Curtains are a versatile and practical way to dress up your windows and add some style and personality to your room. They can also help control the amount of light and heat that enters your room, which can affect your mood and comfort. But did you know that curtains can also affect the perceived size of your room? Depending on how you hang them and what type of curtains you choose, they can make your room look larger or smaller. Let’s find out how!
Do curtains make a room look larger or smaller?
The answer is it depends. There are several factors that influence how curtains can make a room look larger or smaller, such as:
- The length of the curtains
- The width of the curtains
- The color and pattern of the curtains
- The style and type of the curtains
- The position and height of the curtain rod
Here are some tips on how to use these factors to your advantage and create the illusion of a larger or smaller room with curtains:
How to make a room look larger with curtains
If you want to make your room look larger with curtains, you should follow these guidelines:
- Choose long curtains that reach the floor or slightly puddle on it. This will create a vertical line that draws the eye upwards and makes the ceiling appear higher.
- Choose wide curtains that extend beyond the window frame on each side. This will create a horizontal line that makes the window appear wider and lets in more natural light.
- Choose light-colored or sheer curtains that reflect light and create a sense of openness and airiness. Avoid dark or heavy fabrics that absorb light and create a sense of heaviness and confinement.
- Choose solid or small-patterned curtains that blend in with the wall color or contrast slightly with it. Avoid large or busy patterns that overwhelm the space and create visual clutter.
- Choose simple and sleek curtain styles and types, such as eyelet, tab-top, or rod pocket curtains. Avoid elaborate or fussy styles and types, such as pencil pleat, French pleat, or valance curtains.
- Hang the curtain rod close to the ceiling or above the window frame. This will create more vertical space and make the window appear taller.
How to make a room look smaller with curtains
If you want to make your room look smaller with curtains, you should follow these guidelines:
- Choose short curtains that end at the windowsill or slightly below it. This will create a horizontal line that cuts off the vertical space and makes the ceiling appear lower.
- Choose narrow curtains that fit within the window frame or slightly overlap it. This will create a vertical line that makes the window appear narrower and lets in less natural light.
- Choose dark-colored or heavy fabrics that absorb light and create a sense of coziness and warmth. Avoid light-colored or sheer fabrics that reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness and coldness.
- Choose large or busy-patterned curtains that stand out from the wall color or contrast sharply with it. Avoid solid or small-patterned curtains that blend in with the wall color or contrast slightly with it.
- Choose elaborate or fussy curtain styles and types, such as pencil pleat, French pleat, or valance curtains. Avoid simple and sleek curtain styles and types, such as eyelet, tab-top, or rod pocket curtains.
- Hang the curtain rod close to the window frame or below it. This will create less vertical space and make the window appear shorter.
Final Thoughts
Curtains are a great way to add some style and personality to your room. However, they can also affect the perceived size of your room depending on how you hang them and what type of curtains you choose. By following these tips, you can use curtains to create the illusion of a larger or smaller room with ease. You can then enjoy your new curtains and your new look!
