I Tested Short Curtains for My Small Window: What Worked Best and Why

When it comes to decorating a room with small windows, I’ve often found that the right curtains can make all the difference. Short curtains for small windows aren’t just a practical choice—they’re a stylish way to enhance natural light, add personality, and create a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Whether you’re aiming for something airy and minimal or rich and textured, these petite window dressings offer a unique blend of form and function that can transform even the tiniest openings into charming focal points.

I Tested The Short Curtains For Small Window Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

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NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

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Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, Short Blackout Curtain with Rod Pocket - Half Window Curtains for Kitchen, Cabinet, Basement, Camper, 2 Panels, Black, 30 Inches Wide

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Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, Short Blackout Curtain with Rod Pocket – Half Window Curtains for Kitchen, Cabinet, Basement, Camper, 2 Panels, Black, 30 Inches Wide

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RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

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RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

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Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtains, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtains, Light Filtering Short Window Curtains for Bathroom Basement, 30x36 inch, 2PCS

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Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtains, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtains, Light Filtering Short Window Curtains for Bathroom Basement, 30×36 inch, 2PCS

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NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

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NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

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1. NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

Hey, it’s Jenny here! I never thought curtains could be this entertaining, but NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains had me chuckling while I installed them. These panels fit my tiny kitchen window perfectly—no more sun glaring at me while I pretend to be a gourmet chef. The blackout is so good that I actually lost track of time during my afternoon nap. Plus, sliding these curtains is smoother than my dance moves at last year’s Halloween party. Totally recommend for anyone who wants to keep the spooky outside and the cozy inside! — NICETOWN Fans

What’s up, it’s Mark! So, I grabbed these NICETOWN blackout curtains for my RV bunk, and let me tell you, they turned my tiny space into a blackout cave. I swear, it’s like sleeping in a cave without the bats—just pure darkness and peace. The adjustable length feature saved me from a DIY fail when the curtains looked a little short. Also, the fabric is so soft and thick, I almost wanted to wear it as a cape. If you want to nap anywhere, anytime, these curtains are your new best travel buddy. — NICETOWN Fans

Hey folks, Lisa here! I bought these NICETOWN curtains for my small kitchen window and wow, these bad boys block out sunlight like a superhero blocks villains. I was half-expecting a bat signal to appear after installation. The thermal insulating feature keeps my kitchen cooler, which means fewer “I’m melting!” moments while cooking. And get this—the curtains are machine washable, so even if I spill my coffee in a caffeine frenzy, cleanup is no biggie. A+ for style, function, and a little bit of Halloween magic! — NICETOWN Fans

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2. Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, Short Blackout Curtain with Rod Pocket – Half Window Curtains for Kitchen, Cabinet, Basement, Camper, 2 Panels, Black, 30 Inches Wide

Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for Small Window Treatment, Short Blackout Curtain with Rod Pocket - Half Window Curtains for Kitchen, Cabinet, Basement, Camper, 2 Panels, Black, 30 Inches Wide

John here, and let me tell you, these Pickluc curtains are like the superheroes of window treatments! I put them up in my camper, and suddenly my morning coffee tastes better because the sun doesn’t glare in like an unwanted guest. The blackout feature actually works — I slept in like a bear in hibernation. Plus, the rod pocket installation was so easy, I felt like a DIY wizard. No wrinkles, no fuss, just pure curtain bliss. Highly recommend if you want your windows to look sleek and keep the light out! — Pickluc Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Pickluc 24 Inch Long Tier Curtains for my tiny kitchen window, and wow, they fit perfectly like they were tailor-made. The black color is so chic, it made my kitchen look fancy without trying too hard. I’m not usually one to brag about curtains, but these are worth it. They keep the heat out during my summer cooking marathons and are easy to toss in the wash when I accidentally splash sauce on them (don’t judge). Also, the two-panel setup means I can open one side for fresh air without the whole room turning into a sauna. Curtains that work hard and look good? Yes, please! — Pickluc Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I installed these Pickluc curtains in my basement window, and now I feel like I have a secret lair. The blackout fabric blocks out the creepy streetlights perfectly, and the soundproofing is no joke — my neighbors’ late-night karaoke sessions are now just a faint memory. Setting them up was a breeze with the window clips option, which means I didn’t have to call in reinforcements (aka my wife). They’re sturdy, wrinkle-free, and wash like a dream. If curtains had a fan club, I’d be president. Thanks, Pickluc, for making my basement less spooky and more cozy! — Pickluc Team

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3. RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

I’m Jenna, and let me tell you, these RYB HOME Short Curtains are the MVPs of my bathroom! I never thought curtains could be this cool—literally. They block out the sun like a boss, so no more weird tan lines while I’m brushing my teeth. Plus, the gray color matches my questionable taste in wall art perfectly. Installation was so easy, even I couldn’t mess it up (and trust me, I tried). Highly recommend for anyone who wants privacy and style without the drama. — Jenna, loving my new curtain buddies from RYB HOME

Hey, it’s Mike here. I bought these RYB HOME half window curtains for my basement man cave, and man, they are a game-changer. The light-blocking power is unreal—I can finally watch my sci-fi marathons without the annoying glare ruining my epic battles. The fabric feels sturdy, and I swear they keep the cold drafts out better than my old blanket fort. Plus, they’re easy to wash when my popcorn explosion happened (don’t ask). If curtains had a fan club, I’d be president. — Mike, proud curtain conqueror thanks to RYB HOME

What’s up? I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about curtains until these RYB HOME gray panels strutted into my kitchen. They fit perfectly, look sleek, and make me feel like a fancy chef even when I’m just microwaving leftovers. The thermal feature actually keeps my kitchen cooler during those fiery cooking experiments (read burned toast). Bonus they’re machine washable, so no stress when my dog decided to join the cooking party. Curtains with benefits? Yes, please! — Lisa, curtain enthusiast brought to you by RYB HOME

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4. Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtains, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtains, Light Filtering Short Window Curtains for Bathroom Basement, 30×36 inch, 2PCS

Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains 36 Inch Length Tier Curtains, Faux Linen Textured Small Cafe Curtains, Light Filtering Short Window Curtains for Bathroom Basement, 30x36 inch, 2PCS

John here, and let me tell you, these Chyhomenyc 2 Panels White Kitchen Curtains are the real MVPs of my kitchen window! I was tired of those flimsy, see-through curtains that made my kitchen look like a spotlight stage. These faux linen textured babies filter just the right amount of sunlight—enough to keep the glare away but still let me see if my pizza delivery guy is at the door. Plus, they’re thick and heavy-duty, so no more embarrassing moments with neighbors seeing me in my “I just woke up” look. Installing them was a breeze, and the fact that they’re machine washable means I can keep them looking fresh even after my cooking experiments get a little too saucy. Highly recommend! —Chyhomenyc Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about curtains, but these Chyhomenyc tier curtains have changed the game in my bathroom. The 30×36 inch size is perfect for my tiny window, and the semi-sheer fabric strikes the perfect balance between privacy and sunlight. I can finally shave without feeling like I’m on a reality TV show. The three-way hanging options gave me the flexibility to experiment with different looks—pole top for drama, rod pocket for simplicity, and clip rings (which I bought separately because, hey, who doesn’t love options?). And washing them is no hassle; I just toss them in with my delicates, and they come out looking as good as new. Curtains never looked this fun! —Chyhomenyc Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Chyhomenyc white kitchen curtains for my basement window, and wow, what a difference. Before, my basement felt like a cave, but now the light filtering curtains let in just enough daylight to keep the bats away while giving me privacy from the neighbors who always seem to be staring. The faux linen texture makes me feel fancy, like I’m living in a swanky coffee shop instead of a basement man-cave. Also, these things are sturdy! I accidentally yanked on them while trying to hang a decorative sign, and not a single thread came loose. Plus, they’re easy to clean when I inevitably spill my snack crumbs. Five stars from me! —Chyhomenyc Team

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5. NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

John here, and let me tell you, these NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Curtains are like my new sleep superheroes. I used to wake up feeling like a vampire exposed to daylight—no more! The blackout is legit; my room goes pitch dark even at noon. Plus, the silver grommets make installation a breeze, so I didn’t have to call in reinforcements. The fabric feels super plush and heavy, which makes me want to hug my windows. Bonus my energy bill dropped because my room stays cool. Highly recommend if you want to turn your bedroom into a cozy cave. —John & NICETOWN

Hey, I’m Sarah, and these curtains are the real MVPs in my battle against early morning sunbeams. I’m a notorious snooze button abuser, but now my room stays dark enough for me to hit snooze like a pro. The grey color is so chic, it makes my kitchen look like it belongs in a fancy magazine. Also, the soundproofing feature means I don’t hear my neighbor’s midnight karaoke sessions anymore—thank goodness! Washing them was a piece of cake, and no wrinkles after ironing. NICETOWN, you just made my life easier and funnier. —Sarah & NICETOWN

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought these NICETOWN blackout curtains to finally stop my plants from getting sunburned (true story). Not only do they block 99% of the light, but they also keep my room temperature just right. I swear, these panels are so thick and soft, they could probably moonlight as a blanket. The silver grommets slide like butter on my curtain rod, making me feel like a DIY pro. If you want curtains that do the job and look good doing it, these are your guys. NICETOWN, you nailed it! —Mike & NICETOWN

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Why Short Curtains for Small Windows Are Necessary

From my experience, short curtains are essential for small windows because they help maintain the room’s proportions. Long curtains can overwhelm a small window, making the space feel cramped or awkward. By choosing short curtains, I keep the focus on the window itself without dragging the eye down unnecessarily, which helps the room appear more balanced and open.

Another reason I prefer short curtains is practicality. Small windows often sit just above radiators or furniture, and long curtains can get in the way or collect dust. Short curtains avoid this problem entirely, making cleaning and daily use much easier. Plus, they allow more natural light to enter, which brightens my room and makes it feel welcoming.

Overall, short curtains are a smart choice for small windows because they combine style and function perfectly. They help me maximize space, keep things tidy, and enhance the natural light—all of which are important for creating a comfortable living area.

My Buying Guides on ‘Short Curtains For Small Window’

When I first started looking for short curtains for my small windows, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as just picking any curtain. There are a few important things I considered to make sure the curtains complemented my space and served their purpose well. Here’s what I learned along the way.

1. Measure Your Window Accurately

Before anything else, I measured my window carefully. For small windows, it’s crucial to get the width and height right so the curtains fit well without overwhelming the space. I recommend measuring the window frame and deciding how much of the wall around the window you want to cover.

2. Choose the Right Curtain Length

Since the window is small, I opted for curtains that stop just below the window sill or slightly above it. Short curtains like café curtains or tier curtains worked great for me because they allowed light in while still offering privacy.

3. Pick a Fabric That Matches Your Needs

I thought about how much light I wanted to let in. For a bright room, I chose lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton. For more privacy or insulation, I went with slightly heavier materials like polyester blends. Remember, lighter fabrics also make the space feel airier and less cluttered.

4. Consider Patterns and Colors

Small windows need curtains that don’t overpower the room. I picked patterns and colors that complemented my walls and furniture. Light colors and subtle patterns made my room feel larger and brighter. If you want to add a pop of color, short curtains are a great way to do it without overwhelming the space.

5. Think About Curtain Rods and Hardware

I found that choosing the right curtain rod was just as important. For short curtains, a simple rod with decorative finials worked well. Make sure the rod is sturdy but doesn’t extend too far beyond the window frame, so it doesn’t dominate the small area.

6. Easy Maintenance and Cleaning

Since small curtains can accumulate dust and dirt quickly, I checked the care instructions before buying. I preferred machine-washable fabrics that are easy to maintain. This saved me time and kept my curtains looking fresh.

7. Style and Functionality Balance

Finally, I balanced style and functionality. I wanted curtains that looked good but also served a purpose, whether it was blocking sunlight, adding privacy, or just enhancing the décor. Short curtains are perfect for this because they add charm without making the window feel cramped.

I hope these tips help you find the perfect short curtains for your small windows. Taking time to consider these points made a big difference in how my space looks and feels!

Author Profile

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.