A corner window is a stunning feature that adds natural light, panoramic views, and a sophisticated, elevated look to any home or residence.
In some cases, windows are best left uncovered, but most homeowners want flexibility for privacy and light control. Curtains also offer the ability to introduce variety into your home through the use of colors, patterns, and textures.
Choosing curtains for a corner window isn’t quite as simple as choosing curtains for a typical window. First, you have to ensure you have a plan for your corner curtain rods. Then, you can think about the types of curtains that will best highlight your showstopping corner window.
Read on to learn more about the best types of curtains for corner windows.
Best Corner Window Curtains
The best curtains will depend on the location of your corner window, your home’s style, and your goals for the curtains. Depending on the type of curtain, the amount of light and privacy will vary. Some styles lean more modern, and others more traditional. We’ll break all of that down for you.
How to Style Corner Window Curtains
Curtain type
Curtains come in standard “types” — sheer, light filtering, and blackout. Though there will be variances within each category, you can expect sheer to let in the most natural light and offer little to no privacy. Light filtering will offer some privacy and soften natural light, while still letting the sun into your space. Blackout curtains are designed to be opaque and filter out 99% of light — offering the most privacy and light filtration.
To decide on a curtain type, think about your goals for the space. If you have your corner windows installed in a sunroom, but you love to watch movies in that room, blackout curtains may be an appealing option to create a theater-like environment.
If your corner window is in your dining room, sheer or light-filtering curtains will add visual interest and soften light in a room where privacy is not a concern.
Curtain Length
For floor-to-ceiling windows, most people opt for full-length curtains that offer coverage from floor to ceiling. You can test different variations in length to see what you like next — starting 6 inches or more over the top of the window, just slightly above the top of the window, or somewhere in between. It’s a good rule that the higher you hang the curtains, the taller your ceilings appear; however, you don’t want a large gap between your curtain rod and the top of your window.
Some homeowners also like to have the curtains neatly fall a few inches above the floor, while others like to have some fabric pooling at the bottom for a more dramatic look.
If your curtains are in a space like your kitchen, you may opt for a “cafe curtain” look, where you leave the upper part of the windows unlocked for light, and the lower covered with a lightweight curtain to add privacy.
Layering Curtains
Especially in bedrooms or living spaces, you may want curtains that provide a tailored level of light and privacy depending on your activities. If that’s the case for you, consider layering your curtains.
You’ll need to install rods that can handle multiple layers of curtains, but you can opt for a sheer layer and a light filtering layer to offer different levels of privacy. If you like, you can even add a third blackout layer to create a dark environment.
Curtain Heading Styles
Curtain headering styles are another aspect of curtains that can impact the utility of your space. The heading style of the curtain describes how the curtain attaches to the rod.
Pleated
These curtain headers are often more formal, with a variety of different pleats. These are great when you want your corner window to look polished and sophisticated. However, these curtains, due to the pleats, can’t always be pulled back all the way, which can impact your view.
Eyelets
These curtains have grommets, which allow the rod to pass through the top. These offer flexibility to be pulled all the way open. These curtains offer a sleek and modern yet casual look, and can frame a corner window nicely.
Tabs
Tabbed curtains have ties or loops on the top to thread a curtain rod through. These offer a more rustic look and are a perfect laid-back vibe for a kitchen or living area in a farmhouse or cozier space.
Curtains with a slip pocket at the top are common, and for good reason. The pocket is a simple, stylish way to hang curtains, and doesn’t get in the way of other decor. If your curtains are less of a focal point and more of a functional addition, a neutral textile with a pocket rod is a great choice.
There are other curtain header types, like rings or buttons, that can also add some flair to your corner windows.
Installation for Corner Windows
With a corner window, the installation of your curtain and rods is vital. Accuracy and precision will frame your window perfectly, while a mismeasurement will be extremely noticeable. Here’s how to make sure your installation hits all the right notes:
Choose Rods Carefully
Make sure your rods are the right size for your space, including the mounts, finials, or end caps. Nothing is worse than choosing a rod you love only for it to butt up against a wall, or have nowhere to attach the mount securely. You may want to consider mounts like bypass brackets or tracks that allow curtains to seamlessly glide past the mount.
Measure Twice
Measure the space for your rod very accurately, but also consider the length and how you will be using your space. Long, pooling curtains may look nice in a formal living room, but be cumbersome and in the way for a breakfast nook. Make sure you triple-check every dimension before you start installing.
How to Choose the Best Curtains for Your Corner Windows
Corner windows are meant to be shown off — so ensure the curtains you choose frame it and showcase it as the stunning focal point it should be.
If you want to learn more about installing a corner window in your home, get in touch with TonyView™. We offer corner windows that can easily be retrofitted into your space without complex engineering.
