Eight Ways to Make Your Windows Bigger
Making a room feel larger often depends on the size and placement of your windows. But replacing your windows with larger windows or adding more windows can be an expensive renovation and will definitely break your lease if you live in a rental apartment. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks you can use to make your windows appear larger without making any major renovations.
Hang your curtains higher
If you want to add the illusion of height to your windows, you can simply hang curtain rods higher above the window. This will lengthen the appearance of your window, drawing the eye to the ceiling. To prevent the ceiling from looking too low, hang curtain rods at least four inches below the ceiling to leave some space above the top of the curtains.
Choose wider curtains
To add width to your windows, you can use a wider cornice and attach brackets six inches to a foot behind the window frame. This will create the illusion of a larger window, adding width to the overall look. Be sure to secure the curtain rods to studs to avoid damaging the walls.
Use floor-length curtains.
Just as you hang your curtain rods higher and wider, allowing your curtains to fall lower will make your windows appear larger. Floor-length curtains extend the bottom of your windows, increasing the appearance of your window.
Combining multiple windows with one rod
If you have multiple windows on your wall, you can create a larger scene by including them in one set of curtains. Instead of breaking up a wall plane with two or more separate curtain rods and drapes, you can use multiple curtains from a single rod , allowing the curtains to also cover the wall space between the windows.
Install window coverings
To create more depth, try adding a layer of sheer curtains under drapes, adding curtains or blinds under curtains, or using valance fabric along with drapery. Layers allow you to control the light entering the room and also give your windows a more finished look.
Use paint to add height
If you want a tall and thin look but your windows are shorter, you can create some height by painting the wall above and below the window to match the trim. This will give you a vertical strip of trim color from floor to ceiling around the window and can stretch out a shorter window without adding too much display.
Add a little contrast to your decor
While in some cases a harmonious finish can help make your windows appear larger, some bright contrast, especially on the inside edge of the window trim, can add depth to your windows and enhance the daylight coming through the window. Finishing a darker color on a light wall will help your window stand out, making the overall look more dramatic.
Select a vertical pattern
Patterned curtains and curtains can be used to expand the perceived area of your window, giving you something more interesting to look at as your eye travels across them. Raising your eye upward and outward can help make windows appear larger than they actually are. While stripes are a common choice for this illusion, you can also try geometric patterns such as chevrons to lengthen the appearance of your windows.