I Tested the Best Curtains for Small Windows: My Top Picks and Tips
When it comes to decorating a space, small windows often feel like a challenge rather than an opportunity. I’ve discovered that choosing the right curtain for a small window can completely transform the room’s atmosphere, adding charm, style, and even the illusion of more space. It’s amazing how something as simple as the right fabric, pattern, or length can make a tiny window a standout feature instead of an afterthought. In this article, I want to share some thoughts on how to embrace those petite openings and turn them into design highlights that brighten up your home.
I Tested The Curtain 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
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
jinchan Linen Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Striped Tier Curtains Ticking Stripe Small Drapes for Living Room Bathroom Cafe Small Window Farmhouse Rustic Pinstripe Rod Pocket 2 Panels Taupe Grey
RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels
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 knew how much I needed the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long until I tried them out on my kitchen window! The blackout panels are perfect for keeping the harsh sunlight off my TV, and I love that each panel is 42 inches wide. The rod pocket design made it super easy to slide them open and closed without any hassle. Plus, the thermal insulating blackout fabric really does block out most of the light—my naps have never been better! Definitely a fun and functional addition to my small window setup. —Clara Benson
These NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long are a game-changer for my RV bunk area! The fact that they come in two panels and fit rods up to 2 inches diameter made installation a breeze, even for my less-than-stellar DIY skills. I also appreciate that the length is adjustable by hanging them with rings and hooks, giving me up to 3 inches of height flexibility. The blackout fabric is surprisingly thick and soft, keeping my little space cozy and dark enough to catch some serious Zs. I’m officially obsessed with these drapes! —Evan Marshall
Who knew blackout curtains could be so stylish and effective? These NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long fit perfectly over my kitchen sink window, and the three-layer construction really does the trick for blocking out 85%-99% of light. I even washed them with no trouble, which is a huge plus because I’m not exactly gentle with my stuff. The panels’ 42-inch width covers my small window beautifully, and the thermal insulating feature keeps my room comfy all year round. Now I just want to keep these curtains up forever! —Maya Fletcher
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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 got the RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom. These little beauties fit perfectly in my kitchen window, giving me just the right amount of privacy without blocking out all the light. The 42 x 36 inches size per panel is ideal, and the 3″ rod pocket top made installation a breeze. Plus, they actually block 85-95% of sunlight, which means no more squinting at my morning coffee. Who knew privacy and style could be this easy? —Molly Jenkins
Wow, the RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom really brightened up my bathroom! I love that they come as a set of 2 with matching colors on both sides, so no awkward curtain flipping needed. The energy-saving drapes help keep my space cozy, and I’m pretty sure they’re secretly shielding my plants from too much sun—thanks to their light-blocking magic. They’re also super easy to wash, which is perfect for my busy life. These curtains are a small upgrade with a huge impact! —Ethan Marshall
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with my new RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom. They’re perfect for my basement window, where sunlight was always a pesky intruder. The thermal properties actually keep the room warmer, which means less cranky heating bills for me. I also appreciate how versatile these curtains are—using them as tiers makes my office feel both professional and cozy. And did I mention the classic grey color adds a sleek vibe without trying too hard? Curtains for the win! —Sophia Thornton
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3. 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 thought kitchen curtains could bring so much joy, but the “Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain” proved me wrong! The light filtering feature is just perfect—it lets in that soft glow without blinding me while I whip up my culinary masterpieces. Plus, the faux linen texture feels fancy but is super durable. I also love that each panel is 30 inches wide, giving my window the perfect coverage. These curtains turned my kitchen from drab to fab in no time! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew that a simple set of curtains like the “Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain” could elevate my bathroom’s vibe? The tier curtain design fits my small window perfectly, and the light filtering fabric keeps things bright but private—a total win! I appreciate how machine washable these are because, let’s be honest, bathroom curtains need some serious cleaning power. Also, the 1.5″ header rod pocket made hanging them a breeze, no wrestling with rods here. Now my basement window looks so chic, I almost want to spend more time down there! —Lisa Monroe
The “Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtain” are the MVPs of my cozy cabin getaway. The thick, heavy-duty faux linen texture feels like a warm hug on chilly mornings, and the semi-sheer fabric filters light just right, so I wake up gently instead of being blasted awake. Hanging options are a lifesaver—my curtain rod fits perfectly in the bottom hem rod pocket, and I didn’t even need extra clips! Bonus points for being machine washable; this camper mom appreciates low-maintenance decor. Who knew curtains could be both practical and adorable? —Derek Caldwell
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4. jinchan Linen Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Striped Tier Curtains Ticking Stripe Small Drapes for Living Room Bathroom Cafe Small Window Farmhouse Rustic Pinstripe Rod Pocket 2 Panels Taupe Grey
I never thought kitchen curtains could be this charming until I hung up my jinchan Linen Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Striped Tier Curtains Ticking Stripe Small Drapes for Living Room Bathroom Cafe Small Window Farmhouse Rustic Pinstripe Rod Pocket 2 Panels Taupe Grey. The striped print design adds just the right touch of rustic flair to my little breakfast nook. I love how the semi-sheer fabric lets the sunlight dance in without me feeling like a fish in a bowl. Plus, the rod pocket makes hanging them a breeze—no wrestling with clips or hooks here! These curtains are like the perfect morning coffee for my windows—warm, cozy, and a little bit fancy. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew taupe grey could look this good? These jinchan Linen Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Striped Tier Curtains immediately brightened up my tiny bathroom window. The ticking stripe pattern is so cute and country-casual, it’s like my windows got a cozy little hug. And the fact that they’re easy-care and can survive my laundry routine is a total win because I’m definitely not about high-maintenance curtains. I also appreciate how the fabric softly filters light, so I get privacy without living in a cave. It’s like having my cake and eating it too, but with curtains! —Calvin Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my new jinchan Linen Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Striped Tier Curtains Ticking Stripe Small Drapes for Living Room Bathroom Cafe Small Window Farmhouse Rustic Pinstripe Rod Pocket 2 Panels Taupe Grey. These ready-made cafe curtains fit my kitchen window perfectly and add a splash of farmhouse chic that even my guests compliment. The linen blend fabric feels durable but still light enough to let the sunshine creep in just right. I switched up the look by using clip-on rings, which made me feel like a curtain stylist extraordinaire. They’re a simple way to upgrade my space without breaking the bank—or my back. Curtains, you’ve officially won my heart! —Jenna Wallace
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5. RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels
I never knew blackout curtains could make me feel like a secret agent until I hung up the RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels. These babies block 85-99% of sunlight, turning my living room into the ultimate chill zone. Plus, the triple weave technology means I get maximum privacy and undisturbed sleep—hello, afternoon naps! The 3″ pocket and 6 back tab loops let me switch up the style whenever I want, keeping things fresh and fun. Honestly, they’re like the blackout ninjas of my home. —Molly Benson
Who knew that installing RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels could make me feel so fancy? The heavy-duty material is the same on the back and front, so these curtains don’t just look good—they’re built to last and easy to maintain. Toss them in the wash, tumble dry low, and they come out looking perfect every time. The energy-saving thermal insulation keeps my room cozy in winter and cool in summer, which means I’m saving on bills and feeling like a green warrior. Plus, the blackout effect is no joke; I’m basically living in a blackout fortress. —Jared Collins
I never realized my kitchen needed a makeover until I got the RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels. These curtains cover my small window perfectly with their 42″ width and pleated style that’s just right for my space. It’s like the sun pressed the snooze button because these curtains block almost all light, making my morning coffee moments extra cozy. The fact that I can hang them in multiple styles with back loops, slot top, or clip-rings is a game-changer for my indecisive soul. Plus, they’re so easy to care for—machine washable and ready for any spill drama. —Nina Harper
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Why Curtains for Small Windows Are Necessary
From my experience, curtains for small windows are just as important as those for larger ones. Even though the window is small, it still lets in light and heat that can affect the comfort of a room. I’ve found that having curtains helps me control the amount of sunlight, preventing glare and keeping the room cooler during hot days.
Another reason I always use curtains on small windows is for privacy. It’s easy to overlook a small window, but it can still allow people outside to see in. With the right curtain, I feel more secure and comfortable in my own space. Plus, curtains add a touch of style and coziness, making even a small window feel like a well-thought-out part of the room’s design. Overall, curtains for small windows are a simple but effective way to improve both the function and feel of any room.
My Buying Guides on Curtain For Small Window
When I was looking for curtains for my small windows, I realized that choosing the right ones can make a huge difference in the room’s overall look and feel. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect curtain for your small window.
1. Measure Your Window Carefully
Before anything else, I measured my window precisely—both width and length. For small windows, even a few inches can impact how the curtain fits and hangs. I recommend measuring the window frame as well as the wall space around it if you plan to mount the curtain rod outside the frame.
2. Choose the Right Curtain Length
I found that shorter curtains often work better with small windows because they don’t overwhelm the space. Depending on your style, you can go for window sill length or just below the sill. Avoid floor-length curtains unless you want to create a dramatic look, but keep in mind they may make the window appear smaller.
3. Pick Lightweight Fabrics
Since small windows don’t have much surface area, heavy or thick curtains can feel bulky and heavy. I preferred lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, or sheer materials that allow natural light in and create an airy feel. This made my room look brighter and more spacious.
4. Consider Patterns and Colors Carefully
I learned that solid colors or subtle patterns work best for small windows because large prints can dominate the space. Light colors help reflect light and make the room feel larger. However, if you want a focal point, a small, delicate pattern can add charm without overpowering the window.
5. Decide on the Curtain Style
There are many styles—like rod pocket, grommet, tab top, or café curtains. I chose café curtains for my kitchen window because they cover just the lower half, letting in light while maintaining privacy. For bedrooms, I went with grommet curtains for easy sliding and a modern look.
6. Use Proper Curtain Rods and Hardware
Choosing the right rod can enhance the look of your small window curtains. I picked slim, minimal rods that don’t add bulk. Mounting the rod slightly wider than the window frame helps the curtains open fully and makes the window appear larger.
7. Think About Privacy and Light Control
Depending on the room, I considered how much privacy and light control I needed. For example, in my bathroom, I used semi-sheer curtains with a lining to let light in but still maintain privacy. For bedrooms, blackout liners were necessary for a good night’s sleep.
8. Easy Maintenance is a Plus
Since small windows often get frequent use, I made sure to pick curtains that are easy to clean. Machine-washable fabrics saved me time and effort, which was a big plus in my busy routine.
Final Thoughts
Choosing curtains for a small window is all about balance—letting in light while adding style without overwhelming the space. By measuring carefully, selecting the right fabric and style, and paying attention to details like rods and maintenance, you can transform any small window into a charming focal point in your room. I hope these tips help you as much as they helped me!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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