The short answer is yes. But this article is not finished with that so we will explain why “yes” and why blinds and curtains together is a good idea. Finally, we will tell you how to install curtains over blinds.
To give you a glimpse, we will talk about the decorative benefits of combining one fabric with another, as well as the insulation benefits you get from it. So let us start with how to approach this decision.
Decide on the usage first
So when we think about pairing curtains and blinds we need to consider several factors. The first one being the actual goal you do want to achieve by using two window treatments at once. Each of them comes with individual benefits. Combined with each other hanging curtains over blinds can help you boost the following factors.
- Decorating: Both window treatments come with a completely different approach to blocking windows. One being more subtle and effective the other one playing a huge role in your interior. Combined blinds with curtains over, you can get both benefits at once.
- Light Management: Light filtering, blackout, and everything in between. Both curtains and blinds offer these options so you can combine blinds and curtains. This way you can choose the one shading option you need at every time.
- Insulation: Two layers of window treatment mean there is room for air and simply just another layer of fabric. Can you put curtains over blinds to achieve this heat or cold-insulating effect? Yes although a double glass window provides an even greater improvement.
Choose fitting blinds and curtains
Which options of window blinds with curtains are available that will tailor your specific needs? We took the effort to list available products, including their specific benefits, for you.
Blinds
- Zebra Blinds or banded shades are light and versatile window coverings. Their stripes can be adjusted for either blackout or leaving through the iconic stripes of sunlight. Zebra blinds and curtains work perfectly together.
- Cellular Shades can surely be classified as a classy window covering. Not everyone loves their style but the insulating and light-blocking features are undeniable.
- Roman Shades are the classic fabric blinds, very fitting for any European style interior. A perfect fit for older window frames. Depending on the fabric, their shading strength does not need to hide from other products.
- Vertical Blinds go well on any larger glass front. Patio windows, office windows, and glass sliding doors. Consider motorized options, especially for wide windows.
- Roller Shades scream practicality. Straight fabric in many different color options. Waterproof, easy to install, easy to use, cheap, and light blocking except for a small stripe between the window frame and roller shade.
- Shangri-La Shades seems to be somewhat unknown even though they combine the soft fabric with the smooth turning plates known from shutters. Easy to use, beautiful in appearance, and suitable for larger windows.
- Shutters should be known by almost everyone. Made out of simple aluminum slates in white, silver or any other color, operated by cord. You probably had a pair on the windows of your first self rented apartment.
Curtains
- Blackout Curtains are made with thick fabric that does block out any harmful UV rays.
- Window Scarf do not have much of a technical benefit. They are just decorations. Perfect for pairing curtains and blinds.
- Valances come with decorative benefits as well, however, they do prevent your blinds from getting dirty.
- Window Tiers come with excellent light filtering options and work similarly as shades as they are directly placed in front of the window.
- Panel Pair Curtains are what many of us picture talking about curtains. Straight long fabric hanging down from a curtain rod. Curtain rod that fits over vertical blinds.
- Single Panel Curtain are similar but instead of two fabric panels they consist out of one which is most likely a bit wider.
Pairing Curtains and Blinds
So after we now know which kind of blinds and curtains are available, let us see how we can use them and what else to consider while choosing the right blinds and curtains for you.
Enlarging your windows
Curtains are capable large window treatments when it comes to enlarging your windows or the whole wall. Optically not physically of course. However, this mostly counts for curtains, that are installed high and almost upon your ceiling with curtain rods over blinds and windows.
Vertical shades or other large sliding door blinds however can offer the same benefit. The trick is vertical running fabric. It is the same effect with clothing. Horizontal stripes make fat, vertical strips large.
Add accessories
In comparison to blinds, curtains offer more options for additional decoration. For example, tiebacks which are almost used with every curtain and offer lots of possibilities in either color or structure. You can use a tieback that goes well with the blinds and curtains together.
Blinds however do not offer many options for added accessories. We are a blinds company with years in the market and we can not think of a handful. Curtains for windows with blinds can be seen as decorating though.
Match the blinds and curtain colors
So can you put curtains over blinds randomly? You could, but we all know that there are colors that fit each other and some colors do not. While you might not be the best to decide which do so, someone can surely help you and turn your window into a perfectly matched part of your interior decoration. You can also check color tools online helping you to decide how to install curtains over blinds in the right colors.
Which room can hang curtains over blinds?
Any room has its special needs when it comes to its window treatments. Some require a focus on privacy like bedrooms, some need to handle humidity and other liquids like bathrooms and kitchens and some just need to look good on display.
Humidity, waterproofing and more practical needs are usually the ideal territories for roller shades. They cover the window, block light or not and come with more stiff, resistant fabric. So can you put curtains over blinds in those cases? No, and yes. It depends on the fabric. A lot of curtains are made of fabric which is not waterproof. So have a look into that before you hang curtains over blinds.
Decoration however is the strong point of curtains, they simply have something to them that blinds do not have. In addition, they offer more options for accessories. Window blinds with curtains can lift up any living room or dining room decoration.
This means a bathroom might not be the best option for blinds and curtains together, but a patio, living room, bedroom or even dining room. Generally, rooms are where you tend to reside most of the day. These rooms are in need of all the benefits a combination of blinds with curtains over offers.
How to put curtains over blinds?
Hanging curtains and blinds together is not more difficult than hanging each of them alone. Mostly due to the fact that they won’t come into direct contact. Curtains can be hanged over the window frame, and attached to the wall with curtain rod that fits over vertical blinds or any other shade. Blinds however will be attached between the window frame itself.
One important thing is to notice. Some curtains, that get installed between the window frame, at the same position as the blinds do, won’t be suitable. So make sure you get curtains for windows with blinds.
Conclusion:
Combining window blinds with curtains is no problem at all, it is even an advantage in more than one case. Just think about the endlessness of color combinations that will be available and suitable for your decoration. In addition, you will get different shading options on your window that last but not least come with an extra layer of insulation. Especially vertical blinds with curtains can make a nice looking wall for your garden or patio.