What Curtain for a Tilt-and-Turn Window
For a tilt-and-turn window, which tilts inward into the room, two solutions. The simplest: hang the curtain on the wall, above and around the window, with a generous overhang on each side, so the panels clear the sash when it tilts in. The most discreet: a blind or sheer tensioned directly on the sash, fixed without drilling, which follows the window as it opens.
The right choice depends on the space around the window and how often you tilt it. Kurtens makes curtains custom to the exact centimetre, sized to clear a tilt-and-turn window.
The constraint of a tilt-and-turn window
A tilt-and-turn window has two modes: it swings fully open to the side (turn), or tilts in at the top toward the room (tilt) to air the space. It is this tilt that causes the problem: the top of the sash comes into the room and hits a curtain hung too close to the glass. The curtain must therefore leave the way clear, or follow the window.
Solution 1: the curtain on the wall, with a generous overhang
The most common method: fix the rod to the wall, well above the frame, with a wide overhang on each side. That way, with the curtain open, the panels fold back away from the window and free the tilting sash. Enough projection from the wall also keeps the fabric off the tilted window.
This is the solution that dresses best and keeps a real curtain. It needs space around the window. For the hanging height and overhang, see what height to hang a curtain rod, and for the right sizing, what size curtain rod to choose.
Solution 2: the blind or sheer tensioned on the sash
When there is no space on the wall, or for an often-tilted window, fix the fabric directly on the sash. A tensioned sheer or blind, fixed without drilling (tension rods, adhesive fixing or hooks on the frame), follows the window as it opens and stays flat against the glass. The fabric never blocks the tilt, since it moves with it. For no-drill fixings, see the heading guide.
Sizing it to clear the sash
In both cases, the key measurement is the side overhang. For a wall-mounted curtain, count a wide margin on each side so the panels tuck out of the way. For a blind on the sash, the fabric sits as close as possible to the frame. The height drops to the floor for a curtain, or stops at the sill for a window blind. To take your measurements, see the measuring guide.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not hang a heavy curtain right against the glass on a tilt-and-turn window: the sash will catch it at every tilt. Do not skimp on the overhang, or the open panels still hide the window. Avoid too short a projection from the wall, which presses the fabric against the tilted window. And check that the handle stays reachable once the curtain is up.
The curtain sized from the start: custom
A tilt-and-turn window is handled through the measurements: a calculated overhang and the right height are enough to clear the sash. Kurtens makes curtains custom to the exact centimetre, in a range of colors and fabrics, delivered ready to hang, sized for your window and its tilt. You give your measurements, the curtain arrives at the right size. See the Kurtens custom curtains.
Frequently asked questions
What curtain for a tilt-and-turn window?
A curtain hung on the wall, above and around the window, with a generous overhang on each side to clear the tilting sash. If space is tight, a blind or sheer tensioned on the sash, fixed without drilling, follows the window as it opens.
How do you hang a curtain without blocking the tilt?
Fix the rod to the wall, well above the frame, with a wide overhang and enough projection. With the curtain open, the panels tuck away from the window and the sash tilts freely, without touching the fabric.
Can you hang a curtain without drilling on a tilt-and-turn window?
Yes, with a tension rod, an adhesive fixing or hooks on the sash frame. The tensioned sheer or blind stays flat against the glass and follows the window as it tilts.
Should you use a sheer or a thick curtain on this window?
Both work. A sheer tensioned on the sash follows the window and filters. A thick curtain on the wall dresses and blocks the light, provided you allow the overhang and projection to clear the tilt.
How wide an overhang for a tilt-and-turn window?
Allow a wide margin on each side, more than for a standard window, so the open panels tuck fully out of the sash's path and free the opening and the handle.
A tilt-and-turn window is handled through the overhang and the hanging. Have your curtain made to the right size as a Kurtens custom curtain, delivered ready to hang.
More curtain tips
Explore our latest articles
