How to Hang Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

Do you get bored with the simple and ordinary look of your windows with vertical blinds? Don’t worry! Now you can enhance the style of your flat windows by hanging curtains over vertical blinds. This is a simple and budget-friendly way to upgrade your interior style and functionality.

Many people layer curtains and blinds to create more luxurious and elegant interiors. Whether you want more light control or enhanced privacy in your interiors, this method is effective without removing existing blinds. Open the curtains during the day for natural light, and close both curtains and blinds at night for full darkness and privacy. With a combination of curtains and blinds, you can make your interiors warmer and inviting.

This guide will help you hang curtains over vertical blinds easily. We cover different methods, essential tools, maintenance tips, and styling ideas to help you achieve enhanced style and functionality.

Benefits of Hanging Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

If you have vertical blinds in your spaces and you want to upgrade your interiors without removing them, then simply hang curtains over them. This solution will benefit you in several ways:

Improve Room Aesthetics

Dubai Curtains can add depth and aesthetic appeal to your spaces. You can add decorative elements to your living room blinds by hanging curtains in a variety of styles, textures, designs, and colours. They will make your living room more elegant and welcoming for guests.

Enhanced Privacy

In your bedrooms, you can enhance sleep quality by covering your vertical blinds with opaque and soundproof curtains. By hanging heavy curtains over blinds, you can block outside light and noise to make your bedroom atmosphere quieter and comfortable.

Better Insulation

In homes and offices, we mainly cover patio doors and sliding glass windows with vertical blinds. Patios’ doors are a significant source of heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. You can control it completely by hanging thermal lining curtains over blinds. This helps to provide thermal insulation and balance your indoor temperature.

Better Light Filtering

Sometimes you want to enjoy natural light in your home, but are afraid that harsh UV rays will affect your furniture and floors. Especially if you have carpet flooring, there is a risk of colour fading. In this case, a perfect solution is to cover your vertical blinds with sheer curtains. Open your blinds completely to let in diffused light. Sheer drapes will filter the harsh light and turn your space brighter, softer, and calmer.

Tools & Materials Required to Hang Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

Before starting the curtain installation process, it is important to collect all the required tools and materials. To properly hang curtains over blinds, you must have these instruments:

• Measuring Tape
• Pencil or Marker
• Curtains
• Curtain Rod
• Brackets
• Wall anchors or studs
• Stud Finder
• Level
• Ladder
• Drill Machine
• Screws and Screwdriver

How to Measure for Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

Before buying the hardware and curtains, you need to know the exact measurements to get the right-length rod and curtains. This is necessary for a seamless installation to achieve the desired fullness and a neat drop of the curtains. Firstly, you have to measure the width and then the length of the window frame and blinds to get the accurate measurements.

Measure the Width

Measure the width of the whole window frame, including vertical blinds. This will help you know the exact length of your curtain rod and the width of the curtain panel. For the curtain rod, add 8 to 12 inches on each side. This will help your curtains open completely without blocking the window frame. However, for a curtain width double the width of the window to get proper fullness.

Measure the Height

Measuring the height of the window frame is essential to get the required length of the curtain fabric. First, decide on the rod’s placement height. Measure it 4 to 6 inches above the window to get the proper illusion of height. This will also help your vertical blinds to open and close freely.

Then measure the length from the selected rod position to 2-3 inches behind the bottom end of the window. This will be the exact curtain length that will cover your window frame. However, you can adjust the endpoint and curtain length according to your desired curtain style. Measure 2 to 4 inches above the floor for puddled curtains. Measure to ½ inch off the floor for floor-length curtains. To avoid any mistakes, take measurements from at least 3 different positions. Consider the longest measurement for accurate results.

Best Ways to Hang Curtains Above Vertical Blinds

There are several methods for hanging curtains above vertical blinds. Every method has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Method 1: Using a Standard Curtain Rod

This is a common method that is used in many offices and homes. This method involved mounting the curtain rod separately above the vertical blinds’ head rail. You have to drill holes for screw-in brackets. Then attach brackets to the wall, place a standard curtain rod on them and hang your curtains.

In this method, you can operate both curtains and blinds separately. This method is ideal for hanging heavy fabrics like velvet curtains. This method gives your window a more elegant and refined look. However, it involves drilling, and it is a permanent fixture. Once you install it, removing the brackets or the rod will damage the walls. Hence, this method is not suitable for renters.

Method 2: Using a Tension Rod

This method is ideal for renters who cannot drill holes in walls. In this method, you can hang curtains without using any special installation hardware. It includes a spring-loaded hardware-free rod. This rod is placed inside the edges of the window frame or on the side of the blind track. Remember, in this method, you have to hang the curtain on the rod before fixing it in the window frame.

The top benefit of this method is that you don’t have to drill holes in your walls. This setup requires only a few minutes to complete, making it very flexible. It is not a permanent fixture, so you can replace, change or remove curtains at any time. However, this method only suits lightweight fabrics like sheer and silk curtains. Hanging heavy curtains can snag the tension rod.

Method 3: Using No-Drill Command Hooks

Using command hooks is another drill-free solution to hang curtains over vertical blinds. In this method, first you have to clear the wall surface for neat and durable adhesion. Then mark the position where you have to fix the hooks. Use a measuring tape and a pencil for accurate placement. Install the hook according to the given commands. Wait overnight, a whole day and let the hooks dry. Then attach the curtain rod and hang your curtains on it.

This method works best on lighter and medium-weight fabrics. However, it also offers weak attachment for heavy curtains. In this method, you can also damage your walls if you don’t follow the instructions properly.

Method 4: Using a Valance Rod Over the Blinds

This is another method of hanging curtains over the blinds with a decorative valance over the top. You can add a decorative valance over the blinds to enhance the aesthetics of your interior. For this, you have to install a valence rod bracket into the wall. Place them above the vertical blind. Then attach the valence rod and let it hang over the blinds. This method enhanced the style but required extra effort and additional cost.

Method 5: Double Rod System

In this method, you can use two rods installed in a single bracket. These rods are installed parallel to each other and are best for layering curtains. Install the special brackets for double rods just above the vertical blinds, at a height that doesn’t interfere with them. Then hang layered curtains. You can hang a blackout curtain on one rod for privacy and a sheer curtain above the other for light filtering.

You can also use this method without drilling holes in the wall by attaching brackets over the headrail of blinds. However, there should be enough space over the blind for the smooth functioning of both blinds and curtains. This method also involves complex installation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Hang Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

Follow these simple steps to hang curtains over vertical blinds with precision.

Step 1: Choose Your Mounting Method

At the start, select the mounting method. You can choose drill and no-drill options. For a permanent installation, if you have enough space over the vertical blinds, go with the drill option. Use standard wall brackets that will attach to the wall above the vertical blinds. On the other hand, if you are renters and cannot drill holes in the walls, opt for the no-drill option. Use NO-NO brackets that will slide on the top of the vertical blinds headrail. Then you can hang curtains on them without damaging your walls.

Step 2: Mark the Bracket Positions

Place one bracket 4 to 6 inches above the window frame or at your desired height. Then mark the position with a pencil. Then repeat the process for the other bracket on the second corner of the window frame and mark the position. For long sliding doors, you may require a third bracket for more stable results. Mark all three brackets at the same spacing distance. Use a level to ensure all brackets are marked on a straight line.

Step 3: Attach Brackets or Install the Rod

Now, attach brackets to the marked positions. For wall-mounting brackets, drill pilot holes and attach them with screws. For heavy curtains, you can use wall studs or wall anchors for greater stability. For the “No-No” bracket, simply slide the brackets over the headrail of vertical blinds. Make sure they are secured properly. After installation, ensure that your brackets are level at the same height. Now slide the curtain rod into them and tighten with the screws. Move a step back and ensure it is levelled.

Step 4: Hang Your Curtains

Now slide your curtain on the rod. Hang curtains based on their style, like attaching with hooks and clips or sliding the built-in eyelet directly through the rod. After hanging, check that the curtains move smoothly on the rod. Make sure they are not interrupted by blinds.

Step 5: Test Blinds Functionality

After hanging curtains, also check the functionality of your vertical blinds. Open and close them several times and make sure their operation is not blocked by newly hung curtains.

Best Curtain Styles to Use Over Vertical Blinds

You can hang different curtain styles over vertical blinds according to the desired style and performance.

• Sheer Curtains: Hang sheer drapes to enjoy natural light with a moderate level of privacy, while vertical blinds are entirely open. They make your interiors airy and elegant.

• Blackout Curtains: To enjoy complete darkness and privacy in your interiors, layer vertical blinds with heavy blackout curtains. They make your interiors warm and comfortable.

• Patterned Curtains: To make your interiors visually appealing and luxurious, hang artistic patterned curtains over vertical blinds. They make your interiors modern and aesthetic.

• Neutral Colored Curtains: To balance your loud and vibrant interior spaces, you can hang curtains in neutral shades like grey and beige curtains. They make your interiors calm and cosy.

Avoid These Mistakes When Hanging Curtains Over Vertical Blinds

These are a few mistakes that you should avoid when hanging curtains over vertical blinds:

1. Not Leaving Enough Clearance

Make sure your curtains have enough space to move without catching on the rotating vertical blind slats.

2. Mounting Brackets Unevenly

Uneven bracket placements will cause the curtains to hang crookedly. With the help of a level, always make sure that your brackets are straight and the rod is even.

3. Using Inadequate Hardware

Cheap or incorrect hardware can lead to a poor finish and potential failure. Always use high-quality rods or brackets for smooth and secure curtain installation.

Final Thoughts

Layering curtains over blinds is a straightforward way to upgrade your interiors. You can enhance both aesthetic and functional benefits of your interior by hanging curtains over blinds. In this guide, we simplify the process of hanging drapes over vertical blinds. Whether you are a renter or live in your own home, you have so many options to install curtains over blinds with ease. You have to focus on taking accurate measurements, using the right hardware and choosing the right curtains for the desired functionality. Still, if you have any queries regarding the process, you can contact our expert for free guidance.