How to Make Windows Look Taller

Paint the walls in cool colors that appear to move away from you, such as light blue, green and violet, rather than warm colors that seem to advance, such as orange, red, yellow and brown. If the room appears bigger and more spacious than its actual square footage, the windows will appear larger as well. Paint the ceiling a lighter shade than the walls, to create the illusion of height. Also, paint vertical stripes on the wall immediately surrounding the window, to enhance the appearance of length.

Install window dressings that make the window appear taller than it actually is. Hang a bamboo shade between the ceiling and the tops of your windows. Place curtain rods at the ceiling, rather than at the actual start of the window, and hang long, flowing drapes that come far past the window, to the floor. Choose curtains and window dressings in bold, solid colors that make the foreground of the window stand out in comparison to the background of the wall.

Hang artwork near the window that emphasizes height, rather than width. Place single pieces above eye level or arrange multiple pieces in a vertical line that moves from eye level upward toward the ceiling, rather than down toward the floor. Choose artwork with clear vertical lines and patterns, rather than horizontal, diagonal or circular lines.

Arrange low slung furniture near the window, so that the window appears high in comparison. If the window is in your bedroom, choose a bed with a low headboard or nix the headboard altogether. If the window is in a dining room, choose a table with low backed chairs. If the window is in the living room, opt for low, oriental style furniture that sits short and wide. Use low lamps or floor lighting to illuminate the room, rather than tall lamps or overhead lighting. Keep in mind that any light source shining from above the windows will negate the effect you’re trying to achieve.

Choose rugs and floor coverings in cool or neutral tones.