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No Need to Sweat! Easy DIY Blackout Curtain Mounts Above Blinds

Struggling to darken your bedroom during the day for some much-needed sleep? Do you wish you could quickly block outside light and noise without completely removing your existing window blinds? We've all been there before. The good news is you can easily mount blackout curtains above your blinds for custom light and privacy control, no sweat required!

In this post, we'll share several DIY hacks for installing blackout curtains over your blinds without any hassle or special tools. You'll learn handy tricks like using adhesive hooks, tension rods, and existing blind hardware to hang light-blocking curtains right over your blinds. With a few simple steps, you can transform any room into a dark, secluded oasis.

how to install blackout curtains over blinds

Why Layer Blackout Curtains Over Blinds?

Blackout curtains are specially designed to prevent outside light from entering a room, making them ideal for bedrooms, home theaters, nurseries, and more. Adding them over your existing window blinds gives you the best of both worlds.

Your blinds can still provide adjustable privacy and airflow. Blackout curtains layered on top block extra light and softly insulate rooms. Closed tightly, the curtain and blind combo also dampens outside noise for a tranquil indoor space.

Complete Light Blocking

For maximum light blocking, opaque blackout curtains are far more effective than standard blinds. Curtains are made of tightly woven, light-absorbing fabrics and often include blackout linings. This allows virtually no light to filter through.

Blinds have small gaps between each slat that let in some daylight. Blackout curtains mounted over blinds seal these gaps for unrivaled darkness and privacy.

Noise Reduction

Blackout curtains also muffle sounds from outside, especially noisy streets, neighbors, or barking dogs. The thick, layered fabric helps absorb and block external noise that blinds allow through.

Drawing blackout curtains over blinds creates an added sound barrier for quieter sleep and relaxation.

Thermal Insulation

During cold winter months or hot summer days, blackout curtains add a layer of insulation to windows. This helps keep rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing energy costs.

By trapping air between the curtains and window, blackout fabrics help insulate your home. Blinds alone still allow some heat transfer through the slats.

Measuring for Proper Blackout Curtain Fit

Achieving an effective light block starts with precise window measurements. To ensure your blackout curtains fit correctly over the blinds:

Having accurate dimensions for your window opening will allow you to purchase ready-made blackout curtains or shades in the perfect size. Getting a custom fit is key to keeping light leakage to a minimum.

Mounting Options That Don't Require Drilling

One of the best parts of installing blackout curtains over blinds is that it doesn't require drilling into your window frame. Here are some easy mounting options:

Adhesive Hooks

Grab adhesive hook strips with adjustable curtain clip rings or loops. Simply stick these hooks onto the window molding or wall above the frame. Hang blackout curtain panels from each hook.

This creates an instant mounting point without nails or tools. Use enough hooks for a secure hold.

Tension Rod

For quick, tool-free installing, pick up an adjustable tension rod. Extend the rod to fit snugly from wall to wall above your window.

Slide blackout curtains onto the rod. The pressure against the walls holds the rod and curtains in place.

Curtain Clips

Curtain clips like pinch pleat clips allow you to securely attach blackout curtains directly onto existing horizontal or vertical blinds. Look for clip styles compatible with your blind type.

Clips keep the curtains elevated just above the blinds for easy operation of both window treatments.

Using Existing Blind Hardware

If your current window blinds already have suitable hardware in place, take advantage by attaching the blackout curtains to the same rods or mounts.

Horizontal Blinds

For outside-mounted horizontal blinds, the headrail provides a convenient anchor point. Use hook fasteners along the blackout curtain's top hem to hang from the blinds' headrail.

This allows the curtains to nestle neatly above the blinds in the same window position.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are typically hung from ceiling or wall brackets. Install blackout curtain rods or rings at the same position. For inside mounts, you can attach adhesive hooks to the top corners of the window frame instead.

Check that the vertical blind brackets are properly secured if they will now support curtain weight too.

Mounting Blackout Curtain Hardware

If there's no suitable hardware currently installed, mounting new brackets or rods for the blackout curtains is straightforward:

Placement Tips

Consider mounting above, below, or surrounding the window area based on your room's layout:

Installation into Frame

Look for blackout curtain rod brackets with included anchors that screw directly into window frames or walls without drilling.

For adhesive hooks, choose heavy duty hooks rated for your curtain weight. Clean and dry surfaces thoroughly before sticking them.

Tension Rod Adjustments

Ensure tension rods extend a width that's at least 1.5 inches wider than the window opening. This provides a snug, compression fit to hold the rod and curtains in place.

Hanging Blackout Curtain Panels

Once your mounting solution is ready, it's time to hang the blackout curtains:

Using Hooks and Clips

For adhesive hooks, choose adjustable clip-on curtain rings. Hook the rings onto the adhesive strips.

Curtain pinch pleat clips slide onto each slat of horizontal blinds for attachment. Make sure clips securely grasp the fabric.

Centering Curtains

Align curtain panels evenly over the window area when hanging. Pull the edges out fully so fabric stacks neatly when opened and closed.

The goal is to allow the curtains to glide smoothly and provide full window coverage in any position.

Additional Tips for Maximum Light Blocking

To ensure your DIY blackout curtains provide the highest level of light blocking possible:

Use Blackout Liner

Add a blackout liner or backing to regular curtains for affordable darkness. Hook & loop tape makes attaching a removable liner easy.

Seal Light Gaps

Overlap blackout curtain panels in the center for complete coverage. Tuck fabric into window frames to seal pesky side gaps.

Finish by closing blinds completely before pulling blackout curtains shut. This blocks every possible ray of light.

Using these simple tricks for installing blackout curtains over your blinds, you'll enjoy a blackout bedroom sanctuary in no time! With the right DIY mounting techniques, you can easily transform any room without breaking a sweat. No more restless nights or midday sunlight disrupting your day.

Consider using blackout roller shades instead of traditional curtains if you prefer a sleek and modern look. Roller shades are easy to install over blinds, as they can be attached directly to the blinds' headrail or mounted separately. They offer a simple and effective way to block out light and provide privacy.

To ensure a snug fit, measure the width of the blinds and deduct 1/2 inch from that measurement. This will provide enough space for the roller shade to roll up and down without interfering with the blinds.

When installing the roller shade over the blinds, make sure to align the shade's headrail with the blinds' headrail. This will ensure that the shade covers the entire window and that the blinds don't obstruct the shade's movement.

For a more customized look, consider purchasing a roller shade with a valance. A valance is a decorative panel that attaches to the bottom of the shade and covers the blinds. This can provide additional privacy and insulation while also adding a stylish touch to the window treatment setup.