Choosing The Best Window Treatments for Small Apartments & ADUs

When choosing window treatments for small spaces, look for low-profile options that help keep your home comfortable. Focusing on these features will help you choose the best options.

• Cellular shades are the top choice for saving energy. Their honeycomb shape traps air, which insulates better than most other options and helps block out heat from the sun.
• Roller shades give your space a clean, simple look. When you raise them, they almost disappear, making your room feel more open and modern than traditional shades do.
• Roman shades use neat fabric and fit closely to the window, so they don’t take up extra space like heavy drapes.
• Faux wood blinds work well for humid areas because they are very durable and let you control the light even when there’s moisture.

Small Space, Big Style

Even if your home is small, your window coverings don’t have to make it feel cramped.

Southern California is known for its sunny days. But if you live in a small apartment or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), all that sunlight can sometimes be too much. Without the right window coverings, your cozy studio might get too hot, or you might feel like you don’t have enough privacy.

The key to decorating a small space is finding window treatments that block heat and provide privacy without taking up too much space. When space is tight, bulky drapes just aren’t practical.

These options show how the right window treatment can make a room feel bigger. Let’s look at why simple, streamlined designs work so well in small apartments and ADUs.

Why Streamlined Window Treatments Matter

Designers talk about something called “visual weight.” Heavy, floor-to-ceiling curtains can make a room feel smaller and more closed in, especially in a compact apartment or ADU.

Simple window treatments fit right inside the window frame. This keeps your walls clear and your space open. It also makes the room feel taller and gives you more breathing room.

Besides making your space feel better, the right window treatments can also save you money. In Southern California, they help keep your home cooler and reduce the need for expensive air conditioning.

Four Space-Saving Window Treatments

Picking the right material can turn a simple project into a big improvement for your home. Here are the top four choices for small spaces.

1. Cellular Shades (The Energy Efficiency King)

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are great for keeping your home comfortable. Inside, they have hexagonal cells that trap air, helping keep heat out in the summer and warmth in during the winter.

• Why they work in small spaces: When you raise cellular shades, they take up very little space at the top of the window, so your view stays clear.

2. Roller Shades (The Minimalist’s Dream)

If you like a simple look, roller shades are a great choice. They’re made from a single piece of fabric that rolls up into a tube, either by hand or with a motor.

• Why they work in small spaces: Roller shades have a flat, simple look that fits modern styles. You can choose how much light they let in, from see-through to blackout, to fit any room.

3. Roman Shades (Fabric Without the Bulk)

If you like the feel of curtains but don’t have space for curtain rods, Roman shades are a good option. They hang flat when closed and fold up into neat pleats when open.

• Why they work in small spaces: Roman shades give you a stylish, custom look without using much fabric or space. They make your room look more polished right away.

4. Faux Wood Blinds (Durability Meets Style)

In small apartments, rooms like the kitchen, living area, and bathroom are often close together. Faux wood blinds are made from strong materials that won’t bend or crack, even with steam or moisture.

• Why they work in small spaces: The slats let you aim light up toward the ceiling, which helps brighten a dark room, while still keeping your privacy.

The Local Sourcing Advantage

It might seem easier to order online, but getting your materials from a local Southern California store has real advantages.

• Immediate Availability: If you run into a problem, like a broken part or a wrong measurement, a local store lets you get replacements the same day instead of waiting for shipping.
• Climate Expertise: Local experts know what works best for the Southern California sun. They can suggest fabrics that won’t fade or wear out, even on the hottest days.
• Community Impact: When you buy local, your money stays in your neighborhood and helps support small businesses.

Step-by-Step Success: Basic Installation Tips

Ready to start your project? Here’s a simple guide to help you install your window treatments so they look great and stay in place.

1. Measure with Precision

Measure the inside width of your window frame in three places: the top, the middle, and the bottom. Use the narrowest measurement. For the height, measure from the top of the frame to the sill.

2. Gather Your Professional Toolkit

• Steel measuring tape
• A sharpened pencil
• A bubble level (essential for ensuring your shades aren’t crooked)
• A power drill with bits appropriate for your surface (wood, drywall, or stucco)

3. Mark and Pilot

Hold the brackets where you want them and mark where the screws will go, making sure they are level. Always drill small starter holes first to prevent splitting and to help the screws go in straight.

4. The Power of Wall Anchors

If you’re attaching brackets to drywall and don’t hit a stud, use wall anchors. Tap the anchor into the hole until it’s even with the wall. This helps the shade stay up for years.

5. Mount & Snap

Screw the brackets into the wall anchors or starter holes. Most shades today have a headrail that snaps in. Just tilt the front of the shade into the bracket and push up until it clicks.

Elevate Your Space and Your Savings

Changing your window coverings is an affordable way to make a big difference in a small apartment or ADU. Choosing slim, practical designs like cellular or roller shades helps your space feel bigger and more comfortable. With some DIY effort, you can turn your small space into a cool, private, and stylish place.

FAQs: Window Treatments for Small Apartments

Q: What are the easiest window treatments to install myself?

Roller shades and faux wood blinds are generally the most beginner-friendly. They typically use only two simple brackets and require little fine-tuning once mounted.

Q: How do cellular shades save money on energy bills?

The honeycomb cells create pockets of air that act as a thermal buffer. In the summer, they prevent the sun’s heat from radiating into your room; in the winter, they prevent the indoor heat from escaping through the glass.

Q: Can I use curtains in a small apartment?

Yes, but be strategic. If you love curtains, hang the rod 6-10 inches above the window frame (closer to the ceiling) and choose sheer, light-colored fabrics. This creates a vertical feel without the heavy look of dark drapes.

Q: What is the difference between inside mount and outside mount?

An inside mount attaches the shade to the inside of the window casing, offering the cleanest look. An outside mount attaches to the wall or trim outside the frame, which is great for blocking 100% of light or hiding an unattractive or crooked window frame.

Q: What if the window frame is not perfectly square?

This is common in older buildings. Always use the smallest of your three width measurements for an inside mount. If the gap at the wider parts of the frame bothers you or it’s noticeably crooked, consider an outside mount to hide the unevenness entirely.

Q: Why should I buy materials locally instead of online?

Local sourcing provides local expertise. You can touch the fabrics to see how much light they actually filter and get immediate help if your measurements are off by a fraction of an inch.

Q: How do I clean and maintain roller shades?

Most roller shades are dust-repellent. A quick pass with a vacuum brush attachment once a month is usually enough. For spots, a damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild dish soap will do the trick.

Q: Are faux wood blinds suitable for bathrooms?

Absolutely. Because they are made from PVC or composite materials, they are waterproof. Unlike real wood, they won’t swell, warp, or grow mold in the high-humidity environment of a bathroom or small kitchen.