Looking for a super easy and popular way to hang no-hole curtain rods over roller shades without drilling into your wall?
Here are 9 easy, inexpensive, damage-free, and renter-friendly ideas to pair curtains with rollers for more visual interest and better insulation, privacy, and room darkening or blackout effect.
Did you ever combine no-drill brackets of curtains with conventional tension rods?
Familiar with temporary command hooks or adhesive mounting strips?
If you have rented a house for a few months, you’ll need a cost-effective way to modify the look and functionality of window treatments. For example, you can get the best of both worlds by attaching curtains to existing roller-ups or new affordable blinds.
Why Put Curtains Over Roller Shades
Combining sheer or heavy-fabric curtains with roll-up window coverings will enhance light control and privacy in your living space. Plus these downright good-looking window coverings will add softness and elegance to your decor style.
Pre-Mounting Tips
Before you begin installing a fabric curtain over the roller, here are a few practical tips that’ll benefit you in the long run.
- Get a Bigger Curtain Rod: If you purchase a curtain rod that’s a few inches longer than the width of your window or the existing roller shade, it’ll give the illusion of height and largeness to your space.
- Refresh the Look of Old Roll-ups: As you are going to attach new curtains to old rollers, you should clean them and apply a shiner to make them look new.
Things You’ll Need
- A new set of fabric curtains
- A curtains rod
- 1 screwdriver
- 1 steel tape measure
- No-hole attachment tools, e.g. adhesive or command hooks or strips, tension rods, clip-on curtain rings, and ribbons or twines
9 Best No-Drill Ways to Layer Curtains Over Rollers
Here are some easy, inexpensive solutions to hang curtains over roller blinds without drilling into the wall. Learn an easy how to measure guide to determine how much fabric material you’ll need.
1. Use Temporary Command Hooks
Command hooks, also referred to as adhesive hooks or strips, offer the easiest way to hang curtains over window shades. They can attach everything from small shelves to picture frames to Roman window covers to the wall. These metal hooks come with a brushed nickel finish and can instantly release the hold as you give a tug on the strip’s tab.
Step 1: Install Hooks: Attach them either to the pre-installed headrail or on the wall on either side of the window, totally eliminating the need for drilling holes. Buy sturdier hooks or strips that can hold at least 5 pounds of weight. Use 3 or 4 adhesive hooks if the curtain rod is heavier.
Step 2: Thread Curtain Rod Through Fabric: When ordering a pre-made curtain or sewing your own, make sure it has a pocket running the length of the woven or cellular fabric. Thread the curtain rod through the pocket and pull it taught on the rod, making sure it will open and close smoothly and create an uncluttered layered look.
Step 3: Place Curtain Rod on Hooks: Place either end of the curtain rod in the adhesive hook, making sure it is evenly placed on the window or wall and the curtain fabric is balanced. Try operating (opening, closing, and adjusting) the layered curtain and the roller shade underneath it for desired light filtration. You can use a child-safe, cordless or motorized control system to operate your window coverings individually or collectively. These CPSC approved options are fit for home with kids and pets.
2. Install Brackets on Roller’s Headrail
Install curtain brackets directly on the headrail of roller blinds. A headrail is a straight metal bar, running horizontally at the top of the window treatment. Purchase those curtain brackets that have been specially engineered to be installed on headrails. Use screws or clips (whatever they come with) to fasten or secure them on the wall.
3. Attach Curtains with Tension Rods
Here is a subtle and sophisticated way to hang curtains over roller shades without making screw holes in the wall. Stretching from one side of the window frame to the other, they can easily bear the weight of sheer, lightweight fabric curtains. For a delicate look, you can pair a tension rod with a curtain rod. To create a cafe-curtain look, place the rods lower than the window top. Or add a few inches at the top for maximum light and privacy coverage.
4. Go with Custom Compression Curtains
Custom curtains with a compression system offer a drill-free installation. These fabric pull-down window treatments support a simple fit compression mechanism, eliminating the need for adhesive strips, hooks, or brackets. However, they have one disadvantage, i.e., they’ll harm the paint at the top of the window frame.
5. Apply Twist-and-Fit Curtain Rods
Secured across the window, modern one-piece twist-and-fit curtain rods have a specialized design that gives them the impression of a separate rod and a hook. They are available in metallic design with bronzed finish.
6. Buy Drill-Free Ceiling Hooks
Drill-free ceiling mount hooks are another great option to hang curtains in front of inside or outside mounted roller blinds without making any holes. With their adhesive backing, they stick to the ceiling and hold fabric in place. As opposed to tension rods that are inside the window, these hooks sit on either side of the window like a real curtain rod. They are available at hardware stores and online.
7. Select Magnetic Curtain Rods
Here’s another easy and versatile solution to hang curtains on both windows or doors. However, they can only support lightweight fabrics. If you have heavier fabric curtains, choose rods with more powerful magnets.
8. Use Clip-on Curtain Rings
These curtain rings have a clip on the back that can firmly attach the fabric to the existing headrail without causing any damage to the blinds or mounting hardware. And they are easy to work with. Just slide the rings onto the headrail and hang your curtains from them.
9. Choose Ribbons or Twines
Attach ribbons or twines to the top of the roller blinds and attach your curtains to them. They are a temporary solution and can easily be removed.
How do you hang curtains over roller blinds without drilling?
- Adhesive hooks (for heavy curtains)
- Tension rods (for lightweight fabrics)
- Brackets attached to headrails (all purpose)
- No-drill brackets with conventional curtain rods
- Ceiling mount adhesive hooks
- Temporary Ribbons and twines
- Drill-free Twist-and-fit rods
- Make a DIY shade with clip-on rings
Can you put curtains over roller shades?
Yes! If you put sheer curtains over room darkening rollers with adhesive or compression hooks, they will complement the look and functionality of each other. While roller blinds provide better light control and insulation, sheers add to their visual interest.
How can I hang curtains without drilling holes?
Use sticky brackets, clip-on rings, ribbons, or a compression system to firmly hang fabric curtains on the window frame, wall, ceiling, or over other window treatments without drilling holes.
Will command strips hold a roller blind?
Yes! Command strips are a quick and cost-effective way to hold heavy curtains (up to 9 kilograms). For better grip, thoroughly clean the surface with alcohol wipes.
Want to try free samples of blinds for pairing?
Order a free sample of Roman curtains and roller blinds each to see how layering or pairing works in your decor. Save big on free shipping and a free lifetime warranty.
Need More Help?
Need expert advice on more DIY tips or professional solutions to install curtains over roller shades? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109.