics

Avoid heavy curtains in dense fabrics like velvet or brocade in a small space. The bulky, dark material will overwhelm the room and make it feel closed in. Instead, go for breezy, lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton voile, or sheer curtains. These allow light to filter through and feel airier, helping create a sense of openness in the room.

Go for neutral, light colors

Deep, bold colors can make walls seem like they are closing in. Stick to light, neutral curtain colors like white, ivory, tan, or pale gray to keep things airy. You can also opt for subtle patterns as long as the overall color scheme remains light. Neutral backdrops also make the room feel larger and allow you to add pops of color with decor and accessories.

Hang curtains high and wide

Mount curtain rods high up near the ceiling rather than just above the window frame. This elongates the window and draws the eye up. Extending the rod a foot or two wider than the window frame also helps expand the perceived width of the window. Combine floor-length curtains on high, wide rods to maximize the illusion of height and space.

Add layers with sheers

Layering sheers or other lightweight see-through curtains behind heavier drapes creates an airy layered effect. The filmy, gauzy texture enhances the feelings of space. Hang sheers on a separate wider rod just inside the main curtains to get the layered look.

Avoid busy patterns or embellishments

Pass on curtains with busy patterns, ruffles, tassels or other embellishments. These features draw the eye to the window and emphasize its small size. Keep curtains simple and streamlined for a cleaner, more spacious look.

Use curtain panels, not a single swath

A single swath of fabric emphasizes a window’s narrow width. Multiple curtain panels break up all that fabric and make the window appear wider. Panels also allow more light to filter in between them, keeping things bright and breezy.

Consider wall-mounted rods for a quick fix

If you are renting and can’t drill into the ceiling, consider wall-mounted curtain rods. Mount them at least 6 inches above the window frame and as wide as you can go. While it won’t be as optimal as ceiling rods, it will still help expand the perceived size of the window.

Use tie-back curtains during the day

Tie curtains back to allow more light in and give an airier, more spacious feel. Clips, sashes or built-in tie backs all keep the fabric neatly secured out of the way while still providing the height and fullness of long, draping curtains.

Mirrors reflect light and space

Hanging a large mirror opposite a window visually doubles the amount of light and gives the illusion that you can “see through” the room. Placing mirrors near windows also bounces more daylight around the space, brightening things up. Use this trick to make your room feel instantly wider.

Conclusion

The right window treatments can work wonders at tricking the eye into perceiving a small space as larger and more expansive. Look for long, neutral-colored curtain panels made from lightweight material, hung high and wide around or above the window frame. Layer with sheers, open things up with tie-backs, and use mirrors to reflect light and space. With the right curtains, you can easily make a petite room feel downright palatial.

Small Bedroom Curtain Ideas

Decorating a small bedroom can be tricky. Windows and window treatments play an important role in making the most of limited space. Here are some expert tips for choosing the best small bedroom curtains to visually expand the room.

Opt for floor length curtains

Hanging curtains that just cover the window undermines the vertical space, making the room feel confined. Extend the curtains all the way to the floor to draw the eye up and give the illusion of height. Puddling the curtains slightly or just lightly kissing the floor keeps the look elegant.

Light filtering fabrics

Sheer, lightweight fabrics allow light to filter into the room creating an airy vibe. Linen, cotton voile and lace are great sheer options. For privacy at night, add complementary solid panels behind sheers.

Fabric	Benefits
Linen	Lightweight and breezy
Cotton Voile	Very sheer to let in light
Lace	Romantic, softens light

Neutral hues

Stick with soft neutrals like white, ivory, tan or pale gray. Avoid dark, intense colors that can overwhelm a petite space. Neutrals provide an expansive backdrop for decor accents and feel soothing.

Recommended Neutral Curtain Colors

• White
• Ivory
• Light tan
• Pale gray
• Buttery yellow

Wider and higher rods

Extend curtain rods at least 8-12 inches past the window frame on each side and mount them near the ceiling instead of right above the window. This elongates the visual line and makes the window feel larger.

Avoid embellishments

Fussy details like ruffles, frills, tassels or contrasting bands emphasize the window’s petite size. Keep curtains streamlined for a clean look that recedes.

Use multiple panels

A single panel constricts a narrow window. Multiple curtain panels break up the visual line into a wider span. They also allow slivers of light between panels for an airy feel.

Add mirrors

Hang mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and create the illusion of a wider space. This inexpensive trick instantly expands the feel of a cramped bedroom.

Tie backs

Tie curtains back during the day to allow light to flood in. Built-in or clip-on tiebacks keep panels neatly secured for a tidier, more spacious look.

Conclusion

With the right tricks, curtains can make a small bedroom feel expansive and airy. Maximize vertical space with floor-length panels hung high on wide rods. Filter light through sheers in neutral hues. Skip embellishments and use multiple panels to softly diffuse light. Mirrors and tie-backs complete the light, spacious effect.

Curtain Ideas for Large Windows

Oversized windows can present a decorating challenge. The expanse of glass needs proper window treatments to look cohesive. Here are some professional tips for choosing curtains for large windows that enhance the architecture.

Floor Length is Key

Hanging window treatments that fail to reach the floor makes a high ceiling feel chopped up. Curtains that puddle slightly on the floor draw the eye down, seamlessly connecting the wall to the floor for a polished look.

Wider Rods

Extend curtain rods at least 12 inches past the window frame on each side. Anything less and curtains will look undersized for the window. Wide rods with floor-length curtains nicely frame the window.

Sheers Add Softness

Sheer curtains alone can look skimpy on large windows. Layer airy sheers behind opaque curtains to create dimension. The delicate sheers soften the expanse of glass and fabric.

Sheer Fabric	Benefits
Silk	Luxurious drape
Polyester Voile	Light and breezy
Cotton Lace	Filtered light

Bold Prints and Patterns

Large windows can handle bolder patterned fabrics. Large florals, geometrics and damask prints make a statement. Add visual interest without overwhelming the room.

Patterned Fabric Ideas

• Large floral prints
• Paisley or damask designs
• Wide horizontal stripes
• Geometric patterns

Coordinate Colors

Unify large windows with your color scheme. Coordinate curtain color to your wall color or interior palette for a harmonious look. Contrasting colors can look disjointed.

Break it Up

A single swath of long fabric emphasizes the window’s wide span. Break it up with multiple individual curtain panels. Panels visually divide all that glass into smaller segments.

Don’t Skimp on Yardage

It’s common to underestimate how much fabric long, wide window treatments require. Buy at least 1.5 times the window’s width to ensure adequate fullness when drawn.

Experiment with Layering

Creative layering provides dimension and avoids skimpiness. Combine sheers, blinds and opaque curtains. Hang on two separate rods for a luxe layered look.

Conclusion

Properly dressing large windows comes down to extending treatments from ceiling to floor, adding layers of sheers, and using ample fabric. Coordinating colors, wide rods, and eye-catching prints pull the look together into a stylish framing focal point.

Best Curtains for Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home, where family and friends gather. Make it inviting with living room curtains that complement your decor. Here are some tips for choosing window treatments that properly accent your space.

Floor Length

For a cohesive polished look, living room curtains should drape to the floor. Puddling or break length curtains frame the windows and draw the eye down. Hang rods just below the ceiling molding.

Width Matters

Extend the rod a foot beyond the window frame on each side for balance. Skimping on width looks awkward. For big picture windows, go even wider to properly frame within the wall space.

Light Control

Sheers allow daytime light in while blocking glare. Blackouts block all light for sleeping or media rooms. Pick the right liner to control light and privacy.

Liner	Light Control
Sheer	Light filtering
Blackout	Total block
Thermal	Insulating

Lively Colors and Prints

Unlike bedrooms, the living room can handle bold, colorful patterned fabrics. Florals, geometrics and plaids enliven the space. Coordinate colors with your decor.

Suggested Prints

• Large floral patterns
• Paisley or damask
• Geometric designs
• Plaids or checks

Layering Adds Depth

Sheers behind opaque curtains imparts cozy dimension. Or hang drapes over blinds for custom control of privacy and light.

Pole Options

experiment with decorative poles and finials to integrate with your style. Try wood rods for casual looks or sleek metal for contemporary spaces.

Pole Ideas

• Wood rods
• Wrought iron
• Brass
• Chrome

Conclusion

Define the living room with curtains that complement your decor. Maximize height with floor length panels on wide rods to frame the windows. Layer materials and prints for depth and use colors to create an inviting feel that encourages people to linger.