Blackout Curtains Over Blinds for Complete Light Blocking

Achieving total blackout in your bedroom or home theater can be a challenge. Outside light sources like streetlamps, headlights, and the rising sun can ruin your chance at quality sleep or immersive entertainment. Installing blackout curtains over existing window blinds is an effective and affordable solution for maximum light blocking.

Combining opaque, tightly woven curtains with blinds offers versatility in controlling light and privacy. This layered window treatment also enhances insulation against noise, cold drafts, and extreme temperatures. With some advance planning and proper installation, you can easily transform any room into a bat cave!

Benefits of Layering Blackout Curtains Over Blinds

There are several key advantages to using blackout curtains in tandem with blinds:

• Total light blocking - The curtains completely block outside light sources that could sneak past the blinds.
• Ideal sleep environment - Creates pitch black conditions for uninterrupted, restful sleep.
• Noise reduction - Curtains muffle outside sounds better than blinds alone.
• Increased privacy - Curtains offer full coverage when closed for seclusion.
• Works with any blinds - Layer curtains over wood, faux wood, aluminum, or vinyl blinds.
• Enhanced insulation - Traps heat in winter and keeps rooms cooler in summer.
• Versatile control - Blinds and curtains can be operated separately for customized light and privacy.
• Aesthetic options - Choose curtains that complement your blind colors and style.

The winning combination of curtains and blinds gives you the best of both worlds. Blinds maintain their functionality for directional light control. Blackout curtains in front provide complete opacity and insulation when closed. This dynamic duo is ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, nurseries and more!

Choosing the Best Blackout Curtains to Layer Over Blinds

Not all curtains are created equal when it comes to blocking light. To achieve the desired darkening effect, pay attention to these factors:

• Size - Curtains should be 2-3 inches wider than the window frame and extend to about 1/2 inch above the floor.
• Length - Ensure curtains are long enough to cover the entire window opening.
• Fabric - Opaque, tightly woven fabrics like polyester, velvet, suede, and faux silk work best.
• Lining - Look for a blackout lining on the back that blocks light.
• Style - Curtains with back tabs or sewn-in rod pockets simplify installation.
• Fit - Curtains shouldn't gap from the rod or billow away from the window.

Ready-made blackout curtains are widely available online and in home goods stores. Or for a customized look, have them made locally with your preferred colors, patterns, and blackout fabric. Measure carefully and read reviews to ensure the curtains suit your space.

Installing Without Drilling

Hanging blackout curtains over blinds typically requires drilling into walls to mount curtain rods and brackets. But various clever solutions allow installation without creating holes:

• Adhesive hooks - Stick adjustable tension rods or ring/loop hooks directly to window trim.
• Tension rods - Clip adjustable spring rods between walls or to window molding.
• Magnetic rods - Attach magnets to the window frame to hold up steel curtain rods.

Just ensure these no-drill options can handle the weight and width of your curtains without sagging. Heavier blackout fabrics may still require anchored brackets and rods.

Choosing the Right Curtain Size

Measuring your windows accurately is key to achieving full light blocking. Consider this when selecting curtain size:

• Width - Curtains should extend 2-3 inches past the window frame on both sides.
• Length - Measure from above the window frame down to 1/2 inch above the floor.
• Overlap - Factor in a 4-8 inch overlap if using multiple panels.
• Fabric thickness - Allow for the added fullness of thicker blackout fabrics.
• Function - Will you close the curtains fully or just partway?

Take into account hardware as well. If using a continuous rod, ensure it extends well beyond the window frame to support the full width of the curtains.

Hanging Blackout Curtains Over Existing Blinds

Installing curtains above blinds requires a few special considerations for proper alignment, positioning, and functionality:

• Mount the curtain rod several inches above the blinds - This allows both to open without interference.
• Use spacers if needed - Brackets that extend the mounting position away from the wall provide extra clearance.
• Extend rod wider than the frame - Curtains should cover the window edges to prevent light gaps.
• Hang curtains above the entire blind - Full coverage is essential for maximum light blocking.
• Close blinds first, then curtains - This sequence prevents fabrics from getting tangled in blinds.

Utilize holdbacks, tiebacks, velcro strips, or clips to keep curtains securely closed over the blinds. This prevents outside light from sneaking through any gaps between the layers.

Hardware Needed

Installing curtains over window blinds requires this basic hardware:

• Metal or wood curtain rod 1-3 inches wider than the window frame
• Curtain rings with clips, ring tops, grommets, or back tabs
• Mounting brackets for the rod spaced according to package directions
• Screws and drywall anchors for securely attaching brackets in the wall
• Tiebacks, holdbacks, or velcro strips to keep curtains closed (optional)
• Spacers for extending bracket position away from wall (optional)

Choose rust-resistant metal rods and hardware in your preferred finish. For heavy blackout curtains, look for brackets rated to handle extra weight without sagging.

Using Existing Curtain Rods

You may be able to retrofit your current curtain rod to hang blackout curtains if it meets these criteria:

• Rated for the curtain weight and width
• Long enough to extend well beyond the window edges
• Mounted with secure, anchored brackets
• Located at least 2 inches above the blinds
• Visually complements the new curtains

Consider replacing lightweight decorative rods with heavier-duty versions for smooth functionality. Extending the rod ends with matching connectors can provide the necessary added width.

With some creative matching, your blackout curtains and existing blinds can look like an integrated, purposeful design. Here are some stylish coordination ideas:

• Bold patterns and dark colors - Choose vivid, opaque fabrics that complement the blinds.
• Sheer curtains layered over blackouts - Soften the look and add privacy options.
• Complementary colors - Tie together blinds and curtains through coordinating hues.
• Mixing textures - Contrast sleek aluminum blinds with rustic linen curtains.
• Metallic accents - Satin curtains can pick up glossy silver or bronze blinds.
• Repeating shapes - Pair rectangular headrail blinds with boxy curtain panels.

Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun styling your layered window treatments! The blackout function will keep rooms dark while allowing you to customize the look.