I Tested the Best Curtains for Small Windows – Here’s What Worked!
When it comes to decorating a cozy nook or brightening up a compact corner, choosing the right curtains for a small window can make all the difference. I’ve often found that these modest openings offer a unique opportunity to blend style and function in ways big windows simply can’t. Whether you’re aiming to maximize natural light, add a splash of personality, or create an illusion of space, the perfect curtain choice can transform your room’s entire vibe. Join me as I explore how to make small windows not just a feature, but a focal point in your home.
I Tested The Curtains For Small Window Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)
RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2
Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, Short Blackout Curtain with Rod Pocket – Half Window Curtains for Kitchen, Cabinet, Basement, Camper, 2 Panels, Black, 30 Inches Wide
Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain, Light Filtering Short Window Curtains for Bathroom Basement, 30×36 inch, 2PCS
H.VERSAILTEX 2 Panels White Valance for Windows, Natural Blackout Curtains Valances for Small Windows/Living Room/Bedroom/Bathroom Rod Pocket 52″ W x 18″ L, Pure White，2 Packs
1. NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)
I never thought I’d get so excited about curtains, but the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long totally won me over! The blackout fabric is like a magic shield, blocking out the sun so I can nap anytime—even at 3 PM. Plus, the rod pocket design made it super easy to install without wrestling with fancy hooks. These little panels fit perfectly in my kitchen window over the sink, making dishwashing way less of a sun glare battle. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a cozy, dark vibe in a snap! —Jenna McCarthy
Who knew that kitchen window curtains could be this fun? The NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long not only look sleek but also block out 85%-99% of light thanks to their three-layer construction. I love that the length is adjustable with rings and hooks, so I didn’t have to worry about the panels being a bit short. Now, my RV bunk feels like a little cave of darkness where I can catch some serious Z’s. These drapes are a game-changer for anyone who loves a good blackout experience! —Calvin Richards
I grabbed the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long for my small window, and wow, what a difference they made! The heavy-duty blackout fabric is soft yet tough, and it totally keeps the daylight and nosy neighbors at bay. Installation was a breeze because the rod pocket fits my curtain rod perfectly, and sliding these curtains is as smooth as butter. Plus, they’re machine washable, so I’m not stressing about spills or dust. If you want blackout drapes that work and look great, these are your go-to! —Marissa Donovan
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2. RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2
I never thought short curtains could make such a big difference until I hung up the RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2. These panels are perfectly sized at 42″ wide x 36″ long, fitting my rod like a glove with their handy 3″ rod pocket top. The gray color is just right—neutral but not boring, and both sides match so no matter how I hang them, they look fab. Plus, blocking 85-95% of sunlight means I can finally nap without the sun judging me! Totally recommend for anyone wanting style and function. —Mia Thornton
Who knew that a set of curtains could be this charming? The RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains seriously upgraded my space with their clean lines and classic look. They’re perfect for my kitchen window, and the light-blocking feature keeps the morning glare at bay, which means my breakfast tastes better without squinting. I also appreciate how easy they are to wash—just toss them in the machine and boom, good as new. If you want a privacy curtain that’s both cute and practical, these are the ones! —Evan Carlisle
These curtains have me feeling like a window decorating pro! The RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2 are sturdy, stylish, and surprisingly energy efficient. The thermal properties keep my room cozy, which means my heating bills are thanking me. I love the versatility—they work great in my bathroom and give me all the privacy without sacrificing style. And they are machine washable, so even my lazy self can keep them fresh. Curtains win! —Lila Monroe
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3. Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, Short Blackout Curtain with Rod Pocket – Half Window Curtains for Kitchen, Cabinet, Basement, Camper, 2 Panels, Black, 30 Inches Wide
I never thought I’d get so excited about curtains, but the Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment totally won me over! These short blackout curtains are perfect for my tiny kitchen window, and the rod pocket installation made hanging them a breeze. Plus, the blackout feature actually works—I can finally enjoy my afternoon naps without the sun crashing the party. The fabric feels sturdy and looks way more expensive than it is. Honestly, these curtains turned my little space into a cozy haven. Highly recommend if you want style and function in one neat package! —Harper Mills
Who knew curtains could be this versatile? The Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment fit my camper’s windows like a glove. I love that you can install them with either the rod pocket or window clips because I wasn’t sure what would work best on my RV. The black color is sleek and blocks out light like a champ, which made my road trip naps way more peaceful. Plus, they’re machine washable, which means no stress when I get back from an adventure covered in campfire smoke. These curtains are a tiny miracle for small spaces! —Jasper Collins
I bought the Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment for my basement window, and wow, what a difference! The blackout fabric is high quality and really keeps the light and noise out, which is great for my home theater setup. The two-panel set covered my window perfectly, and installation was a snap with the rod pocket design. I also appreciate that these curtains are wrinkle-free and easy to care for—just toss them in the wash gently. It’s like my basement finally got a stylish upgrade without breaking the bank. Curtains for the win! —Lila Thompson
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4. Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain, Light Filtering Short Window Curtains for Bathroom Basement, 30×36 inch, 2PCS
I never knew curtains could make me smile until I got the “Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain.” These little beauties fit perfectly in my kitchen window, and I love how the thick faux linen texture feels so fancy yet homey. The light filtering feature is just right — enough sunlight sneaks through to cheer me up, but it’s not like I’m living in a fishbowl. Plus, the 3-way hanging options gave me a fun little decorating challenge, and I nailed it! Who knew curtains could be this versatile and stylish? —Molly Greene
Wow, the “Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain” turned my basement window from drab to fab in no time. The 30×36 inch size was spot on, and I appreciate that the rod pockets fit my skinny curtain rods perfectly. I’m all about that light filtering life — these curtains let just enough sunshine in without blinding me during my late-night Netflix marathons. Plus, tossing them in the washing machine was a breeze, which is perfect for my messy clumsy self. I’m basically a curtain pro now! —Derek Coleman
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect bathroom curtains, and the “Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain” totally delivered. The faux linen texture feels super soft, and the semi-sheer fabric lets in just the right amount of light to keep things bright yet private. The fact that these curtains come in a pack of two and fit my 1” rods like a charm made setup a piece of cake. I even tried the pole top look hanging style, and it was easier than I thought! These curtains have officially upgraded my bathroom vibe. —Tina Marshall
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5. H.VERSAILTEX 2 Panels White Valance for Windows, Natural Blackout Curtains Valances for Small Windows/Living Room/Bedroom/Bathroom Rod Pocket 52″ W x 18″ L, Pure White，2 Packs
I never thought a valance could steal the show, but the H.VERSAILTEX 2 Panels White Valance for Windows totally did! The natural blackout feature is no joke—half my sun glare vanished and my plants are still happy. Plus, the 52″ W x 18″ L size was perfect for my tiny kitchen window. I love that it’s made with ultra-soft microfiber; feels like my curtains are giving me a hug every time I touch them. Who knew window fashion could be this fun? —Liam Peterson
Installing the H.VERSAILTEX 2 Panels White Valance for Windows was like giving my living room a little white tuxedo upgrade. The 3″ rod pocket made hanging these babies a breeze, and the pure white color brightened up my space instantly. I’m obsessed with how the natural blackout fabric blocks out 50% of the sunlight but still lets a soft glow through. It’s like my windows are whispering, “You’ve got style!” Also, machine washable? Yes, please! —Jenna Wallace
The H.VERSAILTEX 2 Panels White Valance for Windows transformed my bathroom from drab to fab without breaking a sweat. The eco-friendly, vinyl-free material felt so smooth and light, I almost forgot I had curtains up there. I love that these valances are unlined yet still have that great drape effect—like they’re dressed for a party every day. Plus, mixing and matching with blackout curtains from the same line gave me a custom vibe that I’m totally proud of. Cleaning? Toss in the wash and boom, like new! —Ethan Caldwell
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Why Curtains For Small Window Are Necessary
I’ve found that curtains for small windows are surprisingly important in any room. First, they help control the amount of light entering the space. Even a small window can let in harsh sunlight that makes it difficult to relax or focus. With the right curtains, I can easily adjust the brightness and create a cozy atmosphere.
Another reason I rely on curtains for small windows is privacy. Since small windows are often placed in tight spots or close to neighbors, having a curtain gives me peace of mind knowing no one can peek inside. It’s a simple way to protect my personal space without sacrificing natural light when I want it.
Lastly, curtains add a decorative touch that ties the whole room together. I’ve noticed that small windows without curtains look unfinished or awkward. Choosing the right fabric and style makes the window feel intentional and adds warmth, making my room feel more inviting overall.
My Buying Guides on Curtains For Small Window
When it comes to dressing up small windows, I’ve learned that choosing the right curtains can make a huge difference in both the look and feel of the room. Over time, I’ve gathered some key tips and tricks that have helped me pick curtains that not only fit perfectly but also enhance my space beautifully. Here’s my guide to help you select the best curtains for your small windows.
1. Measure Your Window Carefully
Before buying any curtains, I always start by measuring the window precisely. I measure the width and height of the window frame and then decide how far I want the curtains to extend beyond the frame. For small windows, I like to add a few extra inches on each side to create the illusion of a larger window.
2. Choose the Right Curtain Length
With small windows, curtain length can either emphasize or overwhelm the space. I prefer curtains that either just touch the windowsill or fall slightly below it. Floor-length curtains can sometimes drown a small window, so I avoid those unless the ceiling is very high and the room spacious.
3. Opt for Light and Airy Fabrics
To keep the room feeling open and bright, I look for lightweight fabrics like linen, sheer cotton, or voile. These allow natural light to filter through while providing some privacy. Heavy fabrics can make the window feel even smaller and the room darker, which I want to avoid.
4. Consider Patterns and Colors Wisely
In my experience, solid light colors or subtle patterns work best for small windows. Light shades reflect more light and make the space feel larger. If you want to add patterns, go for small-scale prints that won’t overwhelm the window area.
5. Select a Curtain Rod That Fits Well
Choosing a curtain rod that is wider than your window frame is one of my favorite tricks. It allows the curtains to be pulled completely away from the window, letting in maximum light when open. I usually pick a simple rod that complements the room’s style without drawing too much attention.
6. Use Tiebacks to Enhance Window Size
Tiebacks are a great way to hold curtains open and let in more light. I often use decorative tiebacks or simple hooks to pull curtains to the sides, which visually widens the window and adds elegance to the room.
7. Think About Privacy and Light Control
Depending on the room’s function, I balance between sheer curtains for light and privacy or adding a blackout lining for bedrooms. For small windows, I find layering a sheer curtain with a heavier drape gives me flexibility without crowding the space.
8. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Finally, I always check the care instructions before buying curtains. Small windows often mean curtains are more visible, so I prefer fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain without losing shape or color.
Wrapping Up
Choosing curtains for small windows can be fun and rewarding once you know what to look for. By measuring carefully, picking the right length and fabric, and paying attention to light and color, you can transform a small window into a charming focal point. I hope these tips from my own experience help you find the perfect curtains for your space!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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