If you are getting a house built, there are many aspects that you can design according to your own liking and preferences – a high ceiling suitable for a chandelier, a skylight, or floor-to-ceiling windows; it's all possible. But what if your home is an apartment or one that you purchased as is?
Does that mean that you can’t style your home the way you want?
Nope – it just means that you need to style your home with a little more thought, care and plenty of creativity!
Now let’s say, you have small windows in your home or even your workspace – these can seem tricky to dress, but with the right curtain choices, they can become a charming focal point in any room. The key to getting it right is to maintain a balance between function and style, and you need to make sure that you let those small details shine!
At The Yellow Dwelling, we bring you some of the most beautiful curtains for your home and spaces, and we also offer ideas to help you beautify your interiors.
5 curtain styles for small windows that will liven up your spaces
As we said before, the trick to picking curtains for small windows and styling them correctly is to maintain a balance – you need curtains that serve their purpose of offering privacy while adding charm to the space without compromising the windows themselves.
1. Go tall! – In general, most people will think that for small windows, you will want to choose curtains of the same size, but one of the oldest and perhaps best tricks in the book for small window curtain ideas has to be to go tall! Hang your curtain pole or track well above the window frame, because this will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height, even if the window itself is squat or square. You can choose full-length curtains that puddle slightly on the floor for added drama, or keep them just brushing the ground for a neat, tailored look. This will work really well for spaces where you want to add height and elegance, such as the bedroom or dining room. 
2. Don’t get ‘blind’ sided – You can also consider roman blinds with side curtains, as these are an excellent solution for small windows. They sit neatly within the window recess, giving you full control over light without taking up extra wall space. In case you want to soften the look, you can add short curtains on either side. These will help frame the blind and add visual interest to the space, attracting the eye to the small windows. Should you choose to pick your curtains and Roman blinds at The Yellow Dwelling, you'll find many options – go for a bold pop of color or keep it subtle with calming tones!
3. A café within your home – If you are not looking for high levels of privacy, such as in the kitchen, utility rooms or passages, you can consider café curtains, which are also known as half curtains. These tend to cover only the lower half of a window, leaving the top open to light; hence the name. Originally popular in French cafés, these are now a stylish way to offer privacy without blocking out the daylight. What makes these curtains for small windows such a good idea is that you can find them in a variety of prints and patterns - stripes or gingham for a classic country vibe, or plain linen for a modern, rustic touch.
4. Go bold in small doses – You can always make your small window a statement piece, because even tiny windows can have big personalities! If the rest of your space is neutral or minimal, a bold curtain can become a standout feature. Think botanical prints, jewel tones, or rich textures like velvet or silk. Just make sure the scale of the pattern suits the size of the window—a large print can overwhelm, which is why you might want to opt for smaller motifs or stripes that help elongate the space. In such situations, it's best to keep the furniture simple and the walls neutral to avoid visual clutter. This is an excellent idea for reading nooks or even guest bedrooms.
5. Fabrics that play with light and air - Small windows often mean less natural light, so it’s important not to block what little sunshine you have. Sheer curtains in lightweight fabrics, such as voile, linen, or cotton blends, allow light to filter through while adding a soft, ethereal layer. You should consider soft neutrals, pastel tones, or subtle patterns to keep the look light and breezy. These kinds of curtains are charming in spaces where privacy isn’t a huge concern, such as a kitchen that doesn’t face a street or home offices. At The Yellow Dwelling, you will be able to find plenty of sheer curtains, which will be perfect for your small windows.
There are, of course, several other tips and tricks to utilize and style decorative curtains for small windows, such as extending your curtain rod far beyond the window itself, which makes the window look and feel bigger and more intentional. You can choose curtains in the same tones as your walls or opt for complete contrast as well.
Small windows don’t have to mean small design ideas – with the right curtains, you can turn even the tiniest window into a design feature. With the right curtains from The Yellow Dwelling, even the most modest pane can make a stylish statement.
So go on, let those little windows live life to the fullest.
