Best Window Treatments for Short Wide Windows: A Complete Guide

Windows wide and short pose special challenges, providing abundant light while sharing less privacy perhaps, or not even the right dimensions for ordinary window treatments. From the modern living room to basement and big office window, you can have just the perfect window treatments add to a space. In this article, we discuss the top choices suitable for short and wide windows with sizes, feature highlights, and practical tips.

Credit: blinds to go

6 Best Window Treatments for Short Wide Windows

Windows can be so unusual in size or design and therein comes the challenge of how to dress them… We carry many different kinds of shades and blinds for size requirements for small wide windows, so come on in!

Roller Shades for Short Wide Windows

Credit: ABC Blinds

Sleek roller shades are a modern option for short, wide windows. These are the best to store, operate and come in both blackout or light-filtering fabrics.

• Width range: Up to 120 inches (304 cm)

• Height range: As short as 12 inches (30 cm)

• Best for: Minimalist decor, privacy, and solar protection

• Options: Cordless, motorized, blackout, light-filtering

keywords: blackout roller shades for wide windows, cordless roller blinds for short windows

Zebra Blinds (Dual-Layer Shades)

Credit: AVA Window Fashions

Zebra blinds (also known as day and night blinds) are the perfect solution for wider windows where you desire adjustable lighting and privacy at any time of the day.

• Width range: Up to 110 inches (280 cm)

• Height range: Minimum 18 inches (45 cm)

• Best for: Modern living rooms, offices, transitional spaces

• Functionality: Sheer and solid layers alternate to control light

keywords: zebra blinds for short wide windows, day night shades for wide horizontal windows

Vertical Blinds for Wide Horizontal Windows

Credit: Pinterest

Ideal for very wide windows, vertical blinds offer full coverage and easy operation. Despite their common use for sliding glass doors, they’re also suitable for short tall windows in offices or large living rooms.

• Width range: Up to 160 inches (406 cm)

• Height range: Starts from 24 inches (60 cm)

• Best for: Extra-wide windows, patio doors, commercial spaces

• Materials: PVC, fabric, blackout options available

keywords: vertical blinds for wide windows, PVC vertical blinds for short windows

Roman Shades

Credit: Norman usa

Roman shades can be hung on wide, short windows, particularly in bedrooms or traditional spaces where you need a softer texture. When you roll them down, they lay flat and clean on the window — no wrinkling like with regular sunscreens.

• Width range: Up to 108 inches (274 cm)

• Height range: As short as 15 inches (38 cm)

• Best for: Bedrooms, dining rooms, cozy nooks

• Fabric types: Light filtering, blackout, linen, polyester

keywords: roman shades for short horizontal windows, custom roman blinds for wide windows

Honeycomb / Cellular Shades

Credit: Sunshine Drapery

For energy efficiency and insulation, cellular shades are a top pick for wide horizontal windows. Their cellular design traps air to keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

• Width range: Up to 120 inches (304 cm)

• Height range: As short as 14 inches (35 cm)

• Best for: Energy savings, privacy, modern interiors

• Options: Top-down bottom-up, cordless, blackout, motorized

keywords: cellular shades for wide short windows, insulating blinds for horizontal windows

Layered Curtains with Side Panels

Credit: Hillarys

Use curtains or drapes in addition to blinds for a more fanciful option. The short side panel curtains can help to frame the wide window and will compliment any interior-mounted shades that are there for privacy and light control.

• Curtain width: Each panel can go up to 60 inches (152 cm); combine panels as needed

• Drop length: Choose short lengths like 24", 36", or custom

• Best for: Stylish framing, living rooms, traditional interiors

• Fabrics: Velvet, linen, blackout polyester

keywords: short curtains for wide windows, decorative window treatments for horizontal windows

Bonus Tip: Add Light Blocker Strips for 100% Blackout

When installing shades inside the window frame, there’s often a small gap on each side. Add L-shaped or U-shaped light blocker strips to eliminate side light leakage — a must-have for 100% blackout.

• Material: PVC or Aluminum

• Color options: White, black, gray, beige, etc.

• Mounting: Adhesive or screw-in

• Sizes: Custom lengths up to 118 inches (300 cm)

keywords: light blocker strips for blackout blinds, side rails for roller blinds blackout

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What window treatments are best for basement windows that are short and wide?

A: Cellular shades or roller blinds are a great type of window treatment to consider for basements that have an inside the frame fit, insulation properties, and privacy control.

Q: Can I get blackout coverage on a short wide window?

A: Yes. A heavier weight roller shade fabric or perhaps a blackout cellular shade combined with some extra wide light blocker strips on the sides.

Q: Are there motorized options for wide horizontal windows?

A: If you have large windows, roller, zebra and cellular shades are common choices that can be motorized.

Q: How do I stop light leakage on the sides of the blinds?

A: Inside-mount blinds: Attach U-shape light-blocking side channels or L shape side channels to the sides.

Q: What if I want both style and function?

A: Layered treatments, like cordless blinds paired with side curtain panels for a balanced appearance.

Final Thoughts

Short wide windows don't have to be difficult to cover. From energy-efficient honeycomb shades to stylish roman blinds and blackout roller options, there's a perfect solution for every space. Add light blocker strips for full blackout performance, and consider layering for both beauty and function.

Need custom sizing or advice? Contact us — we're here to help you get the perfect fit!