Small windows are deceptively tricky. Hang the wrong curtains and they look even smaller — like a postage stamp on a big wall. But with a few simple tricks, the same little window can look generously sized and perfectly dressed. It’s all about proportion and where you put the hardware.
Why small windows are tricky
The instinct is to hang small curtains on a small window, mounted right on the frame. That actually emphasizes how small it is. The goal instead is to borrow visual size from the surrounding wall so the window feels bigger than it measures.
The tricks that make small windows look bigger
- Hang the rod high. Mount it several inches above the frame — even close to the ceiling. The eye reads the whole height as “window.”
- Hang it wide. Extend the rod 8–10 inches past each side so the open panels sit on the wall, not the glass. The window instantly looks wider, and you keep precious light.
- Go floor-length when you can. Long panels (even on a short window) draw a tall line and make the wall feel grander. Skip this only where furniture or a counter sits under the window.
- Choose light, airy fabrics. Sheers and lightweight linens let small windows breathe; heavy dark drapes can overwhelm them.
- Keep patterns small or skip them. Big bold prints shrink a small window; solids and subtle textures expand it.
Best lengths for small windows
- Floor-length is the most flattering when there’s open wall below the window — it maximizes the tall-line effect.
- Sill or apron length (see our short curtains guide) is the right call over a counter, radiator, or furniture, or in a kitchen/bath.
- Avoid lengths that stop partway down the wall — that “high-water” look makes the window look smaller and the room unfinished.
Get the fullness right
Even a small window looks better with full panels. Aim for total curtain width of about 2× the rod width so they hang in soft folds rather than thin, flat sheets. When the panels are open, they should still cover the wall beside the window — not the glass.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mounting the rod on the frame instead of above it.
- Skimpy, narrow panels that barely cover the wall.
- Heavy, dark, large-print fabric that swallows the window.
- Café-height curtains on a wall with lots of space below — go longer instead.
For exact numbers, our guide to measuring for curtains walks through rod height, width, and panel length.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a small window look bigger with curtains?
Hang the rod high (above the frame, even near the ceiling) and wide (8–10 inches past each side), use floor-length panels where possible, and choose light fabrics with small or no patterns.
Should small windows have long or short curtains?
Floor-length is most flattering when there’s open wall below the window. Use sill or apron length only over counters, radiators, or furniture.
What kind of curtains are best for small windows?
Light, airy fabrics like sheers and linens in solid colors or small textures. Keep panels full (about twice the rod width) and avoid large bold patterns.
Can you put floor-length curtains on a small window?
Yes — and it’s one of the best tricks for making a small window look bigger, as long as no furniture or counter sits directly beneath it.
Dress your small windows like a designer
A few proportion tricks turn an awkward little window into a highlight of the room.
👉 Shop our drapery collection, or book a free consultation and we’ll help you choose the right length and fullness to make every window look its best.