Window Upgrade: Wood Blinds and Curtains for a Taller, Cleaner Look
Finally — our living room window limbo is over. This weekend we picked up a pair of wood blinds to fill the gap between the top of the window and the curtain rod, and the change is dramatic. Adding simple blinds instantly made the window read taller and added warm texture to the room. It’s one of those inexpensive fixes that feels like a small renovation.
Before we installed the blinds, the area beneath the rod felt exposed and unfinished. The curtain rod alone left a visible strip of empty wall that made the window look shorter and the room less cohesive. We wanted something simple, affordable, and consistent with the rest of the house, so we chose two wood blinds from a big-box store. They were budget-friendly (about $25 each) and matched other wood blinds we already use throughout the home. John handled the installation, which was quick and straightforward — nothing fancy, just solid, functional work.
We already use the same style of wood blinds in the den and above the laundry nook in place of pricey cabinet doors. Repeating this same element in multiple spots keeps the visual language of the house consistent. That continuity makes individual design choices feel intentional rather than piecemeal. Combining simple wood blinds with long, white floor-length curtains is our favorite approach for large picture windows. The blinds add texture and privacy while the curtains frame the window and enhance the perceived height.
If you’re considering a similar update, here are a few tips that worked well for us:
- Hang the curtain rod high: Mount the rod several inches above the window frame to create the illusion of height. Even a modest rise makes a noticeable difference.
- Choose floor-length curtains: Curtains that touch the floor or pool slightly create a more elegant, finished look. White or light neutrals help bounce light around the room and keep the focus on architectural features rather than heavy fabric.
- Match materials across rooms: Repeating the same blind style or wood tone in connected spaces ties the house together. Consistency reads as thoughtful design.
- Balance texture and simplicity: If your blinds are relatively plain, pair them with soft, flowing curtains for contrast. If the blinds have a pronounced grain or color, keep the curtains simple.
- Budget-friendly can still be beautiful: Affordable blinds can deliver a polished look when paired with the right hardware and curtain choices. Don’t underestimate the impact of proper installation.
We also found that this combination makes windows look larger during the day and more intentional at night when the blinds are drawn. It’s a flexible solution: use the blinds for privacy and light control, and let the curtains provide softness and style. For homes with large picture windows, this duo often outperforms a single treatment alone.
All in all, we’re thrilled with how this small change transformed our biggest living room window. It feels taller, more finished, and visually cohesive with the rest of the house. If you’ve been staring at a similar gap above your curtains, consider adding simple wood or bamboo blinds—sometimes a little texture and a touch of structure is all a room needs.
Psst — if you’re still undecided about window treatments, try mock-ups in your mind or on a mood board: curtain height, fabric weight, and blind material are the main variables. Start simple and repeat elements you love throughout the house for a unified result.