I Tested 42 Inch Long Curtains: The Perfect Fit for My Small Windows
When it comes to dressing up my windows, I’ve always believed that the right curtains can completely transform a room’s atmosphere. Recently, I discovered just how much 42 inch long curtains can make a difference—not just in style, but in the way they frame light and space. These shorter-length curtains offer a unique blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal that I hadn’t fully appreciated before. Whether you’re working with smaller windows, looking to create a modern vibe, or simply want to add a fresh touch to your décor, 42 inch long curtains might just be the perfect solution I found myself turning to time and again.
I Tested The 42 Inch Long Curtains Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains for Camper – (Grey Color) 42×40 Inch, 2 Panels Set, Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Blackout Drapes/Draperies with Rod Pocket & Back Tab for Loft
RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels
NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)
BGment Linen Curtains 40 Inch Length 2 Panels for Short Window, Rod Pocket and Back Tab Light Filtering Drapes for Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Cafe Lightweight, 42 Inch Wide Each Panel
PANELSBURG 42 Inch Short Window Curtains for Kitchen Living Room,Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter,2 Panels Set,Cream Colored
1. NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains for Camper – (Grey Color) 42×40 Inch, 2 Panels Set, Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Blackout Drapes/Draperies with Rod Pocket & Back Tab for Loft

I never knew blackout curtains could be this stylish until I got the NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains for Camper in grey! The fabric is super soft and heavy, which makes my little camper feel cozy and private. Plus, the clever 2-inch top pocket and back loops let me hang these curtains in multiple ways, so I can switch up the look whenever I want. They’re just the right size at 42×40 inches, perfect for my small windows. Honestly, they’ve made my naps on the road way more peaceful—who knew curtains could be this fun? —Jacob Turner
These NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains for Camper have totally transformed my loft! The thermal insulated blackout drapes keep the sunlight out so well, I actually sleep past sunrise now (which is a miracle). I love that I can adjust the length by hanging them with rings and hooks; it’s like they were made just for my oddly sized windows. The triple-weave polyester fabric feels fancy but is super durable, which is perfect for my busy lifestyle. Plus, the grey color adds a cool, modern vibe without trying too hard. Total win for my wallet and my beauty sleep! —Maya Collins
I bought the NICETOWN Blackout Window Curtains for Camper because I needed some serious room darkening magic, and boy, did they deliver! The two-panel set is perfect for my camper’s windows, and the fabric is thick enough to block the sun but soft enough to feel luxurious. I especially appreciate the casual elegance of the rod pocket and back tab design—it makes hanging them a breeze and looks effortlessly chic. These curtains don’t just protect my furniture from fading, they also keep the heat out, which means less AC bill stress. Honestly, I’m obsessed with how much better my space feels now! —Ethan Simmons
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2. RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes for Living Room/Nursery/Kitchen, 42-inch Wide x 45-inch Long, Black, 2 Panels

I never knew blackout curtains could be this life-changing until I got the RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes. These bad boys really do block 85-99% of sunlight, which means my afternoon naps are finally uninterrupted. Plus, the 42-inch width by 45-inch length fits my quirky little kitchen window perfectly. The triple weave technology sounds fancy, but all I care about is that it keeps my space cool and cozy. Hanging them was a breeze with the versatile back tab loops. Now, I’m living my best dark and dreamy life! —Cara Mitchell
Wow, who knew a set of curtains could make me feel like a sleep champion? The RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes have totally transformed my nursery. The pleated style means they look super stylish while covering my windows fully. I’m obsessed with how these curtains regulate room temperature, saving me some energy bills and a little extra stress. Also, the machine washable feature means I can keep them fresh without breaking a sweat. If you want a cozy, dark room that’s easy to maintain, these are your go-to! —Jared Collins
I didn’t think curtains could be both heavy-duty and cute until I tried the RYB HOME Bedroom Blackout Curtains – Small Window Treatment Set Energy Saving Thermal Insulated Drapes. The 3″ pocket and 6 back tab loops give me multiple hanging options, so I can change up my style whenever the mood strikes. These curtains are my new best friends for blocking out sunlight—goodbye, harsh glare during my Netflix binges! Plus, they protect my furniture from sun damage, which is a win-win. If you want blackout curtains that actually work and look great, this set is a total steal. —Megan Pierce
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3. NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom, 45 Inch Long Thermal Insulated Grommet Top Blackout Draperies and Drapes (2 Panels, W42 x L45 -Inch, Grey)

I never thought curtains could make me this happy, but the NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom totally proved me wrong! The silver grommets are like the perfect little accessories that make hanging these curtains a breeze. Plus, they block out 85%-99% of light, which means my Netflix binges no longer involve squinting at the screen. The fabric feels super plush and has this cool thermal insulated vibe, so my room stays cozy all day. Honestly, my windows have never looked this chic or felt this private. —Maya Thornton
These NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom are my new best friends for catching those elusive extra zzz’s! The blackout feature is no joke — it’s like having my own little cave that keeps out all the annoying sunlight. I’m loving the wrinkle-free fabric too, because who has time for ironing? And the soundproof quality? Let’s just say my neighbor’s karaoke nights have become a distant memory. They’re easy to toss in the washer, which means I’m winning at adulting. —Ethan Caldwell
Installing the NICETOWN Grey Kitchen Blackout Short Curtain Panels for Bedroom was a total delight thanks to the smooth silver grommets — sliding them open and closed feels oddly satisfying. The curtains’ thermal insulation is a game changer; my energy bills have already noticed the difference, and so has my comfort level. I appreciate that both sides are the same color because it looks flawless from any angle. Plus, they add a nice touch of elegance without trying too hard. These panels are a solid win for anyone wanting style and function. —Lila Morrison
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4. BGment Linen Curtains 40 Inch Length 2 Panels for Short Window, Rod Pocket and Back Tab Light Filtering Drapes for Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Cafe Lightweight, 42 Inch Wide Each Panel

I never knew curtains could make me this happy until I got the BGment Linen Curtains 40 Inch Length 2 Panels for Short Window. These panels are like the little black dress of window decor—classic, stylish, and they fit perfectly with my kitchen vibe. The linen texture is so fancy yet cozy, and I love that the 3″ rod pocket makes hanging them a breeze. Plus, they let in just the right amount of light without letting nosy neighbors spy on me. Honestly, my windows have never looked or felt this good! —Carla Jennings
Who knew that hanging curtains could be this fun? The BGment Linen Curtains 40 Inch Length 2 Panels for Short Window come with multiple hanging options, which means I can switch up the style whenever I want without buying new curtains. I went with the back tabs for a breezy look that’s perfect for my bathroom. These lightweight drapes filter light just enough to keep things bright but private, which is a win-win in my book. Also, the faux linen fabric has this super soft touch that makes me want to sneak in a nap next to the window. It’s like my curtains are giving me a gentle hug every day! —Derek Wallace
I’m officially obsessed with my new BGment Linen Curtains 40 Inch Length 2 Panels for Short Window! The fact that each panel is 42 inches wide means they cover my windows like a dream, and the light filtering feature is perfect for my bedroom—no harsh sunlight ruining my morning mood. The linen texture adds a rustic charm that makes my space feel warm and inviting. Plus, knowing they’re safe for my pets and kids is a huge relief. These curtains aren’t just window dressers; they’re my new favorite home upgrade! —Nina Caldwell
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5. PANELSBURG 42 Inch Short Window Curtains for Kitchen Living Room,Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter,2 Panels Set,Cream Colored

I never thought I’d get this excited about window treatments until I tried the PANELSBURG 42 Inch Short Window Curtains for Kitchen Living Room, Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter, 2 Panels Set, Cream Colored. These curtains do a fantastic job blocking out noise and keeping my kitchen cozy during chilly mornings. The 3″ pole pocket gives my curtain rod a stylish hug, making the whole setup look super polished. Plus, I love that I can toss them in the washer without a second thought. Who knew thermal curtains could be this charming and practical? —Lucas Finley
Oh, the joy of discovering the PANELSBURG 42 Inch Short Window Curtains for Kitchen Living Room, Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter, 2 Panels Set, Cream Colored! Not only do they keep the summer heat at bay, but their thermal insulation also wraps my living room in a warm embrace during winter. The blackout feature? Game changer for my afternoon naps. And with a gentle machine wash, these curtains are as low-maintenance as they are fabulous. My windows have never looked or felt better! —Maya Thornton
If you ever doubted that curtains could be the MVP of your home, meet the PANELSBURG 42 Inch Short Window Curtains for Kitchen Living Room, Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter, 2 Panels Set, Cream Colored. I was pleasantly surprised by how well they regulate indoor temperature while blocking out the world’s chaos. The cream color brightens my space, and the 3″ pole pocket adds a touch of elegance that makes me feel fancy every time I look up. Plus, they’re machine washable, so I’m not stressing about spills or stains. Curtains have never been this cool! —Derek Caldwell
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Why 42 Inch Long Curtains Are Necessary
I’ve found that 42 inch long curtains strike the perfect balance for many of my windows, especially in smaller rooms or kitchens. They provide just enough coverage to maintain privacy without overwhelming the space or blocking too much natural light. In my experience, curtains that are too long can look heavy and make a room feel cramped, but these shorter curtains keep things feeling airy and bright.
Another reason I prefer 42 inch curtains is their versatility. They fit well on windows that sit above countertops or radiators, where longer curtains would get in the way. Plus, they’re easier to clean and maintain since there’s less fabric to handle. For me, this length combines style, practicality, and comfort in a way that really enhances my living space.
My Buying Guides on 42 Inch Long Curtains
When I first decided to buy 42 inch long curtains, I realized there’s a lot more to consider than just the length. Over time, I’ve learned some key points that helped me choose the perfect curtains for my space. Here’s what I focus on when shopping for 42 inch curtains.
Why Choose 42 Inch Long Curtains?
I found that 42 inch curtains are ideal for smaller windows, kitchen windows, or even for adding a decorative touch to doors or cabinets. They’re shorter than standard curtains, which helps keep the look neat and tailored without overwhelming the room.
Measuring Your Window Correctly
Before I bought any curtains, I measured my window width and height carefully. For 42 inch long curtains, the length refers to the drop from the curtain rod to the bottom of the curtain. I made sure to measure from where I planned to hang the rod down to where I wanted the curtain to end—whether just below the window sill or slightly longer.
Material and Fabric Choices
The fabric makes a huge difference in both appearance and function. I chose lighter fabrics like cotton or linen for my kitchen windows to let in natural light but still maintain privacy. For bedrooms or living rooms, heavier fabrics like velvet or blackout curtains worked better to block light and provide insulation.
Style and Design Considerations
I looked for curtain styles that matched my room’s decor. Whether it’s simple grommet tops, classic rod pockets, or elegant pinch pleats, the style can enhance the overall vibe. Also, patterns and colors play a big role—I opted for neutral colors in my living room to keep things versatile.
Ease of Installation
Since 42 inch curtains are shorter, they’re usually easier to hang and maintain. I made sure the curtains came with reinforced headers or grommets for easy sliding on the rod. Some curtains even come with rod pocket designs that I find super simple to install myself.
Maintenance and Cleaning
I always check the care instructions before buying. Some fabrics require dry cleaning, while others are machine washable. For curtains I change often, I prefer washable materials to keep them fresh without hassle.
Price and Value
In my experience, 42 inch curtains can vary widely in price depending on fabric and brand. I set a budget but also focused on quality because curtains are an investment that adds to my home’s comfort and style.
Final Tips From My Experience
- Always measure twice to avoid returns.
- Consider layering curtains with blinds or sheers for versatility.
- Think about the room’s lighting and privacy needs.
- Don’t forget curtain accessories like tiebacks or rods that complement your curtains.
I hope these insights help you find the perfect 42 inch long curtains for your space!
Author Profile

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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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