How to Cover Small Windows In Chicago Homes

September 11, 2018

The big, stately window treatments you see in fancy HGTV homes or in the pages of interior design magazines are breathtaking, but not every home has those kind of windows. More often Chicago homeowners are concerned with smaller windows – windows that those big bold drapes don’t work with.

If you’re worried about your small windows, these are Sunburst’s recommendations for the best Chicago window treatments.

Plantation Shutters for Small Windows

Small windows are perfect for plantation shutters in Chicago. Some might think we’re biased because “shutters” is in our name, but shutters actually are one of the best choices for smaller windows. And there are a number of reasons why. As you'll see, shutters are a great option for transom windows and other small windows.

Home design imagery courtesy of Sandra Mijan

Shutters Can Fit Smaller Windows No Matter the Shape

Interior shutters are custom-built to your specific windows. That means that whatever size or shape the windows are, shutters will fit – no exceptions.

Small windows run the gamut of styles: casement windows, transom windows, porthole windows, octagon-shaped windows, and so on. Custom plantation shutters can fit any one of them, even the ones that other window coverings can’t.

Shutters Help Make Small Windows Look Larger

Some Chicago homeowners don’t like the fact that their small windows are, well, small. That’s ok, but nothing’s forcing you to tolerate a window you wish looked different. Interior shutters can add size to a small window, sometimes up to multiple inches with the right frame and mount. Obviously, shutters won’t really affect the size of the window, but it makes the window look bigger than it is.

Shutters Let You Manage Light in Small Windows

With small windows, light is often all or nothing. Either you’re totally covering your window, or it’s bare. That’s what you get with most window coverings like as drapes or curtains. But interior shutters offer a bit more flexibility with your lighting, especially with cafe shutters for small windows.

Custom Shades for Small Windows

The key with small window shades is to go with custom shades. More often than not smaller windows aren’t standard sizes, so most shades you buy off the rack will just cover up your window rather than framing it. So measure your windows precisely and shop for custom shades that play to your window and your space’s strengths.

Shades might make smaller windows look a little “boxier” and draw attention to their small size, so use caution when choosing window treatments for your windows.

Combining Window Treatments for Small Windows

What some savvy Chicago homeowners choose for their smaller windows is to use more than one kind of window treatment to make them more interesting and bigger. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be your small windows you do this with. Combine a window treatment that sticks to the frame like shutters, and hang curtains to either side to border the window.

It uses the space better, and makes the flow of your room more smooth.

Are Your Small Windows Causing Big Problems?

Don’t fret over small windows anymore, Chicago. Sunburst wants to help. Call us today at 847-250-6544 or fill out the form below to get help finding your perfect window treatment solution.

Back to Blog