Create The Illusion Of Wider Windows With A Simple Curtain Hack

Some rooms just have small windows. Whether it's your living room or a bedroom that always feels a little cramped, narrow windows can throw the whole space out of balance. You might think that you need to replace them or spend a ton of money, but all hope is not lost. By using one extra-long curtain rod that extends past the sides of your small window, two neutral colored curtains, and one sheer curtain for the middle, you can create the illusion of a wider, more spacious opening that is broken up into 3 sections. The sheer curtain covers the actual window and lets the light in, while the two neutral curtains on the sides cover the wall and make it seem like your window extends way wider than it actually does.

There are a couple of different ways to tackle this hack. You can either buy one long curtain rod or combine two halves of a standard rod with a center connector from a second rod. Either way, you'll be using 4 brackets to support the extended rod and create 3 different sections. Once you've chosen your method, you need two neutral, solid curtain panels for the sides and one sheer panel for the center made of light and airy material (such as linen or cotton). With just a few steps, your window will seem bigger, brighter, and way more balanced — no pricey renovations required. And if you end up having leftover fabric, you can try some of these unusual ways to decorate with curtains.

Once you've got your rods and curtains ready, it's time for the magic to happen. You're going to install the two outer rods several inches (6 to 12) outside your window frame on either side. Then, take your shorter rod and hang it centered directly above the actual window. That's where the sheer panel will go. Once you hang the sheer curtain in the middle over your actual window and the neutral curtains on each side, you'll instantly see the difference. The solid-colored curtain panels on each side will anchor the space and draw the eye outward, while the sheer curtains will soften the natural light and help to brighten the room. 

To customize this hack, you can elevate your space even more by using velvet panels for a touch of luxury, ceiling-mount the rods to make your room feel taller, and install hooks to make your curtains look more professional. The best part of this trick is that nobody will ever guess your "bigger window" isn't the real thing. If you want to find other ways to put up your curtains, you can easily hang curtains without a rod using a unique design hack.