Hang Curtains Over Blinds

Hi there! James from Dolcewe.com here. I've been helping people find the perfect curtains for their homes for over 10 years.

Today, I want to share some tips on how to hang curtains over blinds.

My Suggestions

Why Layer Your Blinds With Curtains?

Putting curtains over blinds can make your room look better. It can also help you control the light and keep things private.

Blinds with curtains can also help keep your room warm in winter and cool in summer. The extra layer traps air and provides insulation.

But before you start, it's important to choose the right way to hang your curtains. This depends on the type of blinds you have and the look you want.

Choose a Way to Mount Your Curtain Rod

There are a few ways to mount a curtain rod:

1. Use a regular curtain rod with wall brackets.

   • You'll need to drill holes in the wall.

   • This gives a neat, finished look.

   • Works well with most types of blinds.

2. Use curtain rod brackets that attach to the blind headrail.

   • No need to drill holes.

   • Attaches right to the top of the blinds.

   • Might keep curtains close to the window.

3. Use a tension rod.

   • No drilling needed.

   • Best for light curtains.

   • Needs walls on both sides of the window.

4. Use sticky hooks.

   • Quick and easy, won't damage walls.

   • Good for light curtains.

   • Make sure they can hold the weight of your curtains.

Take a Look at Your Window and Blinds

First, figure out what type of blinds you have:

• Horizontal (Venetian) blinds

• Vertical blinds

• Roller shades

• Roman shades

Next, check if your blinds are inside or outside the window frame. Then, measure your window and make sure there's enough space for curtains.

Hang Curtains Over Horizontal (Venetian) Blinds

When hanging curtains over horizontal blinds, consider these tips:

Choose a curtain rod that extends past the blinds.

This allows the curtains to frame the window and not interfere with the blinds' operation.

A rod that's 3-6 inches wider than the blinds on each side is ideal.

Opt for curtain rings or grommets.

These allow the curtains to slide easily without catching on the blinds. Avoid tab-top or rod-pocket curtains, which can snag.

Select curtains that complement the blinds.

If your blinds are a neutral color, consider curtains with a pattern or texture for visual interest.

If the blinds are a bold color, opt for curtains in a coordinating solid hue.

Mount the curtain rod securely

Use sturdy brackets that can support the weight of your curtains.

For a damage-free option, try Kwik-Hang or NoNo Brackets, which attach to the window frame or blind headrail without drilling.

Hang Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

Pairing curtains with vertical blinds requires a slightly different approach:

Mount the curtain rod above the blinds.

Leave enough space between the top of the blinds and the rod to prevent interference. A gap of 3-4 inches usually works well.

Choose curtains with a grommet or ring top.

These styles stack back neatly at the sides, allowing the blinds to open and close smoothly. Avoid bulky or ruffled curtains that may get tangled in the blinds.

Consider the curtain length carefully.

Floor-length curtains can be dramatic, but they may not be practical if you frequently walk through the doorway where the vertical blinds are hung.

Curtains that fall just below the blinds' bottom rail are a good alternative.

Use a tension rod or adhesive hooks for a no-drill solution.

If you're renting or don't want to make holes in your walls, a tension rod or adhesive hooks can hold lightweight curtains without damaging the surface.

Hang Curtains Over Roller Shades

Roller shades offer a sleek, modern look that pairs well with curtains:

Decide whether to mount the curtains inside or outside the window frame.

Inside-mount curtains create a streamlined look, while outside-mount curtains can make the window appear larger.

Choose curtains with a rod pocket or back tabs.

These styles lay flat against the wall or window frame, allowing the roller shade to operate smoothly.

Grommet or ring-top curtains may interfere with the shade's mechanism.

Layer sheer and opaque curtains for versatility.

Sheer curtains allow soft light to filter in when the roller shade is raised, while opaque curtains provide privacy and light control when needed.

Check our layered curtains for better light control. 

Use brackets that attach to the blind headrail.

Products like NoNo Brackets or Kwik-Hang allow you to hang curtains without drilling holes in your walls.

They securely grip the headrail of your blinds and provide a sturdy base for your curtain rod.

Hang Curtains Over Roman Shades

Roman shades pair beautifully with curtains for a tailored, elegant look:

Mount the curtain rod 3-6 inches above the top of the Roman shade.

This allows the shade to fold neatly without hitting the curtains.

Select curtains with a simple heading.

Pinch-pleat, rod-pocket, or back-tab styles work well with Roman shades. Avoid curtains with bulky or ornate headings that may compete visually with the shade's pleats.

Choose curtains and shades in complementary fabrics.

For a cohesive look, select curtains that coordinate with the shade's material in color, pattern, or texture. Alternatively, choose contrasting fabrics for a bold, eclectic vibe.

Opt for inside-mount brackets or a tension rod.

Since Roman shades are often inside mounted the window frame, use brackets that can attach to the frame or a tension rod for easy, drill-free installation.

Different Types of Curtains to Consider

There are many types of curtains to choose from, each with their own benefits:

1. Sheer Curtains

   • Let in soft light while providing some privacy

   • Can be layered with other curtains for more control

   • Come in various colors and fabrics

2. Blackout Curtains

   • Block out all sunlight for better sleep or privacy

   • Usually made of heavy materials like velvet

   • Ideal for bedrooms or media rooms

3. Grommet Curtains

   • Have metal rings at the top for easy sliding

   • Create a modern, streamlined look

   • Work well with thicker fabrics

4. Rod Pocket Curtains

   • Have a pocket at the top that the rod slides through

   • Provide a gathered, ruffled look

   • Best for lightweight fabrics

5. Tab Top Curtains

   • Hang from loops or tabs at the top

   • Give a relaxed, casual vibe

   • Allow more light through than rod pocket curtains

6. Tie Top Curtains

   • Attach to the rod with fabric ties

   • Offer a romantic, bohemian feel

   • Can be used alone or layered

7. Pleated Curtains

   • Feature crisp, tailored folds

   • Add a formal, elegant touch

   • Come in various pleat styles like pinch or box

Consider your room's style, the amount of light and privacy you need, and your personal taste when choosing curtains to layer over your blinds.

How to Measure for Curtains

To ensure a perfect fit, measure your windows before buying curtains:

1. Measure the width of your window from one outside edge to the other.

2. For a fuller look, opt for 1.5 times or 2 times of fullness.

3. Measure from the top of the window frame to where you want the curtains to end.

4. For floor-length curtains, add 2-4 inches to allow for hanging and pooling.

Double-check your measurements and refer to the curtain package or website for specific sizing guidelines.

At Doclewe, our curtains are available in custom size and fullness customization to fit your unique needs.

Maintenance and Cleaning

To keep your curtains and blinds looking their best, clean them regularly:

• Vacuum curtains and blinds with a soft brush attachment to remove dust.

• Spot-clean stains on curtains with a mild detergent and warm water.

• For deeper cleaning, check the care labels and wash or dry clean as directed.

• Wipe blinds with a microfiber cloth or use a blind duster for a quick clean.

• For wood blinds, use a slightly damp cloth and avoid excess moisture.

Proper maintenance will help your window treatments last longer and keep them functioning well.

Other Considerations When Hanging Curtains over Blinds

When layering curtains over blinds, keep these additional tips in mind:

Measure carefully

Ensure the curtain rod is wide enough to allow the curtains to stack back completely when open, without blocking the blinds.

Choose appropriate hardware.

Select curtain rods and brackets that can support the weight of your chosen curtains.

Heavy fabrics may require sturdier hardware.

Consider the room's function.

In bedrooms, choose curtains with blackout lining to enhance sleep. In living areas, lighter fabrics allow more natural light to filter through.

Experiment with color and pattern.

Curtains are an easy way to introduce color, pattern, and texture to a room.

Don't be afraid to mix and match for a personalized look.

Prioritize functionality.

While layering curtains over blinds can add visual interest, make sure the combination enhances the window's function. Test the blinds' operation with the curtains in place to ensure smooth movement.

Shop Custom Size Curtains at Dolcewe

At Dolcewe, we offer a wide range of custom size curtains to fit your needs:

• Various styles, fabrics, colors, and patterns

• Sheer and blackout options for different light control

• Customizable sizes for a perfect fit. Prices starting at just $26.99

• Free shipping on orders over $199

• Extra 10% off when you sign up for our newsletter

Visit us at Dolcewe.com to find the perfect curtains for layering over your blinds. With our custom sizing and variety of options, you're sure to find the ideal match for your home's style and needs.