Living in a small bedroom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. With the right curtains, you can make your space feel brighter, taller, and more open — all without major renovations. Here are 3 practical curtain styling tricks using lightweight fabrics that help visually expand your room—making your space feel instantly more open and airy.
1. Use Light Colors to “Push Back” the Walls
Color is everything in a small space. Dark curtain colors tend to shrink the room visually, while soft, low-saturation tones like white, beige, or light gray reflect more light and help blur the boundary between curtain and wall.
For best results:
- Match your curtains with your wall color. Opt for pale shades in similar tones to the paint on your walls. For instance, if your bedroom walls are warm beige, choose linen curtains in off-white or oat.
- Go minimal. Solid-colored, neutral custom curtains with minimal hardware will create a seamless, calming look and give the illusion of a more spacious room.
2. Choose Airy Materials to Soften the Space
When it comes to summer window treatments, fabric texture matters just as much as color. Heavy fabrics like velvet or full blackout cloth can weigh a room down, making it feel hot and cramped. In contrast, sheer and light-filtering materials like cotton voile, faux linen, or chiffon provide both breathability and brightness.
Two curtain layering ideas for small bedrooms:
- Single-layer sheer curtains: Softens direct sunlight while maintaining a bright, breezy atmosphere. Ideal for small spaces that need that open feel.
- Double-layer combo: Pair sheer curtains with blackout liners. Enjoy sunlight by day and privacy by night—no need to compromise.
NOTE: Avoid bulky embroidery or heavy trim, which can clutter the space and make small rooms feel busier than they are.
3. Hang Curtains Higher and Wider to Create Height
Click the image to custom the same navy velvet curtains
Most people mount curtain rods just above the window frame—but if you're working with limited space, go higher.
Try this instead:
- Mount curtain rods 2–4 inches below the ceiling to create the illusion of taller walls.
- Extend the curtain width across the full wall so the eye reads a broader room.
And for extra style and functionality:
- Go floor-length or puddle-length (2–8 inches longer than the window height) for natural drape and flow.
- Stick to 1.5–2x pleat fullness for a look that's neither flat nor too bulky.
Final Thoughts
If you're trying to decorate a small bedroom this summer, don’t overlook your curtains. With the right color palette, lightweight materials, and smart installation, curtains can do more than filter light—they can reshape how your room feels entirely.
Explore IXA Curtains’ collections of breathable, semi-sheer, and custom-made curtains for small spaces. Choose eco-friendly fabrics and made-to-order sizes that are tailored to your home.
