Window Treatments for Small Windows

Windows can come in a variety of different styles, all offering varying things when it comes to the aesthetics of your home. Window treatments, such as shutters, blinds, drapes, and shades can bring further customization to your home. Many treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all though, this is especially true when it comes to smaller windows.

In order to give you a better idea of what to expect we have a list of different types of treatments here. You’ll get a brief description of them along with how compatible they are with smaller window sizes.

Hard Window Treatments

Shutters can be made from either wood or plastic and have an attached hinge to open and close as needed. These types are great at blocking out sunlight along with being one of the best for protection against harsh weather and burglary.

These pieces can also have incredible aesthetics with ornate carvings, color, and styles that can enhance the beauty of your home. Woven wood shades are found on the inside of the home and are made from a variety of different types of wood allowing for many exotic textures and styles.

That being said, while window shutters look great they aren’t typically used on small windows as they are typically larger in size and cost more than other treatment types.

While shutters can be attached via the exterior or interior, they generally are only recommended for larger windows that can fully take advantage of them. This treatment type isn’t completely useless for smaller windows though as there are manufacturer’s that can customize size and use.

Blinds

Blinds are one of the most popular types of treatment options as they are often the easiest to install along with being the cheapest.

Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds are composed of one material and sit flat at the top perimeter of the window, allowing them to be effectively invisible when not in use. Ideal for small windows that are easy to get to, pleated blinds work especially well as cumbersome cords aren’t necessary.

Venetian Blinds

These type of blinds are separated in horizontal sections typically made from either plastic, metal or wood. These slats are suspended via strips of cloth and cord which can be manipulated by 180 degrees. Venetian blinds can also be custom fit and can work as long as the cord is kept at a suitable length and isn’t laying everywhere.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical pieces of material that are manipulated from left and right rather than up and down of more traditional blinds. Blinds can be a great choice for smaller windows because they can often be customized by size. Vertical blinds can be used if the window in question is tall but extremely thin.

Drapery

Often just called curtains, drapes can be one of the most beautiful options that give a home a more refined and opulent look. Drapes come in the largest cross-section of colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns, making them potentially ideal for smaller window fixtures.

These curtains can also be further subdivided into their overall material, with different attributes like dust retention, fire resistance, noise absorption, and ultraviolet resistance depending on the type.

Sheer curtains, for instance, are a fabric that allows people to look outside in the comfort of their home without individuals being able to see in. This type comes in a wide variety of different colors and fabrics with nylon, and shades of white being the most common.

Cafe curtains are straight pieces of drapery that extend across a series of rings along a rod. The most extravagant of curtains is the Austrian style. More akin to be found in a palace, these shades have multiple layers and ridges that can be moved around as necessary.

Since drapes come in so many styles they can be a great choice for smaller windows, especially cafe curtains. This style is often used in kitchens and can work great either blocking out the lower portion of a window or just a smaller window that you might not want available all the time.

Other types of drapes can be great when used in conjunction with larger windows. For instance, an Austrian setup can be used to cover up smaller windows found above larger ones, while sheers models are great for small window panels along the perimeter of an entryway or window.

Shoji Panels

One of the more esoteric and exotic varieties of treatments are Shoji panels. This type of treatment is often used in Japanese style decorating and can also be used indoors or simple room dividers.

The frame is made from wood, typically bamboo with a translucent rice paper throughout, which works by giving privacy while also allowing light to get in.

The panels themselves are usually numerous but varied and can be attached to a window via a hinge or a sliding mechanism. Panel tracks are much more austere and are just one whole panel that slides back and forth. For smaller windows, this type of treatment can be mixed.

Because of their typically large size and multiple panels throughout, a Shoji panel won’t be good for a single small window. For those type of windows that are part of a set though, these Eastern-styled treatments can do wonders.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are probably the most state of the art window treatment on this list as they are specifically designed to help insulate the home while also keeping light out to boot.

The inside of these cells are made to trap air inside of them which provides an extra barrier keeping the inside temperature more constant. These shades are organized by the number of cells with single, double, and triple being the most common.

Some styles offer superior brightness control by filtering a higher rate of light than other treatments. This type of treatment is composed of a cloth-like fabric like spun lace or bonded polyester.

Cellular shades offer a great deal of size customization, with many retailers offering cutting services in store. This style of window treatment works best when it comes to smaller windows as they can be fit to size, keep your home better insulated, and do the best in blocking out the light.

Final Thoughts

Window treatments come in a wide variety of styles. Hardwood treatments are often the most cumbersome and because of this, aren’t generally recommended for smaller windows.

Shoji paneling usually doesn’t work well either, unless you are going to cover up multiple small windows. Curtains can have mixed results and generally works best covering small windows that are above the larger one.

The best types of treatments to pick for smaller windows though is probably blinds and cellular shades. Both are simple enough to use and can be customized to fit, making them ideal choices.

Feldco offers a variety of sizes when it comes to windows. From small to large-sized windows, we’ve got you covered when it comes to window replacement because we’ve serviced the Midwest for over 40 years with dependable, durable, energy efficient, affordable windows. Speak with a Feldco representative now and get a free quote.