Curtain Ideas for Large Windows — 7 Ways to Balance Privacy, Light, and Style in Your Home

Do you live in a home with large, tall windows or sliding glass doors? For many, the idea of expansive or a series of side by side windows feels like a dream — who doesn’t love a home filled with natural light and beautiful views? Large windows often serve as the centerpiece of a room, if not the entire house, but while they offer many benefits, they can also present challenges: namely, finding curtain ideas for large windows.

Privacy can become an issue, as large windows constantly put your home on display to the outside world. Additionally, too much sunlight can lead to overheating, making your space less comfortable to live in.

That’s why it’s essential to have some control over this stunning architectural feature. With the right balance, you can enjoy all the benefits without being hindered by the drawbacks. Modern window treatments designed specifically for large windows are a perfect solution, and there are plenty of styles and designs to choose from. We spoke with design experts, and these are their best curtain ideas for large windows.

1. Go for sheer curtains

If there's one window treatment that designers love and recommend, it is sheers. These have several benefits: they do not block the light and allow a nice, filtered glow into the room. Since sheer curtains do not use a lining, they are less expensive to make, and buy, and do not look bulky when hung across a long, large window.

"When seeking a flexible and sophisticated way to create privacy, we often turn to sheer drapery,” say Amanda Swain and Daisy Hook of NY/LA-based design studio, Chimera Design. “For residential spaces with large windows, drapery provides an excellent way to frame the view, introduce softness, and add texture. Lightweight natural fibers are ideal for creating drapes that flow effortlessly with the breeze."

2. Or black-out curtains

Living room window treatments tend to be slightly thicker with privacy as a priority. This is because when guests visit or when you're relaxing with family, you want to keep your home away from prying eyes. Also, more often than not, people tend to have a TV in the living room and you need an effective window dressing to prevent glare.

In such case, a thick curtain could work. These won't only serve a functional purpose, but also a decorative one. "Window treatments can transform the feel of a room, adding texture and visual interest while serving important functional purposes,” shares Nicole Lanteri, founder and principal designer of Nicole Lanteri Design. “It’s essential to balance form and function, ensuring the aesthetic impact aligns with practical needs. Start by considering the context and goals of the room — this will guide decisions around material weight and style. For curtain ideas for large windows, combining soft textures and a mix of colors can make the space feel more inviting and intimate.”

For more functionality and flexibility, you could even consider a double curtain — layering an opaque one with heavy drapery, so you can use the former when you want the room to be well-lit, and draw the second one when you want to insulate your home at night.

3. Consider shutters

The whole point of a window seat is to feel at one with the outdoors. And for that, a window shutter can be a great option, as it opens up the entire room to the outside, creating the perfect indoor-outdoor feel.

“Shutters allow you to adjust the slats to let in just the right amount of light while maintaining privacy,” says interior designer Nishtha Vashisht. “Whether you want soft diffused light or complete darkness, shutters provide precise control. These also act as an insulating barrier, keeping heat out during the summer and retaining warmth in the winter. Typically made from robust materials like wood, vinyl, or composite, shutters are built to last and require minimal upkeep — just a quick wipe-down to keep them clean.”

“This beach house has an exterior covered entry that creates flex space coming in from the ocean before entering the actual house,” explains Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. “The shutters provide not only privacy and protection from the rain when closed, but also the option to swing them out to make the space feel wide open. But the best part about the shutters is the way they play with the light as it streams through. They add so much warmth and character to the space.”

4. Choose louvered blinds

This kitchen window treatment is ideal for when you need proper light control. “The window treatment on the left window features modern horizontal louvered blinds, a choice that perfectly aligns with the sleek and minimal aesthetic of this kitchen,” explains Richard Misso from The Stylesmiths. “These blinds were selected to balance functionality with style, offering adjustable light control while maintaining privacy. The horizontal design complements the clean lines and natural materials in the space, such as the rich wood cabinetry and marble countertops, seamlessly integrating into the overall design. Additionally, the metallic finish of the blinds introduces a subtle industrial touch, contrasting with the warmth of the timber flooring and cabinetry."

"The blinds also maximize the large windows' ability to frame the lush outdoor views, enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior spaces,” adds Richard.

5. Go for motorized roller shades

Image 1 of 2

Having to manually manipulate most curtain ideas for large windows can be tiring and cumbersome. But a motorized blind can be easy to open and close with a simple touch of a button. Think of these for frequently used rooms; like for a dining room window treatment or in the kitchen when you constantly need to adjust the shades.

Motorized roller shades are a great option because they are also available in several colors, patterns, and designs. Plus these are easy to use; once you install them you don't need to keep readjusting them.

6. Mix up window dressing styles

Use your curtain ideas for large windows to make a statement (along with inducing functionality). Consider pairing a living room curtain with a blind. The two will create a wonderful layering in the room, and even bring focus to the window.

“Curtain ideas can enhance a room’s proportions, drawing attention to its height or width or creating a more balanced feel,” says Nicole. “However, if the function is prioritized without considering design, treatments can interrupt a wall and make the space feel smaller. Carefully selecting materials that age well and interact with light as desired will ensure your window treatments are as enduring as they are beautiful."

7. Stretch the window treatment to the ceiling

This bedroom curtain idea is unique; it gives the room the feeling of added height, wonderfully covers the large window, and adds a decorative touch to the room.

“We frequently carry curtain ideas to the ceiling in order to accentuate the height of a room,” shares Frank Webb, founder of White Webb. “In this case, we also used a recessed, motorized track for a clean, modern look. With regard to tone, our client happens to love ombre, so we chose this gorgeous alpaca and linen material from Rosemary Hallgarten, which is dip-dyed to create an ombre effect. We also custom-designed the room’s rug in an ombre that begins in a deep emerald green at the window corner and transitions to yellow and then cream as it spreads across the room. The design goal was to make it seem as if nature was making its way into the room.”

FAQs

What is the best curtain idea to cover large windows?

The easiest curtain idea for large windows is drapes. You can choose from various materials to suit your needs. Sheer curtains allow filtered light while maintaining privacy, while thicker curtains provide better light control and insulation. Beyond curtains, you could consider blinds, which can help prevent heat loss. Vertical blinds are an excellent choice for tall windows.

Motorized roller shades are another convenient option, letting you open and close your window coverings with the touch of a button — especially useful for large windows. Lastly, shutters are a fantastic choice if you want to create an indoor-outdoor feel, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

What curtain ideas work for extra wide windows?

This can be challenging but you can overcome it by choosing layered drapes with extra-wide rods. Go for light sheer curtains for daytime and use the thicker ones in the night for privacy and light control. You can also go for panel track blinds. These have large fabric or woven panels that slide on tracks for a sleek, modern look. Motorized blinds, custom shutters, and valances can help conceal these windows too.

What curtain ideas make large windows more private?

Go for sheer curtains with privacy liners. For less private rooms, you could consider frosted or etched glass, or even window films that still offer seclusion without blocking light.

Plantation shutters with adjustable louvers let you control the level of visibility and light entering the room. Vertical or panel track blinds are good for wide windows or sliding doors, offering adjustable privacy and a contemporary style.