11 Ideas To Add Privacy To That Narrow Window In Your Home

Window treatments are a helpful addition to any space, as they bring both functional and aesthetic benefits. They can be used to keep heat out or in, prevent light from entering, and give you privacy from anyone on the other side of the window. Finding the right window treatment tends to boil down to the size of the window. You need the right measurements and proportions because you don't want it to be ill-fitting. For a narrow window, this can be challenging but becomes especially important, and you might consider various kinds before you find one with the right coverage. Some ideas include mini blinds, window shelves, roller shades, and very strategic furniture positioning.

Bare windows are nice because they let in natural light and fresh air, but coverage becomes important in certain situations. You might need to find a way to add privacy to a bathroom window facing the backyard, a living room facing the street, or a bedroom facing the neighbor's property. Different situations also call for different levels of privacy. For instance, you might want some coverage on a window but still want to peek out to see what's happening outside, like to keep an eye out for kids playing. These ideas explore options for your narrow window with varying levels of coverage. All in all, precise measurements are key here so the setup doesn't look awkward.

For this hack, you'll need to take measurements of the window and create your own curtains or drapes. You can use a curtain or drape that already fits, but you'll more likely have to cut one down to size. You can also repurpose an old sheet or cloth for this. Then, put up a pair of magnetic curtain rods that are adjustable so they fit perfectly on the wall. Try the Turquoize Magnetic Curtain Rods, which go from 9 to 16 inches long. They come in different colors and cost $19 for two on Amazon.

Blinds can be cut down to fit windows, but it's better to get mini blinds because they have smaller slats. They look ideal because they're the appropriate size for the window instead of being oversized. Mini blinds also tend to be affordable, light, and easy to clean. When it comes to finding the right product, look for manufacturers that do custom orders so you can provide the exact dimensions you need. Another tip is to go for cordless mini blinds to reduce the busyness around your narrow window and maintain a clean look.

Window film is a great idea for covering up a narrow window because it can be cut to fit, won't take up any space, and has an easy and straightforward installation process. There are also various options of window film to add privacy to your home. You can use a plain option, frosted choice, film with a decorative design, or blackout type. If you want to add some design and color, try this Finnez Window Privacy Film with its beautiful floral 3D design. A 6.5-foot-11.8-inch roll costs under $10 on Amazon.

This is a similar idea to window film that allows for more creativity. You'll paint your own stained glass windows with glue, your choice of acrylic paint colors, a paintbrush, and a craft blade. You'll need to draw out the pattern you want on a sheet of paper around the same size as the window glass to use as a template, then mix the glue and different paints. Draw an outline first with black, paint in the rest of the pattern, and let it dry overnight. Use the craft blade after to tidy up any smudges.

Bead curtains are a unique covering that will add some texture and movement to your space. They are usually used on doors and corridors, but try them on your window to allow some light in and give you some level of privacy. You can still play with the level of openness by paying attention to the spacing of the rows. Some bead curtains have widely spread rows while others have rows that are closer, so choose the right type. Also consider how they can be hung. Magnetic rods could be useful here, too.

To add privacy to that narrow window without buying anything, find a piece of furniture to cover the window. A tall piece will cover the whole thing, while something shorter like a headboard will just add privacy at the bottom. The feasibility of this, however, will depend on where the window is and if this furniture fits into the space. For instance, the bedroom or the corner of the living room can work, but the window above the toilet or the window at your staircase would need a more traditional window treatment.

Window shelves have the added bonus of giving you a new storage space. You'll need some wood boards that you will then fix into a deep sill or onto the wall surrounding the window. Make sure you space out the boards well going down the length of the window so there's space for whatever you store there. Plants and photo frames can be cute for a bedroom window, while mugs and a basket of fruit can be good in the kitchen. This method doesn't give full privacy, but you can combine it with window film.

Another potential no-buy idea to add privacy to a narrow window is to move a tall potted plant in front of it. Put the plant on top of a side table or dresser if it's not tall enough. Some houseplants that can be used for this are the fiddle-leaf fig, Kentia palm, and Areca palm. While the plant has to be tall and narrow enough to fit well into that location, the location also has to be right for the plant. For it to thrive, consider its lighting and climate needs first.

A different approach is to add a window treatment outside the home instead of indoors. The main benefit is that you won't lose any indoor space so it's great when the narrow window is in a small room. The treatment also doesn't have to fit the window exactly. It can be wider because it won't really be noticeable. For this method, consider exterior window treatments like blinds, solar mesh screens, or even taller, large plants that can add privacy to your yard and that would be too big to have inside.

Zebra or sheer shades have two layers of see-through and opaque strips going down the length of the shade material so you can arrange them to all be opaque or allow some light in. This physical setup is why they are called zebra shades. In addition to controlling how much light and coverage you want at a given time, these shades can save space since they are flat instead of protruding out. They can be customized to your narrow window and won't look out of place because they easily blend into a space.

Roller shades also offer a clean and smooth look that won't overpower a narrow window. Just roll them up and down as you need. Cordless roller shades can especially help create a modern look because window cords can sometimes look messy and can be tricky to use. On the other hand, they might feel a bit office-like so think twice for more personal spaces like bedrooms. We like the cordless pull design of the no-drill LazBlinds Cordless Roller Shades. Starting at $37 on Amazon, they offer insulation, UV protection, and come in various colors and sizes.