How to Elongate a Window

Install vertical blinds to elongate the appearance of your windows. Horizontal blinds extend the width of a window and make it seem wider rather than longer, while vertical blinds cause the eye to see length and attribute that length to the window over which the blinds sit.

Clean your windows thoroughly with window cleaner and paper towels to allow the maximum amount of light and outside scenery to enter. Increased light creates a feeling of space, and windows that are perfectly clean on both sides do a much better job of allowing light in than dirty or hazy windows. White window frames also tend to expand perceived window size by reflecting light, increasing the amount of light the window seems to provide.

Hang extended curtains around your window rather than directly over it. Use a long curtain rod and place the curtains, so they hang on either side of the window opening, and well past the bottom of the window. This overly large framing creates an elongated look and emphasizes the window opening, so it appears larger than it really is.

Install long curtains that hang from the ceiling to the floor. Install your curtain rods at least 6 inches above the top of the short window to extend its sight line higher, so that it seems as though it extends well above its actual height. Use long curtains, which can hang even to the floor, to create a vertical flow that carries the illusion both upward and downward so the window feels as long as possible.