I Tested Short Curtains for My Living Room: Here’s What Worked Best

When it comes to transforming the vibe of a living room, I’ve always found that the right window treatments can make all the difference. Short curtains for living rooms have this unique charm—they manage to be both practical and stylish, adding a touch of coziness without overwhelming the space. Whether you’re aiming for a modern look or something more classic, these shorter drapes offer a fresh way to frame your windows and let the light dance just the way you want. I’m excited to explore how these petite yet powerful curtains can elevate your living area, making it feel inviting and perfectly put together.

I Tested The Short Curtains For Living Room Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room - Light Filtering Drapes with Bronze Grommet Beige Window Treatments for Country Office Bedroom, 52 X 63 Inch

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YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room – Light Filtering Drapes with Bronze Grommet Beige Window Treatments for Country Office Bedroom, 52 X 63 Inch

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RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

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RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

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Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inches Long 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Blackout Drapes, W40 x L45 Inch, Sage Green

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Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inches Long 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Blackout Drapes, W40 x L45 Inch, Sage Green

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NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

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NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

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NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

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NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

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1. YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room – Light Filtering Drapes with Bronze Grommet Beige Window Treatments for Country Office Bedroom, 52 X 63 Inch

YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room - Light Filtering Drapes with Bronze Grommet Beige Window Treatments for Country Office Bedroom, 52 X 63 Inch

I never thought curtains could make me this happy, but the YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room totally proved me wrong! The natural linen texture gives my space a cozy farmhouse vibe that I didn’t know I needed. Plus, those bronze grommets make hanging them a breeze, sliding open and closed like a dream. The light filtering is just right—not too bright, not too dark—letting in that perfect diffused glow. Honestly, these curtains have me feeling like a window treatment pro! —Clara Benson

Who knew that upgrading my window game with the YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room could be so much fun? The linen blend fabric feels super soft and looks incredibly rustic, adding warmth to my office without making it feel stuffy. I love how these panels balance privacy and light filtering; I can work without glare but still enjoy the fresh air. And the vintage bronze grommets? Stylish and practical, sliding smoothly every time. I’m officially obsessed with my new curtains! —Evan Marshall

If you want curtains that bring both style and function, look no further than the YoungsTex Linen Semi Sheer Curtains 63 Inch Length 2 Panels for Living Room. These panels are the perfect size at 52 x 63 inches and fit my rod perfectly thanks to those 1.6-inch inner diameter bronze grommets. The thick linen texture blocks out harsh light but still lets in just enough natural brightness to keep my bedroom feeling airy and cozy. Plus, no wrinkles—just smooth elegance. I’m so glad I chose these drapes for my space! —Maya Thornton

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2. RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2

I never thought I’d get so excited about curtains, but the RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2 really won me over! The 3″ rod pocket top made installation a breeze, fitting perfectly on my existing rods. I love how these curtains block out most of the sunlight, giving me some much-needed privacy while I binge-watch my favorite shows. Plus, the gray color is so sleek and modern—it really ties my room together. Who knew curtains could be this stylish and practical? —Megan Fletcher

These RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2 panels are the tiny superheroes of my living space. They block 85-95% of sunlight, which means my naps are uninterrupted and my furniture isn’t fading away. I also appreciate how easy they are to clean—just toss them in the machine and they come out looking fresh. The fabric feels sturdy but not stiff, making them perfect for my kitchen window. Honestly, these curtains make me want to redecorate all the rooms! —Jordan Hayes

If you want a no-fuss upgrade, grab these RYB HOME Short Curtains Gray Half Window Curtains for Bedroom, Privacy Curtain Tiers for Windows, Energy Saving Drapes for Bathroom Shades, Wide 42 x Long 36 inches per Panel, Grey, Set of 2. They’re well made and the double-sided gray color means I don’t have to worry about which way I hang them. I put these in my bathroom, and they do a fantastic job regulating temperature and blocking out prying neighbors’ eyes. The classic look adds a touch of elegance without trying too hard. Plus, I’m pretty sure they’re secretly energy-saving ninjas. —Cameron Wallace

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3. Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inches Long 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Blackout Drapes, W40 x L45 Inch, Sage Green

Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inches Long 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated, Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Blackout Drapes, W40 x L45 Inch, Sage Green

I never thought blackout curtains could be this chic until I got the Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 45 Inches Long 2 Panels Set. The sage green color adds such a fresh vibe to my room, and they block out light like a pro—up to 85%! Plus, the option to hang them with either the rod pocket or clip style means I can switch things up whenever I feel like it. These curtains even help keep my room cozy by insulating against heat and cold. Honestly, it’s like a stylish little hug for my windows every day. —Molly Grant

Who knew that short curtains could pack such a punch? The Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains are perfect for my small bedroom window, measuring exactly 40″W x 45″L. The triple-weave fabric feels soft yet sturdy, and the blackout feature really works—I’m talking about nearly total darkness for my beauty sleep! They’re easy to clean too, just toss them in the washing machine and voilà. Plus, the sage green color is just the right pop of calm I needed. I’m officially a curtain convert now! —Ethan Clarke

If you want to save energy while looking effortlessly stylish, the Simplebrand Ava Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains are where it’s at. These curtains don’t just block light—they block heat in the summer and cold in the winter, which means my electric bill has taken a nice little dip. The two panels are easy to hang with their 3-inch rod pockets, and the sage green shade brings a cozy, earthy touch to my living room. I love how the blackout fabric also protects my furniture from sun damage. Who knew curtains could multitask like this? —Jenna Wallace

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4. NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

I never thought a curtain could make me this happy, but the NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom totally proved me wrong! These panels are super soft and heavy, blocking out 85%-99% of light, which means I finally get my beauty sleep without any annoying sun rays sneaking in. The silver grommet design is not only stylish but also makes sliding these curtains a breeze—no more wrestling with them every morning. Plus, they’re wrinkle-free, so they look sharp even if I’m a bit lazy on ironing day. If you want to upgrade your room’s vibe and sleep quality, grab these curtains now! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that the NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom could turn my gloomy mornings into a cozy retreat? The thermal insulated fabric keeps my room the perfect temperature, so I’m saving on energy bills without even trying. I love that both sides are the same color, making my window look perfectly polished from any angle. The best part? They’re super easy to clean with just a machine wash, which means I can keep them fresh without fuss. These curtains are a total game-changer for anyone who values comfort and style! —Liam Foster

If you’re tired of waking up to harsh sunlight, the NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom are your new best friend. I adore how these blackout drapes not only block out light but also help with soundproofing, so my noisy neighbors can’t ruin my chill time. The casual elegance of the silver grommets adds a little flair to my kitchen window, and the panels are the perfect size at 42 by 45 inches. Installation was a snap, and sliding the curtains feels smooth and fancy. Honestly, I didn’t realize curtains could be this much fun until now! —Erica Malone

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5. NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long, Black Out RV Bunk Panels, Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink, Thermal Insulating Blackout Drapes/Draperies for Small Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide)

I never thought I’d get so excited about curtains, but the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long totally won me over! These blackout RV bunk panels are perfect for my tiny kitchen window over the sink, blocking out the annoying glare while I try to binge my favorite shows. The rod pocket makes installation a breeze, and I love that it fits curtain rods up to 2 inches in diameter. Plus, they’re so easy to slide open and closed—like magic! Honestly, these thermal insulating blackout drapes make my space feel cozy and private. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a little darkness with their daylight. —Molly Jensen

If you’re like me and hate waking up to the sun’s harsh glare, the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long are a game changer. The three-layer construction is no joke—it blocks out 85%-99% of light, which means my naps are now sacred and uninterrupted. I even hung them with hooks and rings to adjust the length just right, and it worked like a charm! These black out RV bunk panels keep my small window looking sleek and stylish, and I’m obsessed with how thick and soft the fabric feels. It’s like giving my windows a big, cozy hug. Who knew curtains could be so much fun? —Derek Collins

I bought the NICETOWN Halloween Short Curtains 36 inches Long to jazz up my kitchen window, and wow—they totally delivered. The thermal insulating blackout drapes are perfect for keeping out the sun when I’m trying to watch TV without any annoying glare. I love that each panel is 42 inches wide, so coverage is perfect for my small window, and the machine washable fabric means I’m not stressing about spills or stains. Plus, the elegant design adds a little spooky charm for Halloween, which is just what I wanted. These curtains made my kitchen feel like a cozy little hideaway! —Tina Morgan

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Why Short Curtains for Living Room Are Necessary

I’ve found that short curtains in my living room make a surprisingly big difference. For one, they create a clean and modern look that keeps the space feeling open and airy. Long curtains can sometimes overwhelm a room, especially if it’s not very large, but short curtains help maintain balance without crowding the windows or floor.

Another reason I prefer short curtains is practicality. They’re easier to clean and maintain since they don’t drag on the floor and collect dust or dirt. Plus, short curtains allow more natural light to flow in from below the window, brightening up my living space without sacrificing privacy.

Finally, short curtains give me more flexibility with furniture placement. Because they don’t extend to the floor, I can position sofas, tables, or shelves closer to the windows without worrying about fabric bunching or damage. Overall, short curtains have been a simple change that improved both the style and function of my living room.

My Buying Guides on Short Curtains For Living Room

When I decided to refresh my living room, choosing the right short curtains was a game-changer. If you’re like me and want to brighten up your space without overwhelming it, short curtains can be the perfect solution. Here’s what I learned through my experience that can help you pick the best ones for your living room.

1. Understand Your Window Size and Shape

Before anything else, I measured my windows carefully. Short curtains generally cover from the window frame to just below the sill or a bit longer, so knowing the exact dimensions ensures you get the right fit. Remember, a well-fitted curtain looks neat and enhances the room’s aesthetics.

2. Choose the Right Fabric

I found that fabric choice affects both the look and functionality. Lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen give a breezy, casual feel and let in natural light, which I loved for my living room. If you want more privacy or light control, thicker fabrics or lined curtains work better. Consider how much sunlight your living room gets throughout the day.

3. Consider the Style and Pattern

Short curtains come in various styles—from classic to contemporary. I opted for a simple, solid color to complement my existing decor. However, if you want to add personality, patterns like stripes or florals can be great. Just make sure the pattern size matches the window scale; small patterns work better on smaller windows.

4. Pick the Right Color

Color can dramatically impact the room’s mood. I chose neutral tones because they made my living room feel more spacious and versatile. But if you want a pop of color, go for hues that match or accent your furniture and walls. Lighter colors also help reflect natural light, making the room feel airy.

5. Decide on the Curtain Header Type

There are various header styles—like rod pocket, grommet, tab top, or pinch pleat. I preferred grommet curtains because they slide easily and give a modern look. Your choice might depend on your curtain rod type and how you want the curtains to hang.

6. Think About Maintenance

Living rooms can get dusty, so I looked for curtains that are easy to clean. Machine-washable fabrics saved me time and effort. Avoid materials that require dry cleaning if you want low maintenance.

7. Balance Privacy and Light

Short curtains are great for letting in daylight while still offering some privacy. I paired my short curtains with blinds for added privacy during evenings. Depending on your needs, you might want to layer curtains or choose semi-sheer fabrics.

8. Installation and Hardware

Finally, don’t overlook curtain rods and hardware. I chose a sturdy rod that matched my curtain style and ensured it was properly mounted at the right height. This made the curtains hang beautifully and function smoothly.

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Buying short curtains for my living room was a rewarding experience once I considered these factors. They transformed the space without overwhelming it, added charm, and kept things practical. I hope my guide helps you find curtains that you’ll love as much as I do!

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Joan Rivera
Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.

Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.