Can You Replace Horizontal Blinds with Curtains? The Ultimate Guide
Are those dusty old blinds making your windows look drab and dated? No need to fret — replacing them with stylish new curtains is an easy weekend project!
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know to upgrade your horizontal blinds to beautiful, refreshed curtains. Let‘s dive in!
Blinds vs. Curtains: Key Pros and Cons
Before we get started ripping out those blinds, let‘s briefly compare some pros and cons of blinds vs. curtains:
Blinds
Pros
- Ability to control light and privacy precisely
- Contemporary, structured aesthetic
- Easier to clean dust and debris
Cons
- Limited color/pattern options
- Can give a cold, sterile look
- Slats and cords deteriorate over time
Curtains
Pros
- Softer, cozier look and feel
- Wider selection of colors, patterns, and fabrics
- Can layer over blinds for extra decoration
- Often less expensive than premium blinds
Cons
- Less control over light filtering
- Usually require professional installation
- Fabric can fade or sustain damage more easily
As you can see, curtains provide more design flexibility, while blinds excel at function. But with careful planning, you can enjoy the benefits of both!
Now that we‘ve compared the key factors, let‘s get into the nitty gritty of replacing your blinds with stylish new curtains.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to seamlessly swap out those dated blinds for beautiful curtains:
Remove the Existing Blinds
The first step is taking down the old blinds. Here‘s how:
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Fully raise the blinds to the top of the window.
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On each side, you‘ll see a bracket securing the blinds in place. Locate any screws or clips holding the bracket and detach them using a screwdriver or drill (be gentle so as not to damage the wall).
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Slide each bracket off the ends of the blinds. Lower the blinds completely and roll them up.
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Set aside the brackets and any hardware for potential reuse. Discard or recycle the old blinds properly.
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Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the window frame to clear out any dust or debris.
And that‘s it – the blinds are down! Any leftover holes or marks on the wall can be easily patched up and painted over.
Measure Precisely
Now it‘s time to grab your tape measure! To ensure a perfect curtain fit, we need to measure each window precisely.
For width:
- Measure across the top, middle, and bottom of the window.
- Use the longest measurement.
- Record the exact width.
For length:
- Measure from the very top of the window frame down to the desired curtain length.
- For floor-length panels, measure all the way down to the floor.
- Record the exact length.
Repeat this process for every window that needs new curtains. Precision measurements are crucial for selecting the ideal curtain size.
Tip: Snap photos of each window as a backup reference.
Calculate Yardage and Purchase
Curtains are sold by the yard, so some quick math is needed to purchase the right amount of fabric.
Here‘s how to estimate the yardage:
For length:
- Take your length measurement
- Add 18-24" to allow optimal fullness
- For floor length, calculate additional yardage
For width:
- Multiply your width by 1.5 to 3X depending on desired fullness
- Account for more fabric if using wide back tabs
You can also use online curtain yardage calculators for help fine-tuning your fabric needs.
When purchasing curtains, choose sizes around 2-3 inches wider than the window frame – this prevents light leakage on the sides.
You can buy ready-made panels in standard sizes or have custom curtains tailored to your exact window measurements. Make sure to get any necessary hanging hardware like curtain rods or rings as well!
Select and Install the Curtain Rod
Now comes the fun part – picking the perfect curtain rod to hang your new drapes!
You have lots of options:
- Tension rod – Temporary; uses tension to grip the walls
- Spring rod – Casual; spring coils allow expanding width
- Pole set – Elegant; pole slides through finials mounted into the wall/ceiling
- Clip rings – Simple; rings clip directly to the frame
Interior design experts often recommend pole sets held up by finials. This allows using thicker poles and fins for a luxe, stable drape.
Choose a rod that fits the width of your window. Align it either centered on the window, or shifted left/right for an asymmetric look. Use a level to ensure it‘s straight.
Install the rod following the manufacturer‘s instructions. Most use some form of secure wall anchors.
Tip: If reusing brackets from old blinds, check that they are study enough to support curtain rods.
Hang the Curtains
The fun part is here – it‘s time to dress those windows in their gorgeous new curtains!
Unpack your curtains and locate the top hem where the gathering method is attached. This may be:
- Rod pocket
- Back tabs
- Button tape with hooks/rings
- Grommets
Evenly space and slide rings or hooks onto the rod. For rod pocket curtains, simply slide the top pocket directly onto the rod.
Arrange the curtains how you‘d like! You may use a single panel per window, two panels separated in the middle, two panels fully covering the window, or another creative configuration.
Pull the curtains back to let that beautiful natural light shine into your freshly decorated space!
Maintain Proper Light Control
One disadvantage of curtains is slightly less control over incoming sunlight. But there are handy ways to find the perfect balance in your space:
- Sheer curtains filter and softly diffuse light
- Blackout liners block light when layered under sheer panels
- Side channels fully cover window edges to prevent light leakage
- Tiebacks allow adjusting airflow and light filtration
Also consider the sun‘s path when positioning curtains. Placing them above the window frame helps maximize exposure.
With the right fabrics and positioning, you can still control lighting and privacy with stylish new curtains.
Popular Curtain Styles and Options
Now that the basics are covered, let‘s explore some of the top curtain styles and options to consider for your windows:
Curtain Styles
Rod Pocket
- Most common and versatile style
- Fabric panels with pockets sewn into the top
- Rod slides right through the pocket
Back Tabs
- Curtain has tabs sewn into upper back edges
- Hang on rings or grommets attached to tabs
Grommets
- Metal grommets spaced along the top hem
- Thread curtain rod through grommets
- Sleek, modern look
Pinch Pleat
- Fabric is "pinched" and sewn into pleats at top
- Creates a ruffled, billowy effect
- Soft, romantic look
Tiered
- Curtains feature multiple stepped tiers
- Provides depth and dimension
- Lends a more formal vibe
Mix and match styles like combining rod pockets with a pretty swag valance for extra flair.
Fabrics
From breezy sheers to plush blackout textiles, curtain fabrics span the spectrum. Consider factors like:
- Privacy level – blackout vs. light-filtering fabrics
- Insulation – thermal fabrics to retain heat in winter
- Durability – fabrics like polyester and olefin last longer
- Light protection – UV blocking fabrics prevent fading
- Appearance – colors, patterns, textures to complement your decor
Here‘s how some popular fabrics compare:
| Fabric | Durability | Light Blocking |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet | 3-6 years | 95-100% |
| Silk | 3-6 years | 50-60% |
| Cotton | 4-6 years | 25-40% |
| Linen | 4-6 years | 50-55% |
| Polyester | 6-8 years | 95-100% |
| Olefin | 7-10 years | 95-100% |
The options are endless – have fun and choose fabrics you love!
Hardware
Rod, ring, and finial options include:
- Rods – tension, spring, pole/finial, clip rings, more
- Finials – decorate pole ends, many styles
- Rings – hang curtains on clips, grommets, rings
Go modern with sleek nickel. Opt for romantic with carved wood finials. Have fun mixing and matching to suit your style.
Cost Comparison: Blinds vs. Curtains
Let‘s break down the typical price differences between blinds and curtains:
Blinds
- Vinyl/aluminum – $20-$50 per window
- Faux wood – $50-$150 per window
- Real wood- $150-$300+ per window
Curtains
- Ready-made panels – $20-$50 per panel
- Custom panels – $75-$150+ per panel
Hardware & Installation
- Blinds – ~$30-100 per window install
- Curtains – Starting at ~$100 per window install
As you can see, basic curtains generally cost less than real wood blinds. But precise pricing depends on size, fabric, accessories, installation, and more.
Long-term costs also matter – well-made wooden blinds can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
Now let‘s go over some fun ideas for styling your curtains!
Decorating Tips: Curtains Over Blinds
Want the functionality of blinds plus the beauty of curtains? Layer both together!
Here are some quick tips for decorating with curtains over blinds:
- Hang the rod several inches above the blinds for easy operation of both
- Coordinate colors and patterns between curtains and blinds for a cohesive look
- Contrast textures like sleek wood blinds under flowing cotton curtains
- Incorporate complementary patterns and prints for visual interest
- Show off blinds as an intentional under-layer by drawing back curtains during the day
- Close lined curtains at night while opening blinds to maintain privacy and airflow
- Use curtains to frame windows and soften the edges of blinds in corners or side windows
Mixing curtains and blinds allows you to double up on features like light filtering, insulation, and style. Have fun and get creative with your custom layered window treatments!
As we‘ve explored in this guide, replacing tired old horizontal blinds with new, stylish curtains is easy to do and makes a world of difference.
Here are the key steps:
- Remove the old blinds properly
- Take precise measurements of each window
- Use measurements to calculate yardage needs
- Shop for curtains in the right sizes
- Select curtain rod and hanging hardware
- Install the rod correctly
- Hang your gorgeous new curtains!
The end result will be windows draped in your choice of elegant fabrics that breathe new life into your space.
So don‘t settle for dusty, dated blinds for one minute longer. Instead, follow this guide to easily swap them out for refreshed curtains tailored to your unique style.
Your rooms will instantly feel more warm, inviting, and put-together. And you‘ll wonder why you didn‘t switch to curtains years ago!
