Hanging sheer curtains underneath blackout curtains is a great way to add texture and light to a room without compromising on privacy and light control. The first step is to choose sheer curtains that will fit the dimensions of the space.
Measure the length and width of your windows and select appropriate curtains. For optimal light control, opt for sheer curtains with a darker color.
Next, hang a blackout curtain rod right above your window, at least three inches above the window frame. Attach the rods at the appropriate install points, making sure that the rods are level. Carefully hang the blackout curtains on the rod, making sure that the panels fall evenly.
Depending on the look you’re going for, you can opt for two panels or layers of blackout curtains.
To hang your sheer curtains, attach a separate curtain rod at least two inches lower than the blackout curtain rod. When hanging the sheers, make sure the panel line is level with the blackout curtain.
To complete the look, add some tiebacks or decorative tassels to the sides of the sheer panels. Finally, check to make sure the curtains are sitting evenly on both sides and enjoy the cozy vibes of your newly updated window.
Can you put blackout curtains behind other curtains?
Yes, you can put blackout curtains behind other curtains. This can be quite a beneficial feature if you want to benefit from the insulation and privacy offered by the top curtain, while still maintaining a dark and peaceful atmosphere in the room.
It can also be aesthetically pleasing if the top curtain is sheer, allowing natural light to filter through while still providing complete blackout once they are closed in the evening. When selecting blackout curtains, make sure you choose curtains that are compatible with the top curtain.
Otherwise, the gap between the two curtains may cause light to penetrate through, reducing the effectiveness of your blackout curtains.
Can you put sheers over curtains?
Yes, you can put sheers over curtains. Sheers are thinner, lighter fabrics that are usually translucent and can be layered over thicker curtains. They let in natural light, while still providing privacy, and they can be used to add texture, color, and softness to a room.
Sheers are typically hung on a separate rod from the thicker curtains, and they tend to add a more romantic touch to a space. When layering your curtains, you’ll want to choose fabrics that are in the same color family or that have a compatible hue for a cohesive look.
You can also weigh the sheer fabric down with sheer weights that are either hand-sewn into the hem or attached with hooks to keep the fabric draping nicely.
What do you put over blackout curtains?
Blackout curtains can be used alone with no other window treatments. However, if you want to add an extra layer of light protection or extra style to your windows, there are several methods you can use.
One option is to add a sheer curtain over the blackout curtains. Sheer curtains can be pulled back when you want more natural light, which can help to keep the room bright, especially if it’s a small room.
Another option is to layer two panels of solid, colored curtains over the blackout curtains. This adds additional insulation to the window while also offering additional privacy. If you want even more light control and privacy, consider adding a room darkening or blackout window treatment, such as shutters.
Cell shades or cellular shades can also be used over blackout curtains to provide an extra layer of privacy. Additionally, you can use blackout curtains combined with a sheer drape for a stylish window treatment.
Lastly, you can use a window film to reduce the amount of light coming through the windows.
How do you make blackout curtains look good?
Making blackout curtains look good is a matter of achieving balance and creating a cohesive aesthetic. Balance is key when it comes to black curtains, so try to keep it from being overly dark or filling the entire space.
If your home is already quite dark and you’re looking for a blackout effect, try sheer curtains instead so you can still get some light in the room. These look great layered with blackout curtains for added depth.
Avoid having too many different prints or colours in the same space. To make blackout curtains look good, try choosing curtains or drapes in colours that complement the rest of the room. If you’re looking for a classic look, use a neutral colour like grey or black for your blackout curtains.
For something a bit more daring, try a darker blue, deep green or burgundy. Once you’ve selected the right colour, accessorize with a few complimentary throw pillows or rugs. To add texture to your blackout curtains, go for something like velvet, linen, or canvas—they’ll definitely look great.
Finishing touches like tie-backs or tassels, along with the right lighting, will help bring the whole look together.
How do I stop the lights at the top of blackout curtains?
If the lights at the top of the blackout curtains are caused by a light bulb, you can stop them from shining into the room by either replacing the bulb with a lower wattage, using a lamp shade to cover the bulb, or replacing the bulb with a bulb designed for use in a covered fixture.
If the lights at the top of the curtains are caused by natural light coming in from an outside source, you can stop them by using a light-blocking lining behind the blackout curtain. This lining is usually a black fabric that stops light from entering the room.
You can also add a heavy dark-colored fabric to the top of the curtain that hangs down over the window, blocking out natural light.
Finally, if the lights at the top of the curtains are caused by streetlights or any other type of artificial light outside, you can install thick blinds on the window before adding the blackout curtains.
This will help to block out any light coming in from outside and keep the room dark and free of any light at the top of the curtains.
How can I make my room darker during the day?
One option is to invest in blackout curtains or shades. These are specifically designed to block out light and create a darkening effect. If purchasing new curtains or shades is not an option, you can cover your windows with thick blankets or sheets.
Make sure the coverage is complete, so that no light can come through. Additionally, you can place furniture in front of the windows, such as a couch, bookshelf, or dresser. This will help to provide extra coverage for any remaining areas of exposed light.
Lastly, you can use a tinted window film, which is a temporary adhesive-like material that you can attach to the window and peel off easily when no longer needed.
How do you hang curtains when renting?
Hanging curtains when renting is a tricky proposition but it doesn’t have to be an impossible challenge. Renters must take into account the rules of their leasing agreement to ensure that they do not violate any regulations.
Generally, renters may hang curtains if they use removable adhesive hooks, which do not harm the walls, or tension rods that fit within the windowframe.
When using adhesive hooks, flush adhesive or a velcro mounting strip are usually the recommended options for renters. Non-permanent wall anchors are also another solution that are easy to install and to remove, as most simply twist out of the wall.
With non-permanent wall anchors, renters can use screws to hang the curtain rod instead of nails or adhesives.
Tension rods may also be used as an alternative to wall anchors and adhesive hooks. They can be adjusted to fit various widths of windows and, an extra bonus, they’re easy to install and take down.
Finally, some landlords or leasing agreements may not permit renters to hang curtains at all. If this is the case, renters may opt for temporary, freestanding room dividers or hanging dividers that do not require installation.
These temporary solutions give renters the ability to divide, decorate, and customize the space without permanently altering the room.
Hanging curtains in a rental space is a great solution for adding color and character to a room temporarily. When done correctly, it can be an easy, affordable way to customize the rental space without disrupting your budget or breaking the rules of your lease.
Understanding the limits of your rental agreement and finding the right hanging solution for the room can help renters properly utilize any changes to their space.
Do I need sheers with my curtains?
Whether or not you need sheers with your curtains will depend on the look you are hoping to achieve. Sheers are a great way to add a layer of texture and softness to a room, but they are not always necessary.
If you want to achieve a layered look and add a hint of privacy, sheers are a good way to go. However, if you prefer a simpler look, or are just looking to add a softening effect to the room, sheers may not be necessary.
One benefit of adding sheers to your curtains is that they will filter natural light and provide a softer, ethereal effect in the space. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more substantial amount of privacy, sheers may not provide enough of a barrier.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if adding sheers is worth the investment in terms of look and function.
Can blackout curtains be washed?
Yes, blackout curtains can usually be washed or dry cleaned depending on the care instructions for that particular item. Generally, blackout curtains should be regularly dusted and spot cleaned using a soft cloth and water to remove everyday dirt and debris.
To machine-wash, use a mild liquid detergent in a delicate cycle with a warm or cool water setting and a low spin cycle. Make sure the machine is set to a delicate cycle and the water temperature is set to warm or cool, not hot.
After washing, hang the curtains up and allow them to air dry. Do not machine dry them. If the fabric is not machine-washable, have it professionally dry cleaned following the care instructions.
Can I add blackout to my curtains?
Yes, you can add blackout to your curtains. This can be achieved through a variety of different ways, depending on the material of your curtains. For certain fabrics, such as velvet, you’ll need to line them with a blackout fabric, such as thermal-backed liner.
This liner can be easily attached to the back side of your curtains with either pins or a sewing machine.
For sheers or lighter fabrics, an easier and less permanent option is to use blackout roller shades or blinds. You can easily attach the roller shades to the bottom halves of your curtains, allowing you to filter some light without blocking natural sunlight entirely.
You can also add a blackout lining to the top portion of the curtains above your shade or blinds if you want to be extra sure no light gets in at all.
No matter the material or style of your curtains, there’s always a way to add blackout. A good option to start with is to line the back side of your curtains with a blackout fabric, as this is the most secure way to ensure light doesn’t come in.
Additionally, you can purchase roller shades and blinds to help you create a complete blackout environment in any room.
How do you add blackout lining to existing eyelet curtains?
Adding blackout lining to existing eyelet curtains is a fairly easy task. The first step is to measure the length of the curtains so that you know how much blackout lining fabric to purchase. Then, purchase blackout lining fabric that is the same width as the curtains, plus a few inches in length, to allow for the hem at the top.
Once you have the blackout lining fabric, fold the top of the blackout fabric over by one inch and press it so that it stays in place. Sew the folded edge with a sewing machine to create a loop. The next step is to get the eyelet curtains and the blackout lining fabric ready to sew together.
Place the eyelet curtains right-side up on a work surface and then place the blackout lining fabric on top of the curtains, making sure that the loop you created with the sewing machine is facing inward on the top of the curtains.
Once everything is in place, start pinning the pieces together at the bottom of the curtains, making sure that both edges are lined up and that the blackout lining fabric is tucked beneath the eyelet curtains.
Sew the two pieces together with a sewing machine, starting at the bottom edge and working your way up, making sure that you leave a few inches at the top open so that the curtain rod can fit through.
Once the curtains and blackout lining fabric are completely sewn together, sew the hem at the top by folding the blackout lining fabric over by one inch and sewing it in place.
Finally, hang the curtains back up on the curtain rod and enjoy your new blackout curtains!
What is the difference between room darkening and blackout curtains?
Room darkening curtains or window treatments are opaque curtains that block or obscure most of the light coming into a room. The opaque fabric helps to reduce glare, block UV rays, and typically comes in various colors, styles and designs.
Room darkening curtains can also block noise and help with insulation; however, they do not block out all light.
Blackout curtains, on the other hand, are designed to block out nearly all light from the windows, which is why they are so often used to create dark environments for sleeping. Blackout curtains typically feature an extra dark liner, usually quite thick and made from a special material that blocks 100% of light.
They are also designed to block out noise and to provide insulation.
How do you hide the top of curtains?
One common method is to use a pelmet or cornice. A pelmet is a narrow piece of wood, fabric, or other material that is installed above the curtains, typically at the same height as the wall molding or curtain rod.
This provides a clean, finished look that helps to draw the eye away from the top of the curtains. It also conceals the curtain rod as well as any hardware used to hang the curtains. Alternatively, you could install a shorter curtain rod, which would help obscure the top of the curtains when they are closed.
You could also opt to use a fabric valance, which is longer than a pelmet and hangs down to the middle of the window. This option provides a more ornamental look and helps to soften the space, while also obscuring the top of the curtains.
Finally, if you prefer the look of the curtains without any additional decor, you could choose a thicker fabric with a pattern or texture. This could help draw attention away from the top of the curtains, making them appear to blend in with the wall.
What is the cover on top of curtains called?
The cover on top of curtains is commonly referred to as curtain valance or a pelmet. A curtain valance is a decorative item that is typically used to cover the rod and the mounting hardware associated with the curtains, while a pelmet is a more elaborate valance that is often custom-designed with ornamental trim and intricate fabric details.
Both valances and pelmets are typically placed at the top of the curtains to add a decorative touch to the window dressing. Depending on the fabric and design of the valance or pelmet, they can be used to enhance a room’s decor and create a balanced aesthetic.
What is a curtain header?
A curtain header is the top part of a curtain which is designed to hold the material of the curtain up and in place. Tab-top headers, gathered headers, pinch pleat headers, and more. Eyelet headers are very popular and easy to use – they are created using circular rings that are fastened to the top of the curtain and can be hung straight from a curtain rod or track.
Tab-top headers are generally made from thin strips of fabric which are attached to the curtain with loops. Gathered headers create a look of luxury and are created by sewing multiple fabric strips together, creating a ruffled top.
Finally, pinch pleat headers are made by gathering a strip of the curtain in pleats, and the fabric is gathers together, and attached to a track or pole. In summary, a curtain header is the top part of a curtain and it helps to hold the fabric or material of the curtain up and in place.
