Choosing extra long curtains and hanging them high above your window will give the illusion of more height and therefore more space within a small room.
Smaller windows tend to need curtains, if only because the curtains can help visually extend your windows' size. However, if you have vaulted ceilings with larger windows and low square footage, then going without curtains might be the smarter choice. You can always dress a window without curtains, though!
Using blinds will almost always make a room look bigger than it would do with curtains, both because curtains protrude into the room more and have a fussier appearance than blinds, and they generally cover more of the walls around the window too.
By hanging curtains from the highest point of the wall that fall all the way down to the floor, you create a soft and subtle guide for the eye to follow, encouraging you to take in all of the space you have therefore giving the illusion of a larger room.
From hiding unsightly walls to defining open spaces, curtains are so much more than light blockers. They're one of the easiest, cheapest ways to improve any small space in your home. Plus, they can sometimes be hung without drilling (hello, tension rods!), which makes them renter-friendly, too.
"Blinds offer the most light control with a variety of tilting options. Blinds or shades can be paired with drapery to enhance windows in any part of the home." While each type of window treatment has its own unique set of characteristics, all of them can be used to transform any room.
Large living and dining rooms and bedrooms can often look better with full length curtains, either lined or sheer. Smaller rooms are often better suited to blinds.
Gray can make a room look bigger. A light gray can be a great pick in place of white; it will reflect natural light, but it looks less architectural and cool than white, which you might prefer.
It's ok to go bare—for the right reasons. To hear most designers say it, window treatments are the jewelry of the home, the finishing touch without which no good room is complete. But, as with every rule—design and elsewhere—there are exceptions.
Dark colours absorb light and therefore will make a room appear smaller. Select warm, deep tones and perhaps consider painting your ceiling a darker colour to visually lower it. You can also experiment with heavy, textured fabrics in rich colours as well as bold, dramatic window treatments.
It is important to consider the right paint finishes when choosing colors to make a small room look bigger as Helen Shaw, director of Benjamin Moore highlights. 'Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
Curtains help with heat retention by limiting the flow of air between the warm and cold areas of a room. Even double-glazed windows will afford heat with a chance to escape, but a set of heavy curtains will form a barrier that'll limit the flow of air from the main room to the window.
But blinds rarely ever add too much to the decor, so for a warmer, cozier feel, add a set of curtains to your windows to brighten up the space while also keeping it warm. Heavier curtains, especially velvet or those with additional lining, will help block out cold air that might come in through windows.
A window that is longer in length than width can benefit from longer curtains giving the window a larger feel. However, a very wide window that is unusually short may look better with shorter curtains. Keep in mind that in a small room curtains could potentially overwhelm the space.
One of the main benefits of using blinds and curtains together is that you can make your windows look taller and wider. To do this, try installing the window blinds above the window frame. This helps draw the eye up and creates the illusion of taller windows.
Curtains offer the perfect way to inject a sense of pattern into your living room. For a subtle look opt for a single pattern that complements your color scheme – florals and botanical prints are a good understated choice. Alternatively, consider pairing bold patterns with a contrasting trim for a bolder look.
Pick both. Blinds and curtains aren't mutually exclusive. And pairing the two is a great way to make a surprising statement in your space—while giving yourself plenty of control over ambiance and lighting.
Curtains prevent allergens from getting into your rooms. When your windows are open, dust particles and pollen enter your home. Curtains act as a barrier and collect these particles. They also prevent moisture from condensation on windows entering your room at night.
Natural Materials
This is no different for the world of window furnishings with curtains and blinds. We are seeing an increase in the number of curtains and outdoor window blinds being made from natural materials, such as bamboo, linen, silk and hemp, with a noticeable decrease in synthetic materials.
Mirrors are one of the most effective ways of expanding space, adding depth as well as character, so it is an ideal solution to making a narrow room feel wider.
Wide Planks
Selecting wide floor planks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a room look bigger. Instead of thin strips, go for boards at least seven inches wide. Longer planks (four or more feet in length) can help as well.