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Curtains for Small Windows: Sizes, Costs, and Best Fits
Image: curtains for small windows
- jordan.wilson
- June 10, 2026
Curtains for small windows are scaled window treatments that improve privacy, daylight, insulation, or decoration without overwhelming limited glass. For most compact windows, the best choice is a lightweight panel, cafe curtain, or Roman shade sized to the actual casing, with the rod mounted high and slightly wider when wall space permits.
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[Handyman Of McleanMcLean, Virginia](https://handymanofmclean.com/) # Curtains for Small Windows: Sizes, Costs, and Best Fits  - [jordan.wilson](https://handymanofmclean.com/author/jordan-wilson/) - [June 10, 2026](https://handymanofmclean.com/2026/06/10/) Curtains for small windows are scaled window treatments that improve privacy, daylight, insulation, or decoration without overwhelming limited glass. For most compact windows, the best choice is a lightweight panel, cafe curtain, or Roman shade sized to the actual casing, with the rod mounted high and slightly wider when wall space permits. > **Key Facts at a Glance** > > A practical small window often measures about 24, 28, or 32 inches wide and 36 or 48 inches high. > > An outside-mounted rod usually extends 3-6 inches beyond each side of the frame. > > Mounting a decorative rod 4-6 inches above the frame can increase perceived window height. > > Curtain width should normally equal 1.5-2 times the finished window width for structured fabric. > > Sheers typically need 2.5-3 times fullness because their thin fabric relies on more gathers. > > Typical ready-made treatments cost $15-$180 per window, while custom drapery can exceed $800. ## What Counts as a Small Window? A small window is usually under approximately 36 inches wide or 48 inches tall, but the treatment problem matters more than the measurement. A 30-inch-wide window with deep trim, a radiator, or a crank handle may need a different solution from a bare 24-inch bathroom window. Ready-made manufacturers commonly sell short panels, tier curtains, cafe curtains, roller shades, and cellular shades for compact openings. The nominal product size is not the same as the usable glass size. A 24-inch curtain may require a 20-inch opening, or it may describe the finished fabric width rather than the rod width. Small-window coverings have four separate jobs: 1. **Privacy:** preventing direct views from streets, neighbors, or adjacent buildings. 2. **Light control:** reducing glare, filtering daylight, or creating near-darkness. 3. **Thermal control:** reducing drafts, solar heat, or cold-glass discomfort. 4. **Visual framing:** adding color and softness without hiding scarce glass. A treatment that solves one job can weaken another. Cafe curtains preserve daylight but cannot darken a bedroom, while blackout panels block light effectively but may look bulky on a narrow wall. ## What Size Curtains Fit a Small Window? Curtain size depends on the mounting method, finished width, fullness, and desired length. For an outside mount, calculate fabric from the rod width rather than the glass width; for an inside mount, use the measured recess width and subtract the manufacturer’s required clearance. | Window opening | Typical rod width | Structured fabric width | Sheer fabric width | Common finished length | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 24 x 36 inches | 30-36 inches | 45-72 inches | 75-108 inches | 36-63 inches | | 28 x 36 inches | 34-40 inches | 51-80 inches | 85-120 inches | 36-63 inches | | 32 x 48 inches | 38-44 inches | 57-88 inches | 95-132 inches | 48-84 inches | | 36 x 48 inches | 42-48 inches | 63-96 inches | 105-144 inches | 48-84 inches | These are planning ranges, not universal product specifications. A single 54-inch-wide ready-made panel may provide enough coverage for a 24-inch window, but it will create fuller folds than a pair of narrow panels. Measure the product’s actual fabric width before ordering. For a simple calculation, multiply the rod width by the fullness factor. A 36-inch rod multiplied by 1.5 produces 54 inches of structured curtain fabric. The same rod multiplied by 2.5 requires 90 inches of sheer fabric. ### Which curtain length looks best? Sill-length or cafe-length curtains usually suit small windows above counters, furniture, radiators, and kitchen sinks. Curtains should finish about 0.5 inch above a sill, 1-2 inches below the sill, or at the apron when the wall below the window needs visual continuity. Floor-length panels can make a small window look taller when the wall is wide enough and the fabric stacks completely beside the glass. They are a poor choice when the window sits above a desk, countertop, toilet, radiator, or frequently opened door. Avoid puddling fabric beneath a compact window. Pooling consumes floor area, catches dust, and can make the wall-to-window relationship look compressed rather than architectural. ## How Should You Measure a Small Window? Measure the recess width, recess height, trim width, sill projection, and nearby obstructions before selecting a curtain or shade. Home Depot and The Shade Store both distinguish inside measurements from outside measurements, and that distinction prevents many ordering errors. Record three width measurements across the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Use the narrowest inside width for an inside-mounted product, because an uneven casing may prevent the treatment from moving or fitting correctly. For height, measure the left, center, and right sides. Use the shortest height for an inside mount. For an outside mount, measure from the intended top mounting point to the desired bottom edge, then add the overlap required to cover the frame. Check these conditions before buying hardware: - **Window handles:** Casement cranks can collide with inside-mounted curtains or shades. - **Deep trim:** Decorative casing may require an outside mount or projection brackets. - **Radiators:** Keep fabric clear of hot surfaces and allow airflow. - **Counters and sinks:** Choose moisture-tolerant, short fabric that will not drag into water. - **Shallow recesses:** A tension rod may not fit if the casing lacks two parallel, stable surfaces. - **Uneven drywall:** Use anchors or mount into studs rather than relying on light-duty screws. - **Mullions:** Multiple narrow panes may need separate shades instead of one curtain panel. The measuring guides from Home Depot and Wayfair recommend recording the exact opening dimensions rather than relying on nominal window labels. That practice is especially important for older homes, where two windows in the same room may differ by more than half an inch. ## Where Should You Mount the Rod? Mount an outside-mounted curtain rod about 4-6 inches above the frame and 3-6 inches beyond each side when the wall allows it. The arrangement exposes more glass when the curtains are open and directs the eye upward, but a smaller 2-3 inch extension is more practical beside a corner or another window. A high-and-wide installation works only when the curtain stack can rest on the wall without covering the glass. On a 24-inch window with 54 inches of total fabric, each opened side may occupy 10-14 inches depending on pleat thickness and hardware. If the available wall return is only 6 inches, an inside-mounted shade may preserve more daylight. Use an outside mount when: - The casing is shallow or unattractive. - The opening is visually too short. - You need to cover light gaps around blackout fabric. - The wall has enough space for the fabric stack. - Trim prevents a level inside installation. Use an inside mount when: - Preserving the woodwork is important. - The window sits beside another opening. - The wall is too narrow for side extension. - A clean, tailored appearance matters more than visual enlargement. - You are installing a Roman shade or cellular shade. A rod should be level, mechanically secured, and compatible with the bracket diameter. The Yellow Dwelling and Home Depot measurement guidance both emphasize measuring the hardware location, not merely the glass, because rod width and curtain width are related but not identical dimensions. ## Which Small-Window Treatment Gives the Best Privacy? Cafe curtains provide the best daylight-to-privacy balance for kitchens and street-facing rooms, while lined Roman shades or cellular shades provide stronger privacy control in bedrooms and bathrooms. No single treatment is best for every orientation, because daytime privacy and nighttime privacy require different opacity levels. | Treatment | Privacy level | Daylight control | Best room | Main limitation | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cafe curtain | Medium below midpoint | High above fabric | Kitchen, breakfast area | Exposes the upper glass | | Sheer panel | Low to medium | High | Living room, rental | Silhouettes appear at night | | Lined Roman shade | High | Medium to very high | Bedroom, office | Covers glass when raised | | Cellular shade | Medium to high | Medium to high | Bedroom, basement | Less decorative softness | | Blackout panel | Very high when closed | Very low | Bedroom, media room | Bulky stack on narrow walls | For a street-level bathroom, an opaque cafe curtain mounted halfway up the glass can preserve daylight while hiding eye-level views. For a bedroom, use a blackout-lined shade or curtain because a sheer panel that looks private during daylight becomes transparent when the room is brighter than the exterior. ## What Are the Best Curtains for Small Windows? The best treatment depends on the window’s job, available wall space, and installation restrictions. Cafe curtains suit daylight and privacy, Roman shades suit tailored control, tension rods suit renters, lightweight panels suit visual softness, and cellular shades suit insulation. ### Cafe curtains Cafe curtains cover the lower half or lower two-thirds of a window. They work particularly well above kitchen sinks, in breakfast nooks, and on windows facing pedestrians, because the uncovered upper glass continues to admit daylight. Choose a washable cotton, polyester, or linen blend for kitchens. A 24-inch-wide window often needs 36-48 inches of cafe-curtain fabric for moderate fullness. The drawback is fixed privacy coverage: anyone at a higher viewpoint may still see through the exposed upper portion. ### Roman shades Roman shades fold upward into horizontal pleats and create a compact, tailored profile. They are a strong choice for small windows with limited side wall because the fabric remains within the opening instead of requiring stack-back space. A flat Roman shade has a quieter appearance than a relaxed fold, while a blackout-lined version suits bedrooms. Roman shades cost more than basic cafe curtains and still cover part of the upper glass when raised, so they are less suitable when maximum daylight is the priority. ### Tension rods and lightweight panels Tension rods install between the sides of a stable window casing without screws. They are useful for renters, temporary rooms, and lightweight cafe curtains, but they should not support heavy lined drapery or be installed where children can pull on the fabric. Clean the casing and rubber rod ends before installation. A tension rod can slip when grease, dust, excessive fabric weight, or a casing wider than the rod’s working range reduces friction. ### Short valances Valances cover the upper part of a window and conceal hardware while adding pattern. They provide almost no privacy and limited glare control, so they work best as a decorative layer above a blind, shade, or cafe curtain. Avoid oversized floral or geometric motifs. A small-scale stripe, solid texture, or micro-pattern generally keeps a narrow opening visually calm. ### Cellular and honeycomb shades Cellular shades use pleated air pockets to reduce heat transfer and drafts. They are more effective for cold basements, exposed walls, and windows that feel uncomfortable near the glass than unlined decorative curtains. Single-cell shades suit moderate conditions, while double-cell constructions provide more insulation at greater cost and depth. Cellular shades are less appropriate when the room needs fabric texture or a fully decorative treatment. ## How Do Curtains Compare With Roman Shades and Cellular Shades? Curtain panels offer the broadest style and replacement flexibility, Roman shades use the least side wall, and cellular shades generally provide better insulation per inch of window coverage. The decision turns on whether the priority is decoration, compact operation, privacy, or thermal performance. | Option | Typical cost per window | Installation time | Side clearance | Typical service life | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cafe curtain | $15-$90 | 15-25 minutes | 0-3 inches | 3-8 years | | Tension rod and panel | $20-$120 | 5-15 minutes | 0-4 inches | 1-5 years | | Roman shade | $30-$220 | 20-45 minutes | 0-2 inches | 5-12 years | | Cellular shade | $25-$180 | 20-40 minutes | 0-2 inches | 5-12 years | | Custom drapery | $150-$800+ | 45-90 minutes | 8-16 inches | 8-15 years | Typical prices vary by fabric, lining, operating mechanism, brand, labor, and customization. The supplied market overview places off-the-shelf delivery around 1-3 business days and custom fabrication around 2-4 weeks, although seasonal demand can extend either timeframe. Curtains are easiest to wash or replace. Roman and cellular shades look more integrated but require accurate measurements and may need replacement rather than simple laundering when mechanisms fail. ## How Much Do Curtains for Small Windows Cost? Curtains for small windows typically cost $15-$90 for cafe curtains, $20-$120 for tension-rod panels, $30-$220 for Roman shades, and $25-$180 for cellular shades. Custom drapery commonly starts near $150 and can reach $800 or more after premium fabric, lining, fabrication, and installation. | Treatment | Budget example | Mid-range example | Premium example | Likely added cost | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cafe curtain | $15 | $40 | $90 | $10-$30 for custom hemming | | Tension rod and panel | $20 | $50 | $120 | $15-$40 for upgraded rod | | Roman shade | $30 | $85 | $220 | $50-$150 for blackout lining | | Cellular shade | $25 | $70 | $180 | $25-$100 for top-down operation | | Custom drapery | $150 | $350 | $800+ | $75-$250 for professional fitting | For a 24 x 36 inch window, the lowest-cost permanent-looking solution is often a ready-made cafe curtain with a basic rod. The most expensive choice is not always the largest treatment, because custom fabrication charges can dominate the fabric cost on a small opening. Budget for brackets, anchors, rings, tiebacks, hemming tape, and delivery. A $30 curtain may require another $15-$40 in hardware and alterations. ## How Do You Install Curtains on a Small Window? Install small-window curtains by measuring the mounting points, securing compatible brackets or a tension rod, checking level, and dressing the fabric without covering usable glass. A basic outside-mounted installation usually takes 15-30 minutes, while a custom shade can take 30-60 minutes. ### Step 1: Inspect the mounting surface Identify studs, solid trim, drywall, tile, or a metal window frame. Choose screws and anchors rated for the rod and fabric weight, and avoid assuming that a lightweight curtain makes wall support irrelevant. **Success checkpoint:** Each bracket has a firm mounting point with no wobble. **Common mistake:** Using a plastic drywall plug where a stud or heavier-duty anchor is required. ### Step 2: Mark the rod position Mark the centerline 4-6 inches above the frame and the bracket points 3-6 inches beyond each side. Reduce the height or side extension when trim, crown molding, adjacent windows, or a corner prevents the recommended placement. **Success checkpoint:** The marks are symmetrical and the rod will clear the window handle. **Common mistake:** Measuring from the glass instead of measuring from the frame and planned curtain stack. ### Step 3: Install the brackets or tension rod Drill pilot holes where appropriate, insert rated anchors, and fasten both brackets at the same height. For a tension rod, clean the casing, extend the rod slightly beyond the opening, and compress it evenly. **Success checkpoint:** A level rod stays fixed when pulled gently from the center. **Common mistake:** Overtightening a tension rod against brittle or painted trim. ### Step 4: Hang and dress the fabric Thread panels, rings, tabs, or a rod pocket onto the hardware. Steam packing wrinkles, distribute fullness evenly, and keep the leading edge clear of the glass when the curtains are open. **Success checkpoint:** The curtain moves without dragging, and both sides hang at equal heights. **Common mistake:** Using thick grommets or heavy rings that consume stack space on a narrow rod. ## Which Options Work in Kitchens and Bathrooms? Moisture-prone rooms need short, washable, quick-drying treatments placed clear of water and heat. Cafe curtains, polyester-linen blends, vinyl-coated shades, and moisture-resistant cellular shades are more practical than untreated silk, velvet, or thick wool. Kitchen treatments should tolerate grease and frequent washing. A cafe curtain ending above the counter or sink reduces contact with water, while a washable roller or Roman shade keeps fabric away from the work surface. Bathroom treatments need privacy at night and resistance to condensation. A textured polyester shade or synthetic cafe curtain is safer than a natural fiber that stays damp and develops mildew. Keep fabric away from shower spray and allow ventilation after bathing. Avoid floor-length panels in either room. They collect dust, absorb splashes, and can interfere with cabinet doors, appliances, or cleaning. ## Which Curtains Work Best for Renters? Renters usually get the best result from a tension rod with a lightweight cafe curtain or sheer panel, provided the casing is rigid, clean, and deep enough to hold the rod. Adhesive hooks can support very light fabric, but their capacity declines on textured paint, humid walls, and frequently handled curtains. A renter-friendly setup should include: - A spring or twist-lock tension rod sized for the exact casing. - A panel weighing less than the rod’s stated load rating. - Clip rings or a simple rod pocket rather than heavy grommets. - A removable shade or paper blind behind sheer fabric when nighttime privacy matters. - A test pull before leaving the installation unattended. Tension rods are not ideal for blackout curtains, pet-accessible windows, or windows opened repeatedly during the day. A no-drill Roman shade with removable brackets may provide better control if the product is specifically designed for rental installation. ## How Can Curtains Make a Small Window Look Larger? Curtains make a small window look larger when the fabric is mounted higher, the rod extends beyond the frame, and the open stack exposes nearly all the glass. Light colors, low-contrast patterns, and thin fabrics support the effect, while bulky folds and dark side piles reduce it. Use these visual rules: - Mount the rod 4-6 inches above the frame, or closer when molding limits clearance. - Extend the rod 3-6 inches beyond each side if the wall permits. - Select fabric with a vertical stripe or subtle texture when additional height is desirable. - Keep the curtain stack outside the glass. - Match the wall or trim color when the room should feel visually quiet. - Use a single wide panel only when it can open fully to one side without covering glass. The high-and-wide method is not automatically superior. A narrow wall return can force the fabric over the opening, reducing daylight and making the window appear smaller. In that situation, an inside-mounted Roman shade or cellular shade may create the better visual result. ## Common Problems and How Do You Fix Them? Small-window curtain problems usually come from incorrect weight, inadequate support, poor friction, or insufficient clearance. Fix the cause rather than adding more fabric, because extra fullness often increases sagging and reduces usable daylight. | Problem | Likely cause | Practical fix | Prevention | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rod slips from bracket | Wrong diameter or loose set screw | Match rod and cradle; tighten screw | Test with a gentle pull | | Tension rod falls | Grease, dust, weak casing, excess weight | Clean surfaces; reduce load; reset evenly | Use a rated rod | | Fabric bunches heavily | Too much fullness or bulky rings | Use thin rings; reduce fabric | Calculate stack-back space | | Blackout leaks around sides | Inside mount gaps | Use outside mount or side returns | Add 2-3 inches overlap | | Shade hits handle | Shallow recess or crank | Use outside mount or spacer | Measure projection first | | Fabric develops mildew | Humidity and slow drying | Wash and dry completely; improve ventilation | Use synthetic washable fabric | A rod that keeps slipping may have a bracket cradle that is wider than the rod, even when the nominal diameter seems correct. A tension rod that falls after cleaning may still be overloaded or installed on tapered trim rather than parallel casing walls. ## What Are the Most Important Expert Rules? Three practitioner rules prevent most small-window treatment failures. First, calculate the open stack before choosing fullness, because a visually attractive curtain that covers the glass defeats the purpose of the installation. Second, treat the window opening and the wall around it as separate design surfaces. Inside mounts preserve trim and save wall space, while outside mounts improve perceived size only when the adjacent wall can absorb the fabric. Third, solve nighttime privacy separately from daytime privacy. Sheer fabric can filter daytime views but usually cannot prevent silhouettes after interior lights turn on, so bedrooms and bathrooms often need a liner, opaque shade, or dual treatment. A fourth rule concerns safety. Keep cords and operating chains away from children and pets, and choose cordless cellular shades or cordless Roman shades where the room is used by young children. Decorative fabric should never be allowed to hang over a heater or obstruct a window intended for emergency egress. ## Which Treatment Should You Choose? | Situation | Recommended treatment | Typical size approach | Typical cost | Why it fits | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Kitchen sink, daylight priority | Cafe curtain | Lower 40-60% of glass | $15-$90 | Keeps upper glass open | | Small bedroom, blackout need | Lined Roman shade | Inside or outside mount | $80-$220 | Controls light without side stack | | Cold basement window | Cellular shade | Exact inside width | $25-$180 | Adds insulating air pockets | | Rental apartment | Tension rod and sheer | Rod inside casing | $20-$120 | Avoids drilling | | Living room, decorative framing | High-mounted panels | Rod 4-6 inches above frame | $40-$350 | Adds height and softness | | Humid bathroom | Synthetic cafe curtain | Short, washable finish | $20-$90 | Resists moisture and splashes | Choose cafe curtains when daylight and partial privacy matter most. Choose Roman shades when the wall is narrow or the window needs a tailored appearance. Choose cellular shades when drafts, heat, or cold surfaces matter more than fabric texture. Choose full panels only when the rod can extend beyond the frame and the fabric can stack without covering the glass. Skip heavy velvet, thick brocade, and oversized patterns unless the room has unusually generous wall space. ## How Should You Maintain Small-Window Curtains? Washable synthetic or cotton-blend curtains usually need laundering every few months in kitchens and bathrooms, while living-room panels may need only seasonal vacuuming and occasional steaming. Always follow the care label because lining, shrinkage, and colorfastness vary by fiber and finish. Use a low-suction upholstery attachment to remove dust from pleats. Steam from the back when possible, keep the steamer moving, and test an inconspicuous area before treating blackout-backed fabric. Inspect rods and brackets twice a year. Small curtains are frequently touched near sinks, desks, and beds, so loose screws can develop before visible sagging appears. Replace cracked tension-rod caps and bent brackets rather than compensating with heavier hardware. ## FAQ ### Are short curtains outdated for small windows? Short curtains remain practical when the window is above a sink, counter, radiator, or piece of furniture. Cafe curtains and sill-length panels look intentional when their ending point relates to the architecture. Short fabric looks accidental when it stops several inches above the sill without a functional reason. ### Should small windows have one curtain panel or two? One panel works when the window is narrow and opens toward an unobstructed side. Two panels provide balanced framing but require more stack-back space, more hardware width, and enough fullness to avoid looking skimpy. For a 24-inch opening, one lightweight panel is often the more efficient arrangement. ### Can I use 84-inch curtains on a small window? You can use 84-inch curtains when the window sits on a tall, open wall and the panels finish at the floor. The length is inappropriate above a counter, radiator, or furniture, and it may make a short wall look crowded. Measure from the rod position to the floor before buying. ### Are blackout curtains suitable for small windows? Blackout curtains suit bedrooms and media rooms, but their dense fabric needs adequate support and side clearance. An outside mount reduces edge light, while an inside mount offers a cleaner fit with more potential light leakage. A blackout Roman shade may use less wall space. ### How much fullness should cafe curtains have? Cafe curtains typically use about 1.5-2 times the rod width for moderate folds. A 24-inch rod therefore needs approximately 36-48 inches of fabric. Use more fullness for thin sheers and less for thick cotton, because dense fabric creates a bulky lower stack. ### Do curtains reduce drafts around small windows? Curtains can reduce the sensation of cold near glass, but they do not repair failed weatherstripping or air leaks. Cellular shades and lined curtains provide more thermal separation than unlined sheers. Seal the frame first when drafts come from gaps around the sash or casing. ## The Bottom Line The best curtains for small windows match the treatment to the window’s actual job. Use cafe curtains for daylight and partial privacy, Roman or cellular shades for compact control, tension rods for lightweight renter installations, and high-mounted panels only when the surrounding wall can accommodate their stack-back. Measure the opening, hardware, handles, trim, and obstructions before ordering. With those constraints resolved, curtains for small windows can preserve light while making a compact opening look deliberate and proportionate. 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No <main>: Wrap the page’s own content in <main>, so a reader knows where it starts and stops, and Clean can be measured.
The figures
100 pages, set against the 167,893 sites with figures.
- Readablehigher is better
- 100%100 of 100 pages
- All 167,893 sitesBetter than 47%
Pages whose own text is in the HTML the server sends, enough of it for their kind.
- Cleanhigher is better
- 91%middle page
- All 167,893 sitesBetter than 87%
Of the words before script, the share that are the page and not menus, footer and forms. 99 pages are not measured, with no <main> or no words.
- Costshown, never scored
- 639,260tokens
- About 6,393 a page
To read every page once. A long page that answers well is not worse for it. Tokens are estimated at about 4 characters each.
How its pages spread on Clean
1 page measured. Not measured: 99 with no <main> or no words.
Against its rivals
The sites nearest it by what they do, with figures. Close means similar work, not better.
No site near it by what it does has figures yet.
AI crawler access
What robots.txt says to each, as read on October 23, 2026. 8 of 8 may read the site.
| Crawler | robots.txt says | Used for | The line that decides |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPTBotOpenAI | Not named | Training models | Falls to User-agent: * |
| OAI-SearchBotOpenAI | Not named | ChatGPT search | Falls to User-agent: * |
| ChatGPT-UserOpenAI | Not named | A page a person asks about | Falls to User-agent: * |
| ClaudeBotAnthropic | Not named | Training models | Falls to User-agent: * |
| Claude-SearchBotAnthropic | Not named | Claude’s search | Falls to User-agent: * |
| PerplexityBotPerplexity | Not named | Perplexity search | Falls to User-agent: * |
| Google-ExtendedGoogle | Not named | Training Gemini | Falls to User-agent: * |
| bingbotMicrosoft | Not named | Bing and Copilot | Falls to User-agent: * |
Every AI crawler mttr checks may read it. Not named means the rules for every crawler apply.
Every page
Worst first. Each opens in Agent View at the top.
99 pages have no <main>. Wrap the page’s own content in <main>, so a reader knows where it starts and stops, and Clean can be measured.Open the action plan
| What an agent getshigher is better | Signals | Costnot scored | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page | Words | Clean | Readable | Main heading | Tokens | What it loses |
| /best-carpet-for-high-traffic-areas | 3,820 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,999 | No <main> |
| /best-flooring-for-uneven-floors | 3,848 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,998 | No <main> |
| /blackout-curtains-vs-blackout-blinds | 3,488 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,398 | No <main> |
| /blinds-for-bathroom-windows | 3,608 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,526 | No <main> |
| /blinds-for-kitchen-windows | 3,724 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,671 | No <main> |
| /blinds-for-large-windows | 3,634 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,631 | No <main> |
| /blinds-for-privacy-and-light | 3,538 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,545 | No <main> |
| /blinds-vs-shades-for-privacy | 3,550 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,446 | No <main> |
| /carpet-patch-vs-carpet-replacement | 3,879 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 7,065 | No <main> |
| /carpet-repair-vs-carpet-replacement | 3,490 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,400 | No <main> |
| /carpet-vs-laminate-flooring | 3,439 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,492 | No <main> |
| /curtain-rod-vs-track-system | 4,103 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 7,317 | No <main> |
| /curtain-rods-for-heavy-curtains | 3,487 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,311 | No <main> |
| /curtains-for-sliding-glass-doors | 3,748 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,661 | No <main> |
| /curtains-for-small-windows | 4,125 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 7,304 | No <main> |
| /curtains-for-wide-windows | 3,668 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,805 | No <main> |
| /curtains-vs-blinds-for-bedroom | 3,675 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,748 | No <main> |
| /curtains-vs-blinds-for-living-room | 3,827 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,937 | No <main> |
| /curtains-vs-shades-for-windows | 3,400 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,285 | No <main> |
| /curtains-with-blinds-for-bedroom | 3,535 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,446 | No <main> |
| /curtains-with-blinds-for-living-room | 3,785 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,894 | No <main> |
| /diy-furniture-assembly-vs-handyman | 3,543 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,477 | No <main> |
| /drywall-repair-basics | 852 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 1,682 | No <main> |
| /eggshell-vs-satin-paint-for-walls | 3,244 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 5,953 | No <main> |
| /engineered-hardwood-vs-laminate-flooring | 3,605 | No <main> | Yes | Yes | 6,991 | No <main> |
Show where it stands
A card, a badge and a line, each with the figures.

A badge for the site
<a href="https://mttr.si/agent-view/handymanofmclean.com"><img src="https://mttr.si/agent-view/handymanofmclean.com/badge.svg" alt="Agent View: 100% readable, 91% clean" height="20"></a>
The figures in one line
handymanofmclean.com in Agent View: 100% of pages readable, better than 47% of sites; 91% clean; 639,260 tokens to read all 100 pages. mttr.si/agent-view/handymanofmclean.com
What to do next
Fix the pages, let an agent do it, and read the site again to see the figures move.
Fix what agents miss
- Wrap 99 pages in <main>Clean measured
Connect your agent
Claude Code, Codex or Cursor reads the site’s fixes over MCP, fixes a page in your code, has mttr read it again, and checks the fix landed.
https://mttr.si/mcpSet up an agent
Claim the site
Prove it is yours with a DNS record or a file. Your agent can then reach its reads and jobs, and set each change to wait for your approval.
Claim the siteDrawn from the HTML mttr fetched on its read of October 23, 2026, not a screenshot, and only from the 100 pages read, where the read stopped at its page limit. An assistant’s own reader may differ. Tokens are estimated at about 4 characters each. A site an agent reads well is not a site an assistant cites.