Curtains in the living room and bedroom are an important design element and determine the final interior design. Which curtains to choose for a house with small windows, which ones for a spacious room - these questions concern every person who is faced with renovations and home improvement.
Light and thin curtains for small windows in the bedroom and living room will add lightness to the interior. Inconsistent, poorly selected fabrics, on the contrary, can greatly harm the interior. We will recommend how to choose the right decorative element.
Decoration of small windows
Decorating windows in the bedroom and living room is a real art. Although many pay little attention to this issue, without the design of a window opening it is impossible to design a thoughtful, balanced interior. How to choose beautiful curtains, what is the best fabric - light, airy or heavy, massive? Is it necessary to completely hide the window opening under the fabric or is it better to leave it open? Where to start designing window openings, what should you pay attention to when choosing fabrics?
Curtain design for small windows, photo
Hourglass
Most often, this solution is used for narrow windows. For sewing, a single piece of light but durable fabric (organza or tulle) is used, which is attached to small cornices or strings at the top and bottom. The material, as a rule, is chosen in light colors - beige, white, the color of baked milk, light brown or gray. All kinds of bows, braid, and longitudinal lines look great.
In the middle, the canvas is intercepted with a ribbon, which can have the color that was used to sew the curtain itself, or another shade that can emphasize the overall interior of the room, the color of the window frame or furniture. Thanks to this element, this style resembles a huge hourglass, hence the name.
This is an ideal solution for small windows, since thanks to the interception of the canvas in the middle, space is created on the sides for the passage of daylight.
How to visually enlarge a small window?
The question of how to decorate small window openings requires special attention. The decor should be quite modest, not overwhelming the small surface. The window is the most important element in any room; it allows access to daylight. The larger the window opening, the visually wider the space of the room looks. A small window will require different design tricks to help make it impressive.
Decorators use a number of simple techniques to transform a disproportionate space. With the help of a few tricks, you can make a metamorphosis of the interior, changing the style, improving the aesthetic value of the room. You don't always need to hire a professional to enjoy an impressive interior. You will need basic knowledge of basic principles and tricks. Below are some ideas on how to visually enlarge a window opening, what to do, and what to avoid.
- Use of lightweight fabrics. If you like heavy baroque fabrics, you will have to give them up. Heavy fabrics create the impression of chic and attract attention. For small window openings, light, airy, translucent curtains are better suited, creating a subtle, delicate decoration. Ideal - veil, organza.
- Only light colors - white, various shades of beige, muted pastels are perfect. Intense, strong colors will visually take away several centimeters.
- Lack of patterns . For small window openings, it is better to choose smooth, plain fabrics - all types of patterns are not recommended, they will visually make the interior smaller. Patterns can be successfully used on large window openings; on small ones they will give the impression of crampedness and chaos. Only horizontal stripes can show themselves well; they visually expand the space.
- Empty window sills . No need to clutter the window sill. Tall flowers, lamps, books will not look beautiful - they will visually reduce the window opening and limit the amount of incoming natural light.
Classic curtains
Despite its centuries-old origins, the classic style of interior design remains relevant and in demand. With their charm they can transform any room beyond recognition, giving it rigor and elegance. A significant advantage in favor of choosing the classic style is the possibility of using it under almost any wallpaper and furniture, while maintaining clear and strict proportionality.
Read about: Greek curtains: harmony in simplicity and grandeur.
If you decide to turn to classic curtains, then you should pay attention to light, soft, discreet colors. These include beige, white, light yellow, soft brown and even honey. It is these colors that will allow your curtains not to stand out from the overall interior, but only to emphasize it, while letting a huge amount of daylight into the room.
You should not choose satin or silk fabric - they are quite difficult to process. The best solution for a classic style would be velvet, linen or cotton.
Curtains - threads
Traditionally, the classic design of window openings is usually chosen for the bedroom and living room. Recently, original thread curtains are often chosen, dazzling with sophistication.
Small windows in the bedroom can be decorated with small crystals on a string or fishing line attached to the cornice. Crystals sparkling in the light will create the feeling of simple, light curtains on both halves of the window.
Wide stripes
Wide horizontal stripes running along the top or bottom of the canvas are a fashionable version of stripes. Here are classic beige and milky. And the “sun” is added by a yellow sofa by the window and a blanket.
The plane of the window sill is used creatively: porcelain figurines are displayed on it in a row. In this context, the watering can looks like an art object.
Author of the project: Angelika Kozintseva. Photo: Sergey Ananyev.
The plane of the window sill is used creatively: porcelain figurines are displayed on it in a row. In this context, the watering can looks like an art object.
Author of the project: Angelika Kozintseva. Photo: Sergey Ananyev.
Roman blinds, roller blinds
Roman blinds or blinds made from decorative material are becoming popular. Usually raised by a special mechanism controlled by a decorative chain, the blinds will suit a variety of interior designs - classic and modern. Style largely depends on the material.
Japanese curtains
This style is the ideal solution for lovers of minimalism. It has absorbed centuries-old Japanese traditions, combining simplicity, elegance and lightness.
Read about: fabrics for roller blinds: textiles to guard coolness and privacy.
The design of the curtains consists of lightweight fabric panels that let in a lot of light - so they are an ideal option when decorating small windows. The fabric can be used plain or with patterns, but the overall background should still be light.
For installation, special fasteners are used that allow the curtains to be moved manually or electrically to the left, right or up, which ensures ease of installation and use.
Curtains for the bedroom - photo
Often, for interiors decorated in a modern style, they choose a somewhat extravagant approach to decorating window openings - refusing any decor, including curtains. By leaving the window completely open, you can visually increase its area and create a feeling of spaciousness. This solution takes away the comfort of home, slightly disturbs the home climate, and adds austerity to the atmosphere.
If you want to create a truly warm atmosphere in the interior, you should choose subtle decorations, hanging at least light curtains. When deciding on a thin ethereal fabric for the living room, bedroom, you can try using long options that hang from floor to ceiling. If you need to take care of an individual window design, you can give free rein to your imagination, creatively select and pin up the material.
Curtains can completely change the character of the interior. Correctly chosen curtains and tulle look great in modern interiors and will be a simple, effective way to warm up the strict ascetic atmosphere in a minimalist or futuristic interior. Interesting decorations will bring a feeling of warmth and coziness to modern rooms. Short colorful veils look beautiful in the small attic window of the bedroom. It’s good if the design of the window decor matches the colors and patterns with the design of the bed linen.
The design of curtains for small bedroom windows should create coziness. Curtains can reach the ceiling and cascade to the floor. This option looks impressive.
An interesting idea is to use 3 types of fabric:
- smooth,
- patterned,
- shaded in various shades of the main color of the bedroom, combined with bed textiles and wallpaper colors.
Particular difficulties arise when decorating the balcony door with curtains. A beautifully selected fabric that harmonizes in color and design with the color of adjacent furniture will help decorate the door. As you can see in the photo below, the right fabric can completely change the character of a metal-plastic double-glazed window.
For a small window and an interior decorated in a minimalist style, you should choose a delicate decoration. In such a room there is a problem of lack of natural light, so it is necessary to ensure good lighting of the room and let as much sunlight into the room as possible. It is advisable to use fabrics in light colors that filter light, giving the interior a unique climate, making the room lighter and more spacious. A curtain that is much wider than the window optically improves its proportions.
Color spectrum
An important factor is the correct selection of the color of the curtains, which should be in harmony with the overall style of the room. It is better to choose light colors, and the curtain itself should transmit sunlight well. Universal shades of kitchen curtains for a small window are white, beige, sand and cream. Despite this, you can also create your own color ensembles.
If the choice fell on curtains with a pattern, then the picture should be small or with geometric shapes.
Curtains for country windows
Thin ethereal curtains will add lightness and sophistication to a modern arrangement. Lace curtains are ideal for a small window in a rustic or country style interior. An interesting choice is small checkered curtains up to the windowsill in the English style.
No. 6. Transom, or Hello from the past
Many of us are familiar firsthand with the idea of having a small window near the ceiling. A similar solution was put into effect by the designers of Soviet Khrushchev apartments, who connected the bathroom and kitchen with a small window. There are still a lot of jokes about it, but such a life hack cannot be underestimated. The architects were then able to solve the problem of additional lighting in the event of a lack of electricity, making the bathroom a little lighter and more spacious. Residents of such apartments admit that in sunny weather the bathroom can be used without turning on artificial light. Everything new is well forgotten old, so we take this idea into service.
Creating a small window right under the ceiling and connecting the problem room with the adjacent room is an excellent solution and not as drastic as arranging a large window opening. Light will enter through the transom, and the neighboring rooms will remain isolated and secluded - what is needed for the design of a room without a window.
There is a slightly different variation of this method . Where does a windowless room come from in an apartment? After constructing a blank partition and separating the space from adjacent rooms. You can build a wall that is not full height , leaving a gap under the ceiling for the penetration of light and fresh air.
Glamorous curtains
An interior in glamor style would not be complete without decorative curtains made of velvet and satin. Smooth fabric topped with a cord with tassels will become a real decoration for the windows of different rooms:
- in the living room in glamor style, will emphasize the elegant, sophisticated character of the interior,
- in the bedroom will give the interior a boudoir climate.
For the living room
When choosing curtains for small windows in the living room, it is better to avoid curtains of deep and saturated colors, and opt for cool, light shades that will visually enlarge the space. It is necessary to avoid sagging and multi-layering as much as possible; a good option is single-layer curtains with garters, in combination with translucent curtains and lambrequins.
Curtains for small kitchen windows
To decorate kitchen window openings, you should use fabrics that are easy to wash and do not quickly lose their appearance due to frequent washing. For kitchen decor, you can choose short curtains that reach the window sill or even shorter ones, allowing maximum natural light into the room.
No. 5. Creating a real window opening
Now don't be scared. This is not about cutting a window in a load-bearing wall and connecting the room to the street. Everything is much less radical, but the walls will still have to be torn down. The essence of the technique is to connect a windowless room with the most suitable neighboring room , if this is, of course, possible.
You won’t be able to dreamily look out of such a window, watching passers-by hurrying somewhere, the rain or a peaceful natural landscape, but there will definitely be more light - it will penetrate from the neighboring room. On the other hand, this does not mean at all that the artificial lighting system in such a room can be taken less seriously, because natural light in this situation is unlikely to be enough.
The window size can be any - it all depends on your preferences and the characteristics of the adjacent rooms. This can be a standard size opening or a floor-length glass partition. When you need privacy, blinds, regular or roller blinds will help you hide from prying eyes - in general, everything that saves us in the case of an ordinary window.
It is very important that such a solution will cope with the ventilation problem.
What to consider when choosing furniture?
The amount of furniture primarily depends on the size of the bedroom: in a small one, a bed with or without bedside tables is sufficient; in a larger one, place an additional wardrobe or table.
If the width of the niche does not allow you to accommodate a bed with tables, choose a model with shelves at the head or hang them above the bed. This trick will allow you to abandon bedside tables without losing functionality.
When there is no room for a closet or chest of drawers in a bedroom without a window, but you need a storage area, a bed will also come to the rescue. Choose a model with a box under the mattress - it is roomy and comfortable.
Decorating the closet in the color of the wall will allow it to blend into a small bedroom and make it almost invisible. Install a separate structure with sliding doors or place sections on both sides and above the bed.
In the photo there is a bed in a niche behind the curtain
As for appearance, follow the rules:
- Glossy, glass, mirror surfaces. All are reflective and add air.
- Legs. Even massive furniture like a large bed or wardrobe looks lighter.
- Metal. A forged headboard or a thin wicker table looks weightless in comparison with their wooden counterparts.
- Light color. Unlike dark, white, off-white or gray furniture does not create a feeling of clutter.
The photo shows a tiny bedroom with shelves
No. 13. Green room decoration
A windowless room is a room with limited fresh air. In this case, it will be difficult to do without a normal ventilation system, but a few plants in the room still won’t hurt. They will decorate the room, bring life into it and give a little oxygen.
ficus plants are best suited because they can purify, moisturize the air and even remove toxins from it. Chlorophytum, begonia, aloe and Kalanchoe are also excellent
Organizing proper lighting
You can make a bedroom without a window cozy only with the help of additional lighting. Light source options:
- Chandelier on the ceiling. The smaller the bedroom, the smaller the chandelier. However, size should not affect its brightness. An excellent option would be a diode model with the ability to adjust the heat and power of lighting.
- Spot lights. Used both instead and together with a chandelier. You can set the switching on by zones to highlight only the necessary space, for example in a corner.
- Bedside lamps. A sconce or two table lamps are suitable for this role. It is ideal if the light bulbs in the bedroom have a dimmer - in bright light it is comfortable to read, in dim light it is comfortable to get ready for bed.
- Decorative lighting. The easiest way is to use an LED strip - with its help you can create the effect of a floating bed or highlight a textured wall. Illuminated paintings, garlands in glass vases, and lightboxes look no less impressive. The latter are placed both on the walls and on the ceiling.
The photo shows an example of using a lightbox on the wall
The lighting temperature is selected for street daylight - 4000-5000K. Bedrooms in cool colors are lit a little warmer (3500-4000K).
Bedrooms with a transparent partition may have fewer lamps. The main thing is not to cover the glass with curtains and do not use frosted glass, otherwise the design will not be of any use.
No. 12. Sliding panels instead of walls
Replacing blank walls with mobile partitions would seem to be the simplest and least expensive solution, but, unfortunately, not always possible. A sliding partition is well suited for separating the bedroom from the living room, or the living space from the kitchen. When privacy is needed, the doors close, creating two separate, isolated spaces. Doors ajar or fully open will allow light and fresh air into a windowless room.
Thinking through ventilation
The most difficult moment in the arrangement and the main problem in legitimizing the redevelopment is the penetration of fresh air into the bedroom. This is a mandatory condition for any premises, because the inability to ventilate can cause the development of fungi and bacteria, which will harm human health.
Today, there are 2 main methods for organizing ventilation:
- Artificial. This is an engineering system consisting of many pipes and outlets throughout the apartment. It works simultaneously as a ventilator, air conditioner and heater. Considering the pros and cons, the advantages include the efficiency of the system, and the disadvantages include the complexity of installation and maintenance. Artificial ventilation is more suitable for private houses, where there is the possibility and need for a centralized air system.
- Supply. A breather or aerogiver is a compact monoblock that draws in air from the street, cleans it and lets it into the apartment. For its successful operation, a through hole in the wall and a socket are sufficient. In appearance, a ventilator is similar to an air conditioner; the only difference between the devices is that the first one cannot heat or cool the air.
You can use an air conditioner in addition to a breather, but you won’t be able to do it alone - this device cannot provide a flow of fresh, purified air.
The photo shows the operating principle of the ventilator
No. 7. Magic of the mirror
The mirror surface can be used not only to create false windows. Everyone knows how a simple mirror can transform the interior of a small room. It doubles the space and light - just what you need for small rooms without windows.
You can choose a large solid mirror panel, make a composition from small mirrors, or lay out an entire wall or part of it with mirror tiles - there are plenty of options for every taste and interior style. Do not forget that part of the furniture facades can be mirrored. An interesting effect is achieved when decorating the upper part of the walls with a mirror . In a similar way, you can simulate the windows described above.
