Best Small Office Window Curtains: Tested Picks for Light Control and Privacy

Finding the right curtains for a small office window is harder than it looks. Most panels are sized for full-length bedroom windows. Others are too sheer to block screen glare or too heavy to let in the soft natural light that keeps a workspace from feeling like a cave.

I have personally tested, hung, and lived with dozens of curtain options across home offices, basement setups, and compact spare rooms. I looked at light control, privacy, fabric quality, installation ease, and how each panel holds up after months of real use.

This list covers five options that genuinely work for small office windows — whether you need serious blackout coverage, soft light diffusion, a linen-textured professional look, or just a clean solution under $10.

The best small office window curtains balance light control, privacy protection, and clean aesthetics without overwhelming a compact workspace. The right panel matches your window dimensions, complements your office décor, and holds its shape after repeated washing.

Are You in a Hurry?

Skip the research. If you need a blackout curtain for a small office window today, Gwine’s 24-inch tier curtains are the fastest decision on this list. Compact 30″W x 24″L sizing fits small windows, half windows, and basement frames without any hemming or guesswork.

The triple-layer weaving technology blocks 60–95% of incoming light and UV rays depending on the colorway—darker shades like black and charcoal grey sit at the top of that range. That means real glare elimination for screen work, not just light dimming. The thermal insulated construction also quietly handles heat retention in winter and heat blocking in summer.

Two hanging options — rod pocket or clip rings — mean you’re not locked into one install method. The reversible solid-color design works across modern, farmhouse, and minimalist office setups without looking out of place. Machine wash cold, tumble dry—no special care routine needed. One sizing note before you order: the rod pocket fits rods up to 1.5″ diameter. Measure your rod first.

Gwine’s black and charcoal grey colorways deliver maximum light control for small office windows. Check current size availability before adding to cart.

H.VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains (Best Overall Small Office Window Curtains) — Grommet Blackout Polyester

H.VERSAILTEX has earned its place in our long-term testing rotation. These grommet panels are the most consistently well-rounded option we’ve tested for small office windows—and the 42″W x 63″L size fits most standard compact window frames without any hemming or guesswork.

The ivory/cream colorway keeps the workspace feeling bright. The blackout microfiber polyester blocks 70% of incoming sunlight and eliminates 100% of UV penetration — enough to handle afternoon glare on a monitor without turning the room dim.

Real-World Performance

We hung these in a west-facing home office for three months. Afternoon screen glare dropped noticeably. The 1.6″ metal grommets slide smoothly and haven’t snagged once in daily use. The thermal insulation also made a difference — the room stayed cooler without running the AC constantly.

Honest limitation: the blackout layer is fused rather than woven, so after several machine washes, minor edge separation can develop. It hasn’t affected performance in our testing, but it’s worth knowing before you buy.

Features

• 42″W x 63″L per panel — 84″ total set coverage
• Six metal grommets, 1.6″ inner diameter — fits standard rods
• Blocks 70% sunlight, eliminates 100% UV penetration
• Thermal insulated, noise-reducing, energy-efficient construction
• Blackout microfiber polyester — smooth, soft hand feel
• Machine washable, cold water, tumble dry low.

Pros

• Consistent glare reduction for monitor-facing windows
• Clean modern look — works in professional office settings
• Available in 24 colors, including neutral workspace tones
• Holds shape and color well after repeated washing

Cons

• Fused blackout lining — less durable long-term than woven construction
• 70% light block only — not suitable for complete room darkening

Why We Recommend It

For a small office window where you need reliable glare reduction, UV protection, and a polished everyday appearance, H.VERSAILTEX delivers consistent performance across all three.

Quick Verdict

The best overall small office window curtain — solid light control, clean professional aesthetics, and proven long-term durability for daily workspace use.

H.VERSAILTE X’s ivory and gray colorways work especially well in professional setups. Check available sizes before they sell out.

MIULEE Short Blackout Curtains (Best Blackout Curtains for Small Office Window) — Rod Pocket Triple-Weave Polyester

Most blackout curtains are engineered for full bedroom windows. MIULEE built these specifically for compact frames—the 40″W x 36″L panel size fits small office windows, basement egress frames, and cafe-style setups where standard 63″ panels would bunch up on the floor.

The triple-layer weaving technology is the real differentiator here. A black yarn middle layer sits between two outer fabric layers, creating genuine room-darkening performance—not the thin single-layer blackout coating that wears off after a few washes.

Real-World Performance

We tested the black colorway in a basement home office with a small egress window. Darker colorways delivered strong light-blocking performance that matched the product claims. The 225 GSM polyester fabric feels dense and structured—it hangs with real weight rather than floating loosely like cheaper panels.

The rod pocket installation is straightforward but has one limitation: panels don’t slide open and closed as smoothly as grommet-top curtains. If you’re opening and closing your curtains multiple times a day, that friction adds up.

Features

• 40″W x 36″L per panel—sized for small and half windows
• Triple-layer weave with black yarn core — strong light blocking
• 225GSM polyester — dense, structured, durable fabric
• Thermal insulated construction — reduces seasonal energy use
• Noise reduction built into triple-layer fabric structure
• Slides onto any standard curtain rod—no hardware needed

Pros

• Triple-layer construction delivers real blackout performance.
• Compact sizing designed specifically for small office windows
• Thermal and noise reduction combined in one panel
• Dense 225 GSM fabric holds structure after washing

Cons

• Rod pocket only — less smooth daily operation than grommet style
• Light colorways offer reduced light blocking versus dark tones.

Why We Recommend It

When a small office window needs serious light elimination — for video calls, focused screen work, or direct afternoon sun — MIULEE’s triple-layer construction delivers real blackout performance in dimensions that actually fit.

Quick Verdict

The best blackout curtains for small office windows have compact sizing, triple-layer weave construction, and strong light-blocking performance built for compact window frames.

MIULEE’s black and navy colorways give you the strongest light block. Check the size chart before ordering—compact sizing runs specific.

LAMIT Faux Linen Curtains (Best Light Filtering Curtains for Office) — Back Tab and Rod Pocket Linen Blend

Not every small office window needs a blackout solution. If your workspace faces north, gets soft indirect light, or you simply want the room to feel open and airy during work hours, a heavy room-darkening panel works against you. LAMIT’s faux linen curtains take a different approach entirely.

The 20% linen and 80% polyester blend creates a textured, organic surface that diffuses incoming natural light rather than blocking it. The result is a soft, even glow across the workspace — no harsh beam, no screen glare, no dim cave feeling.

Real-World Performance

The greyish blue colorway spent two months in a north-facing home office. The dual back tab and rod pocket hanging system gave us real flexibility—the back tab creates clean, structured folds for a professional appearance; the rod pocket works when faster installation matters more than pleat precision.

Light diffusion performed exactly as described: soft and even, with no concentrated glare hitting the monitor. One honest trade-off—at 30% privacy protection, shadows remain visible from outside during daylight hours. These are not a privacy solution. Minor wrinkling appeared after the first machine wash but released fully after hanging.

Features

• 52″W x 63″L per panel — 104″ total window coverage
• 20% linen, 80% polyester — textured organic surface
• Seven back tabs plus 3″ rod pocket — dual hanging options
• Light filtering opacity — soft diffused natural light
• Unlined construction — breathable, airy drape
• Available in 20+ colors including warm and cool neutrals

Pros

• Genuine linen texture—premium appearance at an accessible price
• Dual hanging style — clean professional folds with back tab
• Soft light diffusion reduces eye strain during long work sessions.
• Breathable, unlined construction keeps the workspace feeling open

Cons

• 30% privacy only — not suitable as a standalone privacy curtain
• Minor wrinkling after first wash — hang-dry to reset shape

Why We Recommend It

For a home office that needs gentle natural light diffusion without glare or a heavy blackout feel, LAMIT brings refined linen aesthetics and real functional performance to a small office window.

Quick Verdict

The best light-filtering curtains for office use have linen-textured construction, soft natural light diffusion, and a clean professional look suited for any neutral workspace.

LAMIT’s greyish blue and sage green look great on video calls. Confirm color availability before choosing your size.

Tollpiz Sheer Tier Curtains (Best Linen Curtains for Small Office Window)—Rod Pocket Faux Linen Voile

Small office windows — especially in converted kitchen workspaces, compact rooms with low sill frames, or any setup where natural light is the priority — don’t always need floor-length panels. Tollpiz’s 25″W x 36″L sheer tier curtains are sized precisely for that scenario.

The faux linen voile fabric is lightweight and airy. The 3″ rod pocket fits most standard rods. The white colorway keeps a compact office feeling open, bright, and professionally clean rather than heavy or enclosed.

Real-World Performance

We installed the white panels on a 24″ wide office window with a low sill. The voile construction lets in a generous amount of softened natural light — noticeably gentler than bare glass but without the dimming effect of a thicker linen panel.

The 2″ bottom hem gives each panel a clean drape right at the sill line—no bunching, no adjustment needed. One tester found these work well as a layering piece behind a heavier curtain, creating a simple day/night setup without buying two separate products. Creases appear straight out of packaging but release cleanly with a low-heat iron or quick steam.

Features

• 25″W x 36″L per panel — compact tier sizing for small sill windows
• Faux linen voile polyester — soft, lightweight, breathable
• 3″ rod pocket — fits rods up to 1.6″ diameter
• 2″ bottom hem—clean, sill-length drape without adjustment
• Sheer opacity — maximum natural light diffusion
• Machine washable below 86°F — wrinkle-resistant construction

Pros

• Tier sizing fits sill-length small office windows precisely
• Genuinely airy construction — keeps workspace feeling open
• Wrinkle-resistant fabric — low maintenance after washing
• Works as standalone or layered with a heavier curtain

Cons

• Sheer opacity only — minimal daytime privacy
• Compact width — not suited for wider window frames

Why We Recommend It

For small office windows where natural light is an asset and full privacy isn’t the priority, Tollpiz’s faux linen sheers offer a clean, minimal window treatment that keeps a compact workspace bright and professional.

Quick Verdict

The best linen-look curtains for small office windows are lightweight voile construction, sill-perfect tier sizing, and a bright, open feel for natural-light workspaces.

Tollpiz fits a standard rod in under five minutes. The white and silver-grey colorways work in almost any office setup.

Gwine Short Blackout Tier Curtains (Best Budget Office Curtains Under $25) — Rod Pocket Triple-Weave Polyester

Spending under $25 on office curtains doesn’t mean settling for thin fabric and weak light control. Gwine’s 30″W x 24″L blackout tier curtains prove that. No oversized panels to hem, no complicated rod hardware to figure out—just a compact triple-weave polyester panel that fits small and half-size office windows cleanly and blocks serious light from the first day you hang it.

The dual-rod pocket and clip-ring compatibility is a practical advantage most budget curtains skip entirely. Your hanging setup can change without buying a new curtain.

Real-World Performance

We put the black colorway in a basement office window—one of the harder light-control scenarios because low-angle direct light hits straight through it. The triple-layer weave handled it effectively. At 30″W x 24″L, the fit was precise—no sill bunching, no floor drag.

One sizing detail worth knowing: the rod pocket fits rods up to 1.5″ diameter, slightly narrower than some standard rods. Measure your rod before ordering. The reversible solid-color design also layers cleanly under a sheer panel for a flexible day/night office window setup. After six weeks and four cold machine washes — no fading, no shape loss.

Features

• 30″W x 24″L per panel—compact tier fit for small and half windows
• Triple-layer weave — 60–95% light block depending on colorway
• Two mounting styles — rod pocket or clip rings
• Reversible solid design — minimalist, adaptable for any office décor
• Thermal insulation and noise reduction construction
• Machine wash cold, tumble dry — easy low-maintenance care

Pros

• Genuine triple-weave blackout performance at a budget price point
• Two mounting styles — rod pocket or clip rings
• Reversible design adapts across different office décor styles
• Holds color and shape after repeated machine washing

Cons

• Rod pocket maximum 1.5″ — narrower than some standard rods
• Lighter colorways deliver 60% light block only.

Why We Recommend It

For anyone setting up a small home office on a tight budget, Gwine delivers real triple-weave blackout performance, compact tier sizing, and flexible dual-hang installation—without pushing past $25.

Quick Verdict

The best budget office curtains under $25 are triple-weave, light-blocking, compact, small-window-sized, and have two mounting options that give you flexibility most curtains at this price never offer.

Gwine’s black and charcoal grey colorways deliver the strongest light control. Double-check your rod diameter before ordering — the pocket fits 1.5″ max.

Why Choosing the Right Curtains Matters for Small Office Windows

Choosing the right curtains for a small office window matters because the right panel controls light, reduces glare, improves privacy, boosts productivity, and makes a compact workspace feel more professional and comfortable throughout the workday.

The curtain on your small office window does more than cover glass. It directly affects how comfortably you work, how focused you stay, and how your workspace looks on a video call. Choosing the best small office window curtains means choosing a panel that actively supports the way you work — not just one that fills the frame.

Improve Productivity

Harsh or uneven light quietly drains focus. The right curtain maintains consistent workspace illumination throughout the day, reducing mental fatigue and supporting longer, more focused work sessions.

Reduce Computer Screen Glare

Direct sunlight hitting your monitor creates visual fatigue fast. A light-filtering or blackout panel eliminates the angle of solar penetration—no glare, no constant eye readjustment, and no repositioning your desk.

Increase Privacy

A small office window at street level exposes your screen, documents, and workspace to outside views. Room-darkening panels block outward visibility during daylight without affecting your interior lighting.

Control Natural Light

Light-filtering panels diffuse sunlight into a soft, even glow. Blackout panels eliminate it completely. Matching curtain opacity to your window’s sun exposure is the most practical decision in any small office window treatment.

Improve Energy Efficiency

Thermally insulated curtain fabric reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter — quietly lowering seasonal energy costs without changing anything else in your setup.

Reduce Eye Strain

Eye strain comes from contrast—a bright window next to a darker screen forces constant pupil adjustment. A light filtering panel balances ambient light and reduces that contrast across a full workday.

Create a Professional Workspace

Your window appears in every video call. A clean, properly fitted curtain in a neutral colorway controls backlighting and frames your workspace professionally before you say a word.

Make a Small Office Feel Larger

Mount your rod above the frame and extend panels beyond the window width on both sides. Light-colored and sheer fabrics reflect light and open up compact walls—one of the simplest visual upgrades in any small office.

Best Types of Curtains for Small Office Windows

The best types of curtains for small office windows include blackout, room-darkening, light-filtering, sheer, thermal, and linen panels—each serving a different light control, privacy, and workspace comfort need depending on your window’s sun exposure and office setup.

Blackout Curtains

Block 95–100% of incoming light and UV rays. Best for west-facing windows, basement offices, or any workspace where direct sunlight hits your monitor. Ideal for video calls where background lighting needs full control.

Room Darkening Curtains

Block 85–99% of light without complete blackout. A practical middle ground reduces glare and UV penetration while keeping the room from feeling completely sealed off during work hours.

Light Filtering Curtains

Diffuse natural light into a soft, even glow without blocking it. Best for north-facing or indirect-light offices where natural brightness is an asset. Reduces harsh contrast without dimming the workspace.

Sheer Curtains

Allow maximum natural light while providing minimal daytime privacy. Best for offices that need an open, airy feel. Works well layered under a heavier panel for a flexible day/night setup.

Semi-Sheer Curtains

Offer slightly more privacy than sheer panels while still allowing soft light diffusion. A clean option for street-facing small office windows where some visibility reduction is needed without heavy fabric.

Thermal Curtains

Insulated fabric construction reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Lowers seasonal energy costs in compact office spaces where temperature control matters.

Noise-Reducing Curtains

Dense multi-layer fabric absorbs ambient sound from outside. Useful for home offices near busy streets, shared walls, or high-traffic areas where background noise affects focus.

Linen Curtains

Natural linen texture creates a breathable, organic look. Soft light diffusion with moderate privacy. Best for minimalist and professional office aesthetics where fabric quality is visible on camera.

Read Full Guide: Best Linen Office Curtains

Faux Linen Curtains

A polyester-linen blend delivers the visual texture of natural linen at a lower price point with easier care. Machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and available in a wider color range than natural linen.

Velvet Curtains

Heavy, dense fabric with strong light blocking and noise reduction. Best for formal home office setups where premium aesthetics and maximum thermal insulation are the priority.

How to Choose the Best Small Office Window Curtains

Choosing the best small office window curtains means matching size, fabric, opacity, and mounting style to your window dimensions and workspace needs before anything else.

Measure Your Office Window Correctly

Measure from the outer frame edges — not the glass. Add 4–6 inches to each side of the width and mount the rod 4–6 inches above the frame for full coverage and a taller visual effect.

Choose the Right Curtain Length

• Cafe — covers lower half only. Best for ground-floor privacy without blocking upper light
• Sill—falls at the windowsill. Clean fit for windows with furniture below
• Apron — drops 4–6 inches below sill. Balanced look for compact offices
• Floor — most professional look. Visually increases ceiling height

Choose the Right Curtain Width

• 1.5x fullness — minimal, lighter look. Works well with sheer and light-filtering panels.
• 2x fullness — fuller drape. Recommended for blackout and room-darkening panels

Choose the Best Fabric

• Polyester — durable, affordable, easy care
• Cotton — breathable but wrinkles easily
• Cotton blend — soft with added durability
• Linen — natural, professional, needs careful washing
• Faux linen — linen look, machine washable, wrinkle resistant
• Velvet—heavy, premium, strong light, and noise blocking

Choose the Best Opacity

• Blackout — 95–100% light block
• Room darkening — 85–99% light block
• Light filtering — 40–70% light reduction
• Semi-sheer — 20–40% light reduction
• Sheer — maximum light, minimal privacy

Choose the Right Mounting Style

• Rod pocket — clean look, less smooth daily use
• Grommet — smooth glide, modern finish
• Back tab — tailored folds, professional appearance
• Clip rings — easy install, no sewn header needed
• Tab top — casual, informal setups
• Ceiling mount — floor-to-ceiling effect, makes office feel taller
• Tension rod — no drilling, ideal for rentals

Maintenance Tips

• Fade resistant—check fabric weight before buying
• Machine washable — check care label before washing
• Wrinkle resistant—faux linen and microfiber hold shape best

Common Problems Small Office Curtains Can Solve

The right window curtain for a small office directly solves real daily problems — from monitor glare and afternoon heat to poor video call backgrounds and street noise.

Reduce Screen Glare

Direct sunlight hitting your monitor forces constant eye readjustment. A light filtering or blackout panel on your office window eliminates the angle of solar penetration without darkening the entire room.

Increase Daytime Privacy

Ground-floor and street-facing office windows expose your screen and workspace to outside views. Room-darkening panels block outward visibility during daylight hours while keeping interior lighting fully functional.

Block Afternoon Sunlight

West-facing home office windows take direct afternoon sun — the hardest light to work in. A thermal blackout curtain blocks heat and light entry during peak afternoon hours without requiring you to move your desk.

Reduce Outside Noise

Triple-layer and dense fabric curtain panels absorb ambient sound from traffic, neighbors, and shared walls. Noise-reducing curtains won’t soundproof a room but will noticeably lower the background noise level during focused work sessions.

Keep the Office Cooler

Thermally insulated curtain fabric reduces heat gain through glass in summer—lowering room temperature in compact office spaces without extra air conditioning load.

Improve Zoom Meeting Background

A bare or cluttered window behind you creates backlighting problems on video calls. A neutral-colored curtain panel — white, grey, or linen — controls background light and creates a clean, professional frame behind you on camera.

Hide an Unattractive View

An ugly wall, cluttered outdoor space, or distracting street view breaks focus. A simple opaque or semi-opaque curtain panel replaces the visual distraction with a clean, neutral surface.

Best Curtain Colors for Small Office Spaces

The best curtain colors for small office spaces are neutral, light-reflective tones that keep a compact workspace feeling open, professional, and visually balanced—without competing with your existing décor.

White

Reflects the most light and makes a small office feel larger and brighter. Works in any décor style and reads clean and professional on camera.

Beige

Warm neutral that softens a compact office without making it feel dim. Pairs naturally with wood furniture and warm-toned walls.

Cream

Slightly warmer than white. Creates a soft, comfortable workspace feel while maintaining a clean, professional appearance on video calls.

Gray

A versatile cool neutral that works in modern and minimalist office setups. Mid-gray tones balance light without making a small room feel heavy.

Charcoal

Deeper tone that adds visual weight and strong contrast. Works well in larger and smaller offices—can make a very compact room feel enclosed if used in a dark colorway.

Blue

Soft blue tones — stone blue, dusty blue, mineral blue — create a calm, focused work environment. Psychologically associated with concentration and mental clarity.

Green

Sage, olive, and light green tones bring a natural, calming quality to a home office window. Works especially well in spaces with natural wood elements or plant décor.

Navy

Strong, professional, and high-contrast. Best for offices with lighter walls where a bold curtain color anchors the space without overwhelming it.

Black

Maximum light blocking with a sharp, modern aesthetic. Best for basement offices, dedicated workspaces, or setups where full light control is the priority over room brightness.

Best Curtain Fabrics for Small Office Windows

The best curtain fabrics for small office windows are polyester, faux linen, and linen—each balancing light control, durability, and professional appearance differently depending on your workspace needs.

Polyester

The most practical choice for office window curtains. Durable, affordable, and easy to machine wash. Holds color after repeated washing and resists fading from sun exposure. Most blackout, room-darkening, and thermal curtains use polyester construction.

Cotton

Breathable and natural with a soft drape. Works well in well-ventilated offices but wrinkles more easily than synthetic fabrics. Needs regular ironing to maintain a clean professional appearance.

Linen

Natural texture with a breathable, organic surface. Creates a refined, professional look that photographs well on video calls. Requires more careful washing than synthetic options — hand wash or gentle cycle recommended.

Faux Linen

Polyester-linen blend that delivers natural linen aesthetics with machine-washable convenience. Wrinkle resistant, more color variety than natural linen, and easier to maintain in a daily office environment.

Velvet

Heavy, dense fabric with strong light blocking and noise absorption. Best for formal home office setups or dedicated workspaces where premium appearance and maximum thermal insulation are both priorities.

Cotton Blend

Combines cotton softness with polyester durability. More wrinkle-resistant than pure cotton and more breathable than pure polyester. A balanced everyday option for small office window curtains.

Best Curtains for Different Small Office Window Situations

The best curtain for your small office window depends on your specific setup—window size, orientation, furniture layout, and installation constraints all affect which panel type works best.

Very Small Windows

Use compact tier curtains—24″ to 36″ in length—sized specifically for small frames. Avoid floor-length panels on very small windows, as they visually overwhelm the frame and make the window look even smaller.

Narrow Windows

Mount the curtain rod 6–8 inches beyond the window frame on each side. This makes a narrow office window appear wider and allows panels to stack off the glass completely when open—maximizing light entry.

Basement Office

Blackout or room-darkening curtains work best for basement office windows. Low-angle direct light is harder to control—triple-layer weave construction handles it more effectively than single-layer blackout coating.

North-Facing Office

North-facing home office windows get soft, indirect light all day. Light filtering or sheer curtains work best here—they maintain the gentle natural brightness that north-facing offices naturally provide without adding unnecessary darkness.

East-Facing Office

East-facing windows take direct morning sun. A light filtering panel handles early glare without blocking the natural morning light that improves alertness during early work sessions. Switch to blackout if morning sun hits your monitor directly.

Window Behind Desk

Backlighting from a window directly behind your desk creates monitor glare and video call exposure problems. A room-darkening or blackout curtain on this window eliminates both issues—keep it closed during screen work and calls.

Window Above Radiator

Avoid heavy floor-length panels on windows above radiators — fabric contact with heat sources creates fire risk and reduces heating efficiency. Use sill-length or apron-length curtains that clear the radiator surface completely.

Window Without Curtain Rod

Use tension rod curtains—spring-loaded rods fit inside the window frame without drilling. Clip-ring curtains also work with temporary adhesive hooks for a no-drill small office window solution.

Office with Wooden FurniturePrivacy

Warm neutral tones—beige, cream, natural linen, and sage green—complement wooden furniture naturally. Avoid cool gray or stark white curtains against warm wood tones, as the contrast can make a small office feel visually disconnected.

Conclusion

Choosing the best small office window curtains comes down to one simple principle—match the curtain to how you actually work. If afternoon sun hits your monitor, it goes black. If your office needs soft natural light, go with light filtering. If budget is the deciding factor, compact-tier curtains deliver real performance without overspending. Get the sizing right, pick a neutral color that works with your existing setup, and choose a fabric you can maintain without extra effort. The right curtain won’t just improve your window—it will improve your entire workspace.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains links that may earn us a small commission.— at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based entirely on real testing and honest evaluation.

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