So, I renovated my house recently. You know the drill, painting the walls, furnishing my balcony, landscaping my backyard, hanging curtains over those vertical blinds that stick out.
Yes, I conquered that problem without crying for help, and I feel so empowered, although my dad thinks it was no great shakes.
Imagine, a day ago, I hardly knew why we needed vertical blinds and curtains, and now I managed to hang them like a professional! This is my story; I will start now.Â
Starting with the central question:
Why Do You Need to Hang Curtains Over Your Blinds?
Combining curtains and blinds adds extra depth and elegance to your windows. However, just curtains or blinds are good enough too.
But if you need more privacy or want to control the amount of light in your room, installing curtains over your blinds might be the one-stop solution without letting your house’s elegance go for a toss.
Also, blinds tend to look very unfinished and un-homely without curtains, and curtains without the blinds cannot give you proper privacy from the spies who live just across and want to keep an eye on everything you do all day (Your neighbors!)
Another essential factor you might want to consider while hanging curtains, blinds, or both together is that you must select materials and designs that blend well with each other and do not end up being in the limelight of your room, or even worse, be the show-stealer of your room (Imagine spending so much money on that bedspread and that wallpaper for nothing!).
How to Install Your Blinds?
Vertical blinds are known to be the most reliable, durable, and low-maintenance products available in the market of interior decorations.
They work on a heavy sliding-track system that is popular for its long-lasting capabilities. The simple track system helps you install the blinds on your own.
It would help if you had a pencil, a screwdriver (preferably cordless), and a ¼ inch Hex head bit drill.
Now, unpack your hardware and blinds, read the instructions that specifically need to be followed for the brand you went for, and let us get started!
Decide whether you want to go for Outside Mount or Inside mount for the blinds.
- Inside mount – below the windowsill
- Outside mount – above/on the windowsill.
For Outside Mount
- Measure from the bottom of the window, till where you want your blinds to hang, to the top of the window for the blinds’ length.
- The part of the vertical blind that rotates is called the To install the Vein stems, start by spacing them evenly by pulling the cord. Pull the cord to rotate the openings in the stems so that they face you. Attach the first Vein by gently sliding it up into the plastic stem until it sets into its place. You will hear a snap when that happens. Repeat this step until you are done attaching the veins.
- Install the safety bracket to keep your core tight. Make sure to install the bracket near the outside bottom of your window frame. It will not interfere with the working of your blinds.
- The blinds might come with a protective, decorative cover known as this is used to cover the top of the blind.
- If the Valance comes with inserts for each section, all you need to do is slide the inserts into the edges along the front. Insert the valance ends into the corners and attach the front. Attach the valance clips on the headrails and slide the Valance on the clips.
- Go for the test drive!!
For Inside Mount
- The blinds might come with a protective, decorative cover known as a Valance. This is used to cover the top of the blind.
- If the Valance comes with front inserts, slide the insert into the edges in front of the Valance. Next, you must flip your Valance over so that the top is facing downwards. Set your brackets 3 inches from the left and the right side of your Valance.
- You can use the brackets as templates to mark holes to fit the screws. You can pre-drill or tap holes through the valence where the mounting screws are supposed to be inserted.
- The part of the vertical blind that rotates is called the To install the Vein stems, start by spacing them evenly by pulling the cord. Pull the cord to rotate the openings in the stems so that they face you. Attach the first Vein by gently sliding it up into the plastic stem until it sets into its place. You will hear a snap when that happens. Repeat this step until you are done attaching the veins.
- Reaching the final step, attach the safety bracket to keep the cord tight. Make sure to install the bracket near the outside bottom of your window frame. It will not interfere with the working of your blinds.
- Enjoy a spy-free room!
How to Hang Curtains Over the Blinds (Outside Mount)
Method 1
You can use a tension rod between the cornice (ornamental molding just below the ceiling) to put the curtains. The cornice is made of plastic or is covered with fabric. There is always space between the cornice to install a tension rod.
Note: If your wall does not have a cornice, you can always make one yourself to give your room an elevated look.
Measurement of Curtains: While using a tension rod for installing the curtains over your blinds, the curtain can easily extend from one end of the window to another.
Method 2
You also have an option of not drilling and merely attaching your curtains with Velcro, the drawback being that your curtains will remain stationary.
Make sure to wipe the inside of the cornice clean before starting. Then attach one side of the Velcro to the cornice and the other side of the Velcro to the curtains. Try to attach the Velcro as evenly as possible.
Note: Use a broader, wider Velcro strip for heavy curtains. This method will not give you the freedom to regularly change your curtains, as it is a little more challenging than the other two methods to set up.
Before choosing which curtains to put up, hold the curtains up against your blinds, get the feel of their look, and see if you like them before attaching them to the Velcro and the cornice.
Measurement of Curtains: You do not need to care about measuring the curtains in this method.
Just make sure the Velcro is well attached to the curtain and the cornice, and it does not hang or come out loose. And they all are of the same length, or your setup will end up looking very shabby.
Method 3
Or you could buy brackets that come especially for outside mounted vertical blinds and a curtain rod.
You can place the brackets on the side of the cornice or the Headrail, whichever is suitable for you, firmly and tightly, and the place curtain rod on the bracket, and hang your curtains on the road.
For this, you need the bracket popularly known as the “NONO Bracket.” It is effortless to install and does not require any extra tools and effort from your end. And it is so readily available only as well as in your nearest hardware store.
This method is very viable as you will be able to move your curtains back and forth effortlessly. This method also gives you a hole-free wall, as you do not need to drill anything into your wall.
Measurement of Curtains: You can choose to use curtains wider than your window without fearing shabbiness or the classiness of your room being compromised if you opt for this method.
Just make sure to use curtains with the appropriate length. Decide on a “minimum length” for safety so that the curtains do not go way below the windowsill.
What Curtains to Buy?
For Vitamin-D lovers, use sheer curtains. They will let you enjoy some privacy while getting natural sunlight, even if the blinds are pulled back.
Sheer curtains are lightweight, making them a great choice if you are going with the Velcro Method (Method 2) or Curtain Rod-Bracket Method (Method 3) of hanging curtains.
You can also go for heavy black or other dark shades of curtains for your bedrooms or kid’s nurseries. They help you sleep better and might reduce your electricity bill since they block the heat themselves and therefore do not let the room absorb heat.
It is not recommended to hang such heavy curtains from tension rods or with the help of Velcro. Use curtain rods.
Try to create a balance between a bright room and your choice of curtains. If you have a relatively “loud” or “flashy” sense of style in furniture or wallpapers, go for light-tone colors of curtains, as you do not want too many visuals being too harsh on your eyes. Your room must have a soothing look to it.
Light grey, cream, and light shades of red and yellow are recommended for such situations.
If you already have a minimalist style, you can go for little flashy or dark colors if you do not want to create a calm space. If you desire a calm space, go for light-colored curtains no matter what.
Here is my story of how I created a perfect, peaceful space for my family and me. Create yours now!
