Checklist 50 Curtain Considerations for a Small Living Room

Choosing the perfect curtains for a small living room can make a world of difference. Trust me, I’ve been there—feeling like my small space was cramped, dark, and even a little cluttered. But once I realized how much impact the right curtains can have, everything changed. I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned about picking the ideal curtains for small spaces to create the light, airy, and cozy feel you’re after.

1. Measure Your Windows First

Before anything, you need to measure your windows. It sounds simple, but it’s so important to get it right. Measure the width and height of your windows, and don’t forget to add some extra space for the curtain rod to extend past the window frame. This helps make your windows look larger and allows more light to filter in when the curtains are open.

2. Choose Light Fabrics

When you’re working with a small space, heavy, bulky curtains can overpower the room. I always recommend going for light fabrics like linen or cotton. They’re breathable, flow naturally, and won’t make your room feel weighed down.

3. Get Sheer Curtains

For a really open, airy vibe, sheer curtains are a must. They let in loads of natural light while still giving you some privacy. I found that sheer curtains helped my small living room feel much larger without sacrificing the cozy atmosphere.

4. Select Bright Colors

One of my biggest discoveries was how much a bright color can transform a room. Bright curtains in soft whites, creams, or light pastels can open up the space and make it feel more welcoming. Plus, they bounce light around the room, making everything feel lighter and brighter.

5. Use Neutral Tones to Expand Space

If you want a timeless look that doesn’t compete with other elements in your room, stick to neutral tones like beige, light gray, or soft taupe. Neutral curtains tend to make small spaces feel larger because they blend seamlessly with the walls, creating an illusion of continuous space.

6. Hang Curtains Higher

This was a game-changer for me. By hanging curtains higher than the window frame, you can draw the eye upward, making the ceiling feel taller and the room bigger. I installed my curtain rod just a few inches below the ceiling, and it gave my small living room a completely new sense of height.

7. Go for Vertical Stripes

Another trick for creating a taller room is using vertical stripes on your curtains. The long, vertical lines draw the eye up and down, making your space feel more elongated and open. Just be careful not to choose too bold of a pattern, as it can overwhelm the room.

8. Stick to Simple Patterns

Speaking of patterns, when decorating a small room, simple patterns are your best friend. Anything too busy can make the space feel cluttered, so I recommend choosing subtle stripes, small geometric prints, or solid colors.

9. Maximize Light with Sheers

Light is your best friend in a small living room. Maximizing natural light with sheer curtains gives the room a fresh, airy feel. Even though sheer curtains won’t block much light, they still provide some privacy without making the space feel closed off.

10. Avoid Heavy Fabrics

I’ve learned the hard way that heavy fabrics like velvet or thick brocade are too overpowering in small spaces. They can make your living room feel suffocated and dark. Stick with lightweight, flowing materials to keep things bright and open.

11. Layer Curtains for Depth

If you want a little more depth or versatility, try layering curtains. For example, I’ve layered sheer curtains underneath heavier drapes. During the day, I open the heavy drapes and let the sheer ones filter light. At night, I pull the drapes closed for privacy and warmth.

12. Pick Floor-Length Curtains

In a small room, floor-length curtains look much more polished and make the space feel bigger. Avoid curtains that stop mid-way down the wall, as they tend to make the room feel chopped in half.

13. Avoid Short Curtains

This brings me to my next point—avoid short curtains. They can look awkward and make your windows feel smaller than they actually are. Always go for floor-length curtains to create a sense of flow from ceiling to floor.

14. Use Curtain Tiebacks

I personally love using curtain tiebacks. Not only do they help keep the curtains pulled back neatly, but they also add a decorative touch. I chose tiebacks that matched the rest of my décor, and they gave my living room a more refined, finished look.

15. Install Decorative Rods

Don’t forget about the curtain rods! They’re more important than you might think. Decorative rods add character to the room. I went for sleek metallic rods that complemented my furniture, but you can also go with wood or other materials depending on your style.

16. Match Curtains to Walls

If you want to make your space feel as large as possible, match your curtains to your wall color. When the curtains blend with the walls, it tricks the eye into thinking the space is more expansive.

17. Consider Energy-Efficient Fabrics

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t be energy-conscious. Energy-efficient fabrics can help insulate your living room, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer. These curtains not only help regulate temperature but also keep your energy bills lower.

18. Use Blackout Curtains Sparingly

Blackout curtains are great for blocking light, but in a small living room, they can make the space feel too dark. I’d recommend using them sparingly—such as in a bedroom.

19. Choose Thermal Curtains for Warmth

If your small living room tends to get chilly, thermal curtains can be a lifesaver. They help retain heat during colder months, adding an extra layer of comfort without compromising style.

20. Prioritize Natural Light

When it comes to decorating a small space, you can never have enough light. Prioritizing natural light will keep your living room feeling open and inviting. I found that sheer curtains were perfect for letting in light while still offering some privacy.

21. Balance Privacy with Light

It’s all about balance, right? Balancing privacy and light is key in a small living room. Light-filtering curtains can give you both—enough privacy without sacrificing that beautiful natural light.

22. Choose Light-Filtering Curtains

If you’re worried about neighbors peeking in but don’t want to block out all the light, light-filtering curtains are a great option. They soften the sunlight while providing just enough coverage to make you feel comfortable.

23. Use Light Colors to Brighten the Room

To keep things airy and bright, light-colored curtains are the way to go. I chose soft whites and pale grays, which made my living room feel more open and less confined.

24. Hang Curtains Beyond the Window Frame

For a room-expanding effect, try hanging curtains beyond the window frame. When pulled back, the entire window is exposed, letting in more light and making your room feel larger.

25. Maximize Vertical Space

In small living rooms, it’s all about making the most of what you’ve got. Maximizing vertical space by hanging curtains close to the ceiling creates the illusion of height.

26. Choose Thin, Airy Materials

In tight spaces, thick, bulky curtains can be overwhelming. Stick with thin, airy materials like cotton or linen to keep your room feeling light and breezy.

27. Coordinate Curtains with Furniture

One of the simplest ways to bring a room together is to coordinate your curtains with your furniture. I matched my curtains to my sofa cushions, and it really tied the whole room together.

28. Use Reflective Materials to Enhance Light

I’ve experimented with reflective fabrics like satin or silk to bounce light around the room. It’s a subtle trick that really brightens up a small space.

29. Match Curtain Patterns to Room Size

In a small living room, small patterns tend to work best. Large, bold prints can be overwhelming and make the room feel smaller.

30. Avoid Overwhelming Prints

Speaking of patterns, avoid overwhelming prints altogether. Subtle designs or solid colors usually work best in compact spaces.

31. Mount Rods Near Ceiling

If you’re trying to create the illusion of more height, mounting the curtain rods near the ceiling will do wonders. It gives the impression that your windows—and the room—are taller than they are.

32. Use Wall-to-Wall Curtains

One trick I discovered is using wall-to-wall curtains. Hanging curtains across an entire wall, even if there’s only one small window, makes the room feel bigger and more balanced.

33. Choose Full-Length Drapes

Full-length drapes that graze the floor create an elegant, elongated look that’s perfect for small living rooms. I’ve found that full-length drapes make the room look taller and more put together.

34. Avoid Thick, Heavy Drapes

Thick, heavy drapes can overwhelm a small space and block too much light. Stick with lighter fabrics to keep the room feeling fresh and airy.

35. Combine Curtains and Blinds

For maximum versatility, combining curtains and blinds can give you more control over light and privacy. I use sheer curtains with roller blinds, so I can adjust the amount of light that comes in throughout the day.

36. Select Contrasting Curtain Colors

If you want your curtains to pop, try contrasting colors with your walls and furniture. In my small living room, a light sofa paired with dark curtains creates an eye-catching contrast without feeling overwhelming.

37. Use Tiebacks to Control Light

If you want to let in more light during the day, tiebacks are a great option. They neatly hold the curtains open, allowing sunlight to flood the room without losing any elegance.

38. Focus on Texture for Dimension

Focusing on texture is a great way to add dimension to a small room without making it feel cluttered. I’ve used textured linen drapes in my living room, and they add subtle interest without overpowering the space.

39. Choose Subtle Patterns

In a small room, subtle patterns like small checks or stripes can add visual interest without overwhelming the space. I’ve found that smaller prints work best in compact areas.

40. Install Rods Wider Than Windows

Hanging your curtain rods wider than the actual window can give the illusion of a bigger window and more light. I use rods wider than the window frame, and it makes a noticeable difference in how open the room feels.

41. Create Balance with Simple Designs

When decorating a small living room, it’s all about balance. Simple curtain designs help keep the space cohesive and avoid visual clutter.

42. Use Soft, Flowing Fabrics

I recommend using soft, flowing fabrics that hang naturally. They create a sense of movement and help your small living room feel more relaxed and inviting.

43. Hang Curtains Over Large Windows

If you’re lucky enough to have large windows, make sure to accentuate them. Hang curtains over the full length of large windows to showcase the natural light and frame the view beautifully.

44. Pick Fabrics That Reflect Light

Certain materials, like satin or silk, can reflect light and brighten up your space. I’ve tried this in my living room, and it really helped create a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

45. Choose Custom-Fit Curtains

If you have odd-sized windows or simply want a perfect fit, custom-fit curtains are a great option. They ensure that your curtains look neat, tailored, and just right for your space.

46. Go for Minimalist Curtains

For a sleek, modern look, I’d suggest going for minimalist curtains. Simple, understated curtains can make a small living room feel more spacious and less cluttered.

47. Choose Linen or Cotton

I love linen and cotton curtains for small living rooms because they’re light, breathable, and effortlessly stylish. Plus, they’re easy to maintain and look fresh year-round.

48. Avoid Dark, Heavy Curtains

Dark, heavy curtains can make a small living room feel smaller and darker than it really is. Stick with lighter shades and fabrics to keep your space feeling open and bright.

49. Add Layers for Versatility

Layering curtains with blinds or shades gives you more control over light and privacy. Adding layers also brings in a bit more dimension and texture to the room without making it feel cluttered.

50. Choose Curtains That Complement Décor

Finally, don’t forget to choose curtains that complement your décor. Make sure to fit your curtains with your living room focal point and the rest of your room décor for a complete look.