Vertical blinds are a practical and affordable choice for many windows. They are easy to operate and adjust with a wand or a chain that controls the rotation and movement of the vertical slats. However, vertical blinds can also look dated and boring. They can also let in unwanted light and noise through the gaps between the slats.
So how do you put drapes over vertical blinds without removing them or making holes in the wall? You can hang drapes over vertical blinds with some simple tools and techniques. You can use different types of curtain rods or hooks depending on the style and weight of your drapes, the size and shape of your window, and the type and position of your blinds. You can also choose between different hanging options, such as inside mount, outside mount, or ceiling mount.
Can you put drapes over vertical blinds? Yes, you can put drapes over vertical blinds with some careful planning and preparation. However, you need to consider some factors before choosing and hanging the drapes for your window.
How to Put Drapes Over Vertical Blinds
Here are some tips and steps to follow when putting drapes over vertical blinds:
- Measure your window and blinds carefully. You need to know the exact width and height of your window and blinds before hanging drapes over them. You can use a metal tape measure to measure the inside or outside of your window frame depending on the hanging option you prefer. You may also need to measure the depth of your window frame if you choose an inside mount option. If your window or blinds are irregular or custom-shaped, you may need to contact a professional to measure them for you.
- Decide on the type and style of drapes you want. There are different types and styles of drapes that can work well with vertical blinds, such as sheer curtains, blackout curtains, valances, or swags. Each type and style has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and preferences. For example:
- Sheer curtains are made of light and transparent fabric that allows natural light to filter through. They are good for adding a soft and airy touch to your room. They are also easy to hang and move.
- Blackout curtains are made of thick and opaque fabric that blocks out light and noise from outside. They are good for creating a dark and cozy atmosphere in your room. They are also good for insulation, privacy, and security.
- Valances are short pieces of fabric that cover the top part of your window. They are good for adding some color and flair to your window. They are also good for hiding the blind headrail or cornice.
- Swags are long pieces of fabric that drape over the sides of your window. They are good for adding some elegance and drama to your window. They are also good for framing your view or creating a focal point.
- Choose the color and material of your drapes. You can choose from a wide range of colors and materials for your drapes depending on your taste and budget. For example:
- White or light-colored drapes can reflect light and heat away from your room, making it cooler and brighter.
- Dark or bright-colored drapes can absorb light and heat into your room, making it warmer and darker.
- Cotton drapes can add texture and softness to your room, but they may wrinkle or shrink over time.
- Polyester drapes can resist wrinkles and stains, but they may fade or melt over time.
- Silk drapes can add luxury and shine to your room, but they may be expensive or delicate.
- Consider the features and options of your drapes. You can also customize your drapes with various features and options to suit your needs and preferences. For example:
- Lined drapes can add extra weight and insulation to your drapes, making them more durable and energy-efficient.
- Pleated drapes can add more volume and structure to your drapes, making them more formal and elegant.
- Grommet drapes can add more style and ease to your drapes, making them more modern and convenient.
- Tieback drapes can add more versatility and charm to your drapes, making them more flexible and decorative. You can use tiebacks to hold your drapes open or closed, or to create different shapes and styles.
- Hang your drapes over vertical blinds using different methods. You can hang your drapes over vertical blinds using different methods depending on the type and style of your drapes, the size and shape of your window, and the type and position of your blinds. For example:
- For sheer curtains or lightweight drapes, you can use a tension rod to hang them between the blind headrail or cornice and the blinds. A tension rod is a spring-loaded rod that can be adjusted to fit the width of your window. You can slide your curtains or drapes onto the rod and then place it inside the window frame. You can also use clips or rings to attach your curtains or drapes to the rod.
- For blackout curtains or heavy drapes, you can use a curtain rod with brackets to hang them over the blind headrail or cornice. A curtain rod with brackets is a metal rod that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling with screws or nails. You can slide your curtains or drapes onto the rod and then place it on the brackets. You can also use clips or rings to attach your curtains or drapes to the rod.
- For valances or swags, you can use hooks to hang them over the blind headrail or cornice. Hooks are metal or plastic devices that can be attached to the blind headrail or cornice with adhesive or screws. You can loop your valances or swags over the hooks and then adjust them as desired.
FAQs About Putting Drapes Over Vertical Blinds
Here are some common questions that people have about putting drapes over vertical blinds:
- How do I measure my window for drapes? To measure your window for drapes, you need to use a metal tape measure and measure the width and height of your window frame from inside or outside depending on the hanging option you prefer. You may also need to measure the depth of your window frame if you choose an inside mount option. If your window or blinds are irregular or custom-shaped, you may need to contact a professional to measure them for you.
- What kind of drapes are best for my window? The best kind of drapes for your window depends on your needs and preferences. However, some factors to consider are weight, size, material, color, style, features, and options. Generally, lighter, smaller, moisture-resistant, durable, easy-to-hang, and easy-to-operate drapes are better for most windows.
How to Care for and Maintain Your Drapes Over Vertical Blinds
Putting drapes over vertical blinds can make your window look more attractive and comfortable, but it also requires some care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips and steps to follow when caring for and maintaining your drapes over vertical blinds:
- Dust and vacuum your drapes regularly. You should dust and vacuum your drapes at least once a month to remove any dust, dirt, or allergens that may accumulate on them. You can use a soft cloth, a feather duster, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently wipe or suck the dust off your drapes. You should also dust and vacuum your blinds regularly to prevent them from transferring any dust or dirt to your drapes.
- Wash or dry clean your drapes occasionally. You should wash or dry clean your drapes every few months or as needed to remove any stains, odors, or germs that may build up on them. You should follow the care instructions on the label of your drapes to determine the best way to wash or dry clean them. Some drapes can be machine washed or hand washed with mild detergent and cold water, while others may need to be dry cleaned by a professional.
- Iron or steam your drapes as needed. You should iron or steam your drapes as needed to remove any wrinkles or creases that may form on them after washing or drying. You should follow the care instructions on the label of your drapes to determine the best way to iron or steam them. Some drapes can be ironed with a low or medium heat setting, while others may need to be steamed with a garment steamer or a steam iron.
- Repair or replace your drapes as needed. You should repair or replace your drapes as needed if they become damaged, worn out, or faded over time. You can repair minor damages such as loose threads, missing buttons, or small tears with a needle and thread or a sewing machine. You can replace major damages such as large holes, rips, or stains with new fabric or new drapes.
Color and Pattern Guide
Putting drapes over vertical blinds can change the look and feel of your window and your room. The color and pattern of your drapes can make a big difference in creating the desired effect. Here are some examples of how different colors and patterns of drapes look over vertical blinds:
- White or light-colored drapes over white or light-colored vertical blinds can create a clean and bright look for your window. They can also make your window appear larger and more spacious.
- Dark or bright-colored drapes over white or light-colored vertical blinds can create a contrast and a pop of color for your window. They can also make your window stand out and draw attention.
- White or light-colored drapes over dark or bright-colored vertical blinds can create a balance and a harmony for your window. They can also soften the impact of the bold colors and make them more subtle.
- Dark or bright-colored drapes over dark or bright-colored vertical blinds can create a dramatic and intense look for your window. They can also enhance the mood and atmosphere of the room.
- Solid-colored drapes over solid-colored vertical blinds can create a simple and elegant look for your window. They can also match easily with any décor and style.
- Patterned drapes over solid-colored vertical blinds can create a fun and lively look for your window. They can also add some interest and variety to your window.
- Solid-colored drapes over patterned vertical blinds can create a calm and soothing look for your window. They can also tone down the busy patterns and make them more pleasing to the eye.
- Patterned drapes over patterned vertical blinds can create a bold and eclectic look for your window. They can also show off your personality and taste.
Conclusion
Putting drapes over vertical blinds is possible and beneficial if you are creative and prepared. You can put drapes over vertical blinds by measuring your window and blinds, deciding on the type
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
