Not Valances Or Curtains: The Trendiest Ways To Style Small Windows Right Now

The right window treatment can completely transform your space, but finding the best option for smaller windows isn't always easy. For starters, off-the-shelf curtains and blinds tend to be made for average-sized windows. They can be hemmed, but the amount of fabric can still be overwhelming on a small frame. Then there's the challenge of maximizing natural light from a compact opening while maintaining privacy. However, bulky options like valances and curtains block the amount of sunlight that comes through your window. Aesthetics also come into play. If there's limited space around a small window, heavy drapes or boxy cornices may feel overwhelming, while minimalist treatments offer a cleaner look. And of course, you want to choose a trendy option that's stylish, too.

That might sound like a lot of factors to consider. Fortunately, from shutters to window film, there are many types of window treatments besides curtains or valances that are fit for the job. So, if you're looking for a way to dress your small window that doesn't sacrifice practicality or style, you can start with these options. And don't worry, all of them are designer-approved.

Looking for a unique window treatment? Plantation shutters, which are fitted inside your home instead of outside, are an excellent choice for small windows. Louvered designs let you control light and ventilation while maintaining privacy and reducing glare. Speaking to Livingetc, architect Oliver Leech says he's noticed a trend for shutters among homeowners. "As homes take on more roles, the ability to modulate light, privacy, and atmosphere becomes increasingly valuable," he says. And if that wasn't enough to persuade you, they also add a touch of European charm to your home.

Chik blinds are made from natural materials like bamboo or jute. Unlike heavy drapery, they allow for subtle light filtering, which makes them great for smaller windows (although they are unsuitable if you want a black out option), and they typically fix to the window with two screws using eyelet hooks, making them easy to fix in shallow window frames. Earlier this year, Livingetc identified chik blinds as a re-emerging trend. "Bamboo blinds are such an honest material," interior designer Sam Grigg told the magazine. "There's something about their simple roll-down form that feels uncomplicated and grounded."

Treatments that take up minimal space are best when choosing the right blinds or shades for a small window, so consider roller blinds. These shades roll into a cylinder at the top of the window, leaving the glass clear when raised. Their streamlined design also makes them a natural fit for minimalist interiors, and they come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and opacities. Although they may seem basic, their simplicity is part of the draw. As Erica Flynn Graber told Martha Stewart in a 2026 window treatment trend report, "Roller and zebra shades will remain timeless staples."

Although this focus isn't on drapes, cafe curtains are a bit of an outlier. These window treatments only cover the bottom half of a window, offering privacy at eye level while allowing light to enter through the top. This makes them great for small windows that look out onto busy streets, plus they're often made from lightweight sheer fabrics to maximize daylight. Beyond their practicality, cafe curtains make a charming window treatment, with designers identifying them as a leading trend in 2026. Use them to bring a touch of French bistro style or cottage-core romance to any room.  

Blinds and shutters may offer a more minimalist alternative to drapery, but they still require fixtures that take up space around a window. To pare things back, consider window film instead. Applied directly to the glass, this treatment provides privacy without the need for bulky hardware or fabric. It can even act as a window treatment that allows you to see out but not see inside. Sophisticated finishes also open up decorative possibilities. It comes in on-trend designs that mimic reeded, fluted, and stained glass.

If you thought Venetian blinds were dated, think again. In 2026, these classic, slatted blinds are back on trend. "Venetian blinds are timeless window coverings," Chloe Dacosta from Blinds 2go recently told Livingetc. "Their clean lines and adjustable design make them one of the most versatile and enduring styles around." She adds that they're also available in a range of different materials and finishes which can help soften the look in your window. Like roller blinds, they also have a compact design and can be raised right up to the top of your window, making them great for smaller windows.