A small window makes the room bulky and uncomfortable, but with the help of properly selected curtains, you can transform the interior of the room, adding a special homely atmosphere. Curtains will help to adjust the shape and size of the window, highlighting its interesting and unusual design.
Which windows are considered small: norm and deviation
Standard window sizes are specified in GOST. They are calculated based on building codes and regulations for each residential premises separately, depending on the level of lighting, the total area of the rooms and the architectural ensemble as a whole.
According to GOST, the window width can be from 870 mm to 2670 mm, and the height - from 1160 mm to 2060 mm. The most common window size is height 1300 mm and width 1400 mm.
Windows having a height of less than 1300 mm and a width of less than 1400 mm are considered small, having specific features and a distinctive design. Window openings with a width of 600 mm or more are considered narrow, while window openings with a height of 560 mm are considered low.
General rules for choosing curtains for small windows
Curtains for a small window must be chosen based not only on the size of the window opening, but also on the general design style of the room.
You can visually enlarge a small window using a cornice that is 20 cm wider than the window opening on each side. But you don’t need to choose a cornice that is too wide - when you open the curtains, part of the wall will be visible, and this does not look aesthetically pleasing.
In rooms with a small area, there is no need to hang long curtains on the floor; it is better to opt for shortened models, with a slightly blurred vertical pattern - the room will be more spacious.
On small windows, window sill-length curtains made from plain light fabrics in pastel shades look beautiful.
When choosing curtains for a non-standard window, you need to avoid a large number of layers, draperies and ruffles, and if you want something original and elegant, you can opt for asymmetrical air curtains.
Low ceilings can be visually raised by using long curtains.
One small window
A small room (7-12 square meters), it has one small rectangular window. Moreover, there are a lot of such houses, regardless of the footage of other rooms. How to do everything correctly in such a situation? There can be two options. Either use Roman roller blinds to create some kind of minimalism in this area (but then the window will not seem larger, just the overall appearance will be more collected), or use a ceiling cornice and long curtains.
Let's look at the second option. Of course, long curtains for the kitchen are not a good choice, especially if the window is located directly next to or in the work area. But things may not be like that. And long curtains attached to the ceiling cornice from wall to wall will visually make both the room and the window larger. There is one more condition: the curtain should not be taut, but should hang freely, creating small vertical waves.
Types of curtains for a small window
- Classic
Even a small window can be decorated with curtains in a classic style: short transparent or thick long ones, combined with airy tulle. Lambrequins will add especially chic, as they can also visually adjust the window opening, but excessive decoration and clutter, large ornaments and designs should be avoided.
- Curtains with hinges
Curtains with loops can be either long or short, and the loops for this type of curtain are made from the same material as the canvas itself. Most often, these curtains are used to decorate window openings in country style interiors, as well as modern neutral ones. They are especially convenient to use in a children's room or bedroom, as they move along the cornice completely silently, and also form beautiful, even folds.
You can use the loops to hang different types of curtains that are attached to the curtain rod: classic long or short, French or London, Italian or cafe curtains.
- French
French curtains are a real godsend for small windows. They are a canvas assembled into lush horizontal or vertical folds, which is attached using a lifting mechanism at the desired height.
It is better to combine French curtains with simple plain curtains, let’s say the ornament is simple and discreet. They are suitable for decorating a window opening in a spacious room, but it is better not to use them in a small room; they make the interior design heavier.
- Roman
Roman blinds are universal and suitable for both large and small windows. They are a canvas that, rising upward, forms beautiful folds.
Roman blinds can be combined with light tulle and classic curtains, because they are simple and laconic, stylish and elegant. For their manufacture, both light, airy and dense fabrics are used.
- Japanese
Japanese curtains can make a small window visually larger. They are fabric panels that slide smoothly along horizontal guides. They are adjusted by cords.
This type of curtain is simple and elegant at the same time; it can be combined with flowing curtains or transparent tulle.
- London
London curtains are a fabric fabric that is tightened on both sides with cords, forming a beautiful wave in the middle, and deep fan folds on the sides. When decorating small windows, they can be combined with Roman or roller curtains.
- Italian
Italian curtains are special curtains, which for the most part carry only a decorative load, because they do not cover the window from prying eyes from the street. They look luxurious and pompous, elegantly gathered into folds and flounces, which are secured with hooks. With their help, a small window can be made wider.
- Grandma's curtains
Granny curtains or cafe curtains look good on small window openings. By design, these are one or two curtains with small floral patterns, which are hung on a mini-cornice in the middle of the window. They will decorate the interior in Provence, country or modern rustic style.
- Hourglass
Hourglass is an ideal option for small windows, which makes them look sophisticated. They are a canvas tied in the middle with a cloth, ribbon or bow. This type of curtains makes the room design cozy.
- Rolled
Roller blinds are suitable for almost any window, they provide good protection from bright sunlight, and are very simple and practical to use. Roller blinds are a straight fabric that gathers into a roller, making it convenient to adjust their length. They are attached both to the window opening and to the cornice and can be combined with air curtains to decorate a tiny window.
- Without cornice
To make the interior lighter, many designers prefer not to use cornices for decorating small windows. Their function is performed by all kinds of hooks, decorative clothespins or metal holders, as well as fishing line or thin wire.
- Blinds
Blinds protect well from bright sunlight and prying eyes from the street; they are most often made of plastic plates, less often - of wood. This type of curtain is most often used in non-residential rooms, such as a bathroom, pantry or toilet, when the window needs to be closed especially tightly.
- Curtains for two windows
If there are two windows on one wall, then it is more expedient to decorate them together, combining them with a cornice or lambrequin into a single whole. This is especially beneficial when the window openings are small, because as a result the room will become visually more spacious.
How to choose curtains, curtains and tulle in the same style for a private home
The combination of curtains and tulle is not an easy task. Even if a thick curtain and weightless tulle look stylish and impressive separately, in each other’s “society” they can either get lost or start “arguing” with each other. And if we are talking about non-standard design, then the situation is aggravated significantly.
Rustic curtains are predominantly made from linen, cotton or chintz.
The combination rules do not change.
- If you prefer voluminous curtain fabrics, then the tulle should be light and plain.
- If you prefer plain and smooth curtains, then tulle can be chosen with a voluminous printed pattern or even multi-colored.
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Such curtains do not have to be long; on the contrary, shortened options are often preferred.
By the way, modern design is very democratic. He takes some liberties. For example, in the photo the tulle is located in the second layer. And the glass itself is protected by roller blinds or blinds.
To ensure sufficient light enters the kitchen, a short curtain that lets in the sun's rays is a priority.
Even pompous classics look appropriate. Plain curtains and openwork tulle are a wonderful combination.
General features of choosing fabric and colors
The color of the curtains should be in harmony with the color scheme prevailing in the room.
Tulle, a lighter or darker tone of the curtains will visually increase the size of the window. It is better to avoid bright and catchy colors when decorating small window openings, with the exception of Japanese, roller or Roman blinds.
Your choice should be made on light fabrics - mixed or natural. The ideal option is white translucent textiles.
Several windows
Let's take the following example - several small windows. Typically, such a kitchen layout can be found in small private houses or when the kitchen is located on the attic floor (and this also happens in large houses, as an additional room). In this case, there may be two or more windows in the room. Moreover, they can be rectangular, square and even round. In this case, the option with long curtains covering the entire wall will not work. Therefore, curtains neatly gathered on the sides on a string cornice, strictly along the width of the window opening, will look beautiful. In this case, the room will seem brighter and larger.
Such curtains will decorate the windows very beautifully and gently. All that remains is to choose colors and textures. More on that a little later. Of course, you can use roller blinds or Roman blinds for small openings. The latter may well exist, and with round windows they can create the feeling of a cabin. But the roll ones will make the room less comfortable, and will rather bring more officiality into it. Of course, everyone makes their own choice, and it should be based on what kind of atmosphere is needed in the kitchen.
As for standard round curtain rods, they can be used in the short version of curtains. Making such a cornice on the entire wall will not be very beautiful. And for short curtains with eyelets, the round option is suitable. You just need to be careful about the thickness of the segment. If it is too large, the small window will simply be lost.
Austrian curtains will look beautiful. These are products with coattails at the bottom, beautifully gathered in several places. But when buying this option, you must make sure that the fabric is light and natural, and also choose the color carefully. Because burgundy velvet Austrian curtains can easily turn a small window into a “theater ticket office.”
Rules for selecting curtains for small windows: adjusting the window proportions
- Wide low window
A wide, low window can be pulled up using a ceiling cornice, which should not protrude beyond the boundaries of the window opening. It is better to choose heavy, plain curtains on the floor or just below the window sill and hang them using eyelets or decorative rings. You cannot use large ornaments and vertical stripes; a light textured pattern looks good on such windows.
In the bathroom or toilet, you can use blinds or roller blinds.
Narrow long window
In order to correct a narrow window, you need to hang a cornice longer than the window opening by 25 cm on each side. Definitely with curtains, tulle must also be used, the length of the products should be up to the window sill or slightly lower. Straight, lightweight curtains made of one fabric - Japanese, Roman or roller - are suitable. You should not hang the curtain rod too high - this will lengthen the window even more. Also, a straight lambrequin with a horizontal pattern, or translucent tulle with thick straight curtains with tiebacks will help to slightly level the window opening.
Custom Beveled Windows
In order to make a sloping window beautiful, you should hang curtains on a special inclined cornice. You can visually enlarge a small window using long, light, plain curtains.
The shape of the beveled window opening itself is beautiful and original, therefore, you should not put too much emphasis on the curtains. Roman blinds work well, as do French or Austrian blinds.
Types of curtains for different rooms
The design of curtains in a wooden house should differ depending on the purpose of the room in which they are used. Solutions suitable for the bedroom will look ridiculous in the kitchen, and even more so on the terrace or in the workshop.
Curtains for the living room
For a room that serves as a resting place for the whole family and its guests, cozy floor-length curtains are perfect. They can be attached to a universal round cornice made of wood, plastic or metal using rings, ties, eyelets or braid. In a classic style, baguette cornices would be appropriate, and for a modern design, profiles are also suitable.
Curtains for the kitchen
In a wooden house in the kitchen, a cafe, Roman blinds and curtains that cover only half the window or fall just below the window sill will look great. Lambrequins come in handy here. Provence and country styles can be complemented with all kinds of ties, ribbons and bows. Fresh flowers on the windowsill will help create coziness in the main room of the house.
Curtains for bedroom
Curtains in the bedroom are designed not only to decorate window openings, but also to close them, preventing sunlight from entering. Thick fabrics with draperies will cope well with this task. They can hang over curtains, Roman or roller blinds. Recently, a fabric for curtains called blackout, thick, heavy curtains made using Finnish technology, completely impervious to light, has gained wide popularity. Their additional advantage is fire resistance.
Curtains for other rooms
Textiles in a children's room should be minimalistic and bright. For playroom windows, pleated curtains and roller curtains are perfect, on which you can apply any pattern to order.
For offices, verandas and attics, blinds made of wood or plastic, stylized as wood, will be a practical style solution for decorating window openings. They are easy to maintain and harmonize perfectly with log walls or clapboards. It should be noted that the blinds and wall trim should be in the same direction. So, with classic horizontal wall upholstery, vertical blinds will look ugly.
If your home has windows in the bathrooms, blinds on them would be more than appropriate.
Related article: What types of window trims are there?
For the living room
When choosing curtains for small windows in the living room, it is better to avoid curtains of deep and saturated colors, and opt for cool, light shades that will visually enlarge the space. It is necessary to avoid sagging and multi-layering as much as possible; a good option is single-layer curtains with garters, in combination with translucent curtains and lambrequins.
To the kitchen
In the kitchen, curtains, first of all, should be practical, so you need to opt for short curtains in combination with shortened tulle or an airy lambrequin. You can also experiment with Austrian or English curtains in combination with roller or Roman curtains; cafe curtains would be very appropriate. It is very practical to use various grabs and clamps.
Photo of short curtains for the kitchen
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DIY curtain decor
You can decorate curtains with tiebacks and garters, which you can either buy ready-made or make yourself - this will add individuality and originality to the design of the room.
You can sew battens from scraps of curtains or tulle and decorate them with beads; tiebacks made from chains also look beautiful, especially if you string various decorative items on them.
Even simple hooks and clips can be turned into a work of art by gluing shells, pebbles, flowers or other little things on them that will highlight the overall interior. Even with ordinary buttons of different shapes, colors and sizes, you can create unique compositions.
In order not to clutter up a small window with unnecessary decor, you can trim the curtains themselves with openwork lace, fringe or tassels.
The photo gallery below shows examples of decorative elements that anyone can make.
Non-standard windows can be transformed with the help of the right textile design, masking imperfections and bringing its proportions closer to standard ones. Using curtains made from materials of different densities and colors, you can fill the room with additional light and also adjust the height of the ceilings. The design of a window opening can change the proportions of a room, emphasizing its advantages and hiding its shortcomings.
Decoration of small windows
Now construction technologies are so advanced that it is possible to build a house made of wood, taking into account almost all the needs of a modern person. However, if you want to build a log village classic hut, then one of its features is small windows .
Curtains for small windows in a wooden house need to be selected very wisely, so that you can not only visually enlarge them, but also create the illusion of more space in the bedroom or living room itself. The same goes for curtains on small windows.
Many people mistakenly believe that small windows in a wooden house do not require any special approach to the selection of curtains or curtains. But this is not true; designers advise following these rules if your wooden country house has small and narrow windows:
- hang products only from natural textiles;
- choose light colors and lightweight materials to create the illusion of airiness;
- the composition should be as simple and natural as possible;
- it must be combined with the overall style;
- do not overdo it with decor;
- it is better to choose a small cornice;
- Combine dense and light materials wisely to visually adjust the size of the window opening.
Related article: Plugs for hinges of plastic windows
As for the models themselves, here are the most recommended by designers:
- Try hanging a mini screen on narrow windows instead of curtains.
- Roman blinds are an ideal solution for narrow small windows; they are modern and stylish, visually expanding the space.
- Roller blinds - they are compact and easy to manage and use. With their help you can control the amount of light entering the room.
Naturally, these are not all solutions for small windows typical of classic wooden houses. In addition, all of the tips listed should not be taken as dogma; use your imagination and embody any of your bold ideas in the design of window openings in the kitchen, bedroom or living room. Then even the smallest windows will not be lost against the background of the overall interior. The final note when creating an interior can be called installing pots with indoor flowers .
