Narrow, tall windows beside entry doors can be tricky to cover: standard curtains may be too wide, too short, or difficult to mount. The right choice depends on how much light and privacy you want, how you plan to hang the panel, and the exact size of your glass. These four options include dedicated sidelight curtains as well as wider, light-filtering panels that may suit a narrow window when you want more fabric.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size and quantity | Light control | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vatge Blackout Door Curtain | 12 x 70 inches; 1 panel | Blackout-style coverage | Privacy and insulation for a narrow glass panel |
| Vatge Sidelight Curtain with Tie-Backs | 12 x 72 inches; 1 panel | Blackout fabric with adjustable tie-back | Flexible hanging and adjustable light control |
| MIULEE White Sheer Sidelight Curtains | 25 x 72 inches; 2 panels | Sheer, light-filtering | Keeping daylight while softening the view |
| Pitalk Flax Linen Light-Filtering Curtains | 38 x 63 inches per panel; 2 panels | Semi-sheer | A wider decorative option for a narrow window |
Our Picks: Best Curtains For Narrow Long Windows reviews
Vatge Blackout Door Curtain: Best for Full Privacy
This Vatge panel is made for narrow glass sections in doors, including sidelights. Its 12-by-70-inch size is a close match for many tall, slim windows, but measure your glass before ordering. Vatge recommends choosing a panel at least 3 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the glass for better coverage.
The triple-weave fabric is designed to provide blackout coverage and thermal insulation. That makes this a practical pick if your main goals are privacy and reducing light through an entryway window. The package includes one panel and an adhesive strip, so the setup is simple when the surface is suitable. The listing recommends adhesive installation on glass, tile, wood, or metal.
Compared with the sheer MIULEE panels, this curtain is the stronger choice when you want to cover the view rather than soften it. It has fewer hanging options than the other Vatge sidelight curtain, though, and the single adhesive strip means it is worth checking the fit and mounting surface before you commit.
Pros:
- Blackout-style fabric for greater privacy and light control
- Designed for narrow door and sidelight windows
- Triple-weave construction is intended to help insulate
- Adhesive installation does not require drilling
Cons:
- Includes one panel and one adhesive strip only
- Adhesive mounting is limited to suitable surfaces
Verdict: Choose this panel if privacy and light blocking matter more than decorative fullness or multiple mounting methods.
Vatge Sidelight Curtain with Tie-Backs: Best for Flexible Hanging
This 12-by-72-inch panel is another purpose-made option for a narrow window beside a front or side door. Its three-layer blackout fabric is designed to block light, and the adjustable tie-back lets you pull the curtain aside when you want more daylight or an open view.
Its main advantage over the first Vatge option is mounting flexibility. You can use the included adhesive strips and magic tape for a no-tool setup on a suitable surface, or hang it on a rod using the dual rod pockets at the top and bottom. The listing gives the rod pocket diameter as 1 inch. The package includes one panel and two adhesive strips.
The tie-back makes this a more adjustable choice than a fixed blackout panel, though tying it aside will naturally expose the window. The curtain is designed to provide light blocking, but the product description does not promise complete darkness. Check the panel length against your glass and allow for any extra coverage you need.
Pros:
- Two hanging methods: adhesive strips or a curtain rod
- Adjustable tie-back offers control over light and coverage
- Three-layer fabric is designed for light blocking
- Made for narrow door and sidelight windows
Cons:
- One panel may not cover glass wider than the panel comfortably
- Adhesive installation depends on a compatible mounting surface
Verdict: Pick this Vatge curtain if you want a narrow blackout-style panel but would like the option to tie it back or hang it from a rod.
MIULEE White Sheer Sidelight Curtains: Best for Soft Daylight
MIULEE’s sheer door curtains suit a narrow, tall window when you want to keep natural light coming in. The package contains two polyester panels, each measuring 25 by 72 inches, plus two adjustable adhesive tie-backs. That width gives you extra fabric to gather or pleat over a slim pane.
Each panel has rod pockets at both the top and bottom, so you can adjust how it hangs on a rod. The sheer fabric softens the view but is not designed for full privacy. The product information notes that fuller pleats can provide some obscuring, but this is still a light-filtering choice rather than a blackout curtain.
Compared with the Vatge options, MIULEE is better suited to bright spaces where you want a softer look and do not need to block most of the light. Its 25-inch width may feel generous for a very narrow sidelight, so plan how you want to gather the fabric and confirm that the overall look works for your window.
Pros:
- Two panels provide more fabric for pleating
- Sheer material lets natural light through
- Top and bottom rod pockets allow adjustable hanging
- Includes adjustable adhesive tie-backs
Cons:
- Not intended for full privacy or blackout coverage
- Each panel is wider than the dedicated 12-inch Vatge options
Verdict: Choose MIULEE if a bright, soft-filtered look matters more than blocking the view or darkening the room.
Pitalk Flax Linen Curtains: Best for a Textured, Airy Look
Unlike the other picks, these Pitalk curtains are not specifically sized for a sidelight. The package includes two panels, each 38 inches wide and 63 inches long. Their wider cut can work if you want a gathered look on a narrow window, but the shorter length may not suit a particularly tall pane. Measure carefully before buying.
The linen-and-polyester blend has an open weave that filters light while keeping the room airy. You can hang the panels using back loops, a rod pocket, or clip rings; clip rings are not included. The fabric is designed to provide some visual coverage while still allowing light through, so it is not a substitute for a blackout panel when privacy is the priority.
The neutral flax appearance makes this option a good fit for relaxed or natural decor. Compared with the dedicated door curtains, it offers more styling choices but takes more planning to fit a slim window. Consider whether the extra width and 63-inch length will suit the space and mounting setup.
Pros:
- Two panels with a textured linen-blend appearance
- Three hanging options: back loops, rod pocket, or clip rings
- Semi-sheer fabric filters light while keeping the room bright
- Neutral style can suit several casual decor looks
Cons:
- Not a dedicated narrow-window or sidelight curtain
- Clip rings are not included, and the 63-inch length may be too short for some tall windows
Verdict: Consider Pitalk if you want a decorative, light-filtering pair and have confirmed that its wider panels and shorter length fit your window.
How to Choose Curtains for Narrow Long Windows
Measure the Glass and Allow for Coverage
Measure the visible glass width and height, not just the full door or window frame. Then check the curtain’s finished dimensions and how it will attach. A panel that is exactly the same size as the glass may leave edges exposed, while a wider panel can create a fuller look. For the first Vatge curtain, the manufacturer recommends a panel at least 3 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the measured glass.
Decide How Much Privacy You Need
Choose fabric based on the view and light you want. Blackout-style curtains are the best match here for stronger coverage, while sheer and semi-sheer fabrics allow more daylight and only soften the view. If the window faces a street or a close neighbor, a sheer panel may not offer enough privacy, especially at night when indoor lights are on.
Pick a Mounting Method That Fits Your Door or Window
Adhesive strips can avoid drilling, but they are meant for compatible surfaces and may not work on every frame. Rod pockets provide a more traditional hanging option if you have room for a rod and the right hardware. Consider whether the curtain needs to open and close often, and check the rod pocket size before choosing a rod.
Think About Fullness and Panel Quantity
A narrow window may look best with a close-fitting panel or with extra fabric gathered into pleats. Compare the glass width with the total panel width, and remember that a two-panel package does not always mean both panels belong on one small window. The MIULEE and Pitalk options are wider than the dedicated 12-inch Vatge curtains, so they may create a fuller effect or require more space.
Match the Length to the Window
Check where the curtain will start and end once installed. A long window may need a longer panel, while a curtain that drags on a door can be inconvenient. The options here range from 63 to 72 inches long, so measure from the planned hanging point to the desired bottom edge before ordering.
Consider Care and Everyday Use
Check the care instructions for the fabric you choose. The listed options can be machine-washed, though the directions vary by product. If you expect to open the curtain regularly, tie-backs or a rod-mounted design may be more convenient than a panel that stays fixed with adhesive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size curtain should I get for a narrow sidelight?
Measure the glass and compare it with the panel’s width and length. Allow extra fabric for coverage and gathering. Vatge recommends at least 3 inches of extra width and 4 inches of extra length for its blackout door curtain.
Are sheer curtains enough for privacy?
Sheer curtains can soften the view, especially when gathered, but they do not provide the same coverage as blackout-style fabric. For stronger privacy, choose one of the Vatge panels instead.
Can I hang a sidelight curtain without drilling?
Both Vatge options include adhesive mounting materials. The listings recommend using adhesive on suitable surfaces such as glass, tile, wood, or metal. Check your door or frame surface before installing.
Do these curtains block all light?
The Vatge panels are described as blackout or blackout-style curtains, but the product information does not promise a completely dark room. MIULEE’s sheer curtains and Pitalk’s semi-sheer panels are designed to let more light through.
Can I use regular curtains on a narrow, long window?
Yes, if the width and length work for your window and the hanging hardware fits. The Pitalk panels are a wider, non-sidelight option, so measure carefully to avoid excess fabric or a panel that ends too high.
Which option is easiest to adjust during the day?
The Vatge curtain with tie-backs is designed to let you pull the panel aside, and MIULEE includes adjustable tie-backs as well. The best choice depends on whether you want blackout-style fabric or a sheer panel that keeps more daylight coming in.
Final Recommendation
For a typical narrow, tall sidelight where privacy is the priority, the Vatge Blackout Door Curtain is the most direct fit, provided its 12-by-70-inch dimensions suit your glass. Choose the Vatge tie-back version if you want more hanging flexibility, MIULEE if you prefer sheer daylight, or Pitalk if you want a wider, textured panel and have checked the length carefully.
