Small apartments have a way of keeping you very, very honest about your design choices. There’s no room for bulky furniture that doesn’t pull its weight, no space for décor that’s anything less than intentional, and absolutely no reason to settle for window treatments that look heavy or block precious natural light. If anything, your windows become the most strategic styling opportunity in the entire home — especially when square footage is tight.
The right window treatments can open up your rooms, help air and light move more freely, add height, boost privacy, and make your space feel pulled-together without stealing physical or visual real estate. Below, we break down the best window treatments for small apartments, why they work, and how to make each one go the extra mile.
Roller shades: the minimalist hero
Roller shades are essentially the gold standard for small apartments because they offer something few other window coverings can: a clean, uninterrupted visual line. When they’re rolled up, they nearly disappear; when they’re down, they sit flat against the window without adding bulk.
Why they’re great for small spaces:
- Zero clutter. They don’t puff, pleat, or protrude. A tiny studio or narrow living room needs that minimal footprint.
- Customisable light control. Go sheer for softened daylight, blackout for sleep-ins, or dim-out for that sweet spot between privacy and glow.
- Easy to pair. If you want curtains for drama or warmth later, roller shades happily play the quiet sidekick.
Styling tips:
Match the shade colour to your wall for a seamless illusion of taller windows. If you have multiple windows in one line, keep all shades the same for visual calm.
Roman shades: elegant, compact, and perfect for rentals
Custom roman shades land in that sweet spot between structured and soft. They lend a tailored, sophisticated look without swallowing visual space. Because their folds stack neatly at the top, they still leave room for sunlight to pour in — something every small apartment desperately needs.
Why they work beautifully in small apartments:
- Soft texture without the bulk. They give you the coziness of fabric, minus the physical and visual weight of full-length drapes.
- Excellent for oddly sized windows. Many small apartments have narrow, high, or awkwardly placed windows; roman shades can be custom-made to fit.
- Great for privacy. You can drop them halfway to maintain privacy while keeping light in — handy for street-facing or densely packed buildings.
Styling tips:
Choose a solid or subtle pattern that won’t visually crowd the room. Light neutrals, soft stripes, and slubbed linens work wonders in petite spaces.
Sheer curtains: your small-space superpower
If your windows feel boxed in or your home is craving airiness, sheer custom curtains are basically a cheat code. They soften sunlight, widen sightlines, and create that breezy, expanded feel even when your square footage is humble.
Why sheer curtains shine in small apartments:
- They amplify natural light. More light = more visual space.
- They blur harsh views. If your apartment looks out onto another building or a busy lane, sheers tone down the view without blocking it completely.
- They pair beautifully with shades. Layer your curtains with roman shades for a polished, multi-dimensional look.
Styling tips:
Install your curtain rod higher and wider than the window frame to make ceilings feel loftier and walls feel broader. A full, floor-kissing length also brings elegance without heaviness.
Cellular shades: the compact multitasker
Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades are absolute workhorses in small apartments — especially those battling heat, cold, or street noise. Their built-in air pockets boost insulation and help regulate indoor temperature, which means your cozy nook stays cozy all year.
Why cellular shades are perfect for tight spaces:
- Energy efficiency. Small apartments heat up and cool down faster; cellular shades help stabilize temperatures.
- Neat, narrow profile. They barely extend into the room, keeping sightlines clear.
- Top-down/bottom-up option. This gives you the freedom to let in daylight from above while maintaining privacy below.
Styling tips:
Choose a crisp white or soft neutral to keep things fresh and modern. If your walls are coloured, match the fabric to the closest undertone for harmony.
Cafe curtains: charming, functional, and tiny-space friendly
If you want a blend of privacy and personality, cafe curtains are worth exploring — especially in kitchens and breakfast nooks. They cover just the lower half of the window, letting light flood from the top while keeping your home shielded from neighbours’ eyes.
Why café curtains thrive in small apartments:
- They let light in while preserving privacy. A huge win for ground-floor or close-proximity living.
- They take up almost no fabric volume. Visually light and physically small.
- They bring character. This is one of the loveliest ways to add a whisper of pattern, colour, or cottage warmth without overwhelming a compact room.
Styling …