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Small Window Blinds: Best Options for Small & Narrow Windows
Looking for small window blinds for your home? The right blinds give compact, short and narrow windows a clean custom fit while improving privacy and light control. The best small window treatment options depend on the windowās size, shape, room and depth. This guide covers key considerations for choosing window treatments for small bathroom windows, basement windows, sidelights and narrow window frames. Choose from mini blinds, wood blinds, metal blinds, cellular shades and roller shades to find the best fit for your space.
Best Blinds & Shades for Small Windows
The best window treatments for small and narrow windows are those that can be made in compact sizes while still giving you the right balance of privacy, light control and ease of use. Here are the top options to consider:
| Best Option | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Blinds | Extra small, short or narrow windows | 1-inch slats create a clean, proportional fit in smaller frames. |
| 2-Inch Wood Blinds | Small windows in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms | Wider slats add a more decorative, sophisticated look. |
| 2-Inch Metal Blinds | Small kitchen, bathroom or basement windows | Aluminum slats are durable, moisture resistant and easy to clean. |
| Cellular Shades | Small windows that need insulation | Honeycomb cells help regulate heat and cold while offering a soft, simple look. |
| Roller Shades | Small windows that need a clean, minimal treatment | Low-profile construction works well for compact windows and shallow spaces. |
Small Versus Narrow Window Blinds
Small window blinds are designed for compact window frames where standard-size treatments may feel too large or bulky. Small blinds can be a good option for small bathroom windows, basement windows, short kitchen windows, hallway windows and other compact openings that need privacy, light control and a clean fit.
Tall, narrow window blinds are made for slim vertical windows, such as sidelight windows next to a front door or narrow windows in entryways, stairwells and tight walled-in spaces. Because these windows have less width to work with, the right product should feel proportional while still being easy to use.
Mini blinds are often a strong option for both small window blinds and tall, narrow window blinds because their slats are 1 inch wide or less. The smaller slat size helps them fit compact frames without overwhelming the window, making them a practical choice for small, short, narrow or tall windows.
These types of small window blinds are often used for:
- Clerestory windows ā Windows popular in mid-century modern homes, clerestory windows are often wide but short, and sit near the top of the wall, just below the ceiling to let more natural light in without compromising privacy.
- Sidelight windows ā Vertical panels of glass next to the front door, sidelight windows are typically narrow and as tall as the door and let more natural light into your home.
- Basement windows ā Also sometimes called egress windows, these typically sit below at or just above ground level and not only allow natural light into your basement but are also a required emergency exit in many cases.
- Bathroom windows ā Due to the need for privacy, bathroom window are typically smaller than your standard window to allow for easy coverage.
Now that you understand what small window blinds can mean, as well as the types of windows theyāre best used for, youāre ready to explore your options to find the right match for your space.
Choosing Small Window Blinds
Before choosing blinds for small windows or tall, narrow windows, consider the proportions and depth of your window frame. Very narrow blinds may have different operating options than wider blinds, while small or shallow window frames can affect which products and mounting methods are available.
Taking accurate measurements of your windowās width, height and depth can help ensure a proper fit and a balanced appearance. Many blinds can be made in very small sizes, with widths as narrow as 9 inches and heights as short as 6 inches for certain products. Some small blind options can also be made narrow and tall, up to about 120 inches for most blinds.
Keep in mind that very narrow blinds under 12 inches wide may only operate with tilt control because the headrail is too small for a lift mechanism.
1-Inch Metal Blinds: Best Mini Blinds for Small Windows
Mini Blinds are those with slats that are 1-inch wide or less. Mini blinds are often made from aluminum or plastic, with aluminum mini blinds typically being the higher-quality, longer-lasting option for small window blinds.
Benefits of Mini Blinds
Mini blinds, thanks to their unique design, offer benefits as small window blinds:
- Deliver a sleek, utilitarian aesthetic ā The narrower slats create a tight linear design that suits a modern aesthetic style where function is greater than form.
- Suited to the smallest windows āThanks to their smaller slat size, mini blinds deliver a tailored, intentional look when used with your smallest windows.
Mini Blind Size Considerations
Mini blinds can be made as narrow as 9 inches wide and as short as 6 inches tall, making them the best choice for your extra small and short windows. No matter the size, mini blinds from The Shade Store only function with tilt control and wonāt be able to be lifted or lowered.
2-Inch Wood & Metal Blinds: Best for Tall, Narrow Windows
2-inch Wood and Metal Blinds are a versatile option that can suit a wide range of window sizes. These blinds feature 2-inch-wide slats, so are not considered mini blinds, but instead offer a more defined, sophisticated aesthetic.
While 2-inch Wood Blinds and Metal Blinds are a strong choice for tall, narrow windows or small-to-medium windows, for very narrow windows, mini blinds may still offer the best fit. The 1-inch slats of mini blinds work exceptionally well in tight frames without overwhelming the space. Still 2-inch blinds can work well for tall, narrow windows where you want a more decorative, substantial look.
2-Inch Wood Blinds
Wood Blinds are available in real wood and faux wood options. Both feature a realistic wood look, but Faux Wood Blinds are moisture-resistant, making them a better choice for humid environments like bathrooms and basements.
Choose from a wide range of wood grains, colors and finishes to find the right look for your small window blinds.
2-Inch Metal Blinds
Metal Blinds are made from durable, lightweight aluminum thatās easy to clean and resistant to moisture, so is a good choice for moisture-rich and humid environments as well as high activity areas like above the kitchen sink.
Choose from several colors, from muted White and Black to more metallic options like Silver and Champagne.
Benefits of 2-Inch-Wide Slats
2-inch blinds offer several benefits as small window blinds or tall, narrow window blinds:
- A more distinguished, sophisticated look ā Wider slats carry more visual weight for a more distinctive look than mini blinds, which lends them well to small windows in more formal spaces like the dining room or living rom.
- Better view and lighting ā Wider slats give you a wider gap between the slats when the blinds are tilted open. This means youāll enjoy a better view to the outdoors as well as let in more natural light, both of which need to be optimized to get the most out of a smaller window.
- Shows off the grain pattern and color variation of Wood Blinds ā 2-inch slats are ideal for allowing the pattern and colors to repeat several times for a more engaging aesthetic.
- Emphasizes the sleek, metallic sheen of Metal Blinds ā 2-inch slats for Metal Blinds have more luster than thinner blinds, giving them a more elevated, industrial-chic look.
2-Inch Blinds Size Considerations
Wood and Metal Blinds can be made as narrow as 9 inches wide and as short as 10 inches in length. However, any narrow window blinds less than 12 inches wide will only function with a tilt control and wonāt be able to be lifted or lowered with cordless control. This is because the headrail, when less than 12 inches wide, does not have enough space for the control mechanism. For these very small windows, mini blinds are the best option.
Also, due to their wider slats, 2-inch slat small blinds for windows are often not the best choice for very small or short windows, since the 2-inch slats may look too big and out of place in a small frame.
1-Inch Metal Blinds: Mini Blinds
Mini Blinds are those with slats that are 1-inch wide or less. Mini blinds are often made from aluminum or plastic, with aluminum mini blinds typically being the higher-quality, longer-lasting option for small window blinds.
Benefits of Mini Blinds
Mini blinds, thanks to their unique design, offer benefits as small window blinds:
- Deliver a sleek, utilitarian aesthetic ā The narrower slats create a tight linear design that suits a modern aesthetic style where function is greater than form.
- Suited to the smallest windows āThanks to their smaller slat size, mini blinds deliver a tailored, intentional look when used with your smallest windows.
2-Inch Blinds Size Considerations
Wood and Metal Blinds can be made as narrow as 9 inches wide and as short as 10 inches in length. However, any narrow window blinds less than 12 inches wide will only function with a tilt control and wonāt be able to be lifted or lowered with cordless control. This is because the headrail, when less than 12 inches wide, does not have enough space for the control mechanism. For these very small windows, mini blinds are the best option.
Also, due to their wider slats, 2-inch slat small blinds for windows are often not the best choice for very small or short windows, since the 2-inch slats may look too big and out of place in a small frame.
Looking for the Best Blinds for Small Rooms?
Have a small room? Ensure your small space feels cozy but not cramped with Vertical Blinds that can help make your window and ceiling feel taller.
Window Shade Options for Small & Narrow Windows
Not sure if the small window blinds listed are the right fit for your space? Several other window treatment options exist as alternatives to small or narrow window blinds. These shade options offer comparable functionality to small window blinds:
Cellular Shades
With their unique honeycomb design, Cellular Shades give you a similar linear look to blinds but are made from soft fabric. Cellular Shades can be made as small as 9-inches by 6-inches, making them ideal for your smallest windows. Plus, their honeycomb design offers effective insulation against the heat and cold, helping to regulate your interior temperatures.
roller shades
Roller Shades feature material that rolls up and down around a tube at the top of your window. These shades can be made as small as 6-inches by 6-inches, making them ideal to replace your small window blinds. Roller Shades come in a wide variety of materials, including light-filtering and blackout options, so you can choose the right look and functionality for your space.
Get an Estimate for Your Project
Now that you know the different options for small and narrow window blinds, you likely have an idea of which small or narrow blinds will work best for your space. To get a sense of how much your project will cost, request a free quote for your chosen small window blinds or shades. Our Design Consultants will be happy to assist with your quote, as well as answer any questions you have about your product choices, installation and more.
FAQs About Small & Narrow Window Blinds
Can you see through Mini Blinds at night?
Since mini blinds are made from opaque material like aluminum, you wonāt be able to see through them at night, when the slats are tilted all the way down or all the way up. However, all blinds, including mini blinds and 2-inch blinds, are made with braided ladder cords that run through the slats, holding them together, which does allow some light to escape. Therefore, while your neighbors or a passerby wonāt be able to see through your mini blinds at night, they might be able to tell if you have the lights on or off. For increased privacy, some types of blinds, like 2-inch Wood Blinds with no lift control, are compatible with decorative tape that runs along the ladder cords, covering any gap they create. You can also consider a secondary blackout window treatment to pair with your blinds for increased privacy and a great room darkening effect.
Can blinds be installed on shallow window frames?
Small blinds may be installed on shallow window frames, but the available options depend on the productās mounting depth requirements. If the frame is too shallow for an inside mount, an outside mount may be a better option.
What should I use for a window frame that is too narrow for blinds?
If the frame is too narrow, check the productās minimum width and control requirements first. In some cases, a shade with a lower-profile headrail or an outside mount may provide a better fit.
Are Roller Shades or cellular shades better for small windows?
Roller shades offer a clean, minimal look, while cellular shades add insulation with a soft fabric appearance. Both can work well for small windows depending on whether you prioritize simplicity, light control, or energy efficiency.
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Request a free quote for a cost estimate calculated by our team based on information you provide such as product type, material choice, size and more.
