Ideas for Decorating Short Windows

Not every room in the house has large, abundant windows. Basements, for example, typically have short windows that can be difficult to dress. Short windows can make a room look dark and dungeon-like, which is not the look most of us are going for in our home. Here you'll find ideas for decorating short windows which will help fool the eye and give the appearance of a larger, more spacious window size.

Fool the eye when decorating short windows

When looking for ideas for decorating short windows, you'll need to be a bit tricky by creating an optical illusion. To give the illusion of longer windows, here are a few tricks you may want to try, as well as a few things you'll want to avoid.

Try these decorating ideas:

DO hang the curtain rod above the height of the window trim. By installing the curtain rod higher, for example just a few inches below ceiling height, you'll extend the height of your windows by several feet, thereby giving the illusion of taller windows.

DO choose fabric patterns that elongate the window. Some ideas for decorating short windows with fabric may include slim, sleek stripes that will help give the appearance of longer window space.

DO consider using a set of short window shutters to give the illusion of larger windows. Mount the shutters just below the basement window to give the appearance of a regular height window. While the shutters will serve no practical purpose, they are an effective in decorating short windows.

DO use a piece of wood trim to create a mock windowsill. A piece of trim or molding can be installed several inches below the shutters to complete the look of a longer window.

Avoid these decorating ideas:

DON'T hang window treatments at window trim level. This will only bring focus to the size of your short windows.

DON'T use curtains that are the exact same size as the windows. Regardless of the fabric print, using small curtains will only make your windows look smaller. Instead, use full-size curtains or draperies.

DON'T use sheer fabrics on short windows, even if you've chosen curtains with an elongated size. It will only draw attention to the small size of the windows.

More decorating ideas from Jennifer Wagner:

10 Ways to Make a Room Look Bigger

5 Ways to Disguise a Basement Ceiling

10 Interior Decorating Mistakes You Can Avoid

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience

Jenny Wagner - Columbus Examiner

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network