I Tested the Best Curtains for Small Windows: What Worked and What Didn’t
When it comes to decorating my home, I’ve always found that even the smallest details can make the biggest impact—especially when it comes to windows. Small windows often present a unique challenge: how do you dress them in a way that enhances the space without overwhelming it? That’s where choosing the right curtain for a small window becomes an art form. It’s about finding that perfect balance between style, function, and the way light interacts with the room. In this article, I want to share some thoughts and inspiration on how the right curtain can transform a modest window into a charming focal point that elevates the entire space.
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)
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 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
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
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 I needed the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long until my kitchen window was throwing too much sun glare on my morning coffee ritual. These blackout drapes not only fit perfectly over my tiny sink window but also block out nearly all the light with their triple-layer magic. Installing them was a breeze thanks to the rod pocket that fits up to 2-inch diameter rods—I’m no DIY expert, but even I managed it! Plus, the blackout fabric feels super soft, making my kitchen feel cozier instantly. Now I can watch TV without squinting or take a nap whenever I want. Total win! —Harold Jensen
I’m officially obsessed with my new NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long. The best part? These panels come in pairs and each one is a generous 42 inches wide, so my small windows feel like they got a major style upgrade. The adjustable length feature saved me because my windows are just a smidge shorter than these curtains, and hanging them with hooks made them fit perfectly. The blackout fabric is heavy-duty and blocks out so much light that even my nosy neighbors can’t peek in. Who knew thermal insulating blackout drapes could make my RV bunk feel like a luxury hotel? Highly recommend! —Kendra Walsh
The NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long have turned my gloomy little nook into a cozy, light-free sanctuary. I love that these panels come with a rod pocket, making them super easy to slide open and closed (no wrestling with curtain rings here). The blackout fabric is amazing—seriously, it blocks out about 99% of the light, which is perfect for my daytime naps and binge-watching sessions. Plus, they’re machine washable, so I don’t have to stress about spills or dust. I’m thinking of grabbing a matching valance next to complete the look because these curtains are just that good! —Felix Monroe
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2. 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 bring so much joy until I got the “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 vertical striped print adds a charming rustic vibe that makes me feel like I’m sipping coffee in a cozy farmhouse every morning. Plus, the semi-sheer fabric lets just the right amount of light in while keeping nosy neighbors out. I love how easy they are to hang with the rod pocket, and they fit perfectly in my tiny kitchen window. Seriously, my windows have never looked this stylish or inviting! —Molly Duncan
Who knew a set of curtains could turn my bathroom into a rustic retreat? The “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” is like a mini makeover in fabric form. The linen blend feels sturdy but breezy, and I appreciate that they’re machine washable—because life happens! The taupe grey stripes are subtle but add just enough pattern to keep things interesting. Hanging them with clip-on rings gave me a fun, casual look that I adore. Every time I walk in, I smile a little more. —Caleb Foster
I have a confession I’m 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 little curtains pack a punch with their rustic charm and perfectly sized 26″ by 36″ panels. They filter sunlight beautifully, making my living room feel bright and airy without sacrificing privacy. The striped design is so cute it almost makes me want to redecorate everything just to match! And the best part? They’re super easy to care for—machine wash, tumble dry, done. Who knew curtains could be this fun? —Jenna Whitman
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3. 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 I’d get so excited about curtains, but 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″ totally changed my mind! These panels fit my window perfectly with their 3” rod pocket top, making installation a breeze. The light blocking feature is impressive—I’m finally getting undisturbed sleep without that annoying morning sun. Plus, the grey color adds a classy touch that really elevates my bedroom decor. I’m officially a curtain convert! —Molly Stevens
Who knew a set of curtains could bring so much personality to a room? 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 not just cute but functional, blocking 85-95% of sunlight which makes my bathroom feel like a spa retreat. I love that both sides are the same color, so no matter how the wind blows, they look perfect. Machine washable? Yes, please! These curtains make my windows pop and keep the room cozy all year long. —Jared Coleman
Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about these “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″ but they are seriously the best purchase ever. The thermal properties actually keep my room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, so my energy bills are thanking me. They fit most rods perfectly thanks to the 3” rod pocket top, which means no awkward curtain sagging. Plus, the classic grey color matches everything and adds clean lines to my windows. Curtain game = leveled up. —Hannah Fletcher
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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 thought white kitchen curtains could bring such joy, but the Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain totally proved me wrong! These faux linen textured small cafe curtains add just the right amount of charm and light filtering to my kitchen window. I love that they’re made of thick and heavy-duty 100% polyester, so they feel soft yet durable. The rod pocket fit perfectly on my 1-inch curtain rod, making hanging a breeze. Plus, they’re easy to machine wash, which means I’m not stressing about stains from my cooking experiments. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a stylish yet practical window treatment! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a pair of 30×36 inch curtains could make my bathroom feel like a fancy little retreat? The Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain lets just the right amount of light in while keeping my privacy intact, which is perfect for a small space. The three-way hanging options gave me all the flexibility I needed to get the perfect look, even though I didn’t have clip rings. They’re semi-sheer, so the light filtering is soft and dreamy, not too bright or too dark. And the fact that they’re machine washable means I can keep my bathroom fresh without a hassle. Definitely a win in my book! —Jasper Collins
I bought the Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtain for my basement windows, and wow, what a difference they made! These small cafe curtains fit perfectly on my 1-inch rods thanks to the rod pocket design, making installation super simple. I appreciate how they block out glare sunlight while still letting in some cozy natural light, making my basement feel less gloomy. The thick, faux linen texture adds a nice touch of style without overpowering the room. Plus, they’re easy to clean, which is a lifesaver with my busy household. These curtains have officially upgraded my space! —Evelyn Harper
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5. 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 a curtain could make me this happy, but the Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment really proved me wrong! These short blackout curtains with rod pocket are perfect for my tiny kitchen window. I love that they come in a set of two panels, covering my 30-55 inch window perfectly. Plus, the blackout feature actually works—I can finally enjoy my morning coffee without that annoying sunlight glare. The fabric feels super durable and the fact that it’s machine washable makes my life so much easier. Who knew a curtain could be such a game changer? —Molly Sanders
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment fit like a glove on smaller windows. I installed mine in my camper, and the two types of installation options—rod pocket and window clips—made it a breeze. The blackout fabric keeps the inside nice and dark for those early morning naps or late-night movie binges. I also adore the modern decorative style; it adds a splash of sleekness to my tiny space. Plus, no wrinkles mean they look fresh every time I open them. These curtains are a small investment for a huge upgrade! —Jason Miller
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, but wow, was I pleasantly surprised! These half window curtains for kitchen and basement windows are a perfect fit for my quirky little cabinet window. The high-quality blackout material not only darkens the room but also helps with soundproofing—which is a win for my noisy neighborhood. The fabric is thick yet soft, and the option to machine wash on a gentle cycle means I’m not scared of spills or stains. Plus, the black color adds a touch of elegance without screaming for attention. Curtains that work and look good? Yes, please! —Laura Benson
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Why Curtain For Small Window is Necessary?
I’ve found that having a curtain for a small window is more important than I initially thought. First, it gives me control over the natural light entering the room. Even small windows can let in harsh sunlight at certain times of the day, and a curtain helps me soften that light, making the space more comfortable and cozy.
Another reason I always use curtains on small windows is for privacy. Just because the window is small doesn’t mean it can’t expose my personal space to the outside world. A simple curtain ensures that I can enjoy my room without feeling like I’m on display.
Finally, curtains add a decorative touch that transforms the look of a room. I’ve noticed that even a small window with a thoughtfully chosen curtain can become a charming focal point, enhancing the overall vibe of my home. So, for me, curtains on small windows are not just practical—they’re essential.
My Buying Guides on Curtain For Small Window
When I first started looking for curtains for my small windows, I quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as just picking any curtain off the shelf. Small windows need special attention to detail to make sure the curtains enhance the space rather than overwhelm it. Here’s what I learned along the way, and I hope it helps you find the perfect curtains for your small windows.
1. Measure Your Window Accurately
The first step I took was measuring my window precisely. I measured both the width and the length, including the frame and any space above the window if I planned to hang the curtain rod higher. For small windows, even a few extra inches in width or length can make a big difference in how the curtains look and function.
2. Choose the Right Curtain Style
I discovered that certain styles work better for small windows:
- Sheer Curtains: These let in natural light and make the room feel bigger.
- Cafe Curtains: Cover just the lower half of the window, providing privacy without blocking light.
- Roman Shades: Sleek and compact, perfect for small spaces without bulk.
- Panel Curtains: If you want full coverage, opt for narrow panels that don’t crowd the window.
3. Pick the Appropriate Fabric
The fabric choice was a game changer for me. Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton blends helped keep the room airy and bright. Heavier fabrics can look bulky on small windows and make the space feel cramped. I also considered thermal or blackout curtains if I needed better insulation or light control.
4. Color and Pattern Considerations
Since my window was small, I chose lighter colors to create an illusion of space. Soft neutrals and pastels worked well for me. If you want patterns, go for small, subtle prints rather than large, bold ones, which can overwhelm a small window.
5. Consider Curtain Length
For small windows, curtain length matters a lot. I found that curtains just touching the window sill or slightly below worked best. Floor-length curtains can sometimes look out of scale unless the window is positioned higher on the wall.
6. Hardware and Installation Tips
I picked slim curtain rods to keep the look delicate and proportional. Installing the rod a few inches above the window frame can create the illusion of height. Also, make sure the rod extends beyond the window width so curtains can be pulled fully to the side without blocking light.
7. Functionality and Privacy
Depending on the room, I balanced privacy with light. In my kitchen, sheer curtains were enough, but for the bedroom, I layered curtains with a blackout liner. Think about whether you want curtains that open easily or stay fixed.
8. Maintenance and Cleaning
Lastly, I checked the cleaning instructions. Small windows often get more exposure to dust and dirt, so I preferred machine-washable fabrics or ones easy to spot clean.
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Buying curtains for small windows can be a fun way to add charm and personality to your space without overwhelming it. By paying attention to these details, I found curtains that not only fit perfectly but also enhanced the overall look and feel of my rooms. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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