Smart Window Solutions for Small Windows | Hippo Shades Buying Guide
Small Windows, Big Impact
A professional guide to scaling your style for compact spaces without sacrificing light or functionality.
01. Choosing the Right Style
When working with small windows, bulky window treatments can overwhelm the room. The goal is to maximize the viewable glass area and keep lines clean.
The Minimalist Profile
Roller shades are the premier choice for small windows. Because the fabric rolls into a compact cassette, they allow for an unobstructed view when raised, instantly making a small room feel larger.
Modern Texture
Zebra shades add horizontal visual interest. This linear pattern can help a narrow window appear slightly wider and more integrated into the overall room design.
02. Strategic Mounting
The placement of your brackets can change the perceived size of your window. Consider these two professional approaches:
Inside Mount: Clean & Flush
An inside mount keeps the shade contained within the window frame. This creates a sleek, "built-in" look that is perfect for showcasing decorative window molding.
Outside Mount: The Illusion of Size
To make a window appear larger, mount the shade on the wall above the frame. This draws the eye upward and allows the shade to act as a larger architectural feature.
03. Smart Control Methods
Eliminate messy cords that clutter small windows. Motorization offers a clean aesthetic and superior convenience for hard-to-reach spots like over a sink or bathtub.
Adjust your shades from anywhere using your smartphone.
Hands-free operation through Alexa or Google Home.
Simple USB charging provides months of use without messy wiring.
04. Fabric Selection
For small spaces, light-filtering fabrics are often preferred. They diffuse natural light to create a soft glow that makes compact rooms feel airy and bright. For small bedroom windows, blackout fabrics are essential to ensure total light control and a better night's rest.
Choosing a color that matches your wall color can also help "camouflage" the window treatment, creating a seamless, expansive look in a tight space.
Avoid busy patterns on small windows. Solid colors or subtle, micro-textures make the window feel sophisticated rather than crowded.
05. Precision Measuring Tips
Accuracy is vital for small windows. Follow our simple protocol to ensure a perfect fit:
- Measure in 3 Places: Check the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest width for an inside mount.
- Check Recess Depth: Ensure your window frame is deep enough to accommodate the shade hardware if you want a flush finish.
- Consider Proportions: If the window is very narrow, a roller shade provides the slimmest side-gaps for better light blockage.
Small Window FAQ
Yes. Motorization is a great solution for small windows, especially those located in hard-to-reach areas like over a kitchen sink or in a high bathroom nook.
An inside mount is generally best for saving physical space, while an outside mount is better for creating the visual illusion of a larger window.
Mounting your shade slightly higher and wider than the actual window frame draws the eye outward, giving the window a more grand appearance.
Cords can be hazardous in any size window. We recommend cordless or motorized options to ensure safety and a cleaner aesthetic.
Zebra shades offer excellent light control. However, for a bedroom requiring total darkness, we recommend a dedicated blackout roller shade.
Motorization allows you to lower the shade to a comfortable level for light dusting without needing a ladder every time.
Small windows are often very DIY-friendly! However, if the window is in a difficult location, professional installation can provide extra peace of mind.
When measuring for an inside mount, always check that there is enough clearance between the shade fabric and any protruding handles or cranks.
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