If there’s one thing that we can count on like clockwork, it’s a flurry of curtain & blind-related questions in our inbox each and every day: where should I put curtains? where can I find good curtains? how do I hang curtains? So we’re here to answer a slew of them in one fell swoop. Hold onto your hats people, this could get crazy.
Q: What is your general philosophy on window treatments?
A: We believe that curtains and blinds can make for the biggest change in a room next to paint. They’re hugely important for a major makeover, and can add height, drama, breezy ambiance, softness, and even a punch of color to any space- and we definitely encourage everyone to give them a spin! We’re generally not big fans of valances, but we love the floor length curtain and blind combination and we always hang them “high and wide” as we say so often.
This means that we like hanging outside mounted bamboo blinds or roman shades a few inches below the ceiling to “cheat” a window up, and create the effect that it’s much taller and grander than it really is. Then hanging a curtain rod at the same level as the blinds, but extending the rod about 18″ wider than the window on both sides creates the look of a much wider window and allows the curtain panels to hang in front of the wall instead of encroaching on the window and blocking lots of much-needed light. When in doubt, go high and wide- it’ll make your ceilings feel taller, your room feel brighter, and your windows look HUGE!
Q: Where Do You Shop For Affordable Curtains?
A: Ikea, Target, Walmart, West Elm, JC Penney, and Bed Bath & Beyond are all great places to turn to when you’re hunting for curtains. Here are our ultimate favorites hanging on our living room window above (Ikea Vivan panels that are oh so cheap and classic- plus they come in two different lengths and have no-sew iron-on hem tape for easy installation that looks crisp and custom).
Q: How Do You Find Blinds Long Enough For Large Windows?
A: Here’s the secret: you can actually use two bamboo blinds hung next to each other to create the look of one for about a tenth of the price of a long custom blind! In fact, in our very own living room (pictured above) those are actually just two super cheap bamboo blinds snagged at Walmart and hung right next to each other (thanks to the textured bamboo material, no one’s the wiser). Beyond checking your local Walmart for a bunch of cheap bamboo blinds in many sizes, you can also try Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and even JC Penney for similar options.
Q: Where Can I Find Affordable Curtains For My Super Tall Ceilings (11 feet)?
A: For your curtain sitch in the room with the 11′ ceilings (what an awesome problem to have!) we’d suggest just hanging the longer Vivan curtains from Ikea (118′ long) since they’ll add a great amount of height and softness without needing to go all the way to the top of your 11′ walls (and they’re deliciously cheap to boot).
Q: How Should I Treat Curtains For 3 Windows Along One Wall With Space In Between?
A: Definitely go with one long rod. It will look seamless and less visually broken up… and it might even create the look of one big window instead of three smaller ones next to each other. We know that JC Penney sells curtain rods and extender pieces that can stretch those rods far beyond 12′ which should solve your problem on the double. For a visual, check out Blayne’s living room makeover that we helped her with a few month’s back. You can see how adding curtain panels where there are slivers of wall creates a breezy effect and makes smaller side-by-side windows look like one big wall of glass (and you can see how she cheated them about a foot and a half higher than the window and it looks great):
Q: What Window Treatments Should I Hang In My Bay Window?
A: Just do what we suggested for one our lovely readers (great job Nichole!). She removed her old swagged valance…
…and used a bay window curtain rod (available at Smith & Noble and JC Penney- or you can use three regular rods and remove the finials on the ends that meet to create the look of one seamless rod) to follow the contour of the bay window and hung some breezy curtains for softness along with inside mounted 2″ blinds for privacy.
Isn’t this window transformation astounding?! That’s the power of curtains, people!
Q: How Can I Use Curtains To Make A Curtain That’s Off Center Look More Symmetrical?
A: We’d totally vote for cheating the curtains over a bit for the appearance of a more balanced window. Once the panels are in place no one will know where the wall ends and the window begins! We actually cheated the heck out of our living room window and even the bedroom window with long floor length curtains (since they’re both not centered) and it adds a lot more balance and symmetry to each room.
Q: I already have inside mount blinds. Can I still hang curtains high & wide?
A: We definitely think the curtain panels would still look lovely hung high and wide with white wood blinds, but instead of hanging them right at the ceiling height, you’ll want to mount the rod about 6″ above the window so they’re cheated a bit higher but they still have a visual relationship with the blinds below. Almost everyone cheats their curtains at least 6″ above their windows these days, just because hanging the rod right at the top of the window can look oddly invasive and heavy… it needs a little air to breathe! And the bonus height and drama that it brings is the icing on the cake. Since a picture’s worth a thousand words, here’s another room makeover that we whipped up a while back to show just how lovely inside mount white wood blinds can look with curtains hung about 6″ above the top of the window:
Q: How Do You Keep Ikea White Curtains Clean?
A: With a dog and countless home improvement projects going on at all times, it’s safe to say that white curtains can be just as easy to maintain as any other color (our living room ones even survived a nearby kitchen remodel). We like to wash our Ikea curtains before we hang them so they’re pre-shrunk (in case we need to launder them to refresh them once a season, we don’t have to worry that they’ll shrink up and look like highwaters). Then it’s just about tossing them in the wash a few times a year to keep them looking bright. A lot of moms even tell us that white is their favorite upholstery color since it can be bleached or oxycleaned and always looks crisp and fresh.
Q: What Do You Do For Window Coverings In A Bathroom?
A: Both of our bathroom windows are blissfully bare. We’re lucky that they each overlook the backyard (so privacy isn’t an issue), but we like the look of shades, blinds, or even frosted window film or spray. There are lots of options for the bathroom, so as long as you don’t go with floor length curtains you’ll be a-ok. Sometimes the best idea is to peruse a shelter magazine or the internet for a bathroom you love and see how they addressed the windows and follow their lead. Inspiration is everywhere!
Q: What Do You Do About Privacy With Your Blind / Curtain Combo?
A: We actually never lower the bamboo blinds or close the curtains for privacy (we have a good amount of space between the houses in our neighborhood and we hang out in the den at night, which isn’t visible from the street (it’s behind that front fireplace that you see in our header- so there’s no front window to watch The John & Sherry Show from the street).
That being said, we do have those cheap-o white inside-mount roller shades in the bedrooms to block the light at night. The great thing is that they tuck right under our higher-mounted roman shades so no one’s the wiser that they even exist when they’re up. Anything from an interior mounted hidden roller shade to some pull-up 2″ blinds are perfect to use for privacy (since you can pull them up and “hide them” behind your bamboo blinds or roman shades when they’re not in use).
Q: What Curtain Length Do I Use On 96″ French Doors?
A: Good news! The Ikea curtains are great because they come with iron-on hem tape (no sewing, just fold the curtains where you wish they’d stop and iron the hem tape onto the bottom for an instant no-sew hem). But even though they’re easy to hem, it’s even easier to just hang those 98″ panels above your transom (wash them before you hang ‘em to pre-shrink them to make sure they don’t look too short for your perfectly mounted rod!). It’ll look great. And if you just wanted to mess around with the hem tape for fun, you could always get the 118″ curtains and hang them about 6″ above your transom for a bit more breathing room and height (and then just break out that iron, baby!).
Q: What Color Or Finish Curtain Rod To You Prefer?
A: We usually like oil-rubbed bronze or black rods best for our home (they feel classic without drawing a lot of attention to themselves), but chrome rods can look amazing and become more of a modern touch in contemporary rooms (especially with grommeted curtains). White rods can definitely work in certain situations but we find that thin white metal rods can feel a bit too dainty (you want your rods to be understated but not to look too flimsy for the long floor-length curtains they’re supporting). There are tons of gorgeous options out there though (our den ones, pictured below, are from Target), so it’s really just a matter of personal preference!
Q: Would It Look Weird To Have Different Height Curtains On On Wall? We Have A Sliding Glass Door Next To Windows…
A: I’d use the blinds and the curtains on both the windows and the sliding glass door for instant cohesion and balance. I’d also go out of my way to hang curtains at the same level (cheat one set higher so they look more symmetrical and balanced). Voila: height, softness and elegance to spare.
Q: What would you guys suggest for windows that have vertical blinds that can’t be removed (we rent)? Also, in a room that has contemporary black furniture, would you suggest white panels or black panels on those windows? Do you match your curtains to the main color of the room decor? Thanks so much!
Q: What About Curtain With Veritcal Blinds? We Rent.
A: When it comes to your curtain debacle, I’d generally steer clear of solid black curtain panels (since they can seem pretty heavy and dark) but something with a pattern that includes some black to tie them into your furnishings would be great (we love these from Ikea with white, black and green stripes). You can also choose to tie your curtains in with the wall color for an expansive and layered look or even with the upholstery on your sofa (say it’s tan, a cream curtain would complement that beautifully without feeling matchy-matchy). And when it comes to you vertical blinds, drawing them to one side and hiding them behind your curtain panels will make them virtually invisible (but they can still be used by pulling them back out when you need them). Similarly, horizontal blinds can be pulled all the way up and obscured behind bamboo blinds or roman shades when they’re not in use. Oh happy day.
Q: I know you guys are crazy about using white curtains for that light and airy look, but can bright saturated curtains work too?
A: They sure can. Check out this kitchen makeover that we helped Carla out with a few weeks back. This is her space before our accessory intervention…
And this is the same space after some paint and a few new accessories (including the vibrant green curtains that really make the space).
Q: Can I Use Blinds Or Curtain On Sliding Glass Doors?
A: Beth actually took our white-curtains-with-bamboo-blinds suggestion to heart when it came to her sliders, and here’s the amazing transformation. This is her valanced sliding door before…
… and her light and airy after:
The best part is that if you still want privacy (or are a renter) you can keep your vertical blinds pulled to the side and tucked behind one of the curtain panels to hide them when they’re not in use.
So there you have it. About a million curtain related queries and some lovely eye candy to demonstrate the power of curtains and blinds. Happy hanging everyone. And for more curtain related tips, tutorials and photos, check out our living room’s curtain & blind combination, and our den’s not-naked-anymore windows.
Update – Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint colors we used? Just click on this button:
Sam & Jacci says
Okay – honestly, trying to visualize all of that hurt my brain a little ;) BUT, I’ll goof around with the blinds some time this weekend and see if I can hide the rings.
Thanks again!!
XO,
Jacci
Mary Margaret says
Hi Guys! I love your site and the impact you are making on many of us who also want our decor spruced up …. like pictured in all the magazines/catalogs that we enjoy! You are an inspiration and a help to those of us who want the “look”, but are on a tight budget and get soooo tempted by the designer stores. With those sincere compliments and thanks said I have a couple of bamboo/window questions.
How do you handle bamboo blind length … let’s say I’m trying to cover my kitchen window that measures 52″ by 36″? I’ve gone on-line tons of times to price custom made bamboos and “yikes!”!! Since we probably won’t be closing/dropping the blinds (it’s just for looks) does the length even matter?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mary,
Nope, length doesn’t really matter, especially with your window since most blinds are around 72″ long so they’ll all work if you’d like to close ’em. As for width, if you’re flanking them with curtains that matters even less (you can get inexpensive non-custom ones that are a bit wider or skinnier than your window and thanks to the curtains no one will be the wiser). If you’re not using curtains I would recommend getting blinds a bit wider than your window (maybe 3 inches wider on each side) and hanging them higher so the window appears to be taller and is framed nicely by the slightly wider blinds. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Rebecca says
Hi, I have a question about curtains with plantation shutters. When we bought our house there were already custom ones on nearly all the windows downstairs. They look nice but I’m wondering if I can soften them with curtains?
Thanks, love your blog and hope to do a room design soon.
Rebecca
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rebecca,
Definitely, especially if they’re white painted plantation shutters (which would look great with white breezy floor length curtains mounted about 6″ above the window so there’s still a visual relationship between the panels and the shutters). If your shutters are unpainted wood, tan curtains that are closer in color might connect more with them while softening things as well. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Rebecca says
thanks for the advice on the plantation shutters (they are painted white)… I’ll work hard to get motivated to send some before & afters ;-)
Mary Margaret says
Thanks Sherry for helping me with the kitchen-window-bamboo-blinds question. Okay, got it! … the length doesn’t matter! I will not be hanging curtains b/c the space (in my kitchen) won’t allow? and I think the blinds by themselves will work nicely in that space. If the width measures 52″, I’ll probably have to use 2 27″ blinds and mount on the outside?
Mucho thanks – again! Mary M
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds perfect! Happy hanging…
xo,
s
wendi says
What a great post! I just bought curtains and rods for 7 windows, so this comes at a perfect time for me. Along the lines of your off center window Q&A, what kind of treatment do you recommend when there’s little (as in a couple of inches) or no wall space between the window trim and the corner of the wall? We have this situation with two windows on two different walls in our master bedroom.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Wendi,
I would still go with blinds and curtains for height and softness, you just won’t be able to cheat your curtains as wide, but you can still go high and having a curtain panel in the corner of a room next to a window really creates a gentle breeziness that’s lovely and soft. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jamie says
Just love you guys.
OK, I get the idea that in order to create cohesion in a room, it’s smart to hang all the curtains at the same level. However, on one wall in my house, I have a sliding glass door then 5 ft to the right I have a large window in a cove in the dining area (it has a 3 ft overhang). Translation, there is no way to hang curtains on the window and glass door at the same level. Would it look weird to only hang curtains on the sliding door (which is the way I’m leaning)? Will it appear disjointed to hang curtains at the two different levels?
Thanks for all your help!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jamie,
I would avoid hanging curtains at the different levels which will further emphasize the inconsistency. Instead I’m with you, I would try hanging curtains only on the sliding door to add some height to that part of the room. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jamie says
You’re fast! Thank you, thank you for the help. Much appreciated!
I’m off to IKEA!
beth says
Wow, all those questions you answered, and everyone’s got more! :-) Here’s another one. I have a big window, about a foot of space, and then a regular door that open into the house, as opposed to a sliding door like you use in your examples. So I can’t hang blinds over that door, or we’d always be bumping them when we tried to open it. Do you suggest hanging bamboo blinds only on the window? Or not hanging blinds at all? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Beth,
I’d just hang blinds and curtains on the window (without cheating them wide since they’ll interfere with the door, but still hanging them extra high for height) and leave the door unadorned since it’s not a slider. Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Nancy says
I really like your approach here. I love light and airy. Now how would you treat a 10 foot bow window? There are 5 windows panes that can accomodate up to a 23 inch blind each. I had treated it this way, however, I really wasn’t thrilled with the “floppiness” of the blinds…used those cheap mini slatted blinds from Walmart. Would it look right to outside mount the blinds you recommend? I also have a sliding patio door that sits close to a baseboard heater on one side….can’t put a curtain over it. And lastly, two 23″ x 64″ windows that frame a fireplace. Any input would be greatly appreciated! This is my grand piano room, would love for it to look amazing.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nancy,
I would definitely add some bamboo blinds in front of the cheaper mini slatted blinds (outside mounted) for a textured and breezy look. As for the sliding glass door, if you can’t put curtains around it due to the baseboard heater I would just leave it bare with crisp white trim to further enforce the casual and airy vibe. And when it comes to the two windows that frame the fireplace I would definitely go with the high and wide white curtains and bamboo blinds combination (of course you can only cheat them as wide as the mantel since you don’t want them to crowd the fireplace) but they’ll add lots of breezy elegance and height to the room. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kristen Plumer says
Hi Sherry!
Okay, apparently today is my day for questions!
Anyway, I’m going to be hanging curtains tonight and I wanted to ask about your bamboo blind “trick.” How many sets of blinds did you hang (up and down)? I’m only asking because it appears as if you’ve mounted several blinds, although is that just the way it is gathered and hanging? Also, I can go high with the curtains, but there will be a piece of furniture on the left and right below. How far on the side of the window should I go? One piece of furniture is a tall chest and one is a chair, if that matters/helps. I’m not sure if I should just pull the furniture out from the wall slightly and go the full 18 inches on each side, or…?
Thanks!
Best,
Kristen
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kristen,
They’re just one blind (well there are two next to each other in the living room actually to mimic the look of one long one) but they look like they’re layered due to the roman shade design (and they have a little flap at the top of them). And we’d still recommend that you cheat your curtains about 18″ wide on both sides of the window so the panels don’t block light, and although you have pieces of furniture on both sizes, moving them away from the wall about 4″ should let the curtain panels breathe without crowding the window with panels. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ashley says
Everytime I ask a question I end up exploring the site a little more and finding the answer! This is such a GREAT resource! Thank you!!
Sarah says
This is such a great website and just what I need! I have 3 windows in my master BR that are next to each other and really look like one large one and are high around 95″ from top to floor). Because we are on the ground floor, there are safety bars across the entire window and blinds to the outside (so the bars face the room and the blinds face out, underneath them so to speak).
My friend suggested sheers and drapes to minimize the unsightly appearance of the bars and add drama. We already have a great curtain rod hung as well as swags that I am reluctant to take down and replace due to time and cost. Any ideas for how to hang the sheers and drapes with the existing rod? Do I use a cafe rod in the windows near the blinds and hang the drapes on the rod? Other suggestions? I am open and need help!
Thank you!
Sarah
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah,
I would definitely hang a long high rod above and across all the windows and use floor length sheers over the actual windows (so light still comes in but the bars are obscured) while opaque curtain panels frame the sheers and flank the windows. It’ll look like a wall of soft billowing fabric and add height and drama to the room!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Thanks! I hope it is okay to post a follow-up question but understand if you can’t and are swamped. I am having a “visual block”–do you mean to use one pocket rod and string the sheers in the middle and the panels on the ends? Then the panels won’t close to cover the windows–is that a big deal?
Or do you mean a double rod or a rod and a tension rod for the sheers?
Thanks again!
Sarah
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah,
Whichever works for you. We’re one rod people since we don’t need much privacy (due to our distance from other houses and the street) but if you’d like privacy a rod for the curtains and a second rod for the sheers makes them even more functional!
xo,
s
Suzanne Wilson says
Hi Sherry,
I love your window covering ideas! I have a question regarding my basement windows. My ceiling height is 7’7″. I have four short long windows common to many basements where it may not look right to have full length curtains. All of the windows are about 11-12 inches from the ceiling. The windows are in a bathroom, 2 bedrooms plus a TV area. The bathroom and 1 bedroom have smaller windows with a deeper window box. (43″wide X 25″ long). The other two are large at 43″wide X 25″long. Do you think the bamboo blinds alone on an outside mount would look OK for all of the windows. I would like to keep the look consistant for all of the rooms. I’ve been having a mind block for some time now as to how to treat these windows and I love the ideas of making them look bigger. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thank you in advance,
Suzanne
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Suzanne,
Yup, bamboo blinds would look great! You can also use full length sheers hung very wide around each window for a breezy “wall of curtains” look – and putting something under the window (a console, TV stand, etc) visually eliminates all that wall below them so they look less short and long. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
suzanne says
Hi again Sherry,
First of all, I am very impressed with how quickly you answered me!! I’ve spent a lot of time on your web site today and have got some wonderful ideas…thank you!
I was out blind shopping and brought some home for colour matching. They’re going to look great! I’m sure glad I found you before I spent a wad on ordering wooden slat blinds! Another question came to mind as I was holding them up and admiring. For my large windows, I’ll have to put two together. Because of standard sizing, I’m wondering if I should go over the moulding 2 inches on either side or the other option is going a bit narrower where the moulding will show about 1.5 inches on each side.
thanks again,
Suzanne
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Suzanne,
I would definitely go wide rather than skinny with the blinds so going over the molding is definitely the way to go! Hope it helps and happy hanging…
xo,
s
Brittany says
Hi Sherry,
Love you site! We have very high ceilings (12′ – 16′ in some areas) and almost every room has vaults, so some windows are 6′ feet from the top of the window to the ceiling, while other windows are 10″ to the ceiling – in the same room. How should I go about hanging curtains? If I want to “go high” with the curtain rod on the windows where there is so much room above them, how do I do that and stay consistent with the window that has so much less space above? All of our windows have faux wood – 2″ white blinds that I would like to keep for privacy and sunlight (we live in FL). Thanks for your help!
Brittany in Florida
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Brittany,
You want to keep all the curtains at the same height so the room looks cohesive and balanced. The idea would be to cheat them all up, maybe 6″ or so while keeping them all the same height from the floor (although the ceiling has vaults the curtains should be the same height from the floor). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
xo,
s
Brittany says
Thanks Sherry! What a fast response :)
Lori says
What do you do with french doors?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Lori,
French doors often look lovely on their own, but if you’d like to add something, hanging floor length curtains high and wide on each side of the door will soften things and add height (and hanging them extra wide won’t impede with the door’s function). If you end up going super high and there’s room above the door you can even do a bamboo blind or roman shade that ends before the top of the door so it fills out the space between the rod and the door without interfering with the function of the door. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
jordan says
what would you do if you had those annoying sliders that you couldn’t remove because you’re in a rental?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jordan,
Curtains on either side of the doors will hide those annoying sliders since you can push them to the side and they’ll tuck right behind one of the curtain panels. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kate Moreland says
I have sliding glass doors in my family room but they are extra long because the end ones are stationary and the middle pane is the slider.
I plan on making my own drapes because of the cost. I will be lining them. I plan to start the drapery rod about 3 inches out on either end. I would like to use the wider pole with larger rings and then pull them back when I need privacy. Do you think this will work? I have picked a yellow back large floral print cotton fabric – waverly.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kate,
Your idea sounds lovely! You could even start the drapery rod further than 3″ out on either side to create the effect of an even wider expanse of glass but it’s totally up to you. And your plan sounds awesome. Feel free to send us before and after photos!
xo,
s
Jo says
Hi Sherry,
Firstly, I just wanted to tell you that I only discovered your blog recently, and I love it! My husband and I live in Australia and finished renovating our home a few years ago, and now I am enjoying taking my time to add small collected pieces over time to really make it home.
Secondly, I am hoping you can help me with a window treatment issue: our house style is ultra-modern, very minimalist, all white walls/ceilings, polished concrete floors, very industrial looking, with art and furnishings used to add colour and personality. Virtually the whole back wall of the house (open-plan living/dining/kitchen) is floor-to-almost-ceiling windows that open onto a huge deck. We currently have no window coverings at all – in summer we don’t need them for privacy, as our property leads onto bushland. But in winter it is very cold, and we need something to help with insulation.
My husband wants a minimalist pull-down blind, like this one (http://www.luxaflex.com.au/au/en/exploringourproducts/rollerblinds/rollerblinds/sb.cn) in white. But I am hoping to inject some softness and warmth into the house with some fabric curtains (floor-to-ceiling) – and here is the problem – our window frames are black metal, which are striking and look great undressed, but might look a bit weird with curtains. I thought about curtains in a neutral colour shade of grey or charcoal (as a half-way between all the white and the black)- what do you think?
Jo
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jo,
Thanks so much for the kind words! We’re so glad you found us. We love your idea of smoky gray floor to ceiling curtains to add softness and height to your space (it’s amazing how much style and drama curtains can add to a space, even if it’s sleek and ultra-modern). They’re a great way to frame and feature a gorgeous large window so don’t be afraid to bring them in- even with those black metal frames. Perhaps using a sleek black metal rod to hang them high and wide will further accentuate the large metal framed design. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jaime says
Wow! I abosolutely love this idea! I have a wall with three large windows (59 inches each). Two are close together and the other is a few feet away. I am thinking of doing the one window on its own, and creating the illusion of one big window with the other two. The problem is I think I will need a curtain rod that is almost 150 inches! Do they made them that size, or is there a way to use two rods but make it appear as if there is only one?
Thank you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jaime,
Bed Bath & Beyond and JC Penney are two places that sell awesomely long rods and even offer extendable parts you can add to make them even longer so they’re worth checking out. Hope it helps! Good luck with those windows. Your plan sounds great!
xo,
s
Jody J says
Ok so even though you have answered every question possible about windows-curtains-blinds, I have one more question for you….sorry. We live in a very old house and have very thick, beautiful traditional dark wood molding around and at top of all our windows. The molding at the top is about 8in thick. I love the look your house has with the bamboo blinds and white curtains however I don’t really want to cover up all the woodwork. We haven’t changed any curtains with our house since we moved in a little less than a year ago and right now the blinds are mounted inside and the valances (which I hate) are mounted right at the bottom part of the top molding so you still the molding at the top, which I don’t really for care either it. So with all that said I am looking for advice on what type of blinds would look best color, type, inside/outside mount and how and what kind of curtains I should hang and where/how? Help…
Also I love your blog, you both are truly inspiring!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jody,
Color is subjective so picking something that works for your room will work best, but long floor length curtain panels hung high and wide above your windows will only cover a bit of that amazing molding while softening the windows and adding height so it’s definitely the way to go. Check out this room with gorgeous wood trim to see how high-hung curtain panels don’t take away from trim at all. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
MARCELLA says
Help!! My den has one window 45×84″ and a back door 45×84″. There is a fireplace between the two. I was going for the two window look but realized after putting the curtains up to the door, there is a problem with opening the door even if you slide the curtain back to the right side or even placing it up higher. I truely love these curtains and got them @ A GREAT deal. Any suggestions as to how to make it work?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, it sounds like you did everything you could to make them work. Did you hang them at least fifteen inches extra wide on each side so the panels will interfere less with the door? If you hung them as wide as possible it sounds like you might be out of luck but hopefully there’s more wall that you can cheat them over onto so they don’t block the door. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Valerie says
Hi again! I have a window treatment etiquette question… I really like the look of grommetted panels, and I also like the look of sheers under more opaque panels on a double rod. Is that typically done with grommetted curtains? Would both the sheers and the panels have grommets or would you do pocket sheers over grommetted panels. (How many times can I say the word grommetted? hehe)
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Valerie,
I typically like to pair certain like curtains with like (ring-top curtains with ring-top sheers for example, or tab-topped with tab-topped) but when it comes to grommeted panels, they would look great with pocket sheers as long as you go for the double rod. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Julie says
Hello, I love your site!! We built a beautiful home three years ago and I just couldn’t decide what to use as window coverings. Part of the problem is that I don’t really want to cover them. We have 10′ walls with amazing views of the landscape of hills, trees and grass, but we do need some privacy too. I love your sheers/bamboo shades with hidden roller shade. My hardwood floor is a black walnut (beautiful, but shows dust quickly) my cabinets are a dark cherry with a black walnut over them. (Also beautiful) My walls are a pecan/ tan with white trim. If I go with white sheers, what color of bamboo shades do I go with? Will it really matter? Lighter or try to stay within the same color as the floor and cabinets? Walmart had a few choices.
Donna eton says
HELP!!!I have a real problem in my older home….ALL the air/heat vents are located on the floor under every window in the house,including the French doors I added to replace some double windows. I did have the vents moved under the French doors, but they could only move them just to the side….where the curtains hang when they are open. I have long curtains and I have had to be very creative to keep the air from blowing up under the curtains. Tape, books, wire…you name it. Any ideas???
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, it sounds like you’ve tried everything! Maybe adding weights to the bottom of the curtains will keep them from blowing around and allow air to pass by easily? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
julie says
Any thoughts on the dark or light bamboo shades from the comment on Aug 17, 2:11? Also, any ideas where the best prices might be on the “hidden” window shades? Would you go with one or two on 6′ wide windows? Thanks again!
YoungHouseLove says
Any color will do for the blinds (they all read as neutrals in the room) so you just have to decide whether you want a more matchy look or a more layered and diverse effect. As for where to find the hidden blinds, try Walmart or Target or Home Depot. As for a 6′ window, if you find one long one do that, but two three foot ones work too. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Hello, you blog is absolutely amazing, as is your house! I had a window delima. I got some super cheap navy blue roman shades that are to big to place inside the window frame, where I want them. I was wondering if you have any experience in cutting a shade to fit the size of the window or know where to have it done? They are cloth and are the kind that slide into a bracket that is screwed into the wood. Thank you for your time.
Sarah
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah,
Good question! We don’t know of a place off-hand, but Home Depot cuts certain blinds to fit (while you wait) so perhaps they could do it or you (or recommend a place that might be able to). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
Great post! I saw your tip about the sliding patio door. We have one in our east-facing 2nd-floor bedroom that is 10 feet wide! It’s extremely sunny and hot first thing in the morning. And then during the day we need privacy since it faces a lane. We were thinking a double rod with sheers and heavier curtains. But I think we will need blackout curtains for such an exposed window. Any idea how to do this for less than a thousand dollars?
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! The answer: Target, Ikea, JC Penney and Bed Bath & Beyond. You should be able to find blackout curtains, sheers and pretty panels that don’t break the bank. And Bed Bath & Beyond and JC Penney both carry extra long rods that should work on your super long window. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
Thanks for answering so quickly! One more thing: I will obviously need more than two panels to cover the entire sliding door. How do I make that work? When they are open, should I place a couple of panels in the middle, and the others on the ends?
YoungHouseLove says
I would push them all to the sides of the door (nothing hanging in the center) when they’re open, and hang the rods extra wide so they don’t block as much of the window when they’re pushed to the side and instead fall in front of the wall on either side of the windows. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kelly says
Hey guys! thanks for this great blog – I have so much fun perusing your ideas =]
I’m seeing alot of posts about large windows/bay windows etc, but I have the opposite problem. I have two relatively small windows in my bedroom, about 18″x36″ and our bed is pushed up against both of them, so I can’t do long floor length curtains. All of the shorter curtains I find look heavy and old. The room is pretty small, so I want to use a material that gives the illusion of space, but it also needs to give some privacy – our neighbors house is only 20 ft. away!
any suggestions?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kelly,
I would still use floor length curtains! We have them behind our bed in our master bedroom (and a ton of designers also use them behind beds to create a sort of soft, framed headboard effect) so that would be our suggestion. Just hang them high and wide and add a nice bamboo or contrasting-color roman shade between them if you’d like. Plus if you add the roman shade it can be used for privacy or you can tuck a roller shade or even venetian blinds behind that for a super private feeling while you snooze. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kathie says
I have outside mounted Hunter Douglas honeycomb shades. My windows couldn’t do an inside mount. They are an Ivory color. I want to know what color curtains to do white or cream? Also, I will hang high and wide, but I am curious about how to hide the mounting part of the shade. Do I need a valance as well? Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kathie,
You’re in luck. Either white curtains or cream curtains will work with your ivory shades. If you want something that looks crisp and clean go for the white and if you want something that looks soft and more layered/monochromatic go for the cream. As for valances, we’re not really big fans of them, but the good news is that you don’t need ’em. Even when you hang curtains high and wide the edge of the curtain still overlaps the shade on the edges for a finished and elegant look (check out the photos in the post above- they don’t really need a valance, right?). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Melissa says
Hey! I love you’re website! My husband and I just bought OUR first house (which was built in 1850) and we’ve been renovating non-stop. I’m finally close to finishing one of the guest bedrooms but I’m totally stuck with the window treatment. Its a smaller room with two LOW windows. We got some inexpensive bamboo blinds that mounted ON THE FRONT of the window..probably a big mistake..and it still looks so naked! The room itself is a pretty “prairie brush” green with white trim and reddish/brown wide-pine flooring. I don’t really want to spend a ton of $$ on the windows but I want it to look warmer. Also, I’m TERRIFIED about picking a color!! I don’t want it to be too boring…but I don’t want it to look like a 3rd grader decorated it, ya know?
Whew, so, what do you think?
Thanks so much and I look forward to reading more about your endeavors!
(PS. I think I attached a picture of the main area of the room before we renovated…just to show what the windows look like, thanks!!)
YoungHouseLove says
Why not hang the bamboo blinds super high to “cheat” the windows up and then flank them with curtains (breezy white Ikea ones are super affordable) that you can hang just as high and extra wide for an expansive look. For photos just check out this very post. Good luck with your lovely home!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
If you hide roller blinds behind the bamboo shades, do the roller blinds need to be inside mounted? Or can it work if they are outside mounted too?
YoungHouseLove says
They would have to be outside mounted for that to work, but 100% of the blinds in our house are outside mounted so we highly recommend that route. It makes windows look bigger and you don’t need perfectly sized blinds to go that route. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
Thanks Sherry. Actually, what I meant is do the roller blinds that you are tucking behind the shades have to be inside mounted? Or can you squeeze them behind the shades on the wall?
YoungHouseLove says
Gotcha! The roller shade should be inside mounted for easiest use. You may be able to squeeze in outside mounted roller shades behind a curtain rod since they jut out a few inches but blinds are pretty flush so that probably won’t work. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
julia says
I have big windows (about 6 feet wide) in my den and home office. I don’t want to do floor length curtains in those rooms. However, I’m thinking outside mounted white roman blinds might soften the windows up a bit. If I can’t find one long enough, do you think 2 white roman blinds next to each other would look ok? Also, do you know of any brands that offer good quality, inexpensive cordless roman blinds? I have a 1 year old so I’m worried about cords. I saw the ikea ones you have in your house were recalled and they don’t seem to carry them anymore bc of the cords. thanks!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, good question. First of all white roman blinds would look awesome to soften your windows, even two next to each other should look great. Other than Ikea you can try Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, and even somewhere like Macy’s or C&B/Pottery Barn. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
lori says
Thanks for all your ideas. Do you have any ideas for double french doors? Mine are right inbetween our dining room and kitchen and are the first thing you see when you walk in the home. The doors open into the home. I really like the idea of the bamboo roman blinds over the top and then the drapes down the sides… but I don’t know if I can do that with the doors coming it. Or should i just do smaller bamboo roman blinds over each window opening screwed into the doors? Ive been struggling with what to do for a while and am ready for the privacy on those doors. Thank you so much. I am open to any suggestions!
YoungHouseLove says
I would definitely do bamboo blinds hung super high above them so they don’t obstruct the doors with curtains flanking each of the doors to soften them (also hung high at the same height as the rods). If you can’t hang the bamboo blinds high enough for the doors to be functional just go for rods and curtains for a breezy and soft effect. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
hannah says
In our den, we have four standard tall windows (down to just above the floor) with transom-like windows over each (the “transoms” are separated from the windows by about a foot of wall; and each window is about foot apart with wall in between). The windows are not finished with molding, but only have a window sill at the bottom. We have the custom cut white wood blinds. What kind of treatment should I use? My first instinct was to do a long top treatment to avoid overwhelming the room with too many panels of fabric–but should I try to hide the fact that there is no molding with panels. . .also, what to do with the separated transoms.? I would love any suggestions you have. Thank you so much.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Hannah,
We’re not really fans of the valance so if you want some real light control across the top, bamboo blinds or roman shades would be our suggestion. Our first instinct however was just to hang floor length curtains between each window to soften them (and on either side of the entire bank of windows) from a rod that’s mounted below OR above the transoms (a higher mount will give you more drama but a lower one will still soften the room and let light stream in through those transoms). No blinds or shades necessary. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
hannah says
Ok Sherry,
Great advice. I’ll definitely get to work. Thanks for the confidence you’ve given me.
One more question: our kitchen is right off the den, with the same type of windows/transoms, except only three in a row instead of four like in the den. The windows for both rooms are along the same wall and can be easily seen from the oposite room. Should I try to match the fabric and style and color of the curtains for both rooms, or should we vary the color and fabric since the kitchen space is less formal? If we match the two room curtains, should we paint the walls in both rooms the same color? I guess that’s two questions.
Thank you so much. I love your blog. I’ve put your site on my favorites. The before and after pics are really helpful to me and make it seem possible that I can ACTUALLY fix my space.
YoungHouseLove says
We would do the same breezy curtains in both rooms and the same paint color to keep everything open and cohesive. Oh and Ikea and West Elm have great affordable options that we love. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Rachel says
We live in a condo with only north facing windows, so light is a challenge for us. In our living room, one wall is almost completely a sliding glass doors with vertical blinds. I want to make the room look more elegant but not limit our only natural light source in the room. While I love the bamboo and white curtain idea, I know my cat will destroy full length curtains. Do you have any other ideas for sliding glass doors?
YoungHouseLove says
Wow that’s a toughie because with sliders you want curtains that are floor length (they would really add the soft polished look you’re going for). Is there any way to get your cat a scratching post or give her a spritz of water to keep her from ruining them? It probably isn’t that simple but since we can’t think of an alternative to floor length curtains to soften sliders we’re hoping you can figure out a way to get the cat on board with them (especially since the Ikea ones are super cheap, like under $7 each!).
xo,
s
kris says
HELP! My dining room has a somewhat wide window but it’s not very tall. We have a chair rail in the room that hits about 6 inches below the window. We could do long window panels but with the chair rail, it looks strange to see the panels open and the room has dim lighting so having long panels that remain closed all the time is not an option. Any ideas for what type of window treatment I can do here? The high window with a chair rail kind of has me stumped. We already have white wooden blinds hanging in the window but I’d like a window treatment (curtain or valance of some sort to go with it). If anyone has advice, I would really appreciate any/all ideas.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kris,
We would definitely go for floor length curtain panels that are hung high and wide to make the window appear taller (if you outside mount the wooden blinds high as well it will add even more height). We’ve seen this treatment in many rooms with a chair rail and it looks great! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
Rochelle Palache says
Thanks for your giving spirit! Feeling really blessed that I came across your page.
We are brand new first time home buyers. Not even moved in yet. We have a large 9 feet picture window in our living room. The living room is deep red , white trim, a brick fire place. I have been searching for ideas on how to dress up the window for privacy but still allowing it to shine. You have given me so many good tips. I wonder what color curtains/sheers and blinds you would suggest? Thanks again.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rochelle,
Judging from your colors I would suggest nice mocha floor length curtains flanking your windows (hung high and wide of course). You could also go for something warmer like a golden-wheaty color and either of those suggestions would look great with bamboo blinds. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Rochelle Palache says
Thanks for the curtain color tips.
I wanted to know if you had any examples of what you meant by golden-wheaty color?
Thanks for all your help
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rochelle,
Check out Benjamin Moore’s Camel Back as an example (it’s a warm camel color, so it has golden wheat colored undertones). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Rochelle says
Thanks
Will definitely keep you posted. Bamboo blinds hunting now. Exciting times.
Ashleigh says
I absolutely love your blog! I apologize if I missed it but do you have any suggestions regarding window treatment IN a bathtub/shower combination? We just completely renovated our first home and one of the bathrooms has a standard size window that basically hits you right above the waist! We want to be practical yet stylish. Do you suggest waterproof blinds? My husband read somewhere that we may be able to cut a fabric shower liner?
Thank you!
Ashleigh
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Ashleigh,
We love the look of a frosted window. It’s clean and crisp and oh so elegant in a bathroom (plus it’s easy to care for and provides the privacy that you need). You can buy window film that’s frosted at a place like Home Depot and simple install it with a spray bottle or even get frosting spray that you can apply directly to the window (which can also look amazing if you follow the instructions to the letter). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ashleigh says
Thank you so much for your quick response! That helps a great deal with the privacy :) I probably should’ve mentioned this before, but another major concern for us is the fact the windows are very old. We don’t have the money to replace it at this time. We are hoping to figure out a way to “cover” or “protect” the window and surrounding window frame from the water in a shower. Any suggestions?
Ashleigh
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Ashleigh,
Hmm, that’s harder since we’re so in love with the frosted effect. You could always do a bamboo shade or a roman shade or even curtains of a fabric that’s bathroom friendly. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ashleigh says
Thank you so much for all of your help! I will let you know how it turns out ;)
xoxo,
Ashleigh
Beth says
Hey Guys! This is such a great and informative post. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas.
I have a situation that I could use some advice on. I came across a shop that is selling JC Penney wood blinds, roman shades, bamboo shades, etc., for $10. These are new products and they will let me purchase any size for $10. We have plain ol’ white blinds in our house right now, so I thought I would jump on the opportunity.
SO – what would you go for? Wood blinds? Bamboo shades? I know blinds can be hung outside the frame, but do they achieve the same affect since the slats are further apart (i.e. maybe you would be able to see the wall behind the blinds at the top)? Could I use a mix of bamboo shades and wood blinds?
If I went with wood blinds can the colors be mixed? For example, could I do white in the living room but brown in the guest room? What about the appearance from the street? Do you think it would be very noticeable?
Can some be hung outside mount and some be hung inside mount?
Is this too much mixing? Where do I stop or do I mix at all?
I’m really at a loss of what to do. I feel like I’m getting a really great deal, but don’t want to make a mistake with my purchases.
Thanks for any help you can provide. I really appreciate it.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Beth,
The difference between bamboo blinds and wood blinds will be super subtle from the street so I wouldn’t worry about that at all, and as long as you plan to flank your blinds with curtains like we love to do, outside mounting them will not draw much attention to the wall behind them, even if the slats are further apart (the effect is always polished and deliberate looking). With that in mind, you can mix your blind selection from room to room if you’d like and even hang some outside mount while others are inside mount OR just go for the same set throughout the house (we use the same bamboo blinds in many rooms and the same white roman shades in other rooms so we keep it pretty cohesive but still have two options that we choose from if that makes sense). Good luck and happy shopping- it sounds like you found a great deal!
xo,
s