Ideas For Using Curtains With Vertical Blinds

Layering curtains over existing vertical blinds is a clever way to transform the look and feel of a room without completely replacing window treatments. With some creative pairing, curtains can be used to soften, enhance, or completely change the aesthetic of vertical blinds. Curtains add an extra layer of texture, color, and style that can help vertical blinds blend seamlessly into your home's decor.

There are many benefits to hanging curtains over vertical blinds instead of taking them down or starting from scratch. It saves time and money while allowing you to still take advantage of the adjustable light filtering abilities that vertical blinds provide. Whether you want to complement the blinds or make them disappear, curtain and vertical blind combinations create beautiful windows in any home.

Considerations When Combining Curtains and Vertical Blinds

Before selecting curtains to pair with your existing vertical blinds, take some measurements and assess your needs. This will help you choose suitable curtains and determine the best installation method.

Measure Window Size and Layout

Measure the height and width of your windows to ensure you get curtains that will fit properly when hung over the blinds. Consider if you have single windows, adjacent windows, bay windows, or sliding doors. This will allow you to determine if you need single panels, multiple panels, or another specialized style.

Light, Privacy, and Functionality Needs

Think about your light filtering needs and how much privacy you want. Sheer or lightweight curtains allow some light through, while heavier lined curtains provide more darkness. Also consider if you will want to still use the blinds for adjustable light control and privacy during certain times of day.

Design Style and Decor

Factor in your overall interior design style, colors, and patterns when selecting curtains. Your curtains should coordinate with or enhance your existing decor. Whether complementing or contrasting the blinds, choose curtains that fit your aesthetic goals.

Budget

Look at affordable curtain options if you are on a tight budget. There are many varieties that can add style without breaking the bank. Measure for ready-made sizes or calculate fabric yardage needed if hemming your own curtains.

Choosing Complimentary Fabrics, Textures, and Colors

With some smart pairing selections, your curtains and blinds can work together to create a cohesive window treatment. Consider the following when combining materials, textures, and color schemes:

Coordinate or Contrast Colors

Choose curtains in colors that either match, complement, or contrast your vertical blinds. Contrasting colors add vibrancy, while coordinating softens the look. Neutral solids or patterns with colorful accents work well with most blind colors.

Fabric Light Filtering Qualities

The thickness and transparency of your curtains will impact the light filtering qualities. Sheers and linen allow light through, while heavier textured fabrics like velvet provide more darkness. This depends on your needs.

Fabric Texture and Drape

The texture and drape of your curtains impacts the overall look and feel. Light breezy curtains, flowing drapes, or sleek lined panels each create a distinct aesthetic. Match the texture to your room's needs.

Hanging and Layering Techniques

Achieving the right layered look depends on proper hanging and installation. Here are some techniques for blending curtains and blinds:

Fully or Partially Layered

You can layer curtains either fully from top to bottom, or partially leaving some blind exposed. Full coverage creates a new window treatment, while partial shows off blind colors or textures.

Hang Curtains Inside, Outside, or In-Between Blinds

Inside mounting allows curtains to hide blinds when drawn closed. Outside layered curtains soften blinds when open. In-between hangs curtains on hooks between slats.

Allow Blinds to Still Function

Ensure you hang curtains so blinds can still be adjusted as needed. Leave space for drawstrings and room for slats to pivot open and closed.

Creative Pairing Ideas for Beautiful Windows

Get inspired by these gorgeous curtain and vertical blind combinations that add style, light control, and privacy to windows:

Sheer Curtains for Softness

Light, breezy sheers softly filter light while concealing blinds when closed. Perfect for bedrooms or living rooms.

Bold Patterns with Solid Blinds

Make a style statement by pairing printed, patterned, or textured curtains with sleek solid color vertical blinds.

Blackout Lining for Room Darkening

For bedrooms or home theaters, choose thick lined curtains to block outside light when closed over blinds.

Contrasting Textures for Visual Interest

Mix rough with smooth, matte with shiny, or casual with elegant textures between curtains and blinds.

Window Type Considerations and Solutions

Certain window types present unique challenges for hanging curtains and blinds together. Here are some tips for specific situations:

Large Picture Windows

Break up the expanse with two or three curtain panels instead of one giant one. Layer sections of blinds between.

Sliding Doors

Mount sliding panels or split curtains to allow door functionality. Group multiple curtain rods close together.

Corner Windows

Bend curtain rods to fit the angle or install two perpendicular rods. Start blinds at the corner edge.

Bay Windows

Hang curtains on straight rods across each window section. Align seams with blind dividers.

Decorating and Styling the Finished Look

Add the final decorative accents that take your curtains and blinds from functional to fabulous:

Tie Backs and Holdbacks

Use coordinating tie backs or holdbacks to control curtain placement and develop a polished style.

Layer Other Elements

Incorporate valances, swags, and other decorative layers to frame windows with depth.

Select art, drapery rods, finials, and other accents that tie the whole layered window treatment together.

You can change the look of a window with some creative combinations. Curtains provide the missing design element that completes these unique layered window treatments. Follow these tips for blending styles, colors, fabrics and layers when adding beautiful curtains over existing vertical blinds.