How to choose the right curtains for a compact bedroom?

Features of window decoration

The decoration of the window opening depends on the layout of the bedroom, the side on which the windows face, and their number.

• Give preference to a light color palette if your goal is to preserve the area or visually increase it.
• Use thick blackouts so that the sun’s rays do not wake you up in the morning.
• Give up curtains altogether or replace them with light tulle if the small room is western or you are used to waking up with the third rooster crow.
• Attach curtains in a small bedroom with low ceilings to a ceiling track to make the room seem higher.
• Do not skimp on fasteners – they should easily move along the cornice, because you will have to open and close the curtains every day.
• Decorate two windows the same way if they are located on the same wall – use one long cornice instead of a pair of short ones.
• Choose a crossbar at least as wide as the window sill, better – 1.5-2 times wider than the window or the entire wall.
• Give up rich decor in the form of lush draperies, complex lambrequins, multi-layered, in favor of plain curtains of a simple shape.
• Curtain a small window with long curtains to hide the size. Or use blinds of the right size to disguise the opening itself.
• Don’t skimp on the design of a large window – it is best to hang a curtain rod across the entire width of the wall.

Which curtains are best?

Curtains for a small bedroom are usually chosen from the following options:

• thick blackout curtains;
• transparent tulle made of chiffon, organza, muslin;
• cozy wooden blinds;
• compact roller or Roman blinds;
• fancy French, Austrian models.

First of all, evaluate the level of illumination: if you like to sleep in the morning or at lunchtime, you need light blockers. These can be special blackout fabrics (from the English “darkening”) in the form of Roman or regular curtains, blinds on glass or along the width of the opening.

Do you have western or northern windows, do you wake up early and do not need blackout? In some cases, in a small room, you can do without curtains at all (in a Scandinavian interior, bare windows are most appropriate), or get by with transparent, flying, airy materials that simply add coziness.

Often, a desk or other low furniture is placed on the windowsill in a small bedroom – in this case, you will have to do without floor-length curtains altogether. The most convenient models are those that are attached directly to the frame and will not interfere with anything when closing / opening. Roman, roller models, shortened curtains are suitable for an empty windowsill.

Does the layout of the bedroom include a balcony? Leave the option of free access to it – you need to create a design not from one wide strip, but from two narrow ones, so that they swing open, opening access to the door.

The photo shows a roller system above the desk

You can visually increase the height of the ceilings with the help of:

• curtains with vertical stripes on a ceiling track from floor to ceiling;
• vertical long blinds;
• Japanese curtains.

The following will help to correct the geometry of a narrow bedroom:

• bright contrasting curtains on the short wall;
• curtains in the same tone as the trim on the long side;
• horizontal ornament or blinds with slats parallel to the floor along the shorter edge.

Tip! Use a maximum of 2 layers – tulle and curtain. If possible, reduce to one, or hang both types in one line. The fewer layers, the more compact the structure looks.

The photo shows light, light tulle on dark wallpaper

What color can I use?

The ideal curtains for a small bedroom are light ones.

1. White. A classic universal shade, the main disadvantage of which is absolute lack of protection from the sun. Exception: white blackouts.
2. Warm. Beige, pastel yellow, orange. They will fill the bedroom with sun, coziness, and warmth.
3. Cold. Gray, blue, green, pink, lilac. They look fresh, promote relaxation and rest.

The photo shows minimalist white curtains

Bright shades of curtains are not suitable for either a large or a small bedroom. They are too active, prevent relaxation, and negatively affect the quality of sleep and rest.

If you need an accent, choose moderately dark shades. That is, not black, but graphite. Not dark chocolate, but cappuccino. Not blue-black, but azure or indigo. Dark curtains along the entire wall on the narrow side in an elongated bedroom will visually make it more square, give it the correct shape.

The choice of fabric shade for the windows is influenced by the color of the walls. The following combinations look harmonious:

• of the same color, but a couple of tones darker or lighter;
• light curtains with a pattern to match the walls;
• plain curtains to match the wallpaper with a pattern.

Choosing the right print and pattern

Curtains in a small bedroom do not necessarily have to be plain: prints on fabric are allowed, but they should be:

1. Small. The smaller the bedroom, the smaller the pattern and vice versa.
2. Non-contrasting. It is advisable to choose a minimally noticeable pattern that is not striking.

The photo shows the decoration of two openings with curtains with a pattern

Suitable options:

• Vertical stripes. Increase the height of the ceilings.
• Horizontal stripes. Visually expand the room.
• Cage. Ideally emphasizes the traditional style.
• Geometry (diamonds, triangles). Add dynamics to the interior.
• Floristry. Attracts attention.
• Abstraction. Focuses on the window.

The photo shows a two-tone Roman blind

Interior design ideas

The easiest and most correct way to choose curtains for a small bedroom is based on the style of the room.

• Modern. Pastel laconic curtains made of well-draped fabrics. Do not complement them with a holder or other accessories, let them just hang from top to bottom.
• High-tech. A suitable option would be automatic shutters on the windows that open and close at the touch of a button.
• Classic. Instead of multi-layering, voluminous lambrequins and fringe – French curtains with cute folds. Or ordinary curtains with tulle. The composition will be complemented by cute grabs with tassels.
• Minimalism. One or two curtains made of plain light fabric, or plain Roman, Japanese, rollers.
• Country. Small curtains to the window sill made of light natural fabrics (linen, cotton). Small floral patterns are welcome. You can use cafe curtains if you do not need protection from the sun.
• Scandinavian. Crumpled linen, cotton, translucent chiffon from floor to ceiling are typical. But it is better to do without curtains at all.
• Modern. The window is often accented by choosing a dark fabric or one with a pattern. Any geometry or original abstraction is suitable as a print.