Hanging curtains with blinds simply requires layering them so they don't interfere with one another. Mount a curtain rod on the wall outside the window frame using brackets with enough projection to let the curtains hang cleanly in front of the blinds without touching.
To hang curtains over existing blinds, choose a curtain rod with "projection brackets" that extend outward (usually 3 to 4 inches) to clear the blinds. Mount the rod brackets 4 to 6 inches outside the window frame and slightly higher than the blind's headrail. This allows your curtains to open and close without snagging.
Yes, you can absolutely put blinds and curtains together! Layering window treatments is an interior design favorite that allows for exceptional light and privacy control while adding beautiful depth, texture, and elegance to a room.
For most homes, placing sheer curtains closest to the window and blockout curtains behind provides the best balance of light, privacy, and visual appeal.
Hang curtains with blinds in bedrooms to keep the room dark for better sleep quality. Heavier curtains paired with Venetian blinds provide flexibility, providing extra control over light transmission. Curtains complement roller blinds, honeycomb blinds, pleated blinds, wooden blinds, and faux wood blinds.
Some of Stewart's homes utilize interior blinds for light regulation and privacy. Others feature windows framed by exterior shutters, operable versions of which can also be used for light control, ventilation and privacy.
Layered Curtains
While heavy curtains are the answer to a room in need of some privacy, they can feel a little stuffy, often preventing light from gently filtering through during the daytime. This is where the ever-popular window treatment trend comes into play: the layered curtain.
Thankfully, Stewart was quick to ease our curtain concerns. She says, “They're beautiful, I don't have anything against them, I just don't live with them… I like to look outside. Every window [in my home] looks out to something nice, and it's just all open to the view.”
Curtain trends in 2026 are shifting from purely functional covers to architectural statement pieces. The top looks emphasize rich, natural textures, layered depth, warm neutral and earth-toned palettes, and smart home integration to bring quiet luxury and character to interior spaces.
Yes, you absolutely can use sheer curtains with blinds. This designer-approved combination (often called layering) adds texture and depth to a room while giving you ultimate control over your privacy and lighting.
Yes, putting curtains over blinds is a very common interior design choice. This layered look is highly practical—blinds provide excellent light and privacy control, while curtains soften the hard edges of the blinds and add color, texture, and extra insulation to the room.
Pairing curtains with blinds elevates your room's aesthetic while allowing for adjustable light and privacy. To achieve a designer look, choose your blinds first based on function. Next, layer them with stationary or functional curtains in a complementary solid color, hanging the curtain rod high and wide for a more expansive window.
One of the easiest ways to ensure a seamless, cohesive aesthetic for your living space by combining blinds and curtains is to select complementary colours and textures. You should always start by considering the existing colour palette of the room, and selecting window treatments that help to harmonise the space.
Not Measuring Correctly. One of the most common mistakes people make when hanging curtains is not measuring correctly. It's important to measure the width of your window and the height from the top of the window to where you want your curtains to fall.
Select the appropriate NoNo Bracket style (standard, XL, or Mini for mini blinds). Remove any plastic headrail covers from your blinds if present. Slide the NoNo Bracket onto the headrail of your blinds. Insert your curtain rod into the bracket, thread your curtains onto the rod, and you're done!
Use blinds for spaces requiring easy cleaning, precise light control, or a minimalist aesthetic. Use curtains when you want to add softness, better insulation, or total blackout capabilities to a room.
6 Curtain Styles Designers Avoid—and What They Use Instead
LUCKY COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL.
Curtain trends are leaning heavily into cozy, warm, and expressive aesthetics. Designers are moving away from stark whites and icy grays in favor of warm neutrals, bold earthy tones, and rich jewel shades.
Martha Stewart recently went on the In Bed with Paige DeSorbo Amazon livestream and dropped a hot take about how often she swaps her bedding. Stewart revealed that she has her sheets changed every two to three days.
Replace traditional window drapes with modern alternatives like window films (for a sleek, frosted privacy look), interior plantation shutters (for timeless elegance and light control), or woven wood and Roman shades (for texture and a soft, tailored fold).
Martha Stewart, 83, has nothing to hide. She's always been unabashedly candid about her life and career, including her divorce and her 2005 stint in prison for insider trading. And now, the lifestyle guru is opening up about being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease vitiligo for the very first time.
Width is Key: Extend your curtain rods 3 to 6 inches on each side of the window frame. This allows you to draw the curtains completely off the glass, flooding the room with light and making the window appear larger. Height is Everything: This is the most important trick! Hang the rod high.
Trending Window Treatment Ideas for Every Room
Yes, curtains are incredibly stylish. Moving past bare minimalism, modern window treatments have evolved into major, mood-setting statement pieces. The 2026 design landscape focuses on warmth, "quiet luxury," and architectural integration.