It can be really frustrating when your space isn’t as wide and open as you wish it would be. If you don’t have the permission to start knocking down walls, then put down your hammer and run to your local décor store and pick up a few window treatments.
Natural Light Is Best
If you want to make your space seem bigger naturally, try picking a window treatment that lets in a lot of natural light. If you want the option of privacy, go for blinds. You can adjust the amount of light you let into a room, but you have the option of closing blinds at night for privacy, or during the day if you want to block out any summer heat. The lighter a room is, the bigger it feels. Dark colors (or darkness in general) can make a room feel constricting and cramped, so a window treatment that lets in as much natural light as possible can really make a room feel more spacious.
Patterns Are Important
Just as patterns can be flattering or unflattering on a person’s body, the same goes for patterns on your window treatments. If you’re trying to make your space seem larger than it really is, don’t go for dark colored curtains or patterns with huge designs. Hanging light colored curtains that frame your window can make a window seem even larger, which in turn makes your space seem more welcoming and roomy. Choosing patterns with detailed, smaller designs in place of large prints will also open your room up. Large, oversized, patterned fabrics can actually make your curtains seem more confined.
Location, Location, Location
Where you hang your curtains and drapes is more important than what kind of curtains you end up buying. If you hang curtains about four to six inches higher than your window frame, it’ll trick the eyes into believing the window and space is much bigger than it really is. When gathering ideas for your window treatments, keep this trick in mind.
Avoid the Bells and Whistles
Choosing window treatments with a lot of ruffles or frills can cramp your space quite a bit. The extra details, like ruffles, ruching, creases, frills, and even valances take away from the sleekness of your space. Keeping your window treatments sleek and smooth can streamline your room to keep your eyes from concentrating on any small details, therefore making it seem more visually spacious and appealing. Unless your room has exceptionally high ceilings, you shoudl avoid valances. They can be great for framing large windows in tall, large rooms, but otherwise will make it seem darker. Choose window treatments with a smooth design instead of one that consists of lots of bunching or divided panels.
Material Matters
Just like the color and details, the actual fabric you choose matters as well. A heavy drape will make your small room seem even smaller, making your space seem weighed down and clunky. Choose a light and airy fabric to keep your room breezy and open. A lightweight material also lets in more natural light, which as mentioned before keeps a room feeling more open.
