At long last, our living room window limbo has been solved. This past weekend we finally picked up a pair of bamboo blinds to fill the awkward space between the top of the window and the curtain rod. The result instantly makes the window feel taller and more finished while introducing a pleasant, natural texture to the room.
Here’s a clear look at the window before the blinds were installed — it really was crying out for something below the rod:
The tidy finish was achieved with two wooden blinds from Wal‑Mart (each one cost about $25) and a bit of helpful heavy‑lifting from John. Simple, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective — these blinds plug that visual gap and add a subtle layer of warmth to the window wall.
We already use the exact same style of blinds in the den and above the laundry nook as a low‑cost alternative to cabinet doors, so choosing them here helped tie multiple areas together. Repeating materials like these wooden blinds creates visual continuity through the house and reinforces the sense of height wherever they’re installed.
Our favorite window treatment combination for large picture windows remains white, floor‑length Ikea curtains paired with these simple wood blinds. The curtains frame the window, lengthen the sightlines from floor to ceiling, and keep the look light and airy. The blinds add texture and privacy when we want it. Together they create a balanced, layered window treatment that feels polished without being fussy.
This solution works well for several reasons:
- Cost: Inexpensive blinds can make a big impact without breaking the bank. Spending a modest amount on well‑placed, neutral pieces often produces a higher perceived value than larger, pricier items that don’t coordinate with the rest of the room.
- Consistency: Repeating the same blind style in adjacent rooms or transition spaces helps unify multiple zones and keeps the home feeling cohesive.
- Scale: The blinds fill the vertical gap beneath the curtain rod, giving the window a more proportional and intentional appearance. When paired with long curtains, they help make windows look taller and more substantial.
- Texture: Natural wood or bamboo introduces warmth and a tactile quality that softens the space and complements textiles like linen or cotton curtains.
Installation was straightforward: measure, mount the brackets, and secure the blinds. With two people it took only a short while, and the visual payoff was immediate. If you’re weighing whether to add blinds under your curtain rod, consider this an easy, low‑commitment upgrade that yields a big aesthetic return.
We love how the finished look ties into the rest of the house and gives our largest window a more refined presence. What do you think — did we do this window justice? We’d love to hear opinions on mixing materials, favorite combinations for large windows, or any tips you have for balancing privacy and style.
Psst — if you’re curious about choosing the right window treatments for a particular room, check out this exhaustive answer.