How to Make Windows Look Bigger

This guide shows you practical ways to make your windows appear larger without any structural changes. You’ll learn decorating tricks, curtain placement, and color strategies that trick the eye into perceiving more light and space. No tools are required—just a fresh perspective and a few simple adjustments.

What You’ll Need

Curtain rods (extend beyond the window frame)
Curtains or drapes (light, sheer fabrics work best)
Mirrors (any size, but larger is better)
Paint and brushes (if you plan to paint the wall or trim)
Measuring tape
Level (for hanging rods and mirrors)
Screwdriver or drill (for mounting hardware)
Ladder or step stool

Step-by-Step

Measure your window and wall space. Use a measuring tape to note the width of the window frame and the distance from the ceiling to the top of the frame. This will guide your curtain rod placement and mirror sizing.
Hang the curtain rod wider than the window. Mount the rod 8–12 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This makes the window appear wider because the curtains extend into the wall space, drawing the eye outward.
Raise the curtain rod closer to the ceiling. Position the rod 4–6 inches below the ceiling (or at least 6 inches above the window frame). This adds vertical height, making the window look taller. The curtains should graze the floor or pool slightly for a dramatic effect.
Choose sheer or light-colored curtains. Heavy, dark drapes block light and make the window feel smaller. Opt for sheer white, cream, or light pastel fabrics that let sunlight filter through. If you need privacy, use a sheer layer under a heavier panel that stays open during the day.
Keep curtains open during the day. Pull them fully to the sides so the entire glass area is visible. Tie-backs or holdbacks keep them neatly out of the way, maximizing the view and light.
Paint the wall a light, cool color. Light colors reflect more light, making the room and windows feel airier. Soft whites, pale blues, and light grays work well. Avoid dark, saturated colors that absorb light and shrink the perceived space.
Paint the window trim a contrasting light color. White or off-white trim around the window creates a crisp, clean outline that makes the glass area stand out. If the trim is already white, consider painting the wall a slightly deeper tone to increase contrast.
Place a mirror opposite or adjacent to the window. Mirrors reflect both light and the outdoor view, effectively doubling the visual space. A large floor mirror or a series of smaller mirrors can bounce sunlight deep into the room.
Keep the window sill clear. Remove bulky plants, stacks of books, or decorative objects that block the lower portion of the glass. A clear sill lets the eye travel uninterrupted from the room to the outside.
Use vertical elements nearby. Tall indoor plants, floor lamps, or bookcases placed beside the window draw the eye upward, reinforcing the vertical line created by the tall curtains.
Consider a skylight or solar tube (optional). If you’re open to a renovation, adding a skylight or solar tube in the same room can dramatically increase natural light, making all windows feel more expansive. This is a bigger project, so consult a professional.

Common Mistakes

Hanging the rod too close to the window. If the rod is only a few inches wider than the frame, the curtains will cover part of the glass when open, reducing the visible window size.
Using dark, heavy curtains. Thick velvet or dark-colored drapes absorb light and make the window feel like a cave. Even when open, the bulky fabric eats into the wall space.
Placing the rod too low. Mounting the rod just above the frame shortens the visual height. Always raise it significantly above the frame.
Blocking the window with furniture. A tall bookshelf or sofa placed directly in front of the window obstructs light and makes the window appear smaller from the inside.
Overcrowding the sill. A collection of knick-knacks on the sill breaks the clean line of the glass and clutters the view.
Painting the wall a dark color. Dark walls make the window contrast harshly and can make the room feel smaller, even if the window is large.

Tips

Use the same color for curtains and walls. When the curtains blend with the wall color, the eye doesn’t see a sharp boundary, making the window seem less isolated and more integrated into the space.
Opt for floor-to-ceiling curtains. Even if the window is only half the wall height, full-length curtains create the illusion of a taller window.
Choose a rod with minimal finials. Simple, slim rods with small end caps look cleaner and don’t visually clutter the area.
Hang mirrors at an angle. A mirror tilted slightly downward can reflect more of the outdoor view and light, rather than just the ceiling.
Keep the glass clean. Dirty windows reduce the amount of light entering and make the glass look dull. Regular cleaning is the cheapest way to make windows feel bigger.
Consider a single large mirror instead of many small ones. A large mirror creates a stronger reflection and a more seamless sense of expanded space.

Troubleshooting

Curtains still cover part of the window when open. If the rod is mounted wide enough but the curtains are too wide or thick, use tie-backs to pull them fully clear of the glass. Alternatively, switch to lighter, more flexible fabric.
The room still feels dark. If you’ve done everything and the room is still dim, check if the window is shaded by outdoor trees or buildings. Trimming branches or adding a light tube might be necessary. Also, clean the glass inside and out.
The mirror doesn’t seem to help. Make sure the mirror is positioned to reflect the window directly, not just a dark wall. Move it around until you see the window in the mirror from the main seating area.
Curtain rod won’t stay up. If the rod falls because the brackets aren’t anchored properly, use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. If you must mount in drywall, use heavy-duty toggle bolts that can support the weight.
Paint color looks wrong. Test a small area first and observe it at different times of the day. If it feels too cool or too warm, adjust the shade. Light colors with a hint of blue or green tend to recede, making walls feel farther away.
Windows are small and there’s no wall space for a wider rod. In tight spaces, consider using a tension rod that fits inside the frame and mount it near the top of the frame. Then, use a sheer curtain that covers the entire frame but is pulled aside to expose the glass. This won’t widen the look, but it can add height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do curtains really make windows look bigger?

Yes, when hung correctly—wider and higher than the frame—curtains create the illusion of a larger window by extending the visual boundaries. The eye follows the fabric, so the window appears to occupy more wall space.

What color curtains are best for small windows?

Sheer white or light-colored curtains are best because they reflect light and don’t create a heavy contrast. If you need more privacy, choose a light fabric with a subtle pattern—avoid dark, dense materials.

Can a mirror really make a window look bigger?

Absolutely. A mirror placed opposite or at an angle to the window reflects both the light and the outdoor view, effectively doubling the visual depth of the room. This makes the window seem more prominent and the space larger.

Should I paint the window frame a different color?

Yes, painting the frame a lighter color than the wall (such as white on a pastel wall) creates contrast that highlights the window. A contrasting trim makes the window appear as a focal point and can visually enlarge it.

How high should I hang the curtain rod?

Hang the rod 4–6 inches below the ceiling or at least 6 inches above the window frame, whichever is higher. This draws the eye upward and adds vertical height to the window.

Are there any permanent ways to make windows look bigger?

Yes, you can replace the window with a larger one, which is a major renovation. A less invasive option is to install a skylight or solar tube to bring in more light, which makes existing windows feel more expansive. Always consult a professional for structural changes.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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