As much as we would like a nice pair of colored curtains to cover our windows in a stylish and chic way, not everyone has the luxury of time to hang and maintain curtains. Luckily, you can also figure out how to cover a window without curtains.
Regardless of why you can’t hang curtains, there are other easy, cost-efficient, and stylish alternatives to dress your windows. Enjoy privacy within the walls of your home and other similar benefits that you would usually get with a regular curtain.
Some of these include hanging stenciled signs or adding a frosted glass design. You can also invest in stained glass or improvise with some clip rings and table linen. However, the best way to cover those windows is with a beautiful set of blinds.
Step 1: Measure your window
There are tons of pre-measured and pre-cut blinds in local stores. However, you can also find one that makes pre-made blinds to suit your window’s exact dimensions. Regardless, we must know our window’s exact measurements first.
Take your measuring tape and note the dimensions of your window starting from the width. In getting the length, don’t measure from the window’s edge. Instead, try to start measuring from a few inches above the sill or where you would like your rail to go.
Step 2: Choose your blinds
Now that we have our window measurements settled, it’s time to decide the type of cover we will use. You can choose between vertical and horizontal blinds. For wider windows (with longer width than its length), choose a vertical blind.
Vertical blinds work well in wide windows. However, they also work well in tall, narrow hallways entrances with windows that measure less than a foot wide. Although you can’t raise or lower them, you can adjust the slats to control the room’s amount of light.
Horizontal blinds are some of the most common kinds to use in most residential properties. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. They also help create a clean and simple look. Not to mention, you can find them almost anywhere, in any color.
Step 3: Install the railings.
First, get a pencil to mark the placements of your mounts. Use a drill to make a hole in the wall and drive your screws through the brackets. Take note that there are two open sides of the bracket. One of them should face toward the center of the window, and the other faces you.
Position the bracket door so that it faces the inside of the room. You can choose to mount your brackets on the inside or outside of the curtain. It’s easier to install it outside because you can quickly drill the screws through the wall and bracket.
Use your power drill to screw the holes into the brackets. Make sure that you use a hole slightly smaller than the screw so that you can secure your bracket in place. Hang the rail onto the bracket and close the bracket door to hold it in place.
Step 4: Hang the valance
A typical package will usually come with valances and snap valance slips. Snap the clips in place and make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the horizontal railing. The main purpose of it is to hide the railing and make it a bit more decorative.
Hang the blind wand, which will help you open and close your blinds. Some manufacturers already attach them to the railing for quick process. However, if yours comes separately, you can easily push the plastic left off the hook and drive the want through the rail.
Alternatives
Like we’ve mentioned, when figuring out how to cover a window without curtains, you can also opt for faux stained glass windows. They are quite easy to install. You can buy the materials you need at local hardware stores. Turn your regular windows into a stained glass work of art.
You can fit different colored stickers into the glass panes and create your own artwork. Another option is by making or buying some vintage-style shutters. Mount a panel of shutters over your window and leave them open during the day.
When you decide that you want to enjoy some privacy, close your shutters. Installing them is pretty easy, too, since you only have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. All you have to worry about is getting the size right.
Design tips
Aside from these DIY projects and installments, you can also use everyday objects such as tall potted plants, colored bottles, and other small items to cover your window. You can mount a shelf over your glass windows for partial coverage.
Place books or potted plants on your shelves to make it appear more decorative. You can use glass shelves for a better result. This is a great way to add some extra storage while giving your home an aesthetic charm.
Overall, knowing how to cover a window without curtains is not too challenging. After all, the options are far wider than they may seem. Try to figure out what works best for you and your home design. Don’t be afraid to try new things.