Dramatically Enhance Short Windows With Curtains

Short windows can make a room feel boxy and disconnected. The limited height and width of the window openings may seem out of scale compared to the surrounding walls and ceiling. This can create a cramped aesthetic that disrupts the flow of the interior design.

Luckily, there are many tricks designers use to downplay the small size of windows and elongate their appearance. Properly selected and hung window treatments, especially curtains, can help draw the eye upwards, soften hard edges, and tie short windows into the decor seamlessly.

Select the Right Curtain Style and Fabric

When choosing curtains to make windows look taller, proportion and style matters. Floor-length curtains that just kiss the floor or puddle slightly can help minimize the disconnect between short windows and surrounding space. The curtain panels should be full length rather than stopping at the window sill or several inches below.

Opt for solid fabrics or subtle prints rather than busy patterns. Busy floral prints, geometric designs, and other embellishments tend to highlight and draw attention to the window's compact size. Simple, minimal styles help the curtains recede into the background.

Sheer curtains made from lightweight fabrics like voile allow an abundance of natural light into a room while softening the hard edges of windows for a more seamless look. Layer sheer panels behind heavier drapes to get the light-filtering benefits of sheers while still enjoying the elongating effect of long, opaque curtains.

When shopping for curtains, choose panels that are at least 30% wider than the actual window openings. The extra width keeps the windows from looking undersized. Curtains that are too narrow accentuate the narrow shape of short windows.

Follow the 2:3 Ratio Rule

For the most pleasing proportions, choose curtains that follow the 2:3 ratio rule. This means the curtains should be 3/2 times the width of the window. So if you have a window that is 30 inches wide, purchase or make curtains that are 45 inches wide to maintain ideal scale and balance.

Mind the Length

In addition to width, pay close attention to length when selecting curtains. Floor-length panels that just graze the floor or puddle slightly help elongate the look of windows that are stunted height-wise. Avoid above-sill and cafe length curtains that stop halfway down the window. These choppy lengths accentuate the windows' short stature.

Use Design Tricks to Elongate Windows

Aside from choosing the right curtain styles and fabrics, there are several design tricks that can help downplay the small size of windows to make them appear taller and better scaled:

• Mount curtain rods 4-10 inches wider than the window frames so that the panels extend well beyond the actual width of the windows.
• Hang curtain rods and panels as high above the window as possible to draw the eye upwards.
• Paint the surrounding window trim and walls the same color as the curtains to create an unbroken flow.
• Add a decorative valance or cornice board mounted above the window to create the illusion of length.
• Try a double rod setup with sheer curtains mounted higher and opaque drapes below. The layered look adds height.

Fool the Eye with Color

Painting the window trim and surrounding walls the same color as the curtains mimics the elongating effect of tall curtains in paint form. Choosing a continuous, monochromatic color scheme makes windows appear less harshly delineated and more seamlessly incorporated into the design.

Draw the Eye Upward with Lines

Hanging the curtain rods as high above the window frames as possible pushes the visual boundary upwards. Bold vertical stripes or lines on the curtain fabric also help draw the eye up and down to create the perception of extra length.

Curtains Solve Functional Issues

In addition to their visual impact, curtains hung on short windows also serve many practical purposes:

• They disguise awkward radiators or AC units positioned under windows.
• Provide variable light control and privacy.
• Absorb sound and enhance acoustics.
• Add softness, texture, and warmth to small sterile spaces.

Floor-length curtains make distracting architectural elements like radiators seem to disappear. The curtains also allow filtering natural light to your preferred level without sacrificing privacy. Thick, layered fabrics help muffle noise and excessive echoes for a more relaxing interior.

Filter Light and Add Privacy

The ability to control incoming light and visibility is especially helpful for windows located near walkways or driveways where passersby could potentially peer inside. Opaque curtains provide privacy screening while still allowing some softened, filtered light to enter.

Enhance Acoustics

Curtains made of sound-absorbing materials like velvet help prevent noises within a room from reverberating excessively. They also buffer outside noise like traffic or a noisy neighbor's home to create a quieter interior environment.

Measure Windows and Rods Properly

To achieve the elongating effect, curtains must be mounted at the optimal height and width. Follow these measurements:

• For height, mount curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible, at least 6-12 inches above the window trim.
• Rods should extend 4-10 inches beyond the width of the window frames.
• Panels themselves should be 20-50% wider than the windows.

Measuring precisely ensures your curtain lengths and mounting height maximize the illusion of taller windows. Always measure the windows themselves, not just the walls, to factor in non-centered windows.

Get Right Up Near the Ceiling

Mounting curtain rods near the ceiling draws the eye up instantly while allowing you to hang the longest panels possible. Try to position the rods just 6 inches below the ceiling for maximum elongating capacity.

Shop With Small Windows in Mind

While shopping for window treatments, keep the dimensions and needs of your short windows in mind:

• Look for curtain panel lengths suited to low window heights.
• Consider ordering custom-made curtains to get the ideal sizes.
• Seek out styles with especially sleek, clean lines rather than ornate embellishments.
• Compare prices and quality from different retailers to get the best deal.

Made-to-order curtains let you dictate the dimensions you need to perfectly fit your windows. Though more expensive, they guarantee properly scaled panels.

Size Down Embellished Looks

If you do opt for a more ornate, elaborate style, scale down the patterns and embellishments so they don't overwhelm the petite window. Subtler embellishments have a better chance of complementing short windows than bold, oversized details.

Hang Panels Correctly

To keep your curtains looking gorgeous on short windows:

• Hang panels from rings or grommets using clips, not pins, to allow easy drawing.
• Overlap panels in the center for full coverage when closed.
• Arrange an equal, balanced stack-back on each side when open.
• Address any sagging issues with weights or additional clips.

Proper hanging prevents sagging, allows smooth operation, and delivers the intended visual effect. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific curtain style and hanging method.

Fine-Tune the Stack-Back

The size and shape of the curtain stack when opened impacts the overall look. Make each side symmetrical for a clean, balanced arrangement. For small windows, a tighter, neater stack looks best.

Explore Alternate Window Treatments

While curtains excel at elongating short windows, consider supplementing with additional treatments:

• Roman shades - Stack neatly when raised while adding softness.
• Roller shades - Offer light filtering and room darkening ability.
• Shutters - Provide a clean, architectural look.

Layer these over curtains to further extend the vertical boundaries of windows. But curtains' flowing lines work best closest to the glass to maximize the perception of height.

Combine Treatments Strategically

Mount roller shades or shutters directly surrounding the window frames to act as an extension of the walls. Then hang room-darkening curtains on a second rod overlayed outside the shades for the best multilayered effect.

Short windows present unique design challenges but can be dramatically enhanced with the right window treatments. Curtains are especially adept at tricking the eye into perceiving stunted windows as taller.

By selecting the optimal length, width, line direction, and mounting height and extending treatments beyond the frames, you can help petite windows blend seamlessly into a room's proportions. With smart design choices, short windows' limiting effect on interior spaces can be overcome.