Transform Your Garden and Home

Choosing the Right Window Treatments for Smaller Rooms

6 October 2017

Christy Rivera

It can be difficult to choose the right window treatments for smaller rooms and smaller windows, as oversized curtains and billowy drapes can get in the way of furniture and foot traffic, and also seem out of proportion for a small space. There are many other options for window treatments that might be a better fit for a small room or for smaller windows, and which can look more proportionate to scaled-down furniture and accessories as well. Note a few of those here, so making your choice is easier overall.

Shutters

Since shutters are usually made of wood or a composite material, they can be good for rooms with lots of upholstery, carpeting, and other fabric surfaces, but not necessarily the best choice for rooms with hard timber flooring. Shutters give you flexibility over home much light you allow into the room, as you can open the slats slightly for a bit of light, or open the shutter panels for maximum light. However, note the clearance needed for shutters to open; they may not be the best choice if you want to keep artwork on the wall next to those windows.

Slatted blinds

Slatted vertical blinds can extend to the floor so that they add height to a short window, and they also allow for flexibility when it comes to light blockage, as you can twist the slats open slightly or slide them open completely. Slatted blinds can be made of fabric or metal, so they work well no matter the room's overall decor. Their one drawback is that blinds are often used in office buildings, so they may seem a bit industrial and bland, and not offer the cosy and homey look you want in your own house.

Roller shades

Roller shades come in a wide variety of fabrics and materials, and even colours and patterns. You can choose a bold print for your roller shades, so they add personality to a smaller room without overwhelming its decor or overpowering a small window. Opting for motorized shades can also mean eliminating uneven edges of the shades across several windows, as it's easy to line up the shades when they work on a motor. Shades may also hold far less dirt and dust than shutters or blinds with slats, so they need less cleaning. Adding a small cornice box above the window can hide the roller part of the shades, and also add height to the window, if needed.

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