The Hardware Trick I Used to Cover Vertical Blinds With Curtains

I used to work the 7 PM to 7 AM shift at the hospital. Coming home meant trying to sleep while the rest of the world was at its brightest. My apartment came with those standard, noisy plastic slats that rattle every time the AC kicks on. I tried everything, but the light bleed was unbearable. I finally figured out how to cover vertical blinds with curtains without losing my security deposit or picking up a drill.

• Use 'No-Drill' brackets that clip directly onto the existing headrail.
• Opt for heavy blackout drapes to kill light bleed at the edges.
• Ensure the rod clearance is at least 3 inches to avoid snagging the slats.
• Keep the original blinds in place (and open) to satisfy landlord inspections.

Why I Was Desperate to Hide My Plastic Slats

If you have ever tried to sleep at noon behind 1990s-era plastic slats, you know the pain. They do not block light; they just diffuse it into a depressing grey haze. For a night-shift nurse, that haze is the enemy of REM sleep. I needed a way to achieve total darkness, but my lease was very clear: no new holes in the walls.

The problem with most window treatments is the gap. Even if you get the blinds closed, light pours in from the top and the sides. I spent weeks googling how to cover vertical blinds with curtains before I realized I didn't have to choose between the two. I just needed to layer them.

Can You Hang Curtains Over Vertical Blinds? (Spoiler: Yes)

The short answer is yes, but the execution matters. Many people ask, 'can you hang curtains over vertical blinds?' and then immediately try to clip heavy drapes onto the plastic stems. Do not do that. Those stems are rated for a few ounces of plastic, not five pounds of velvet.

You also shouldn't try to use the track itself as a rod. While you can technically find ways to put curtains on a blind track, it usually results in a jammed mechanism. If you are dealing with a massive opening, check out this hack for curtains for sliding glass doors to see how to handle the extra width without the fabric sagging in the middle.

The No-Drill Bracket Trick That Saved My Deposit

The secret is a specific piece of hardware called a curtain over blinds bracket. These are genius. They are engineered to slip over the top of your existing vertical blind headrail and tighten with a thumb screw. They create a stable platform for a curtain rod for outside mount blinds without you ever touching a power tool.

I bought a set of three for my large bedroom window. You just slide them onto the headrail, tighten them down, and suddenly you have a place to rest a standard 1-inch rod. It is the most effective way I have found for installing curtain rods over blinds while keeping the original hardware perfectly intact for when you eventually move out.

Choosing the Right Room Darkening Curtains

When you are layering, weight is your friend for light blocking but your enemy for hardware stress. I looked for room darkening curtains over blinds that had a thermal lining. This helps with the 'clack-clack' noise the vertical slats make when the air hits them.

I highly recommend using grommet-top curtains. They slide easier on the rod, which is important because you are reaching over a bulky blind track. Avoid thin sheers unless you are just going for aesthetics; they won't hide the silhouette of the blinds behind them.

How to Prevent the Dreaded Track Snag

The biggest fail in this DIY setup is the snag. Vertical blinds stick out from the wall further than horizontal ones. If your brackets don't provide enough clearance, your drapes will rub against the plastic slats every time you move them. This is especially tricky when you want to layer sheer curtains over blinds for a softer look.

To hang blackout curtains over vertical blinds that stick out, look for brackets with an adjustable 'reach.' You want the curtain rod to sit at least 3 to 4 inches away from the wall. This gives the vertical slats enough room to rotate freely behind the curtains without catching the fabric.

My Eventual Upgrade: Ditching the Slats for Smart Drapes

The bracket trick worked for two years, but when I finally bought my own place, I ripped those plastic slats out on day one. I transitioned to a fully integrated system. I realized that the real dream wasn't just blocking the light, but controlling it. Converting from blinds to curtains meant I could finally use a real track.

I eventually installed motorized custom blackout curtains that I could schedule. Now, instead of fumbling with cords in the dark, my curtains close automatically at 7 AM when I get home and open at 4 PM to help me wake up. The motor noise is under 35dB—literally quieter than my old fridge—and I never have to look at a plastic slat again.

FAQ

Can I still use the vertical blinds if I put curtains over them?

Yes. As long as your brackets provide enough clearance (usually 3+ inches), you can still rotate the slats or slide them open behind the curtains. I usually kept mine pushed to one side and let the curtains do the heavy lifting.

Will the weight of the curtains pull the blind track off the wall?

Standard vertical blind tracks are usually screwed into studs or heavy-duty anchors. However, don't go overboard. Stick to standard blackout panels. If you try to hang heavy, triple-layered theater drapes, you might be pushing your luck.

How do I hide the ugly blind valance?

The curtain rod sits in front of and slightly above the valance. If you hang your curtains high enough, the fabric completely hides the old plastic valance from view. It’s a total visual disappearance act.