How to Hang Curtains with Roman Shades: Easy Steps for a Cozy Home

Mixing curtains and Roman shades is a great way to make your rooms look inviting and stylish. When you put them together, you get both comfort and control: the curtains add softness and color, while the shades give you privacy and block or let in sunlight as you like.

If you’ve ever wondered how people manage to get their windows looking so layered and pretty, don’t worry—it’s not as tricky as it looks. In this guide, you’ll learn how to pick, measure, and hang curtains with Roman shades, step by step, using easy words and simple tips anyone can follow.

1. Why Use Curtains with Roman Shades?

Using both Roman shades and curtains has a lot of good points:

• Better Light Control: You can pull up the Roman shade for full sunshine, lower it a bit to stop glare, or close the curtains for darkness.
• More Privacy: The shade keeps people from seeing in during the day, and the curtains are perfect for nighttime privacy.
• Keeps Rooms Comfortable: When used together, shades and curtains help block out cold in winter and keep heat away in summer.
• Makes Rooms Look Nicer: This combo lets you play with different patterns and colors. Go simple with plain curtains, or bold with patterned shades for a touch of fun

2. Planning Before You Start

Before you bring out the ladder or drill, spend some time thinking about what you want.

Picking Styles and Materials

• If you want your windows to stand out, try colorful or printed shades with plain curtains.
• If you like a simple look, choose soft-colored or plain shades with curtains in similar tones.
• Lighter, see-through curtains give a room an airy feeling. If you want to sleep in on weekends, use blackout Roman shades behind your curtains.

Measuring Up

Before buying anything:

1. Measure the Window Inside: Check the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest one for the shade.
2. Measure Height: From the top of the inside frame to the window sill.
3. Wall Space: See how much space there is above and on both sides for your curtain rod.

Write down your numbers—they’ll come in handy when you shop.

3. How to Install Roman Shades: Inside or Outside Mount?

You can hang your Roman shade inside the window frame (inside mount) or on the wall above it (outside mount).

Inside Mount

• Why choose it? Looks clean and neat. The shade sits inside the window, leaving wall space for the curtain rod.
• What you need: Enough space in the window frame for the headrail.
• How to do it: Screw the hanging brackets to the top part inside the window frame.

Outside Mount

• Why choose it? Good if your window frame is too shallow. The shade covers more of the wall and blocks more light.
• What you need: Wall space above or around the window.
• How to do it: Screw the brackets into the wall or window trim above the window frame.

Tip: Inside mounts usually work best when you want both Roman shades and curtains.

4. Picking the Right Curtain Rod

With your shade in place, you need a rod for the curtains.

How Far Out Should the Rod Be?

• You want the rod to stick out a bit from the wall so the curtains don’t bunch up against the shade.
• Regular rods stick out about 3-4 inches. For layered looks, an adjustable bracket that goes out 5-6 inches works better.
• Double rods (for layering two sets of curtains) can also help, even if you only use the outer one.

How Wide Should the Rod Be?

• A wider rod makes your window look bigger and lets you pull the curtains all the way back.
• Try to get a rod that’s 8-20 inches wider than your actual window—4-10 inches on each side.

5. Hanging Your Curtains: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part.

Step 1: Mark Where the Brackets Go

1. Height: Place the rod 4-6 inches above your window frame for a taller look.
2. Width: Place end brackets 4-10 inches out from each side of the frame.
3. Check for Level: Use a level or ruler so your rod isn’t crooked. Mark with a pencil.

Step 2: Put Up the Brackets

1. Hold up a bracket, mark where the screws go.
2. Drill holes. If there’s no wall stud, use wall anchors so your curtains don’t fall down.
3. Screw the brackets in tightly.

Step 3: Hang the Curtains

1. Slide the curtains onto the rod.
2. Set the rod on the brackets.
3. Tighten any screws to hold it. Take a step back and check that everything is straight.

6. Fun Ideas for Style

• Let Them Flow: For a classic look, curtains should touch or slightly rest on the floor.
• Show Off Your Shade: Keep curtains pulled aside during the day so your Roman shade is visible.
• Add Tiebacks: Use tiebacks to sweep the curtains to the sides. This makes the windows look bigger and neater.

7. Mistakes to Watch Out For

• Too-Short Rod: If the rod only covers the window, curtains will cover the window even when open. Go wider!
• Rod is Too Low: Hanging the rod right above the window makes a room look short. Keep it higher.
• Rod Too Close to Wall: If the rod is too close, the curtains will bump the shade. Make sure the rod sticks out far enough.
• No Wall Anchors: Without anchors in drywall, the rod can rip out. Always use them if you can’t find a stud.

8. Wrapping Up: Enjoy Your New Window Look

Putting up curtains with Roman shades isn’t hard if you plan ahead. This layered style gives you control over the light and privacy in your room. It also lets you show off your decorating style. With good measurements, the right hardware, and a little patience, you’ll have windows that look like they belong in a magazine.

Remember:

• Plan your colors and styles first.
• Measure carefully.
• Hang the shade inside the window frame if you can.
• Use a rod that’s high, wide, and sticks out far enough.

Take a moment to enjoy your handiwork—and your cozier, brighter space!

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Should my Roman shade and curtains match?
A: They don’t have to! You can match colors or mix patterns as you like. Just pick ones that look good together.

Q: Can I use a double curtain rod?
A: Yes! Even though they’re made for two sets of curtains, you can use just the outer rod for your main curtains and leave the inner rod empty.Q: Do I hang curtains over inside-mount or outside-mount shades?
A: It’s easier to hang curtains over inside-mount shades because the hardware is out of the way. If your shade is outside-mounted, just make sure your rod is far enough from the wall.

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