Upscaling the look of the blinds on your windows is easy if you know how to hang curtains over blinds. Curtains add a touch of sophistication to any room. They can make your windows an integral part of the overall décor.
There are a few different ways you can hang curtains over blinds. And you don’t need a drill or previous DIY experience for some of them. It’s easy to add a curtain rod under or in front of the headrail or cornice box. And if these aren’t present, you can always mount the rod to the wall, with or without drilling holes.
For each method mentioned here, you’ll need to purchase a curtain rod, some supplies, and, of course, your curtain.
You’ll also need the means to hang the curtain from the curtain rod.
You could use sizeable circular curtain rings or install a curtain with material loops for a curtain rod. Some curtains even have rings with openings sewn into the design.
Some of these methods will require that you use brackets, hooks, or a bonding agent to support the rod. But none are complicated or challenging to install.
The blog post will discuss five possible ways to hang curtains over blinds.
How to Hang Curtains Over Blinds Without Drilling
The Headrail Bracket & Rod Method
This method is best suited to vertical blinds. The reason is that they usually come with a protruding headrail installed on the wall just above the window. It’s less common for horizontal blinds to come with a headrail.
The blinds’ headrail contains the top rail and pully mechanism that makes the blinds open and close.
For this method of installation, you’ll need to purchase window brackets. And you’ll find these at most large hardware stores. These are brackets that are usually mounted to the wall above the window to install a curtain rod. But don’t worry, you won’t need to mount these to the wall if you have a headrail.
Window brackets allow you to adjust the depth of the space between the rod and the wall utilizing a small screw. They have a semi-circular section at the front, where your curtain rod will rest. And this section comes with a larger screw fitted to hold the rod in place.
You’ll also need to buy a curtain rod of the correct diameter to fit into the cradle of the window bracket. And, of course, you’ll need your chosen curtain.
Method of Installation
- Place the window bracket on top of the headrail. And slide the back end of the bracket down between the headrail and the wall.
- Use the screw on top of the bracket to adjust the depth. This will ensure that the bracket fits snuggly over the headrail.
- You’ll want to place one bracket at each end of the headrail, as close to the edge as possible. This is to ensure that your curtain covers the entire headrail when hung.
- Once your window brackets have been mounted, you can prep your curtain rod.
- Ensure to feed the curtain onto the rod before you mount the rod onto the brackets.
- When the curtain is on the rod, you can lift it up and mount it onto the cupped section of the window bracket. Note that you’ll likely need at least one other person to help you with this step.
- Last, adjust the larger screw at the front of the window bracket to secure the rod.
The Cornice Box & Tension Rod Method
When blinds are installed in the home, they’re often accompanied by the installation of a cornice box. This is a box that sits at the top of the window opening. Its purpose is to obstruct the view of the headrail or mechanism at the top of the blinds.
A cornice box is usually made of light wood and is often varnished, painted, or covered with material. Irrespective, your cornice box should have brackets on which it’s mounted. And you can use these as the structural foundation of your curtain installation.
You’ll only need to purchase the tension rod and curtain for this method. You won’t need any brackets, screws, or adhesives to fix the rod to the cornice box. A thin wooden dowl should do the trick. But bear in mind that your curtain will need to be very light when using this method.
A suitable tension rod should allow enough flexibility for you to bend the rod a little. This is necessary to slip the rod into the existing rigid cornice box brackets.
Method of Installation
- Simply feed your curtain onto the tension rod.
- Then, with the help of a friend or family member, mount the rod to the internal brackets of the cornice box.
- You’ll need to mount one side of the rod and then flex the rod a little to slip it onto the bracket on the other side.
The Command Hook & Rod Method
In the absence of a cornice box and headrail, you could use command hooks to mount a curtain. However, this method would only be suitable for very light sheer curtains or net curtains. This is because the rod you’ll be using will be extremely thin, and the hooks will be mounted using double-sided tape.
When purchasing your hooks and rod, make sure that the cradle opening of the hook is big enough to hold the rod. Therefore, try to find the biggest command hooks possible. But be mindful of the fact that your rod must hold its shape across the length of the window. Avoid buying a rod so thin that it might bow purely due to the span from hook to hook.
It’s also important to note that you cannot pull or apply pressure to the rod when opening and closing the curtain. This will weigh heavily on the hook system and could cause the adhesive to fail.
Method of Installation
- Identify where you’d like to place your command hooks on each side of the window reveal above the window. Make sure you measure accurately to ensure the hooks are installed at the same height on either side. This will ensure that your rod is level.
- Apply one side of your double-sided tape to the back of one command hook.
- Peel off the protective layer at the back of the tape to reveal the other side of the adhesive.
- Now, carefully position and place your hook on the wall holding and pressing it in place for about a minute. This will strengthen the bond of the adhesive to the wall.
- Do the same for the hook on the other side of the window opening.
- Next, feed your sheer curtain onto the rod.
- Once the curtain is on the rod, gently lift the rod up and mount it onto your hooks on each end.
How to Hang Curtains Over Blinds With a Drilling
Full Curtain Rod Installation
Perhaps you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and know how to use a drill. In that case, you could always install a curtain rod in the traditional manner. In this instance, you would need to purchase a curtain rod with its own brackets, as most do. And you’ll need to buy suitable screws to install those brackets.
With this method, you’ll be able to install any type of curtain you choose. Whether it’s lightweight or heavy material with a lining doesn’t matter. Your curtain rod will be screwed to the wall and able to support almost any curtain.
Method of Installation
- If there’s a headrail or cornice box installed above the window opening, you’ll need to remove it. If not, it will defeat the purpose of hanging a curtain over blinds.
- Next, mark off the points where your curtain rod brackets will be installed. This will be above the window opening and just to the left and right of each reveal. Take care to measure the length of your curtain rod to ensure you don’t overshoot the intended span.
- It’s best to use a measuring tape and spirit level when measuring. This will ensure your brackets are installed at the same height on each side and that your rod is level.
- Now, drill the holes required on each side for your curtain rod brackets. Make sure you drill your holes at the correct depth according to the screws you have.
- Use the screws you bought, if none are provided with the bracket, to secure the bracket to the wall. Longer screws are ideal for supporting brackets that are intended to carry weight.
- Next, you can feed your curtain onto your curtain rod to get it ready for mounting.
- Last, with the help of a friend or family member, carefully mount the rod onto its brackets. Your curtains should then be fully hung and ready to use.
Conclusion
As you can see, it’s easy to hang a curtain over blinds if you have the right tools and materials. And there’s no need to have the DIY experience to execute a successful curtain installation.
However, it’s important to note that you should use a sturdy ladder and ask someone to hold it while you’re on it. You should also wear protective glasses or goggles to prevent dust from getting into your eyes when drilling holes.
Also, measure the window opening carefully before purchasing your curtain. Remember that you don’t want the curtain to be absolutely straight and flat when closed. So you’ll need additional length to get that flowing draped look.
That said, if you follow the above steps and exercise caution, you’ll have a beautifully dressed window without any hassle.
