How to Use Curtains to Make Your Window Appear Larger

Selecting the right window treatments can be a bit overwhelming—trust me, I get asked about it all the time! Should you go for curtains, Roman shades, bamboo blinds, or something else entirely? The options are endless, and what works in one room may not work in another. But don’t worry, I’ve got a simple formula that works every time—and bonus, it will make your window look bigger!

Transforming a Small Window: The Power of Great Window Treatments
Before diving into my tips, let me show you the transformative power of a great window treatment. About seven years ago, I worked on a project where we took a tiny window with outdated blinds and skimpy curtains, and turned it into something much grander using bamboo shades and a high, wide curtain rod. Just take a look at the before and after—it’s incredible how much larger the window looks now!

Good window treatments do more than just block light; they create the illusion of more space. The wide fabric panels draw the eye upward, making the whole room feel more expansive.

My Go-To Window Treatment Formula for Making Windows Look Bigger:
Woven shades, a sleek black curtain rod, and flowy curtains!

When you want to give the illusion of a larger window, you need to hide the edges of the window so the eye can’t tell where the window starts and ends. This is where layering comes in—using both curtains and shades will help you achieve that effect.

I’m personally a fan of woven shades because they add texture and warmth to any room and blend well with almost any décor. Plus, they’re customizable in length, width, and lining, which is crucial for getting just the right fit. I also swear by blackout linings, especially in bedrooms, because light control is a must!

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount:
First, decide whether you need an inside or outside mount for your shades. This depends on your window frame and its depth.

• Inside Mount: Shades are installed inside the window frame. Be sure to check the minimum depth before purchasing.
• Outside Mount: Shades are mounted on the wall above the window, and they extend beyond the window’s edges for full coverage. This is my go-to option for making windows appear taller. You can buy shades that are a few inches wider than the window and mount them a couple of inches above the window frame. This little trick helps make your window look taller, and nobody will notice that it doesn’t start right at the top of the shade!

The Curtain Rod Matters Too:
A sleek, black curtain rod draws the eye up and adds an elegant touch to any space. While I’ve recently been loving gold hardware (like in Ellis’ room), you can never go wrong with a classic black rod. When mounting your curtain rod, place it 8-12 inches above the window and extend it a few inches beyond the frame. This makes both the ceiling and window appear larger.

Don’t forget—mounting the rod higher will also allow more natural light into the room, as it minimizes any coverage when the curtains are fully open.

Choose the Right Curtain Panels:
Now, let’s talk curtains. Whether you’re on a budget or splurging for something luxurious, curtain panels are essential for completing the look. When shopping for curtains, keep a few things in mind:

1. Buy Enough Panels: To make your window appear wider, you’ll want enough panels to fully cover the window when closed. I recommend using at least two panels per side.
2. Consider the Fabric: I love linen for its soft, relaxed vibe, but you can also choose a synthetic linen blend or textured cotton if you’re going for a more affordable option. Velvet curtains are also great for adding sophistication.
3. Let Them Kiss the Floor: Ensure your curtains are long enough to just touch the floor—or even puddle a little for a luxurious look.
4. Pre-Wash & Steam: To avoid shrinkage after hanging, wash and steam your curtains first. I love using this fabric steamer.

For a polished look, I prefer pinch pleat header curtains, which are a favorite of professional interior designers. If pinch pleat curtains are out of your budget, you can easily replicate the look by using clip rings and drapery hooks with more affordable panels. This method creates a sophisticated appearance without the designer price tag.

The Result:
As you can see, these simple changes—like an outside-mounted shade, a sleek black rod, and high, wide curtains—can make a huge difference. Even though the windows are the same size, the new treatments create the illusion of much larger windows. It’s a small change that makes a big impact.

In summary:
To make small windows look larger, use an outside mount shade, a black curtain rod hung high, and long, wide drapes. It’s an easy trick that transforms the look and feel of any space!