Curtains are an important part of decorating a room. They play a large role in the overall look and feel of a space, and they can also make or break a room when it comes to the placement of furniture and the perception of size. Whether you’re trying to give your small bedroom a little extra space, or you simply want to make sure your curtains match your style, there are some tips to keep in mind when choosing curtains for a small room.
Choose fabric carefully
When it comes to curtains, the best fabric for a small room is one that has some weight to it. This will help block out light and create a sense of privacy in your room as well as make it feel less cramped.
Choose the right style
Selecting panels that hang close to the window frame will make the room feel larger by tricking the eye into thinking there’s more space in between it and the windowsill, which will also allow more light in. Sheer curtains, whether hung separately or behind a thicker pair of draperies are great for letting natural light filter through without actually exposing what’s happening inside of your home. Add bars or tiebacks to give your panels a refined look.
Keep patterns simple
If you want curtains that make your room seem bigger, don’t go with loud patterns and colors. If the fabric is too busy, it’ll feel as though your room can’t breathe. It’s best to choose something subtle and simple like a solid color or a small print.
To help your room feel more spacious, pick out fabric that’s close to the same shade as the wall color. The closer in color, the more they’ll blend together, making the room feel much more open. By using this technique, you’re tricking the eye into making your space look much larger than it is, it’s just one of those wonderful optical illusions.
You may also want to try sheer curtains if you want to let more light into your space. These are available in a variety of styles and colors so you can still have some personality without sacrificing all of the natural lighting that comes through your window when you go with a solid curtain.
Choose light-colored curtains
Light-colored drapes are also an effective way to make a small room appear bigger and brighter. Dark drapes will absorb any natural light coming into your room, making it appear smaller and darker than it actually is. Instead, choose light-colored drapes that reflect natural sunlight and brighten up your space. This can be tricky if you have dark furniture and/or wall paint, but try choosing light-colored curtains that are similar in shade to your walls or flooring so they blend in seamlessly with your décor while still bringing in light from outside.
Consider sheer panels
Sheer curtains are a great way to let light into your room and make it look larger, but you don’t have to go all the way with them in order to reap those benefits. Instead, opt for sheer panels paired with solid-colored drapes. The sheers will allow light to pass through and make the room appear more spacious without making you feel like you’re hanging out in a fishbowl.
Opt for vertical stripes
When choosing curtains for a small room, opt for vertical stripes over horizontal. Vertical stripes will draw the eye upward and make the window seem taller. Stripes can be wide or narrow, depending on how bold you want to go. If you’re going with a patterned curtain, make sure it’s not too busy or it could overwhelm the space.
Hang the curtains properly
Your curtains should be hung at least a few inches above the frame of the window. If possible, you should hang the curtains about 12 inches above the frame. This will make your windows look larger, which can help to give the illusion of more space in a small room. If you have a large window and high ceilings, you may need to raise your curtain rod closer to two feet above the window frame.
Hang Your Curtains High
To make your windows appear taller and your ceilings higher than they really are, hang your curtains from the top of the window frame all the way up to the ceiling. Doing this will add height to your windows and give your room an illusion of more space without actually having to knock down any walls!
Install blinds or shutters
A great way to make a small room feel larger and more open is to install blinds or shutters. They eliminate the need for curtains, freeing up space and making your room seem bigger. If you’re looking for privacy, you can simply close the blinds or lower the shutters, but in most cases you’ll be able to leave them open, letting the light stream into your room. Blinds and shutters are available in many colors and styles so that you can match them with your decor (or even use them as a design statement).