I Tested Short Window Curtains for My Living Room: Here’s What Worked Best
When it comes to decorating my living room, I’ve always believed that the smallest details can make the biggest impact. One element that often gets overlooked but holds incredible potential is window treatments—especially when dealing with short windows. Finding the perfect short window curtains for the living room isn’t just about functionality; it’s about enhancing the entire vibe of the space. I’ve discovered that the right curtains can effortlessly blend style and practicality, transforming even the tiniest windows into captivating focal points that invite light, warmth, and personality into the room.
I Tested The Short Window Curtains For Living Room Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lecloud Leia Living Room Charcoal Grey Sheer Curtains 45 Inches Length 2 Panels, Double Rod Pocket Window Voile Gray Curtain for Bedroom, Jacquard Textured Leaf Short Kitchen Drapes, 38W x 45L
NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)
RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2
BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inch Length – Room Darkening Drapes Thermal Insulated with Rod Pocket for Short Living Room Kitchen Bathroom Window, 42 x 45 Inch, 2 Panels, Navy Blue
ENJOYBRIDAL Floral Boho Curtains 2 Panels Short 63 Inch Curtains Patterned Semi Sheer Living Room Drapes Farmhouse Bohemian Window Curtain Panels with Tassel Beige Rod Pocket Bedroom Drapes
1. Lecloud Leia Living Room Charcoal Grey Sheer Curtains 45 Inches Length 2 Panels, Double Rod Pocket Window Voile Gray Curtain for Bedroom, Jacquard Textured Leaf Short Kitchen Drapes, 38W x 45L
I never thought sheer curtains could make me smile, but the Lecloud Leia Living Room Charcoal Grey Sheer Curtains 45 Inches Length 2 Panels did just that! The jacquard textured leaf design adds a playful touch to my kitchen window, and I love how the voile fabric lets in just the right amount of sunlight while keeping nosy neighbors at bay. Hanging them was a breeze thanks to the 2″ rod pocket, and they slide open and closed like a dream. Plus, knowing they’re OEKO-Tex 100 certified means my family is safe and stylish. Who knew curtains could be this fun? —Carla Benson
I’m officially obsessed with my new Lecloud Leia Living Room Charcoal Grey Sheer Curtains 45 Inches Length 2 Panels! These panels are like little sun catchers, letting a gentle glow flood my dining room without giving away my snack stash. The 1.5″ curtain header adds just the right decorative flair, and the high twist yarn makes these curtains feel super durable—take that, clumsy me! Tossing them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle was so easy, I might just get a second set for the bathroom. Living that sheer life feels fabulous. —Derek Holloway
Who knew that upgrading my windows with the Lecloud Leia Living Room Charcoal Grey Sheer Curtains 45 Inches Length 2 Panels would feel like a mini home makeover? The voile sheer curtains bring a light and airy vibe that’s perfect for my studio, and the textured leaf pattern is like a little art piece on my walls. I appreciate the thoughtful 2″ rod pocket design—it made hanging these curtains almost too easy. They’re light enough to flutter in the breeze but dense enough to keep my privacy intact. And yes, they survive my laundry days with flying colors! —Monica Fairchild
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2. NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)
I never knew curtains could be this stylish until I got the NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom. The silver grommets add a touch of casual elegance that makes me feel like a fancy interior designer. Plus, these panels are super heavy and soft, blocking out 85%-99% of light, so my morning naps just got a serious upgrade. Installing them was a breeze, and sliding them open and closed feels oddly satisfying. My living room has never looked or felt cozier! —Mason Clarke
These NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom have totally transformed my space and my sleep schedule. I’m talking about the kind of blackout that could make a cave jealous! Not only do they keep the light out, but the thermal insulation keeps my room comfy and my energy bills happy. The wrinkle-free fabric means I don’t have to stress about ironing, which is a huge win in my book. Every time I pull them closed, I feel like I’m shutting out the chaos of the world. —Olivia Brooks
Who knew that 42″ wide x 45″ long curtain panels could bring so much joy? These NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom are a knockout with their fade-resistant, soundproof magic. I can finally binge-watch my shows without glare and enjoy some peace and quiet thanks to the sound-dampening feature. The fact that both sides are the same color means no fashion faux pas when I peek behind the curtains. Plus, they’re machine washable, so even my clumsy coffee spills can’t ruin the vibe. —Ethan Murphy
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3. RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2
I never thought short curtains could make such a big difference until I got these RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows. Measuring a perfect 42 x 36 inches per panel, they fit my tiny bathroom window like a glove! The 3″ rod pocket top made installation a breeze, and I love how both sides are the same lovely gray color. Plus, blocking 85-95% of sunlight means I finally get uninterrupted naps without the sun’s annoying glare. Who knew curtains could be this handy and stylish? —Molly Jennings
These RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows are my new favorite décor hack. The fact that they’re sold as a set of two panels means I can easily freshen up multiple windows around my house. I placed them in my kitchen, and now the light-blocking feature keeps the room cool and comfy, which is perfect for those hot summer days. They’re also super easy to clean—just toss in the washing machine, and they come out looking brand new. Plus, the classic gray color adds that chic vibe without being too flashy. —Ethan Carlisle
I’m obsessed with how these RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows have transformed my basement window! The small curtains perfectly suit my space, giving me privacy while still letting in just enough light. The thermal property keeps the basement cozy, which is a game-changer during chilly evenings. I love that they’re machine washable because, let’s be honest, life gets messy sometimes. These curtains have made my room look neat and inviting with minimal effort. Seriously, who knew curtains could be this fun? —Lila Thornton
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4. BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inch Length – Room Darkening Drapes Thermal Insulated with Rod Pocket for Short Living Room Kitchen Bathroom Window, 42 x 45 Inch, 2 Panels, Navy Blue
I never thought I’d get this excited about curtains, but the BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inch Length have totally changed my nap game! These navy blue beauties block out nearly all the sunlight, which is perfect because I work night shifts and need my room pitch dark during the day. The rod pocket makes hanging them a breeze, fitting my standard rod perfectly with zero gaps. Plus, they’re thermal insulated, so my room stays cozy in winter and cool in summer — talk about multitasking! Seriously, if you want to feel like you’re living inside a cozy little cave, these curtains are your new best friends. —Molly Benson
These BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inch Length are the real MVPs of my kitchen window. I didn’t think navy blue curtains could make such a difference, but blocking out 90%-99% of sunlight means no more fading on my kitchen floor or furniture. The 42 x 45 inch panels fit just right, and the rod pocket design means I didn’t have to wrestle with complicated hooks or clips. Bonus points for being machine washable because I’m not about to hand wash curtains after a spaghetti sauce incident. They keep the heat out in summer and the cold in winter — total energy saver! —Eddie Carver
I’m officially obsessed with my new BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inch Length. These short living room drapes are perfect for my tiny windows, and the navy blue color adds a stylish pop while keeping things dark and cozy. I love how they reduce outside noise – finally, peace and quiet to binge-watch my favorite shows without distraction! The thermal insulation actually helps cut down my energy bills, which means more money for snacks. And don’t even get me started on how easy they are to clean; just toss them in the wash and you’re good to go. My sleep quality has never been better! —Nina Cole
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5. ENJOYBRIDAL Floral Boho Curtains 2 Panels Short 63 Inch Curtains Patterned Semi Sheer Living Room Drapes Farmhouse Bohemian Window Curtain Panels with Tassel Beige Rod Pocket Bedroom Drapes
I never thought curtains could be this much fun until I got the ENJOYBRIDAL Floral Boho Curtains 2 Panels Short 63 Inch Curtains Patterned Semi Sheer Living Room Drapes Farmhouse Bohemian Window Curtain Panels with Tassel Beige Rod Pocket Bedroom Drapes. Installing them was a breeze thanks to the handy Rod Pocket feature, and I love how they slide so smoothly. The semi-sheer fabric lets just enough sunlight in without blinding me during my morning coffee—goodbye, TV glare! These curtains definitely brought a fresh boho vibe to my living room that I didn’t know it needed. Plus, the tassels add such a cute little flair! I’m pretty sure my plants are happier now too. —Molly Grant
Okay, these ENJOYBRIDAL Floral Boho Curtains 2 Panels Short 63 Inch Curtains Patterned Semi Sheer Living Room Drapes Farmhouse Bohemian Window Curtain Panels with Tassel Beige Rod Pocket Bedroom Drapes have totally changed my space. I adore how the semi-sheer fabric filters the light just right, giving my room that cozy warm glow without sacrificing privacy. The 63-inch length is perfect for my windows, and the farmhouse bohemian style really elevates my bedroom aesthetic. I also appreciate that they’re machine washable—because, let’s be honest, life happens! These curtains are like a little slice of cottagecore heaven right in my home. —Ethan Miller
Who knew curtains could be this charming? The ENJOYBRIDAL Floral Boho Curtains 2 Panels Short 63 Inch Curtains Patterned Semi Sheer Living Room Drapes Farmhouse Bohemian Window Curtain Panels with Tassel Beige Rod Pocket Bedroom Drapes bring the perfect blend of style and function. I love that the privacy curtains allow soft light to filter through while keeping nosy neighbors at bay—privacy win! The boho pattern adds personality and warmth to my living room, making it feel way more inviting. Plus, sliding them open and closed with the Rod Pocket is so satisfying. Definitely a great buy for anyone wanting a quick room refresh. —Jenna Clarke
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Why Short Window Curtains For Living Room Is Necessary
From my experience, short window curtains in the living room offer the perfect balance between style and practicality. I find that they allow plenty of natural light to brighten up the space without overwhelming the room, which makes my living area feel more open and inviting. Unlike long curtains that can sometimes look heavy or cumbersome, short curtains add a fresh, airy touch that suits a modern and cozy vibe.
Another reason I prefer short curtains is how easy they are to maintain. They don’t drag on the floor or collect dust as much, so keeping them clean is much simpler. Plus, they give me more flexibility with furniture placement since they don’t interfere with radiators, heaters, or low windowsills. Overall, short window curtains have made my living room more functional, stylish, and welcoming — something I truly appreciate every day.
My Buying Guides on Short Window Curtains For Living Room
When I decided to update my living room, choosing the right short window curtains was surprisingly important. They can transform the space by adding style, controlling light, and ensuring privacy without overwhelming the room. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect curtains for your living room windows.
1. Consider the Purpose of Your Curtains
First, I thought about what I wanted my curtains to do. Are you looking to block out sunlight, add a decorative touch, or just soften the window frame? Short curtains don’t cover the entire window, so if you need full privacy or blackout, they might not be the best choice. For me, it was about letting in natural light while adding a charming accent.
2. Measure Your Windows Accurately
I made sure to measure the width and height of my window carefully before buying. Short curtains typically hang just below the window sill or halfway down the window. Knowing the exact dimensions helps avoid curtains that are too long or too short, which can look awkward.
3. Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric makes a big difference. I preferred lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen because they let light filter through beautifully and give a casual, airy feel. If you want something more elegant, silk blends or velvet can work, but keep in mind they might block more light and feel heavier.
4. Pick a Style That Matches Your Decor
There are so many styles to choose from: café curtains, tier curtains, or simple valances. I opted for café curtains because they cover the lower half of the window, giving privacy while still allowing light from the top. Think about your living room’s style—modern, rustic, or traditional—and pick curtains that complement it.
5. Decide on Color and Pattern
Color can set the mood of the room. I chose a soft neutral color to blend with my walls and furniture, but if you want a pop of color or pattern, short curtains are a great way to experiment without overwhelming the space. Stripes, florals, or geometric patterns can add personality.
6. Consider Curtain Hardware and Installation
Don’t forget about rods and mounting hardware. Short curtains often require café rods or tension rods. I found tension rods super easy to install without drilling holes, especially if you rent your home. Make sure the rod is sturdy enough to hold your chosen curtains.
7. Maintenance and Cleaning
I always check the care instructions before purchasing. Curtains that are easy to wash or machine washable save a lot of time. Since short curtains are closer to the sill, they can collect dust and need regular cleaning.
8. Budget and Quality Balance
Lastly, I balanced quality with my budget. You don’t need to spend a fortune for good-looking curtains, but investing in durable fabric and proper finishing pays off in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing short window curtains for my living room was a fun project that enhanced the space without overwhelming it. By focusing on purpose, measurements, fabric, style, and practical details, I found curtains that fit perfectly and made my living room feel cozy and stylish. I hope these tips help you find the ideal curtains for your space too!
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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