You have probably encountered this problem before – you want to place your curtains over blinds but don’t know exactly how to do it. But there is no need to worry. There are easy solutions to this all too common problem.
When hanging curtains over blinds, you must extend the curtain rod by using a bracket. So it’s necessary to know the dimensions of the windows to make sure that the curtains will cover the windows and the blinds. If done successfully, it brings out a flexible decor while adding an extra layer of privacy. Not sure how? We’ll walk you through some important tips to make sure you get the job done right.
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Can you put curtains over outside mount blinds?
Absolutely! There are many situations in which you may want to place curtains over blinds. It could double the layer for keeping your home private or simply blocking out some light.
Additionally, it adds a more elegant look by injecting luxury into your home and making it more attractive. If lighting is the problem, then the extra layer of curtains can block light that makes it through the blind. Whatever your reason, placing curtains over blinds makes your home look stylish and keeps it at a cooler temperature.
Design Ideas For Curtains Over Blinds
Before you learn how to put curtains over blinds, it is important to consider the many types of blinds that you can choose from.
- Vertical blinds
- Mini blinds
- Micro blinds
- Wood blinds
- Panel blinds
- Bamboo blinds
- Micro blinds
- Venetian blinds
It’s a good design tip to pick curtains that match your blinds. You can mix and match colors, add textures, play with patterns, and combine function and style for your room so that the finished result not only looks stylish but works very well too.
Timber and aluminum blinds are the most popular. If you want a more natural look for your room, go for timber blinds because they offer warm color and pair perfectly with curtains having the same style. Try using a muted shade as your primary color, or use window dressings to add color to your room.
If you like cool colors such as whites and blues, try some burnt orange for your curtains around timber blinds with natural tones. If you want darker blends, use white or light crème for your drapes and pair them with any style of blind. If you prefer blinds with prints, then pair them with solid-colored curtains.
They look best together, and besides, combining prints with prints can be overpowering, especially when your space is small. Knowing the combinations of colors and patterns is crucial on how to put curtains over blinds.
Additionally, some curtains can be tied back at the center. So, pick a nice set of blinds so that the overall look provides a more sophisticated look and feel for your room. There is no hard rule on matching curtains and blinds in your home. Everything boils down to your preferences. Just let your creativity loose.
How to Put Curtains Over Blinds
In case you wonder how to put curtains over blinds, there are various methods of installation. Among the methods, the most basic system uses brackets that extend out over the blinds. These brackets also hold the blinds and curtains if you’re thinking of a completely new installation down the road.
Another method of installation is by using a track system. This installs to the ceiling, which allows the curtain to be rolled out. However, using the bracket system is still a better option because you can install it on the wall just above your window.
Required Tools to Get Started
All you need to place curtains over blinds are a few tools, a set of instructions, and a vision in mind. You might even own most of the tools you need already. If you don’t have them, consider borrowing from a friend or a neighbor instead of purchasing them for a single-use. Before you get started on how to put curtains over blinds, prepare the following tools:
- Pencil
- Note pad
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver or screw gun
- Hammer
Use the tape measure to get the dimensions of your windows and curtains and the pencil and notepad to write these measurements down so you can refer back to them later. The curtains must be wide enough to cover the windows and the blinds completely. Use the screwdriver or screw gun to drive the screws into the brackets.
It’s optional to use a hammer, but make it available just in case you want to add sheetrock anchors. These anchors can help support the weight of heavier curtains.
Step by Step Procedure on Placing Curtains Over Blinds
The steps on how to put curtains over blinds are pretty straightforward. This whole project won’t take much of your time. You’ll be done in no longer than one hour. So, let’s get going!
Step 1: Safety is a Priority
Just like for every project, safety should be your top priority. Before you start drilling into a wall, check if you might hit some pipes or cables. Do not drill directly near a power socket or a light fitting.
If you have small children at home, make sure they don’t have access to the looped blind cords because they can pose a potential hazard. You can fit a safety device such as a P-clip or a chain break connector to hold the cord and keep it away from your children. Also, please don’t place a playpen, bed, high chair, or furniture near the window that a child can climb to play with your work.
Step 2: Fitting the Roller Blinds
When the blinds are already installed on the window, the first step is to check if the blinds are mounted inside or outside your window frame. By doing this, you can determine how to mount the drapery rod or the curtain track for your curtains.
Opting for inside-mounted blinds is recommended if nothing has been installed yet because they are the easiest to hang. They come in various designs, colors, and sizes. When shopping for blinds, decide if you want the blinds to fit inside or across the window recess top.
So, take measurements before going shopping. If you’re going to install the blinds inside the recess, leave a little space on either side. If the available blinds from the hardware store do not fit, they can’t be cut to size.
The first step on how to put curtains over blinds is getting the measurements of the window recess. Make sure to leave enough space on either side of the recess for the blinds. Check also if there are hidden pipes and cables. Afterward, mark the placements of the brackets above the window. You may use a spirit level to make sure they’re perfectly level.
The next step is you unroll the blind. Then, mark the width using a pencil on the cardboard tube. Once you’re okay with the width, cut the tube using a hacksaw. Make sure to protect the surface beneath with an off-cut of the wood.
Measure the width on the reverse of the blinds and mark it using a pencil. Then, draw a cutting line along the length using a straightedge. Afterward, use your sharpest scissors to cut slowly along this line to ensure safety and accuracy.
Insert the blank plate into one end of the cardboard tube, and plug the other end with the chain. Make sure they fit by pressing them against a hard surface, or you can use a hammer and gently tap them.
Drill into the window frame after making the starting holes using a bradawl. Then, fix the brackets and slot the blinds into the brackets to test if they work properly.
Step 3: Putting Up the Curtain Track
The next step on how to put curtains over blinds is setting up your curtain track. You might consider running your curtains past the window to let in more light to the room. To get this done properly, you need to place your curtain track above the window recess.
Use a flexible track if you want to hang your curtains over a bay window. However, the screws may not be long enough to hold the track securely. So, you must use longer screws, or you can install the track into a sound timber ceiling.
Measure the length of your curtain track. You need a longer curtain track if you have a wide window or heavy curtains as compared to having lightweight materials. Once you know the appropriate length, cut the curtain track using a fine-tooth hacksaw.
Mark the placement of the bracket for the first 25 mm of the length from the vertical edge of the window recess, and then mark the next with a 25-mm interval. Do the same at the other end and mark the placements of the brackets at equal intervals. Make sure to use a long spirit level to ensure that the markings are perfectly level.
Make sure you’re not hitting any hidden pipe or cable. Afterward, drill the fixing holes and put the appropriate size in the wall plugs for the screws. Then, screw the brackets.
Lastly, you can now place the curtain track into the slot in the first end. Push it until you hear a click. Afterward, install the curtain track in the same way into each bracket.
Step 4: Putting Up the Curtain Pole
Curtain poles come in wood, plastic, or metal options, and this choice makes your curtain fittings more of a stylistic feature than just a standard track. Your curtains hang from rings or loops of fabric or metal eyelets. Some curtain poles are adjustable in length. Others can be cut using a fine-tooth hacksaw.
To make sure that your curtains completely cover your windows and blinds, the end brackets of the curtain pole must be at least 50 mm from the window recess ends.
Put markings on the placements of these two brackets and check if they’re perfectly level with a spirit level.
After checking if there are hidden pipes and cables nearby, use a masonry bit and drill the markings. Next, put some wall plugs and then place the brackets using screws into place.
Cut the curtain pole as required. Then, place and slide it through the brackets. To keep the curtains in place, leave one curtain ring or loop outside each end bracket and the remaining rings or loops between the two.
Step 5: Hemming the Curtains
One useful tip on how to put curtains over blinds is not throwing your existing curtains away just because their length is not suitable for your windows. By using an iron-on hem, you can fix their length without needing a sewing machine. Before you hem your curtains, make sure to wash them first as the curtain fabric tends to shrink a little.
It’s essential to know how long you want your curtains. Then, consider the fit and style of your curtains and measure the drop coming from the curtain track or pole.
After determining the desired length, lay your curtain down with you looking at the reverse side. Then, add 100 mm to the measured drop length to allow for the hem. Use a pencil or chalk to mark this point on the fabric. Create a cutting line with the help of a long ruler. After double-checking the measurements, cut off the excess fabric using your sharpest scissors.
Pre-heat your iron and set the temperature to polyester or wool. With you still facing the reverse side, measure 50 mm from the bottom end, and fold the curtain. Fold another 50 mm and hold the fabric in place using pins.
Start ironing along the folds so you create a crisp crease. Afterward, remove the pins and put the adhesive strip adjacent to the crease inside the fold. Do this along the entire curtain width. Finally, cut off the excess strip.
Ensure that the adhesive strip is sandwiched correctly in the fabric—afterward, iron over each section. Then, press and hold it for 10 seconds. Do this along the curtain width carefully, making sure that you do not stretch out the fabric. Wait for the adhesive to set for about 2 minutes before you move it.
Repeat the same process for the rest of your curtains.
Once you’re done, hang your curtains over the blinds. As for the curtain tiebacks, which hold the curtains when they are open, fix these bits of fabric to get them in the correct position.
Additional Tips for Hanging Curtains Over Blinds
Now you know how to put curtains over blinds. But you might get some help from the additional tips below to get started with your project.
Consider using sheetrock anchors. Wall studs are not always available, and in some cases, curtains and rods can get pretty heavy. Screws alone won’t hold the combined weight of your curtain and rod. In this case, consider using sheetrock anchors. This additional support can keep accidents from happening.
Always verify your measurements. Before you start drilling into walls or cutting your fabric, make it a habit to always double-check your measurements. It may seem like additional work for you, but in the long run, verifying your dimensions can save you more time, effort, and possible rework from the mistakes you may have made.
Take note of your measurements. Do you think you have that good a memory? Make it a habit to write your measurements down. You never know you can forget a dimension right after measuring something. So, keep a pencil and notepad handy, and always jot any numbers down.
Make sure you have a complete set of tools. Having everything you need at arm’s length can help you work smoothly on your project. You don’t want to get interruptions during your project. Make sure that all the tools and devices are ready before you start working.
Hang your curtains high. One great tip on how to put curtains over blinds is to hang your curtains high. The higher your curtain track or rod, the taller and better the window appears. So, as much as possible, fix your curtain track or rod closer to the ceiling instead of placing it a few inches from the window top. One rule of thumb is placing the track or rod about 6 inches above the top of the window.
Read your contract. Although, in most cases, drilling into the walls is not a big deal, especially when you’re just renting, talk to your landlord just to be sure. It may be against the rules, so better be sure if it’s alright to do these modifications.
Fabric sets the mood of the room. Choose lighter blends for casual and lighter feels and denser fabric for more privacy and a more formal aura.
Wrapping It Up
Combining curtains and blinds gives your home a more polished look while providing an extra layer of security. How to put curtains over blinds is an extremely easy process. As long you have a complete set of tools and you measure correctly, you can create an elegant and stylish window space to look at. Just make sure that the blinds don’t stick out, and you’re done!