Blackout curtains behind vertical blinds

Question

I have two 6' patio doors, and I want to add blackout curtains to keep the sun/cold out. What is the best way to hang them, and what can I use to push the curtains back when not in use?

MN Mom · Answer

Hi Diane 
I would place the curtains in front of the blinds rather than behind them. You can use an extended rod that is deeper than a regular rod and that way the fixture of the blinds would be behind it. If you want the ability to open and close the curtain you can go with a panel that has large grommets or a tab top or use curtain rings to make sliding them open and closed easier

CK · Answer

I'd try grommet black out curtains. They're easy to find in many colors/patterns and are easy to push to the side when you want the sunshine in...also easy to open when you want to open the patio door. TIP: Be sure to position your curtain rod to extend on both sides of the door allowing the drapes to be 'stacked' back and out of the way when they don't need to be closed. This will most likely require four panels rather than two so they look full when closed.

Cindi · Answer

I'd use a Traverse Rod, that will easily pull the curtains to one side, or you can have them open in the center, as long as the one side doesn't interfere with the door opening, and definitely put it over, not under, the blinds.

Donna · Answer

I agree with Barbara S about placing them in front of the blinds. I think it will work much better. While we are remodeling our master bath, we don't have a door between it and our bedroom. The opening is double the normal size and light from the bathroom shines directly in your eyes if you're in bed. I hung grommet black out curtains over the opening and it has worked wonderfully. I'm also thinking about attaching a small dow rod to the inside of each curtain to make it easier to pull them back.

Diane · Answer

Thank you everyone.

Sandy · Answer

If the blinds are mt'd above the door, it will be hard to find rods that project out enough to clear and allow them to function. measure the depth of the inside door, If you have sufficient depth, you can use blk out roller shades, or, a utility hand draw raverse rod that can be retro fitted to the ceiling of the frame. It has clips to hang the drapes. Either way, stay away from grommet tops in your situation, as they have a projection of 5-7' when open, and will rub and catch when opening and closing. Go to JCPenney, and tell them what you need, bearing in mind this advice. They can help you. I work there in Windows, so I know your challenge. Also, It might be just as easy to Order separate insulated vanes and replace the ones you have. It will help. They are 6-8$ each, depending on the sales.

Anne · Answer

We had the very same issue --- cold air leaking/seeping thru sliding door. We bought a set of flannel sheets on clearance (after season clearance) and the following winter, tap nailed it to the molding around the door. It was a wonderful change. It's still cooler near the door but doesn't make the whole room very cold like it used to. Since then, I found 'grommets'. There are sets at Lowes and we measured out the door and took the King size flat sheet and folded the one end over to meet our door measurements. Then we put grommets in and now, with permanent small nails sticking out of the molding, we simply put it up for the season and take it down afterward and store. The nails are long enough to hang the grommet from but in far enough that they don't interfere with the blinds in off season.

Linda · Answer

I bough two room darkening rod pocket panels and mounted them on a decorative rod far enough above the door to allow it to open when the panels are pulled back. Amazing how much warmer the room is now.

Diane · Answer

Thank you Sandy.

Suzette · Answer

Here's how! http://thediymommy.com/make-a-no-sew-fabric-covered-roller-shade/

Have fun!

Dianacirce70 · Answer

I got some decent darkening Roman shades on ebay for pretty cheap. I think I paid less than $30 for two very large windows. They still give you some control over how much or how little they are open, and tend to look nicer than rolling shades.

Sandra Allen · Answer

This might seem too simple. but I use black foam board from the dollar tree. I had to tape a little bit on the top to keep all the sun out, but when you live in Alaska in the summer, you do what you can.

This might cost you .69 per board and they are 20" by 30". Hope that helps.

This might cost you .69 per board and they are 20' by 30'. Hope that helps.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Fabric shop - Ask for Black out Fabric............

Angel · Answer

You could probably use some heavy duty, dark colored canvas.

Jewellmartin · Answer

Black kettle cloth with any color backing should work. Mount them on the outside of the window frames making sure you make the curtains wider than the window. Happy sleep. 😇💞

Gail · Answer

if you can sew, joann's fabric has fabric that has a rubber backing. it's bought by the yard then cut to fit. attach that to a fabric that matches the room's décor. they can be roman style, or just regular pleated style.

Dee · Answer

If you want 84 inch length that would be a 7 foot drop cloth. You need to take your width and double it to get a full curtain. So the measurements would be approximately 10x7. 
Use a fabric store coupon or Hobby lobby and buy black out fabric the width of the curtain you are going to make. I usually just put an extra rod in the window and hem the black out fabric on one end. It is very durable and you can just cut it to fit. I make rods using electrical conduit which cost about $3. If you find the right size drop cloth you can use clips or hem the top over and use a rod. You could also buy grommets and do it that way.

Dee · Answer

Try JoAnn's Fabric shop. They should have the information in their drapery department on how much blackout fabric you need and how to sew them. Once you know this you will find out how much drop cloth fabric you need. Try Harbor Freight for painters drop cloths, or some other painters supply store.

Mam1717232 · Answer

you can have double rod, or use Velcro on window trim and black out material.they make curtains with black out just hang and open.

Millie · Answer

Have you looked a spring rods? they come in larger diameters to hold heavier curtains and can be put up in a flash. Amazon has them and probably wal mart as well.

Lisa S. · Answer

If cost is a problem, large drapes, even black out curtains are available at local thrift shops. As your windows are so large you really have to install adequate rods. You cannot Velcro curtains / draperies to hold them up. Another idea is very simple room darkening window shades. They back out a lot of light. By them at a discount store and they are pretty inexpensive. More expensive at a home store.

Sharon · Answer

I would get a tension rod to fit as far back into the window as you don't want to hang them on the outside as the light will leak from the edges unless you cut them with at least a 6' past the window frame all the way around. You can use a cafe curtain rod to hang your homemade ones.

or you could just order some cause your window size is not that large.... https://www.brylanehome.com/decor/Cordless-Push-Up-Roller-Blackout-Shade.aspx?PfId=533204&DeptId=15287&ProductTypeId=1&ppos=8&Splt=1&StyleNo=2074

There are more on this page... https://www.brylanehome.com/Home-Blinds-and-Shades.aspx?DeptId=15287

Oliva · Answer

There are different grades of blackout material available at better fabric stores. You can see this in person, at JoAnn Fabric, or better. Place the heavier weight grade fabric behind your top fabric (linen cotton blend or heavier poly blend, and sew them together, placing rings with hooks at top. Use a plain, 1/2' rod that 'turns' around corners of window, and pin edges to wall, if needed. Voila... Instant dark! Drapery rod must be hung minimum of 4' beyond each side of window, and minimum 4' above window, to be most effective. Allow overlap of fabric at center, as well.

Pegg Macko · Answer

I purchased the black out lining from the fabric store and velcroed it to curtain panels that I already had hanging. That way if I want to wash the curtains I can take the black out lining off and put it back on. It was easy. Just measure, cut, and put it on.

Rachel's Trash~2~Treasures · Answer

Put some window tint on the window. There's decorative cling film type products out there too. My neighbor has a light that beams right on our bedroom window, i put up black out curtains and had the same problem, i was really dangerously close to putting cardboard or aluminum foil on the window when I ran across it. They have it at Lowes and home depot.

Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage · Answer

This blog post is super easy to follow and has a great source list. Hope this helps!

Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage

Tuula - Color Me Thrifty · Answer

You might find the tutorial here helpful.

Tuula, Color Me Thrifty

Becky at Flipping the Flip · Answer

I made some very simply. You can see how I did it here: https://www.flippingtheflip.com/2018/04/diy-blackout-curtains.html

FrugalFamilyTimes.com · Answer

You can buy special fabric glue! You can attach the blackout fabric with that as a no sew option. :)

Gk · Answer

You can use iron on hem tape. Keep in mind that if you wash the curtains a lot it may not hold up to repeated washing.

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