Large windows can be one of the best features in a room. They bring in plenty of daylight, open up the view and make the space feel bigger.
They can also be surprisingly difficult to dress.
The wrong curtains may feel bulky, become difficult to move or cover too much of the glass when they’re open. The right curtains should frame the window, move smoothly and give you the privacy and light control you need without overwhelming the room.
Here’s what to consider when choosing curtains for a wide or tall window.
Wave curtains are an excellent all-round choice
For many large windows, wave curtains are one of the best options.
Instead of gathering into traditional pleats, the fabric forms a series of soft, even waves. This creates a smooth, flowing appearance across a wide span of glass.
Wave curtains work particularly well because they:
- Hang in neat, consistent folds
- Move smoothly along a suitable track
- Suit both light and heavier fabrics
- Create a clean, contemporary finish
- Look balanced across wide windows
They can be especially effective in open-plan rooms where the window treatment needs to complement a simple, modern interior.
A lighter fabric can soften a large window while maintaining an airy feel. A lined or heavier fabric will create more privacy and a cosier finish.
Pinch pleat curtains create a tailored look
Pinch pleat curtains are a strong choice when you want a more structured or traditional appearance.
The heading is sewn into permanent, evenly spaced pleats, helping the curtain retain its shape. This gives large windows a smart, tailored finish and works particularly well with substantial fabrics.
Because large curtains use a considerable amount of material, a defined heading can stop the overall design from appearing shapeless.
Pinch pleats can be paired with a suitable pole or track depending on the look you want and how frequently the curtains will be used.
Pencil pleat curtains offer flexibility
Pencil pleat curtains have a familiar gathered heading and can suit both traditional and relaxed interiors.
They’re versatile and can be used with curtain poles or tracks. However, the gathering needs to be carefully calculated on a particularly wide window. Too little fabric may look sparse, while too much can create a bulky stack at the sides.
For this reason, made-to-measure pencil pleat curtains are preferable to simply joining several standard curtain panels together.
Consider how much space the curtains need when open
One detail that is often overlooked is the amount of space the curtains occupy when they’re pulled back. This is known as the stack-back.
On a large window, the gathered fabric can take up a surprising amount of room. If the pole or track ends directly above the edge of the glass, the open curtains may still cover part of the window and reduce the available daylight.
Where space allows, extending the track or pole beyond the window can give the curtains somewhere to sit when they’re open.
A professional measuring service can account for:
- The width of the window
- The curtain heading
- The weight and fullness of the fabric
- Space available at each side
- Nearby walls, furniture or radiators
- The preferred opening direction
These details make a significant difference to the finished result.
Choose the lining according to the room
The best lining depends on what you need the curtains to do.
A standard lining adds body to the fabric and provides greater privacy. Blackout lining is useful in bedrooms, media rooms or any space where controlling light is important.
Interlining or a thermal lining can create a fuller appearance while adding an extra layer between the room and the window. This may be helpful for large panes of glass, particularly during colder months.
Sheer or voile curtains offer a different solution. They soften daylight and provide some daytime privacy without making the room feel closed in. They can also be layered with heavier curtains to give you more flexibility.
Brighton Sunblinds’ made-to-measure curtain service includes a choice of fabrics, headings and lining options.
Don’t overlook the curtain track or pole
Large curtains need the right support.
A standard decorative pole may not always be suitable for a very wide window or a heavy fabric. The pole or track needs to support the weight of the curtains without bowing, catching or becoming difficult to operate.
A track can create a discreet finish and allow the curtains to move smoothly across a wide span. Tracks are also well suited to wave curtains.
A curtain pole makes more of a visual statement and can complement traditional interiors, provided it is properly supported and correctly sized.
For demanding windows, Silent Gliss curtain tracks and poles offer both manual and powered operating options.
Should large windows have one curtain or two?
Most large windows use a pair of curtains that meet in the middle, but this isn’t the only option.
A single curtain drawing to one side can work where access, furniture or the room layout makes a central opening inconvenient. This can be particularly useful next to a glazed door.
The right configuration depends on:
- Where the window opens
- How people move around the room
- Which side has the most stacking space
- Whether the view should remain unobstructed
- The position of handles and furniture
It’s best to decide the opening direction before choosing the final track or pole.
Made-to-measure curtains make a real difference
Small inaccuracies become much more noticeable on a large window.
Curtains that are slightly too short, unevenly gathered or poorly supported can make the entire room feel unfinished. Made-to-measure curtains are produced for the exact width and drop of the window, with the heading and fullness calculated for the chosen fabric.
They also allow you to choose details such as lining, opening direction and floor clearance rather than adapting a standard pair.
Large window curtains in Brighton, Hove and Sussex
Whether you’re dressing a wide living-room window, a bay, a glazed extension or a full-height feature window, Brighton Sunblinds can help you find a practical and well-proportioned solution.
Browse our full collection of made-to-measure curtains or arrange a free home consultation in Brighton, Hove or across Sussex.