Basement windows often need a different kind of covering than the rest of the house: a small, short curtain may be enough for privacy, while a drafty or cold window may call for an insulated cover. The best choice depends on your window’s exact size, how much light you want to block, and whether you need to open the window often. These five options include short curtains for compact windows and insulated covers for added help against drafts.
| Product | Best for | Size or format | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tlany Thermal Window Curtain | Insulating a smaller window | 39 × 63 inches; fits windows up to 36 × 60 inches | Quilted padding and roll-up buckles |
| FIFIFO Thermal Window Covers, 2 Sets | Covering more than one window | Two covers, each listed as 63 × 39 inches | Hook-and-loop edges and optional nails |
| Pickluc Short Blackout Tier Curtains | Short windows needing a room-darkening curtain | Two 30-inch-wide panels, 24 inches long | Rod-pocket or window-clip installation |
| XTMYI Small Basement Window Valances | Very small windows and light coverage | Two panels; 14- or 16-inch length options | Water-resistant fabric and rod pocket |
| Homealexa Quilted Window Insulation Cover | Blocking drafts and light | 47 × 63 inches; designed for windows up to 44 × 60 inches | Black exterior, gray interior, roll-up design |
Table of Contents
Our Picks: Best Window Covering For Basement Windows reviews
1. Tlany Thermal Window Curtain: A Padded Cover for Drafty Windows
This insulated cover is made for people who want more than a decorative curtain. Its Oxford fabric exterior and thick cotton padding create a barrier over the window, which may help reduce the feel of cold drafts. The cover measures 39 by 63 inches and is intended for windows up to 36 by 60 inches, leaving room to overlap the window area.
Hook-and-loop strips attach the cover to a surface around the window. Two buckles let you roll it up when you want to uncover the glass without taking the whole panel down. That makes it more flexible than a fixed insulation panel, though you’ll want to check that the fastening strips will work with your window frame or surrounding surface.
Compared with the short curtain options below, this is a better fit when insulation and coverage matter more than a traditional curtain look. It may be too long or bulky for a very small basement hopper window, so measure before ordering.
Pros:
- Padded construction is designed to help block drafts.
- Roll-up buckles make it easier to uncover the window.
- Can be used with existing curtains or blinds.
- Water-resistant Oxford fabric is part of the outer layer.
Cons:
- Its stated fit is for windows up to 36 by 60 inches, so it may not suit larger openings.
- Hook-and-loop attachment may not suit every frame or surface.
Verdict: Choose the Tlany cover if your main goal is adding a removable insulated layer to a smaller basement window.
2. FIFIFO Thermal Window Covers: A Two-Set Option for Multiple Windows
This package includes two insulated window covers, making it worth considering if you have more than one basement window to address. The listed construction uses Oxford fabric with a cotton layer, and the edges have hook-and-loop fasteners. Optional nails are included for extra stability if the adhesive-style fastening alone is not enough for your setup.
Each cover is listed as 63 by 39 inches. Because that measurement may be presented in a different width-and-height order than your window, confirm the product’s size details and compare them with your own measurements before buying. The description says a cover fits a window that is the same size or slightly smaller, so don’t assume you’ll have the same overlap allowance as with products that specify a smaller maximum window size.
Like the Tlany option, this cover has buckle straps for rolling it up. The two-piece quantity is its main advantage over single-cover choices, but its larger format may be excessive for tiny basement windows.
Pros:
- Two covers are included for multiple windows.
- Three-layer construction combines Oxford fabric and cotton.
- Roll-up straps allow the cover to be secured out of the way.
- Optional nails provide another fastening method.
Cons:
- Check the width-and-height orientation carefully before ordering.
- The large listed size may not be practical for very small windows.
Verdict: Consider this set if you need two insulated covers and have confirmed that the listed dimensions match your window openings.
3. Pickluc Short Blackout Tier Curtains: A Traditional Curtain for Short Windows
For a basement window that needs a simple curtain rather than an insulation panel, this two-piece set offers a short, room-darkening option. Each panel is 30 inches wide and 24 inches long, and the set is described as fitting windows between 30 and 55 inches wide. Its 100% polyester fabric is listed at 230 grams per square meter.
You can hang the tiers using a rod pocket or window clips, giving you more than one setup option. The short length suits windows where full-length drapes would look out of place, and the fabric is machine washable on a gentle cycle. The product is also described as soundproof and thermal-insulated, but it is still a curtain rather than a padded, edge-sealed window cover.
Compared with the XTMYI valances, these panels offer more length and coverage. They are a better match when you want a functional short curtain, while the XTMYI set is sized for especially tiny openings.
Pros:
- Two short panels provide more coverage than a small valance.
- Rod-pocket and window-clip installation options are listed.
- Room-darkening fabric is suited to reducing incoming light.
- Machine washable on a gentle cycle.
Cons:
- At 24 inches long, it may be too long for very small basement windows.
- It is not described as a padded cover with a sealed edge for draft control.
Verdict: Pick these tiers if you want a washable, short curtain for light control and a more familiar window-treatment look.
4. XTMYI Small Basement Window Valances: A Compact Choice for Tiny Openings
These short valances are designed for very small windows, including basement hopper and replacement windows. The set contains two pieces and comes in 14- or 16-inch lengths. The product description also lists a 60-inch width for a ruffled hanging style, so check the panel arrangement and your desired look before choosing a size.
The fabric is water-resistant microfiber polyester, which may be useful near a bathroom or sink where occasional splashes are a concern. The panels have a rod pocket and are machine washable. The material is described as blackout, but the short design covers only a limited area, so it may not block as much light as a longer curtain or a full-window cover.
This is the most compact decorative choice in the group. It can be a better fit than an insulated blanket when the window is tiny and you want a simple fabric treatment, but it is not the pick for adding a thick thermal layer.
Pros:
- Short length is suited to very small basement windows.
- Water-resistant fabric is useful in areas where splashes may occur.
- Two-piece set has a rod-pocket design.
- Machine washable for easier care.
Cons:
- Short coverage may leave much of the window uncovered.
- It does not have the padded construction of the insulated covers.
Verdict: Choose the XTMYI valances for a tiny window where a short, water-resistant decorative covering matters more than insulation.
5. Homealexa Quilted Window Cover: A Larger Insulated Option with Two-Sided Color
The Homealexa cover measures 47 by 63 inches and is designed for windows up to 44 by 60 inches. Its quilted construction is intended to help block cold drafts, while the black exterior and gray interior provide a defined look on each side. The larger size may work well for a basement window that is too big for a short curtain or a smaller insulation panel.
The fastening system is described for smooth, clean surfaces such as glass, metal, tile, marble, or sealed window frames. The cover can be rolled up or lifted when you want to let in light or air, then put back in place. This offers more flexible access than a fixed window film, but the surface requirement is important: a rough or unsuitable area may not provide the same attachment.
Unlike the Tlany option, this cover specifically lists a black outside and gray inside. It is also larger, so it may provide a better size match for some openings, but it will be oversized for many small basement windows.
Pros:
- Designed for windows up to 44 by 60 inches.
- Quilted material is intended to help reduce drafts.
- Black exterior and gray interior offer different finishes on each side.
- Reusable roll-up design allows access to the window.
Cons:
- Attachment is specified for smooth, clean surfaces.
- Its size may be excessive for small basement windows.
Verdict: Choose the Homealexa cover if you need a larger insulated panel and have a smooth surface for its fastening system.
How to Choose the Best Window Covering for Basement Windows
Measure the window and the area around it
Measure the glass and the full area you want covered, including any overlap onto the frame or wall. Compare those measurements with the product’s cover size and stated maximum window size. For products with dimensions listed in an unclear order, confirm which number is the width and which is the length before purchasing. A cover that is too small may leave gaps, while an oversized panel can be awkward on a tiny window.
Decide whether you need insulation or a curtain
If the main problem is a cold draft, look at the padded covers from Tlany, FIFIFO, or Homealexa. Their construction is intended to add a thermal barrier. If you mainly want privacy or light control, the Pickluc tiers offer a conventional short-curtain format, while the XTMYI valances are designed for especially small windows. A fabric curtain may not fit as closely around the window as an insulated cover.
Think about light, privacy, and window access
Consider how much daylight you want to keep and whether you need to open the window regularly. The short curtains and valances hang in a familiar way, while the insulated options use roll-up designs to expose the glass. If you want to uncover the window often, check how the fastening and roll-up features will work in the available space.
Check the mounting surface and installation method
Adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners work best when the surface suits the product’s instructions. Homealexa specifically lists smooth, clean surfaces, while FIFIFO includes optional nails for added stability. Curtain panels require a compatible rod or window clips, depending on how you plan to hang them. Consider the frame material and finish before choosing a mounting method.
Account for basement moisture and cleaning
Basement conditions vary, so think about where the window is located and how the covering will be cleaned. XTMYI describes its fabric as water-resistant and machine washable, and Pickluc also lists machine washing on a gentle cycle. The insulated covers have different materials and fastening systems, so check their care instructions and keep the fabric from interfering with the window’s operation.
Choose a style and coverage level that fits the room
A compact valance can look less bulky on a very small window, while a longer tier curtain provides more fabric coverage. Insulated panels offer a more functional, blanket-like appearance. If the window is visible from inside the room, consider whether the product’s color and shape work with your existing decor as well as the window’s size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of covering is best for a cold basement window?
A padded insulated cover is the most relevant option in this list if your priority is helping reduce drafts. Compare the cover’s maximum window size with your measurements, and check whether its fastening system suits the surface around your window.
Are short curtains suitable for basement windows?
Yes. Short curtains can provide privacy and light control without extending far below a small window. Pickluc offers 24-inch panels, while XTMYI’s valances are shorter and intended for very small openings.
How much should an insulated window cover overlap?
That depends on the product. Tlany lists a 39-by-63-inch cover for windows up to 36 by 60 inches, and Homealexa lists a 47-by-63-inch cover for windows up to 44 by 60 inches. Follow each product’s sizing guidance rather than assuming every cover needs the same overlap.
Can I roll up an insulated basement window cover?
The Tlany, FIFIFO, and Homealexa covers are described with roll-up or lift-away access. Check the product details for how the cover is secured when rolled and make sure there is enough room around the window to use that feature.
Which option is best for a very small hopper window?
The XTMYI valances are specifically described for very small windows, including basement hopper windows. Measure the window and confirm that the selected length and panel arrangement will provide the coverage you want.
Can a short curtain help with drafts?
A curtain may add a fabric layer, but it is not the same as a padded cover designed to sit over the window area. If draft control is your main concern, compare the insulated options and check how securely they can attach around your window.
Final Recommendation
For a small basement window where draft reduction is the main goal, the Tlany thermal curtain is a practical starting point because its size guidance, padded construction, and roll-up buckles are clearly described. Choose the Homealexa cover if you need a larger panel and have a smooth mounting surface. For a decorative treatment, Pickluc suits short windows needing more curtain coverage, while XTMYI is the more compact choice for very small openings. In every case, measure first and match the attachment method to your window and surrounding surface.
