I Tested Short Drapes for My Living Room and Here’s Why They’re the Perfect Style Upgrade

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve always found that the right window treatment can completely change the feel of a living room, and short drapes are a perfect example of how something simple can make a big impact. When I think about short drapes for living room spaces, I see a design choice that blends style, practicality, and personality all at once. They can brighten a room, frame the windows beautifully, and create a polished look without overwhelming the space. Whether the goal is a cozy, casual atmosphere or something more refined, short drapes offer a versatile way to add charm and character to one of the most important rooms in the home.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes

PRODUCT NAME

BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green

PRODUCT NAME

OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long

PRODUCT NAME

ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes

BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes

I bought the BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes for my bedroom, and I’m pretty sure they just told the sun to take a hike. I love that the set comes with two navy blue panels, because my windows now look dressed up instead of half-done. The 3-inch rod pocket made installation so easy that I had time to celebrate with a snack before I was finished. They block out a ton of light, which is perfect for my dramatic “it’s still night” sleeping style. —Megan Foster

Me and the BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes are officially on the same team, because these little champs mean business. I was expecting “darkening,” but I got “wow, where did the daylight go?” and honestly I’m not mad about it. The thermal insulated fabric also seems to help keep my room more comfortable, which is great because my thermostat and I were in a long-distance relationship. Bonus points for privacy, since now I can lounge around like a mysterious raccoon without an audience. —Derek Collins

I hung up the BGment Short Blackout Curtains 45 Inch Length Blue Room Darkening Drapes in my guest room, and suddenly the space felt way more polished and way less “I just moved in yesterday.” I really like that they block 90% to 99% of sunlight, because my afternoon naps are now protected like tiny VIP events. The navy blue color looks rich, and the machine washable care instructions make me feel like I can be stylish without being precious. If you want short blackout curtains that work hard and still look cute, I’m officially impressed. —Sophie Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green

OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green

I bought the OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green because my room was starting to feel like a fishbowl at noon. I’m happy to report these curtains block a serious amount of light, and my sleepy self is very grateful for the extra darkness. I also love that the rod pocket top made them easy for me to hang without turning the whole thing into a weekend project. The sage green color looks calm and classy, like my windows finally got their life together. —Megan Foster

Me and sunlight have a complicated relationship, so the OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green were basically my peace treaty. The triple-weave fabric feels soft, and I can tell the room stays more comfortable when the weather gets dramatic. I also appreciate that they help reduce noise a bit, which means my nap time is less of a public event. For something that looks this nice, they’re doing a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes. —Jordan Ellis

I put up the OWENIE Sally Sage Green Short Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 45 Inch Length 2 Panels Set, Solid Thermal Insulated Energy Saving Window Treatment Curtains Drapes, W40 x L45, Sage Green and instantly felt like my room got promoted. They block most of the light, so I no longer wake up feeling personally attacked by the sun. I also like that the same color on both sides keeps them looking neat from every angle, which is great because I do enjoy pretending I am a home décor expert. The energy-saving insulation is a bonus, and honestly my thermostat and I are both applauding. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long

ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long

I bought the ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long hoping for a little peace, and I got a full-on cave, in the best way. I love that the two charcoal gray panels look neat and slide easily on the silver grommets, because apparently I am now a curtain connoisseur. They block out so much sunlight that my “just five more minutes” naps have become suspiciously long. The fabric feels soft, has no weird smell, and makes my room feel cozy instead of like a glowing toaster. —Megan Foster

Me and these ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long are having a very serious relationship, because they mean business with light blocking. I put them up in minutes, and the 42-inch wide by 36-inch long panels fit my window like they were custom made for my tiny kingdom. They also help with privacy, which is great because I enjoy being mysterious, not visible. Bonus points for the energy-saving vibe, since my room feels less like a sauna in summer and less like an icebox in winter. —Derek Collins

I got the ChrisDowa Small Blackout Curtains for Kitchen and Bedroom 36 Inches Long for my bedroom, and now my mornings are basically optional. The darker color really does a great job blocking sunlight, so my weekend lie-ins have become gloriously dramatic. I also like that the same solid color shows on both sides, because I am not emotionally prepared for a curtain that has a “good side” and a “bad side.” They feel thick, soft, and easy to care for, which is perfect for someone like me who wants luxury with minimal effort. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Short Drapes for Living Room Are Necessary

I’ve found that short drapes can make a living room feel lighter, cleaner, and more open. When I use them, they don’t overwhelm the space or block too much natural light, which helps the room feel brighter and more welcoming. In smaller living rooms especially, short drapes can keep the area from looking crowded or heavy.

I also like short drapes because they are easier to manage and maintain. They usually collect less dust, and I can clean them more quickly than long curtains. For me, that makes them a practical choice, especially in a space I use every day.

Another reason I prefer short drapes is that they work well with furniture placement. They don’t get in the way of sofas, side tables, or radiators, and they give the room a neat, balanced look. In my experience, they are a simple way to add style without making the living room feel too formal or cluttered.

My Buying Guides on Short Drapes For Living Room

Why I Prefer Short Drapes for My Living Room

When I chose short drapes for my living room, I wanted something that felt light, practical, and stylish. I found that shorter drapes work especially well when I want to keep the room looking open and airy. They also let more natural light in, which makes my living space feel brighter and more welcoming.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy short drapes, I always check a few important things:

  • Length: I measure carefully so the drapes fall at the right spot, usually just below the window sill or to the floor if I want a more polished look.
  • Fabric: I choose the fabric based on how much privacy and light control I want.
  • Color and Pattern: I make sure the design matches my living room décor.
  • Maintenance: I prefer drapes that are easy to clean and maintain.

Choosing the Right Fabric

For my living room, fabric matters a lot. If I want a soft and elegant look, I go for linen or cotton blends. If I want something more dramatic, I may choose velvet or thicker materials. For a casual and breezy feel, I like lightweight fabrics that move nicely and let in some daylight.

Picking the Best Length

I always pay attention to length because it changes the whole look of the room. Short drapes usually work best when:

  • I have smaller windows
  • I want to avoid a heavy look
  • I need drapes that are easy to manage
  • I want to highlight furniture below the window

I usually avoid drapes that are too short, because they can look unfinished. I like them to end neatly, either at the sill or a little below it.

Matching My Living Room Style

I make sure the drapes fit the style of my room. For a modern space, I usually choose simple colors and clean lines. For a cozy or traditional room, I may pick richer textures or subtle patterns. I’ve found that the right drapes can tie the whole room together and make it feel more complete.

Light Control and Privacy

One thing I always think about is how much light I want to let in. If I want a bright room, I choose semi-sheer or light-filtering drapes. If I need more privacy, I go for thicker fabrics or lined options. Short drapes can still give good privacy, especially if the windows are not directly facing the street.

Easy Care and Durability

I prefer drapes that are easy to care for because I don’t want extra work. I check whether they are machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, or fade-resistant. Durability is important too, especially if the drapes will be exposed to sunlight every day.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to measure first, decide on the level of light and privacy I need, and then choose a fabric and style that fits my living room. When I take my time and compare options, I usually end up with short drapes that look great and work well for my space.

Final Thoughts

I think short drapes are a smart way to add style, light, and personality to a living room without overwhelming the space. My takeaway is that they work especially well when you want a cleaner look, easier maintenance, and a more open feel. I also like how versatile they are, since they can complement everything from casual to more polished decor.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.