What is the best way to hang curtains over vertical blinds?

Lara Hickerson
by Lara Hickerson
We live in a rental with vertical blinds. I love having them because it helps block out that hot, late- afternoon sun. BUT I hate how stark it looks without curtains. I want to hang my curtain over the blinds, without the curtains dragging on top of the blinds.
  5 answers
  • I did that, but I have a mid 80's "box" and the verticals were installed in the window box itself. Then I purchased double rod curtain rods and did a sheer underneath and a curtain. It gets real hot here in summer and the 3 layers buffers the heat until I can replace all the windows. It can be done, I would choose brackets that would provide you enough depth and clearance. Am I explaining this correctly?

    • See 1 previous
    • Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, OSH, hardware stores. I would go to a home improvement store, better selection.

  • Lin22002310 Lin22002310 on Jun 17, 2017

    I made a swag valance for my mom to enhance her blinds

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Jun 17, 2017

    One thing you could do that is not permanent is use blue cellophane right next to the windows. This can work great in blocking the sun's rays. You could also notice which parts of the glass get the most glare and just cover those parts. Then choose a curtain system you want to use. Check with your landlord unless you see signs others have used curtain rods before you. (Or ask a neighbor.) But some landlords don't allow any nail holes in the walls at all. Best wishes 😇

    • Lara Hickerson Lara Hickerson on Jun 19, 2017

      Oh! I might try the blue cellophane in addition to everything. Our balcony and dining room face West so we get all the afternoon sun and it turns our little apartment into an oven!

  • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Jun 17, 2017

    I purchased a rod that was 102". I made sure to have at least 8" overhang on either side for the curtains, so that they didn't get in the way of the verticals when they were pulled open. Make sure your anchors are installed, and use the rod holders that are at least two inches from the wall. I installed my rod up to my ceiling and purchased inexpensive 94" black out curtains from Wayfair.

  • Pat Pat on Jun 18, 2017

    Lowes sells brackets and I think you can get longer ones....if not, just put a block of wood under your bracket, like your maintenance man suggested, to hold the curtain out away from your blinds. If you tell Lowes what you want, they may even help you with a piece of wood. That piece of wood can be painted the same color as your brackets or the wall, which ever you want.

    • Lara Hickerson Lara Hickerson on Jun 19, 2017

      Oh good idea to paint it! I might get fancy and even stencil on a subtle pattern or have it match the curtains.