Best Small Basement Window Ideas: Styles, Materials, and Treatments!

Does your basement feel dark and uninviting, and you think it’s because of the windows? Fortunately, there are plenty of methods to brighten the space, and we’re here to share them with you!

Or maybe you’re planning to replace your basement windows and looking for the best ones on the market. It’s only natural, given that basement windows are at risk of moisture damage, mold growth, and even burglaries, so getting the most efficient ones is a must.

Either way, below you’ll find the most comprehensive guide on small basement window ideas – starting from window styles and frame materials and ending with the best coverings that will make your windows appear larger!

Key Takeaways

Awning windows and hopper windows are the best for small basement window openings. Casement windows may also be installed in basements if the space allows it.
When looking for small basement windows, choose a frame material that allows for thin frames to have as much glazing area as possible.
You can make your small basement windows appear larger by combining various window treatments, such as light-filtering floor-length curtains and Magic’s retractable solar shades.
You can also install mirrors, arrange the furniture strategically, and paint the walls white to make the space more inviting and comfortable.

The Best Window Style for Basements

Basement windows are the most important when it comes to ventilating the basement area and bringing in natural light. If it weren’t for them, this part of your house would be completely uninviting and possibly filled with mold and pests. That’s why, if you plan to install new basement windows, it’s important to assess all window styles carefully, especially if your windows are small.

For example, the best windows for basements are usually awning and hopper windows because they’re extremely easy to open and suitable for small openings. They open similarly but in reverse – awning windows open outwards from the bottom, while hopper ones open inwards from the top. If your top priority is ventilation, go for awning windows because they can be left open when it rains.

On the other hand, sliding windows, although sometimes installed in basements, won’t suit your basement if the rough opening is small. After all, sliding windows need extra wall space for the sash that stays fixed when the other slides from one side to another. Casement windows, though, would be perfect for basements, even if the window opening is small, and are excellent for ventilation!

But before choosing a window style, consider where the windows are placed and how easy it will be to open them. Let’s say you decide to install hopper windows. Given that their handle is at the top, you may not be able to reach it easily, which can really become an issue in the long run – you’ll get tired of always climbing a chair to open those windows.

Now, the window style isn’t the only important aspect to ponder upon – let’s talk window frame materials!

Frame Materials and Glazing Options for Small Basement Windows

First things first – aesthetics and natural light. Your basement windows are small, so, naturally, you may want to go the extra mile to get as much glazing area as possible. This is where the window frame material comes into question – you’ll want a material that is sturdy enough to be used in thin frames. Vinyl and wood, for example, are quite bulky and will cut a lot from the glazing area. Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame, on the other hand, which combines the advantages of vinyl, steel, and aluminum, is extra thin, inviting incredibly more light in!

Secondly – humidity. If you live in a region with high humidity, the basement is at the highest risk of mold and moisture damage. Wood windows, for instance, are probably not your best option because they’ll need extra care to avoid moisture damage. Therefore, look for a moisture-resistant frame material.

Thirdly – durability. If your windows are below ground, there’s also a window well (meaning that U-shaped recess in the ground). When there’s a window well, there’s always a risk of water accumulation within the well even if it’s cleaned regularly. That water can put pressure on your windows. That’s why you need both the frame and the glass to be sturdy enough to not break under that pressure. This durability can also improve your basement windows’ burglar-proof properties.

Last but not least – energy efficiency. Like other windows in your house, basement windows should be energy-efficient, especially if you live in a region like the GTA. Installing double- or triple-pane windows can also improve the windows’ security as the glass is much harder to break, so it’s really a win-win!

Choosing the Right Window Treatments for Small Basement Windows

Next on our list is to shop window treatments! Naturally, they’re chosen based on what the basement will be used for – a bedroom, storage room, or maybe a cinema room! But whatever window treatment you choose, there are several aspects to consider:

Given that your basement windows are small, you should go for window coverings that won’t make the room feel even more cramped.
If humidity is high, pick window treatments that are less prone to moisture damage and mold.
Don’t forget about privacy, as not all window treatments ensure complete privacy, particularly at night.

Don’t worry, we’ll share plenty of ideas below, so keep reading! But first, we have some tips on how to get more natural light in your basement if you have small windows.

Maximizing Natural Light in Small Basements

The first thing you can do to have more natural light in your basement is choose the right windows – in this regard, you should pay close attention to their Visible Transmittance rating, which indicates how much light a particular window lets in. The higher this rating, the better. This is important because some windows that come with different films and coatings can significantly limit how much natural light enters through them, so you’ll probably want to avoid them.

Other things you can do include using mirrors and reflective surfaces, painting the walls in a light shade, and placing the furniture strategically so that it doesn’t block the light. These can also make the space feel larger.

Basement Window Coverings

You can easily make your small basement windows the focal point of the room with the right window treatments! Below, you’ll find the most common basement window treatment solutions – they’re just a starting point meant to serve as inspiration for the final design!

Magic’s Solar Shades and Blackout Blinds

Magic’s revolutionary solar shades and blackout blinds may be exactly what you’re looking for! Yes, indeed, we’re talking about two separate basement window treatments, which are actually incorporated within the same window frame and completely invisible when not needed! The secret lies in the fact that they are fully retractable.

The solar shades are made from a partially transparent material that offers complete light control! They are best used during the day. At night, when you need privacy, you retract the solar shades and open the blackout blinds – they’re made of an opaque material that covers your window completely and ensures full privacy! The greatest fact about our blackout blinds is that they improve a window’s energy efficiency by 40%! And they’re covered by our 40-year warranty!

Light-Filtering Shades

Light-filtering shades are the perfect light-filtering window treatment for small basement windows as they gently spread natural light throughout the space, creating a more inviting atmosphere. You can choose from various materials and colors, so there are literally countless options!

Nonetheless, don’t forget that light-filtering shades are usually made of almost transparent materials, so if you need privacy at night, you should either pair them with some blackout shades or thicker curtains.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are great for small basement windows! One of the best things about Roman shades is that they let you filter light while keeping your space private. This is especially helpful in basements, where windows are often at ground level. You can adjust the shades to let in natural light without worrying about anyone peeking in!

These shades come in all sorts of fabrics, colors, and patterns, so you can easily find something that fits your basement decor. Furthermore, you can hang the Roman shades higher than the window frame. This way, you’ll make the windows appear much taller than they actually are!

On the other hand, since basements are more humid than other rooms, Roman shades may be prone to mold growth, so you’ll have to make sure the humidity is within recommended levels.

Faux Wood Blinds or Mini Blinds

Since they’re made from wood and PVC, faux wood blinds are moisture-resistant, so they’re perfect for basements!

Not to mention that they provide the classic look of wood, which can definitely make a difference in how your basement looks and feels! Faux wood blinds are also easy to clean – a great advantage, we must admit! And they even guarantee privacy!

On the other hand, mini blinds are horizontally arranged and consist of long, thin slats held by a string. They’re ideal for small basement windows particularly because they’re easy to operate and incredibly easy to clean! Not to mention that mini-blinds are durable, moisture-resistant, and perfect for privacy.

Built-In Shutters

Built-in shutters bring a natural texture that can really improve the design of your basement windows! They have a classic look and do a great job at controlling light and maintaining privacy. Furthermore, built-in shutters are extremely durable and thus useful even when it comes to safety.

Additionally, you can install some shelves around the windows that go hand in hand with the shutters’ design, thus adding some storage space and making the windows appear larger.

Stylish and Functional Curtain Ideas

Using floor-to-ceiling curtains can give a sophisticated look while making ceilings appear higher. You can also use grommet tops or rod pockets to give your basement windows’ design a unique touch!

As for the curtains themselves – sheer curtains are excellent for small basement windows! They diffuse sunlight perfectly and create a softer ambiance in the basement – this can make you feel like there’s more light in there!

Also, why not pair sheer basement window curtains with other treatments? You can also install Roman shades for privacy, for example. If you’re looking to improve energy efficiency, go for layered curtains – one layer of sheer curtains and another of thermal curtains, which are thicker.

Roller Shades

Roller shades are perfect for small basements with small windows thanks to their minimalistic design. They’re also very easy to use, which is a great advantage – all you have to do is roll them up and down. Roller shades are rather easy to clean as well – you just have to wipe them down with a cloth once in a while.

Plus, they allow you to control light and keep your basement private. You can even customize them however you want in this regard – if privacy matters the most, you can buy roller shades made of blackout materials, for example.

On the other hand, just like with any other basement window curtains or treatments, make sure that the material is not prone to mold – if it is, clean the shades regularly and use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels.

Custom-Made Window Treatments

Haven’t chosen anything yet? Not an issue! You can also order custom window treatments. You can work with a designer to find the perfect solution – we do know that it can be pretty difficult to properly decorate those small basement windows! Working with a specialist is more expensive than a DIY project indeed, but it’s totally worth it in the long run, especially if the basement is a living area.

A designer can help you choose the window coverings that are best for your basement windows, all the while taking into consideration their size, what the basement is used for, and other decor elements.

Window Trim and Moldings

If you plan to use the basement just as a storage space, you probably don’t need window trim, as it’s installed for purely aesthetic reasons. If your basement is a living area, such as a bedroom, adding trim and moldings around windows can make a huge difference! However, given that your basement windows are small, you need to choose the design carefully. Small rooms and small windows pair better with thin window trims.

Tips on How to Make Small Basement Windows Look Larger

If you have small basement windows and the space is a living area, it’s only natural that you want to make them appear larger. Otherwise, the room will feel cramped – definitely not great for those who suffer from claustrophobia. As such, here are some tips on how to do that:

Paint the room in light colors and avoid using contrasting colors. For example, if the walls are white, it’s best to have the windows white as well and the window treatments beige or a similar shade. This way, the windows will be subtly incorporated into the overall design, and people won’t even notice their size.
Choose sheer, light-colored window treatments, as they can enhance light flow and make the space feel larger.
Add decorative elements around the window, such as trim or molding, as they can add depth and dimension.
Hang mirrors opposite the windows, as they can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space.
Hang window treatments higher than the actual window frame – this can make the window look taller.
Consider installing floor-length curtains.
If you’re installing curtains, extend the curtain rod beyond the window frame.
Use plants (choose carefully, though; it’s best to get plants that lower humidity rather than increase it) around windows to create a seamless transition between the basement and the outdoors.

Final Thoughts

It goes without saying that basement windows are just as important as any other windows in the house, so it’s of the essence to choose a window style carefully to ensure that they’re easy to open and close. However, picking a window type is not the only thing that matters here – energy efficiency, durability, safety measures, and whatnot! Not to mention window treatments, which can make all the difference when it comes to small windows and cramped spaces like basements.

If you want to equip your basement space with windows made of the most durable and energy-efficient materials in the GTA, which also come with retractable basement window blinds and screens, book your free consultation with Magic! Our experts can’t wait to work with you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best window for basements?

Awning, hopper, or casement windows are the best for basements. They offer great ventilation and plenty of natural light, especially if they have thin frames.

Which window material is best for small basement windows?

For small basement windows, fiberglass or composite materials like Magic’s Hybrid Fusion Frame are your best bet because they resist moisture, are energy efficient, and have thin frames.

How can I maximize natural light in my basement?

To maximize natural light in your basement, use light-filtering blinds or curtains and place mirrors strategically.

What are some practical window coverings for small basement windows?

Light-filtering shades, Roman shades, faux wood blinds, and Magic’s fully retractable solar shades and thermal blinds are excellent for small basement windows.

How can I make my small basement windows look bigger?

You can make your small basement windows look bigger by using light-colored floor-length curtains, adding window trim, and installing mirrors and layered lighting to create an illusion of space.