Hang Curtains on a Vertical Blind Track

Do you have an unattractive window covered by boring vertical blinds? Transforming the look by hanging curtains on the existing vertical blind track is an easy, affordable DIY project that can completely change the aesthetics of a room.

With some basic preparation and simple installation steps, you can mount stylish curtains on those vertical blind tracks without permanently altering your windows. This opens up lots of possibilities for altering the decor over time. Let's look at how to efficiently hang curtains using the handy infrastructure already built into those vertical slatted blinds.

Assess Your Existing Vertical Blinds

Before selecting curtains and rods, you'll need to evaluate the current vertical blinds in place. Carefully remove the blinds to access the track and assess the condition.

Remove the Blind Slats

Start by detaching each individual vinyl or fabric blind slat from the carrier clips. Gently pry open the clip and slide the slat out horizontally without bending it. If they are dusty, wipe each slat clean before setting aside.

Check the Blind Track

Examine the exposed metal or plastic blind track that previously held your vertical blinds. Look for any loose screws or wall anchors. Are there still carrier clips present in the track? Glide a hand along to feel for debris or uneven track surfaces.

Address Any Issues

Use a strong vacuum cleaner to suck up dust and grime. Tighten any loose screws or wall anchors with a drill or screwdriver. Remove any broken clips or hardware. Repair holes in hollow wall anchors with spackle compound if needed. Any bumps or waves in the track should be straightened using pliers.

Obtain Compatible Curtain Rods

With clean vertical blind track, measure exact dimensions. This includes the height, depth and width between the walls. Purchase curtain rods designed to securely fit into your specific blind track.

Custom Vertical Blind Track Rods

There are bracket systems that grip securely onto vertical blind tracks without requiring screws. Spring tension adjustable rods also clip right onto tracks. Or opt for traditional straight cut rods paired with vertical blind track adapters suited for your track depth.

Get the Correct Length

When ordering rods online, input your width measurement to get the perfect custom-cut size delivered. For an in-store option, purchase longer rods and cut them down yourself later. Remember to account for the brackets extending past the window frame at both ends.

Match the Depth

Confirm the depth of your vertical blind track, which may be around 1 inch deep. Then match this to the compatible curtain rod size, which should have the same depth or adjustable rear clips to grip the track edges.

Measure and Buy Curtain Panels

With curtain rods on hand, it's vital to purchase curtain panels sized correctly for your unique window dimensions. Here are some tips for measuring and selecting hanging curtains.

Decide on Length

Consider if you prefer puddled curtains just lightly dusting the floor, or shorter sill length panels. Measure from where the rod will be mounted down to where curtains should end. Add at least 2 extra inches if planning to hem curtains after hanging.

Calculate Width

Measure the total width of your window frame in inches where curtains will hang. For full coverage with a seamless look, panels should be 1.5 to 2 times the window's width. This allows for optimal light blocking and some nice draping folds.

Other Stylistic Factors

Look at color, patterns, textures, header styles, lining choices and more. Get swatches if unsure how fabrics will coordinate. Sheer curtains let in some light while blackouts offer darkness. For privacy at night but daylight when open, opt for layered panels combining sheer and blackout curtains.

Mount Brackets and Curtain Rod

With the perfectly sized curtain rods and panels now in your possession, it's time for installation. Carefully measure and mark off where supporting brackets should attach. Then mount the telescoping rods, slide on curtains and observe the beautiful transformation.

Mark the Bracket Locations

Refer to the package instructions for how far in from the wall and how far apart brackets should be installed. Use a pencil to lightly mark these placement points evenly spaced across the top of window frames.

Screw In the Brackets

Hold metal brackets in marked spots and drill guide holes if needed. For heavier wider rods and curtains, secure a third bracket in the middle. The screw heads should not protrude out the back. Follow any manufacturer instructions.

Clip In the Curtain Rod

If using special vertical blind track brackets, open the adjustable bottom piece and set the rod into place. Close the gripper piece snugly against the track to prevent sliding. Expand telescoping rods all the way to fill the width before locking any center joints.

Hang Curtain Panels

The last step is neatly hanging your tailored curtains onto the perfectly sized rods. Follow product instructions for number of included hooks needed per panel. Evenly clipping rings or pinching pleats helps curtains glide smoothly and frame windows beautifully.

Measure and Mark Height

Use a tape measure to make small pencil marks along the back top edge of each curtain. Space hook placements every 6 to 8 inches, and to align with header holes or grommets if applicable. Mark height from floor for hem folds.

Evenly Distribute Hooks

For rod pocket headers, evenly pinch and clip curtain tops to rings all the way across. Or slide hooks through evenly marked grommets. Try to line up any pattern repeats attractively around the window. Add some simple tiebacks to keep curtains pulled open and bundled neatly off to the sides.

Troubleshooting Challenges

Despite meticulous measuring and strategic installation, you may encounter a few snags. Here are some common problems people face when hanging curtains on vertical blind tracks and how to address them.

Sagging Rod

If you notice curtains dragging down in the middle, the rod needs more anchoring support. For heavy curtains, add another bracket screwed in at the center point between the outer two. Or switch to stronger spring-loaded tension rod designed for heavier weights.

Stiff Curtain Movement

Make sure curtain rings can slide smoothly across the entire rod without catching. Consider buying more of those seamless glide rings. For fabric friction, use a bit of lubricant like hair conditioner on the rods. Or rub paraffin wax candles along curtain tops.

Visible Light Gaps

Pinch and clip fabric tighter so overlaps meet fully in middle. Heavy tapestries won't move around when sealed. Adding lengthwise magnets keeps blackout curtains joined securely even if hung imperfectly. Foam light-blocking window seal strips also help.

Inconsistent Hem Lines

Purchasing made-to-length curtains avoids the need for messy DIY hemming. But hemming uneven unfinished curtains evenly is possible. Mark a consistent line all around using washable marker. Pin in place then carefully hand-stitch.

Other Creative Curtain Options

If you run into issues converting a vertical blind track to hold curtains, explore these alternative quick fixes for framing windows with fabric instead of strips.

Tension Rods

For minimal drilling, adjustable-width tension curtain rods pop cleanly into place wedged between walls with rubber-lined ends. Sturdy poles and polished metal finishes ensure reliable performance without sagging over time.

Spring Rods

Similarly, spring loaded expansion curtain rods tightly press into place across windows like a wind-up roller shade. Great for rental spaces, the powerful internal coils provide superb gripping traction against wall surfaces to bear loads.