Small Space, Big Impact: Using Curtains to Make Rooms Look Larger

In Hawaiʻi, where many homes and condos prioritize efficient use of space, making a room feel larger is just as important as how you furnish it. The good news? You don’t need to knock down walls to achieve a more open, spacious feel. With smart curtain placement and design, your windows can do more than bring in natural light—they can visually expand your room.

Whether you’re working with a cozy urban apartment in Honolulu or a tucked-away cottage near the coast, here are professional design tips to help you harness the power of curtains to create a sense of space, flow, and light.

1. Hang Curtains High and Wide

One of the simplest tricks interior designers use to elongate a room is raising the curtain rod well above the window frame—ideally as close to the ceiling as possible.

Why It Works:

• Draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of taller ceilings.
• Makes windows appear larger and more dramatic.
• Brings a sense of openness to cramped or low-ceiling rooms.

For extra impact, extend your rod 8–12 inches beyond each side of the window. This allows the curtains to frame the window without blocking light, making the space feel airier.

2. Choose Light, Reflective Fabrics

Fabric texture and color significantly influence how spacious a room feels. Heavy, dark drapes can overwhelm small spaces. Instead, opt for light, sheer, or linen-like materials in soft hues.

Designer Favorites for Small Rooms:

• Sheer white or off-white panels
• Linen blends in sandy neutrals or muted ocean tones
• Lightweight cotton in warm pastels or breezy floral patterns

These fabrics allow light to filter in, which helps your space feel brighter, cleaner, and larger.

3. Use Floor-Length Curtains

Even in a small room, floor-length curtains create vertical continuity that gives the illusion of height. Avoid short panels that end at or below the windowsill—they visually chop the room and make it feel smaller.

If you’re decorating a studio or condo, floor-to-ceiling curtains can also act as elegant room dividers or backdrop walls, adding structure without bulk.

4. Match Curtain Color to Wall Color

Blending your curtain color with your wall color helps eliminate harsh visual breaks, giving the room a more seamless and expansive appearance.

Pro Tip:

If you want a subtle contrast, choose curtains that are one to two shades lighter or darker than your wall color. This keeps the design cohesive without being monotone.

In island homes, matching with warm whites, ocean-inspired blues, or sandy neutrals often works beautifully.

5. Opt for Vertical Patterns or Textures

If you’re feeling adventurous, curtains with vertical stripes or tonal embroidery can elongate the space by drawing the eye upward. Avoid busy patterns or horizontal lines, which can shrink the room visually.

Textured curtains like woven cotton, linen, or soft ruffles also add dimension without cluttering the space.

6. Keep Curtain Hardware Minimal and Elevated

Use sleek, minimalist rods and brackets that don’t overpower the drapery or draw too much attention. Choose finishes that complement your space—brushed brass, matte black, or soft white are timeless options in coastal homes.

Turn Small Spaces Into Calm, Stylish Havens

Your home should feel open, welcoming, and well-designed—regardless of square footage. By intentionally using curtains to shape light, draw the eye upward, and blur hard edges, you can transform even the smallest room into a serene retreat.

At Aloha Drapery, we specialize in custom solutions that make small spaces feel bigger and more beautiful. From tailored curtain lengths to breezy island-inspired textiles, our team is here to help you make a big impact with every window.

Ready to maximize your space with style?

Visit Aloha Drapery to book a personalized consultation and explore how custom curtains can open up your home.