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13 Ways to Make Small Windows Look Bigger

August 28, 2024 · 7 min read
Windows

Are You Sad Because Your Home Wasn’t Blessed With Big, Welcoming Windows? We Have The Best Tricks For You!

We feel your pain, small windows can make a room feel cramped and dark. But don’t worry! If you use these tricks you’ll be able to fool your guests… and even yourself! Let’s get started!  Here are 13 simple and effective ways to give your small windows a big impact.

Windows
Image by BenPongsak from Shutterstock

1. Extend rods beyond the frame

If you place curtain rods strategically you can help fudge the width of your window. Amy Berry is a professional designer and recently shared a trick not everyone knows about. She says that rods should overhang 15 inches off the edge. This trick will trick the eye into thinking the window is much larger.

2. Use sturdy fabric

Thick fabric not only gives the illusion of a more expensive design element but it also effectively blocks out light and windows when combined with additional techniques like extending curtain rods beyond the frame. A sturdy fabric that holds its shape well is all you need when you have small windows. Heavy fabrics like velvet, thick cotton, or canvas can add presence to your windows, making them seem more substantial. Structured lines can draw attention, giving the illusion that the window is more prominent.

3. Paint a border around your window

Painting a border around your window is a simple yet effective way to make it look larger. You can do it by choosing a color that contrasts with your wall color and painting a thick border around your window. This visual trick expands the perceived size of the window by drawing the eye outward. It can also be a decorative element for your room, creating an overall sophisticated look.

Windows
Image by Allison H. Smith from Shutterstock

4. Make curtains the focal point

Make sure you choose a bold pattern for your curtains. It’s all it takes to draw your eyes to the windows and, basically, away from everything else.

In this case, the curtains were placed higher to create the illusion of a bigger window but the pattern matters even more. The white combined with blue, gives the room an interesting vibe and makes everything appear brighter. Unique designs that catch the eye can distract from the window’s small size. Basically, by making the curtains the star of the show

5. Avoid white walls

White walls can be a nice trick… but not if your windows are also white. Probably, one of the easiest tricks is to use light, airy curtains. Choosing fabrics like linen or cotton in light colors would be great. Hang the curtains high above the window frame and let them fall to the floor. This way, you’ll create the illusion that the window is taller than it actually is. If everything is white, keep in mind that this trick doesn’t work. So, make sure you paint the walls in some vibrant shades if you want to keep it simple with the decorative elements.

6. Invest in low furniture

Low furniture can help make your windows look bigger by exposing more wall space around them. If you opt for tall furniture, it can easily overshadow small windows, making them look even smaller. By choosing sofas, chairs, and tables that sit lower to the ground, you allow more of the window to be visible, which can make it more prominent and seem taller.

7. Give the trim some color

Have you ever thought about adding color to your trim? It’s another great way to make your small window stand out. Instead of sticking to the usual white or wood tones, try painting the trim a bold or contrasting color. “Paint your trim a shade darker, like a putty, to achieve a similar effect,” says Stewart, a professional designer.

8. Layer curtains and shades

Blinds and curtains can help enhance height in the same way that curtain rods can help you create width. Hang different shades right under the rod for the appearance of taller windows, Berry suggests. In addition, this treatment offers a sophisticated look. Layering is a smart way to add depth to a small window. Start with a simple shade and then add a layer of curtains over it. The combination will provide better light control and privacy but also make the window look more substantial. The layers also add dimension, creating a complex window treatment.

Windows
Image by united photo studio from Shutterstock

9. Get creative with texture

No matter the style of your home, make sure you incorporate textures! Textures around a small window can make it look more interesting and larger. You can also use wallpapers or curtains with a textured pattern. These kinds of elements catch the light and draw attention to the window area, making it stand out more. You should also consider cotton and silk stripes. “This gives a sense of depth and movement,” says designer Jamie Drake.

10. Surround the window with color overload

Designer Barry Dixon says that if you are dipping the whole room in a bucket of paint, it takes away all the boundaries: “You’re left with the infinity of the Universe. It’s like Houdini came in and decorated.” Use bright and vibrant colors on the walls, trim, and curtains. This way, you’ll create a colorful frame around the window, making it feel larger. This trick works best in bohemian-style rooms, where color plays a huge role.

11. Extend the curtain rods

Another trick with curtains is to extend the curtain rods beyond the edges of the window frame. This way, you can pull the curtains back completely to reveal the entire window, making it look wider. It’s a classic trick, but it works like magic! You can pull the curtains back completely and you’ll also benefit from more light in the room.

12. Use fabric with patterns

The patterns you choose for your home contribute a lot to the overall aesthetic. Patterns like florals, stripes, or geometric designs can add depth. Keep in mind that vertical stripes can make the window seem taller, while horizontal stripes can make it look wider. So, choose whatever suits your design best. The key is to select patterns that complement the room’s decor without overwhelming the space.

13. Cover walls with curtains

Francesco Bilotto says that if you extend your draperies from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall, surrounding your window, you will create a bigger illusion of them. How is that possible? Well, this trick blurs the line between what constitutes walls and windows. Covering an entire with curtains will also create a dramatic effect. This trick works best for the cozier rooms. By draping fabric across the wall, you create the illusion that there is a larger window behind the curtains.

We recommend you an Amazon best seller: BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom. The package includes a set of 2 pieces of blackout curtains. Each panel measures 42 Inches wide by 63 Inches long. Each curtain panel has 6 silver metal grommets on top. Each grommet inner is 1.6 inches, comparable with most rods. Easy hang, and slide smoothly.

The curtains are available in a lot of colors such as navy, baby pink, baby yellow, beige, black, brown, camel, frosty green, and faded denim. So, you’ll, for sure, find the best option for your home.

Before leaving, check out another related article: 6 Genius Mirror Hacks to Maximize Any Room.

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