How to Use Curtains to Make a Room Look Bigger

Creating the illusion of space in a home—particularly in apartments or older homes with smaller rooms—is a common goal for many Australian homeowners. Fortunately, with a few clever curtain choices and design strategies, you can visually expand your interiors without knocking down a single wall. This guide explores how to use curtains to make a room look bigger, based on advice often followed by interior designers and stylists.

Why Curtains Matter in Small Rooms

Curtains are more than just a window treatment—they play a powerful role in the visual perception of space. The right curtains can draw the eye upward, stretch the width of a wall, and make a small room look bigger. Let’s explore some proven techniques.

Tip #1: Hang Curtains High and Wide

Go Close to the Ceiling

One of the most effective ways to create the illusion of height is to install your curtain rods close to the ceiling, not directly above the window frame. This draws the eye upward and makes the room feel taller. For maximum effect, choose floor to ceiling curtains that touch the floor to extend the line of vision vertically.

Extend Curtain Rods Beyond the Window Frame

To create the illusion of a larger window and open up the space, install curtain rods that extend wider than your windows. This allows you to pull the curtains completely off the window, exposing more glass and letting in more light, which in turn makes the room feel airier and more spacious.

Tip #2: Choose Light Colours and Lightweight Fabrics

In small rooms, heavy or dark curtains can make the space feel cramped and enclosed. Opt for sheer or lightweight fabrics in neutral or pale shades. These materials let natural light flow in and reflect brightness throughout the room, helping the space feel open and airy.

Tip #3: Use Vertical Stripes to Add Height

If you’re drawn to patterns, go for vertical stripes. This design trick is favoured by interior designers to create the appearance of extra height. Just like vertical lines on clothing can elongate the body, vertically striped curtains can make a small room look bigger by stretching the wall visually.

Tip #4: Coordinate with the Wall Colour

Choosing curtain fabrics in similar tones to your wall paint will avoid harsh contrasts and help the curtains blend in. This subtle integration reduces visual clutter and keeps the space cohesive, giving the illusion of a larger room.

Tip #5: Avoid Short Curtains

Curtains that stop midway down the wall can actually make a room look smaller by cutting the visual height of the wall. Always choose curtains that touch the floor or puddle slightly for a more refined, spacious effect.

Tip #6: Layering and Light Control

Consider layering sheer curtains with heavier drapes. This provides both light control and flexibility while adding visual depth to your window treatment. In a small room, having control over lighting can help you shift the mood and enhance the perception of space throughout the day.

Summary of Curtain Tips to Expand a Room

• Install curtain rods close to the ceiling
• Extend rods wider than your windows
• Choose floor to ceiling curtains that touch the floor
• Go for lightweight fabrics in light tones
• Use vertical stripes for height
• Match curtains to wall colours
• Avoid short curtains
• Consider layered window treatments for depth

Transform Your Small Room with Curtains

Whether you’re furnishing a compact apartment or updating a cosy guest room, hanging curtains the right way can significantly improve the feel and functionality of your space. These design strategies don’t just change how a room looks—they change how it feels to live in.

At Rivage Curtains and Blinds, we help homeowners across Australia find tailored curtain solutions that combine aesthetics and practicality. From custom designs that touch the floor to floor to ceiling drapes that enhance your interiors, our range is designed to help any small room look bigger. Explore our collection or book a consultation with our team to discover how the right curtain style can transform your home.