Side Panel Curtains: The Complete Guide

Side panel curtains—also called side panels, decorative side curtains, or stationary drapery panels—have become one of the most popular window-treatment trends in modern home design. They instantly elevate a room, add dimension, soften hard architectural lines, and frame windows with a designer-finished look.

Whether you're upgrading a living room, bedroom, dining room, or entryway, this guide covers everything you need to know: what side panels are, where to use them, how to size them, the best fabrics, trending styles, and exactly how to hang them for a flawless custom look.

What Are Side Panel Curtains?

Side panel curtains are decorative curtain panels placed on each side of a window or door. Unlike full-functioning curtains, side panels are typically stationary—they're not meant to close fully across the window.

They are used to:

• Frame windows for a more polished, designer look
• Add height and visual balance
• Layer over blinds, shades, or sheer curtains
• Add warmth, dimension, and softness
• Provide light filtering or light-blocking depending on the fabric
• Increase privacy around sidelights or glass doors

Side panel curtains are an ideal solution when you want the elegance of drapery without the bulk or need for full operational coverage.

 

Benefits of Side Panel Curtains

Side panels are one of the easiest ways to transform a room. Here’s why homeowners and designers love them:

- Elevated Aesthetic

They instantly make windows look taller, rooms feel bigger, and interiors more curated.

- Versatile Styling Options

From minimalist linen to luxurious velvet, side panels work with every decor style.

- Perfect for Layering

Combine with roller shades, Roman shades, sheer panels, or blackout blinds for a rich, layered window treatment.

- Better Light Control & Privacy

Side panels can block side light gaps and provide subtle privacy without fully covering the window.

- Budget-Friendly

Because they’re stationary, you don’t need full-width drapes—making custom panels more affordable.

 

Where to Use Side Panel Curtains

Side panel curtains work nearly anywhere—but here are the best placements:

1. Standard Windows

For everyday windows, add a single panel on each side to create symmetry and height.
Hang them high (close to the ceiling) to elongate the room.

2. Large or Extra-Wide Windows

For wide windows or window rows, use multiple panels to create balance.
Example: A 3-panel window row needs 6 side panels (one for each side of each window).

3. Doors & Sidelights

Side panels are ideal for:

• front door sidelights
• patio doors
• French doors
• glass entryways

Hang them 6–8 inches above the frame for a tailored, elegant look.

 

Best Fabrics for Side Panel Curtains

Choosing the right fabric is key to how your panels fall, drape, and filter light.

Linen (Most Popular)

• Natural texture
• Relaxed luxury
• Perfect for casual, airy interiors

 

Sheer Fabrics

• Soft light filtering
• Ideal for layering
• Makes small rooms feel open

 

Cotton & Blends

• Clean appearance
• Easy maintenance
• Works with any style

 

Velvet or Heavy Drapery

• Luxurious & dramatic
• Excellent for insulation
• Perfect for formal spaces

 

Patterned Fabrics

• Adds visual interest
• Best for feature windows
• Elevates neutral rooms

 

Best Header Styles for Side Panels

Your header style shapes the entire look of your drapery.

Pinch Pleat (Designer Favorite)

• Tailored, elegant, timeless
• Suitable for all decor styles
• Perfect for stationary side panels

Grommet

• Modern & streamlined
• Smooth, even folds
• Best for contemporary spaces

Back Tab

• Clean front look
• Soft, structured pleats
• Great for relaxed interiors

Rod Pocket

• Simple & casual
• Works well for lightweight fabric

 

How to Measure Side Panel Curtains

Accurate measurements = designer-level results.

1. Height

Measure from top of the rod to the floor.

Choose your style:

• Kiss the floor → chic & clean
• Hover ½ inch above the floor → practical & modern
• Puddle 2–6 inches → dramatic & romantic

For the biggest visual impact, hang your rod:
👉 closer to the ceiling, not the window frame.

2. Width

Side panels are usually stationary, so width = style preference.

• For a standard side panel look → 1.5–3× fullness
• For narrow areas by doors/sidelights → 5–8× fullness
  (Example: 12–24" space = 30–60" pinch pleat panel)

Fullness creates luxury—thin, flat panels look cheap.

 

How to Hang Side Panel Curtains Like a Designer

Follow these pro-level techniques:

- Hang them high

Mount rods near the ceiling to visually expand the room.

- Extend rods wider than the window

6–8" beyond each side is ideal—this gives the illusion of bigger windows.

- Train your drapes

Use pleat training, steaming, or weight bars so the curtains fall into perfect folds.

- Use tie-backs selectively

Especially for doors and entryways to adjust privacy when needed.

 

Styling Ideas for Side Panel Curtains

Here are designer-approved styles:

Minimalist Panels

Neutral linen, simple pleats, clean lines.

Layered Luxe

Side panels + sheers + Roman shades = luxury hotel effect.

Bold & Patterned

Make your side panels the room’s focal point.

Soft Metallic Accents

Brushed gold or matte black rods elevate any panel style.

 

Are Custom Side Panel Curtains Worth It?

Absolutely.

Custom panels offer:

• Perfect sizing (no more too-short curtains!)
• Exact color, fabric & header style
• Better fullness & better drape
• Energy efficiency
• A polished, designer-finished look

They’re the fastest way to make your home look intentionally styled.

 

Final Thoughts

Side panel curtains are one of the simplest yet most transformative additions you can make to any room. From enhancing height and dimension to softening hard edges and framing your windows beautifully, they offer both style and function in an effortless way.

With the right fabric, header style, measurements, and installation approach, your side panels will elevate your home instantly—bringing warmth, elegance, and timeless design into every space.