Blinds are great for light control and privacy, but let’s be real — they can look a little plain. So, do you ditch them for curtains? Not necessarily. You can put curtains over blinds to give you the best of both worlds: style and function.
But before you grab your tools, it helps to know the right method for your blinds, space, and skill level. To make things even easier, I turned to my handyman uncle, who’s spent decades tackling home improvement projects. He’s sharing some practical tips — like the #1 mistake people make when installing curtain rods and some important reminders for those who want a polished look without drilling.
Benefits of Hanging Curtains Over Blinds
| Blinds Type | Why Pair with Curtains? |
| Horizontal Blinds | Softens rigid lines and adds warmth. |
| Roman Shades | Adds depth and texture to structured shades. |
| Cellular Shades | Enhances insulation while improving aesthetics. |
| Vertical Blinds | Balances strong vertical lines, ideal for large windows. |
| Roller Shades | Maintains a minimal look while adding color and pattern. |
Method 1: Installing a Curtain Rod
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 20 – 30 minutes Project Cost: $20 – $70+ |
One of the most popular ways to hang curtains over blinds is with a curtain rod mounted above the window. This works best if your blinds are inside the window frame, keeping the curtain hardware hidden for a cleaner look.
Best for: any window with inside-mounted blinds, homeowners who don’t mind drilling, a polished, traditional look
What You’ll Need
- Curtain rod with brackets
- Curtains
- Drill and screws
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil for marking
Step-by-Step Installation
- Measure and mark: Use a measuring tape to mark where the brackets will go, typically 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. This creates a taller, more elegant look.
- Install the brackets: Use a drill to secure the brackets into the wall. Make sure they’re level to prevent uneven curtains. If you’re installing brackets and can’t find a stud, use drywall anchors to ensure a secure hold and prevent sagging over time.
- Thread the curtains: Before placing the rod onto the brackets, slide your curtains onto the rod.
- Mount the rod: Place the rod into the brackets and adjust the curtains so they fall evenly.
- Test if sliding smoothly: Open and close the curtains a few times to ensure they slide smoothly.
A Handyman’s Pro Tips
- Before installing any hardware, double-check measurements to avoid unnecessary holes in the wall. Measuring just once is always the number one mistake when drilling for installation. He cautions, “Measure twice or even more. A misplaced bracket could make your curtains uneven.”
- If you’re hesitant about permanent changes, try a tension rod first to see how the curtains look before committing to drilling.
- “If your window is small, you can extend the curtain rod past the frame,” he recommends. Mounting the rod wider than the window (by at least 6 inches on each side) makes the window appear larger and allows in more light when the curtains are open.
See Related: How to Install a Curtain Rod on Your Wall
Method 2: Drapery Tracks
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 20 – 30 minutes Project cost: $40 – $100+ |
If you’re more into a sleek, modern look, you can put curtains over blinds through drapery tracks. These can be mounted on the wall or ceiling for added versatility.
Best for: large windows or sliding doors, modern aesthetics, effortless curtain movement
What You’ll Need
- Ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted drapery tracks
- Curtains with track-compatible hooks
- Measuring tape
- Drill and screws
Step-by-Step Installation
- Determine placement: Decide if you want the tracks to be mounted on the ceiling for a floating effect or on the wall for a traditional look.
- Measure and mark: Use a measuring tape to mark the placement of the tracks, ensuring they are level and aligned with the window.
- Install the tracks: Attach the tracks to the ceiling or wall with screws, using a drill for secure installation.
- Attach the curtains: Insert the curtain hooks into the track system and evenly distribute the fabric for a smooth glide.
- Adjust as needed: Test the movement of the curtains and ensure they slide effortlessly.
Pro Tips
- “Ceiling-mounted tracks make ceilings look higher,” says my uncle. This means this setup is great for small rooms.
- Try lubricating the track with a bit of silicone spray for extra smooth curtain movement.
See Related: How to Hang Curtains From the Ceiling
Method 3: Drapery Medallion Hooks
| Project difficulty: Easy to intermediate (drilling required, but placement is flexible) Estimated time to complete: 20 – 30 minutes Project cost: $20 – $50+ |
Drapery medallion hooks also offer a decorative and unique way to hang curtains over blinds, especially if you don’t need them to move.
Best for: arched or uniquely shaped windows, stationary curtain panels, a stylish touch
What You’ll Need
- Drapery medallion hooks
- Curtains
- Measuring tape
- Drill and screws
Step-by-Step Installation
- Determine placement: Decide where you want the curtains to drape. Typically, medallion hooks are placed on either side of the window and slightly above the frame.
- A good rule of thumb is to place them at least 2 to 4 inches above the window frame and 3 to 6 inches out from the sides, depending on how much you want the curtains to drape.
- Measure and mark: Use a measuring tape to measure equal distances on both sides of the window and mark with a pencil.
- Install the hooks: Drill holes at the marked spots and screw in the medallion hooks.
- Drape the curtains: Loop the curtain fabric through the hooks and adjust them for an even look.
Pro Tips
- Before drilling, you can hold up a curtain panel at your marked spots to visualize the look. “You can mark the spots with painter’s tape first so you can step back and check for balance before committing to drilling,” he adds.
See Related: How to Hang Curtains for an Arched Window
Method 4: No-Drill Options
| Project difficulty: Easy Estimated time to complete: 10 – 20 minutes Drying time to complete: up to 24 hours (for adhesive/command hooks, depending on the brand) Project cost: $10 – $50+ |
If you’re a renter or just don’t want to drill into the walls, there are plenty of easy, damage-free ways to put curtains over blinds.
| No-Drill Option | How It Works | Best For |
| No-Drill Curtain Rod Brackets | Tap brackets into the window frame using a hammer, then place the rod inside. | Windows with a protruding frame |
| No-Drill Headrail Brackets | Clip special brackets onto the blind’s headrail to support a curtain rod. | Blinds with sturdy headrails |
| Command Hooks | Stick adhesive hooks on either side of the window to hold a curtain rod. | Renters who need a damage-free option |
| Adhesive Hooks (stronger than command hooks) | Stick heavy-duty hooks on the wall or window frame to support a lightweight rod. | Sheer or lightweight curtains |
| Coat Hooks | Screw coat hooks into the wall or window frame at regular intervals, then loop curtains through. | A quick, easily removable solution |
| Tension Rods | A spring-loaded rod extends to fit inside the window frame, holding curtains without hardware. | Small spaces, lightweight curtains |
| Suspended Rods | Use ceiling-mounted eye hooks or adhesive hooks to suspend a curtain rod from the ceiling. | Creating a floating, modern curtain look |
Visualizing Each Method
- No-drill brackets: Looks just like a traditional curtain rod setup but without wall damage.
- Adhesive hooks and command hooks: Best for lightweight curtains; imagine a rod gently resting on small, sturdy hooks.
- Tension rods: The rod stays perfectly inside the window frame and creates a seamless look.
- Coat hooks: Curtains drape elegantly through the hooks, similar to a café curtain style.
- Suspended rods: Curtains drop down from the ceiling, giving a luxurious, floor-to-ceiling effect.
Pro Tips
- Command hooks are great, but as my uncle warns, “Always check the weight limit so your curtains don’t come crashing down.”
- If you’re using tension rods, make sure they’re extended tightly to prevent slipping.
See Related: How to Hang Curtains on the Wall Without Drilling
Curtains Over Blinds – Your Windows, Upgraded
Hanging curtains over blinds is one of those small upgrades that makes a big difference. It instantly adds warmth, style, and flexibility to your space.
Take your time measuring (and remember to double-check), choose sturdy hardware, and don’t be afraid to play around with different styles. And if things get tricky — maybe you’ve got extra-wide windows or a setup that’s just not cooperating — consider calling in an expert.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
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Main Photo Credit: Nico Paix / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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