Quick answer: Yes, you can hang curtains over blinds or shades. Mount the rod high (about 2 inches below the ceiling) and wide (6 to 15 inches past the window) so the curtains frame the window and hide the hardware. For standard blinds, use wall brackets or the headrail; for vertical blinds, clip NoNo brackets to the headrail with no wall holes; for blinds that stick out, use deeper brackets; and to avoid drilling, use adhesive hooks, a magnetic rod, or a tension rod.
Adding curtains over blinds or shades is an excellent way to revamp your space. In this article, we'll share how to beautifully hang curtains over blinds or shades for any room.
Whether your shades or blinds are ordinary or vertical or stick out, we have easy-to-follow steps to follow for each and helpful tips.
Can You Put Curtains Over Blinds or Shades?
Yes, you can hang curtains over blinds or shades for added privacy, to darken a room, and to add a decorative touch. Curtains over blinds or shades can also create more depth, add layers of charm or texture, or complement a polished look.
There are several ways to install curtains over shades, ordinary and vertical blinds, plus ones that stick out.
How do You Cover Blinds or Shades with Curtains?
There are a few ways to cover blinds or shades with curtains, depending on what look you're going for and what type of blinds or shades you have.
For each method, you'll need curtains, a rod, and brackets or adhesive hooks to hold the rod. You'll also want a measuring tool.
Keep reading for how to hang curtains over shades or blinds - ordinary blinds, vertical ones, and those that stick out.
The Best Place to Hang Curtains Over Your Blinds or Shades
You can hang curtains over blinds or shades in any space you want any of the following:
More privacy
The ability to block out more light
More depth or refinement to your window
A cozy and luxurious touch
Before you decide where to hang your curtains, visualize the look you're going for.
We recommend hanging your curtains high if you want to make your room appear larger.
Here are some suggested guidelines for where to hang curtains in relation to your window and blinds or shades for a spacious look:
Place the rod 2 inches below your ceiling.
Extend curtains 6-15 inches past your window.
Hang curtains to fall just below the window sill, just above the floor, or slightly touching the floor.
Tip: use our measurement tool to help you choose your curtain size.
Here is the quick reference for hanging curtains over each type of blind or shade, then the step-by-step for each below.
| Blind / shade type | How to hang curtains over it | Hardware |
|---|---|---|
| Standard blinds or shades (flush) | Rod on the wall above, or mounted to the headrail | Wall brackets or adhesive hooks |
| Vertical blinds | Clip a rod to the headrail, no wall holes | NoNo brackets (2 ends + 1 middle) |
| Blinds that stick out | Use deeper brackets so the rod clears the blinds | Deep or extension brackets |
| Renting / no drilling | Magnetic rod, adhesive hooks, or tension rod | No wall damage |
How to Hang Curtains Over Standard Blinds or Shades
If you have standard blinds or shades that sit precisely on the window, take the following steps to hang your curtains.
Decide how high and wide you want your rod to be.
Carefully install rod brackets or adhesive hooks on your wall or the headrail (the horizontal bar at the top of your blinds).
Choose a header that goes well with your rod.
Hang your curtains on the rod.
Place the rod with curtains on your brackets or hooks.
Train curtains to make sure they're in good shape.
How to Hang Curtains Over Vertical Blinds
Many rentals have vertical blinds, and you may not realize you can nicely hang curtains over these. And the good news is that it's relatively simple and doesn't affect your walls.
It's best to use three NoNo brackets - two at each end and one in the middle. NoNo brackets easily attach to the headrail that holds up your vertical blinds.
You'll also need a curtain rod that fits in the brackets.
When you're ready to hang your brackets, adjust them to fit on the headrail. Then, hang your rod with your curtains. Don't forget to use the screw that comes with your NoNo brackets to tighten the bracket after your curtain rod is in place.
How to Hang Curtains Over Blinds That Stick Out
Sometimes, you want to hang curtains over blinds that stick out from the wall. Here's how to do that for a flawless look:
Measure your window and curtains to ensure your curtains will entirely cover the area.
Figure out what size your rod brackets should be so they're slightly deeper than your blinds.
Install your brackets, then place your curtain rod with curtains on them.
How do You Hang Curtains without Drilling over Blinds?
If you're hoping to hang curtains without putting holes in your wall, there are a few options: a magnetic curtain rod, adhesive hooks, or a tension rod.
Magnetic curtain rods only work if you're hanging your curtains on a metal door or window frame. Most magnetic rods only work well with lightweight curtains.
Adhesive hooks are versatile and work in most circumstances. You can find various hook strengths to complement the curtains you want to use.
You can use a tension rod if you're hanging your curtain inside window frames. Tension rods are usually adjustable to fit the length you need. When you hang your tension rod, don't forget to tighten it to secure it in place. One tension rod usually holds up to forty pounds, depending on its strength.
Tips for Designer-Looking Curtains
For a designer look, it's important to choose and train curtains properly. You'll want to consider the fabric, headers, fullness, colors, and pleats.
Fabric: various curtain fabrics offer different looks and purposes. Belgian linen is elegant, while cotton twill and duck are practical.
Headers: the curtain heading, or the top of the curtain, drastically affects the appearance. A flat panel creates a minimalist look, while a pleated curtain is more formal.
Fullness: Drapery fullness refers to how much fabric there is. We recommend 2x - 2.5x fullness for an interior design feel.
Color: This also drastically affects the look of your room. Vibrant curtains add personality, while soft colors are best for making a room appear larger.
Fabric Pleats: Training curtains to fall properly for proper folds and pleats also enhances the look.
How to Hang Curtains Over Blinds or Shades for a Flawless Look: Final Thoughts
Hanging curtains over your blinds or shades adds more privacy, a cozy appearance, and a decorative touch to your space. We hope you feel confident and ready to hang curtains over blinds or shades for a designer look!
Frequently asked questions
Can you put curtains over blinds or shades?
Yes. Layering curtains over blinds or shades adds privacy, better light control, and a decorative, finished look. It works over standard, vertical, and protruding blinds alike.
How do you hang curtains over blinds without drilling?
Use adhesive hooks, a magnetic rod (on a metal door or frame), or a tension rod inside the window frame. These hold curtains without putting holes in the wall, which is ideal for renters.
How high should you hang curtains over blinds?
Mount the rod about 2 inches below the ceiling and extend it 6 to 15 inches past each side of the window. Hanging high and wide makes the window and room look larger and hides the blind hardware.
How do you hang curtains over vertical blinds?
Clip NoNo brackets onto the headrail that holds the vertical blinds, using two at the ends and one in the middle, then hang your rod in the brackets. No wall holes are needed.
How do you hang curtains over blinds that stick out?
Use deeper rod brackets, sized slightly deeper than the blinds, so the curtain rod and panels clear the blinds and hang flat without catching.
Keep reading
Curtains layer beautifully over blinds and shades when they are the right size for your window. Curtarra makes curtains to measure, with free swatches so you can test the fabric and color at home first.
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