How to Hang Curtains Over Blinds

Blinds can be a great way to maintain privacy in your home, but aren’t always attractive. Curtains, on the other hand offer style and warmth to your home. The pros and cons of both types of Window Treatments are different, but as a renter you’re stuck with either one. You don’t need to choose between blinds and curtains, no matter what your circumstances are.

Hang curtains on top of blinds to get the best of both worlds. Here’s an easy way to cover your blinds (including vertical shades) without drilling holes. Use window brackets or command hooks. No tension rods, as tension rods will not fit over blinds in most cases.

Project Overview

Working Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total Time: 15 to 20 minutes

Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated cost: $20 to $30

Before You Begin

Before hanging curtains, measure the length and width. The length will determine how much fabric you need or what curtain length you want, and the width tells you how long of a curtain rod you should buy. Choose a rod and mounting system suited to the window, curtain weight and manufacturer’s span limits.

What You Need

Supplies Overview

Materials

Fabric curtains
Curtain rod
2 Curtain rod brackets, or adhesive hooks.
2 Screws (for brackets).

Tools for the installation method you choose

Equipment/Tools

- 1 Screwdriver
- 1 Tape Measure

Instructions

Curtain panel, rod, brackets, screws, measuring rule, and screwdriver laid out for installation.

1. Install Brackets and Adhesive Hooks

Choose either a compatible headrail-mounted bracket system or a wall-mounted system, following its own installation instructions. The headrail is a horizontal bar that runs across the top of your blinds. For a headrail system, check the bracket manufacturer’s headrail size and mounting-type requirements before purchase. Some headrail brackets clamp onto a compatible, securely installed headrail without drilling into the wall. A clamp bracket’s tightening screw is different from a screw used to fasten a wall bracket. Use the fasteners and mounting method specified for the selected product and surface.

A compatible headrail bracket is one option for hanging curtains over vertical blinds. Adhesive curtain-rod hooks are another option where the product permits the surface and curtain load. Check the selected hooks’ rated load for the combined rod and curtains. Do not assume that adding hooks increases the permitted load. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for hook number, position and adhesive curing time.

If considering a tension rod, check that the window recess has space for it without obstructing the blinds. Use only curtains and a span within the selected rod’s stated limits. For a no-drill approach, select a compatible clamp bracket or adhesive curtain-rod hook and follow its instructions.

Hands tightening a curtain rod bracket on a wall with a red-handled screwdriver.

2. Curtain rods for fabric curtains

If you are a good sewer, you can either sew them yourself or purchase pre-made curtain panels. You’ll need to create a pocket that runs the length of the curtains in order to thread the curtain rod. Start by pulling your curtains tight on the rod, ensuring that they can close the entire length of the rod and the window.

Hands sliding a white curtain rod through the pocket at the top of a sheer curtain.

3. Curtain rods can be placed on brackets or hooks

Then, secure either end of the curtain rod in a bracket. Be sure to balance the curtain and place the rod evenly on the wall or window. Close and open your blinds and curtains to ensure that everything is working as it should.

You can control the lighting in your room by using a combination of blinds, curtains and shutters. You can open them both to let natural light in during the day and close them at night.

Hand lifting a curtain rod with a gathered sheer curtain toward a wall bracket.

Combining curtains and blinds can also improve your privacy. Curtains can be opened accidentally, allowing neighbors a peek inside. You won’t need to worry about privacy breaches with blinds and drapes. This allows you to concentrate on what you are doing without worrying what is going on outside.

Plus, curtains look great. You can have privacy and light control with the blinds and curtains you choose.