NOTE: If you place an order for ANY window coverings from Select Blinds, be sure you use my special link for the best possible discount! Plus if you also put in my code INSP1RE5 you’ll receive an additional 5% off the very best price offered anywhere!
How you dress your windows can completely transform a room. Window coverings add texture, depth and personality—another design layer that can change a space’s mood. I get a lot of questions about the bamboo blinds and curtains in my home, so here are the most frequently asked questions with straightforward answers and helpful tips.
Question: I’m choosing window shades and saw your posts about bamboo blinds in the family room and guest bedroom. Did you mount the roll-up blinds on a rod or directly on the wall? I’m deciding between an inside or outside mount or using a rod.
Master Bedroom Update 2015
Answer: The roll-up bamboo blinds in the guest room and my bedroom are installed as outside mounts attached directly to the wall. I bought the roll-up style at Lowe’s — they come labeled “HOME Style Selections” (a bright green label) and include hooks for easy installation. Outside mounts work well when you want to create the illusion of taller windows or when trim might interfere with an inside mount.
The blinds are best suited for windows with minimal or flat trim. I hang them near the ceiling to make windows look taller, the same approach I use for curtains. When choosing a width, I select blinds slightly wider than the window opening. Some styles can be trimmed to size, so check product details before purchasing.
In the guest room I have only one window, but a wall of curtains flanking it makes the opening feel much larger and cozier. The curtains add scale and softness—I’ll share more about those below.
The bamboo blinds in my family room and kitchen were custom ordered online. Those are inside-mount shades that fit neatly into the window frame. Inside mounts make sense when you have attractive trim and deep sills, and ordering custom sizes ensures a precise fit because they are cut to your measurements.
Question: For a wide window or a bank of windows, did you use one long blind or several?
Answer: For the family room I used three separate blinds—one for each window—each with its own header. One large blind spanning all three windows would be heavy and difficult to operate, so multiple smaller shades function better. On the kitchen slider we used two separate blinds with a single header so they appear cohesive yet still operate independently.
NOTE: If you place an order for ANY window coverings from Select Blinds, be sure you use my special link for the best possible discount! Plus if you also put in my code INSP1RE5 you’ll receive an additional 5% off the very best price offered anywhere!
The kitchen sink window has a single blind across the full opening with one header. When ordering, many online retailers offer guidance on measurements and mounting—use those prompts if you’re unsure. The blinds on this window mounted easily to the underside of the top window frame.
Question: Are bamboo blinds good for privacy?
Answer: You can order bamboo blinds with liners to increase light blockage and privacy. My blinds don’t have liners, so they allow some light through and offer partial privacy. If privacy is a primary concern, choose a lined option or consider pairing shades with curtains.
Question: Do the blinds roll or fold up?
Answer: It depends on the style. The kitchen and family room blinds behave like Roman shades and fold up in layers. The bedroom blinds are the roll-up variety.
Question: Do your blinds have cords?
Answer: Yes. When ordering, look at cord options—many manufacturers provide choices such as left- or right-side operation, cordless systems, or continuous loop mechanisms. I ordered quickly and didn’t customize the cord features, but I would consider other options next time for safety and convenience.
Question: Did your guest room curtains come from Target? How many panels did you use and did the pattern line up?
Answer: Yes, the guest room curtains are from Target. I ordered six panels—three per side—to create a full, layered look. Because there are many narrow panels, any pattern mismatch is less noticeable and the overall effect looks rich and intentional.
Question: How did you hang the curtains across the guest room? Is the rod custom?
Answer: We used an extendable curtain rod from Target at its longest length, then installed four brackets to support it. The curtains are arranged and fluffed to hide the brackets and most of the rod. The end brackets sit a few inches from the wall edge to allow space for finials; they keep the rod from slipping but are optional if you prefer a simpler look.
Easy DIY No Sew Ikea Curtains
Question: For the family room and dining room curtains, why use a short stationary rod instead of a functional one?
Answer: In the family room the window trim is a focal point, and I didn’t want another long visual line cutting across it. The short stationary rods simply soften and frame the windows. In the dining room the molding runs to the ceiling; a continuous rod would cross the trim and distract from the molding’s detail. Choosing a stationary rod can preserve architectural features while still providing a decorative layer.
Question: Where did you find extra short curtain rods? Are they custom?
Answer: The short rods are standard rods at their smallest extension. I picked subtle gold-tone finials to avoid drawing attention from the molding. In the dining room I used inexpensive white tension cafe rods secured by the molding and wall; they’re largely hidden from view.
Question: How do you decide curtain length?
Answer: Curtain length depends on fabric weight, style and the room’s aesthetic. Heavier fabrics typically stop at the floor and should not puddle, while softer fabrics can be allowed to puddle slightly for a relaxed look. Personal preference plays a big role—some rooms look better with curtains just touching the floor; others benefit from a little extra length.
Question: How high and wide should curtains be hung?
Answer: This varies by window and room, but a common guideline is to hang curtains high and wide to make windows feel larger. Mount the rod close to the ceiling and extend it beyond the window edges so the curtains stack off the glass when open, allowing maximum light. That said, consider room proportions—hanging too high can create awkward blank space above the window, so adjust based on your space and visual balance.
Decorating often relies on your eye and what looks right in the room rather than strict rules. Use these tips as a starting point and adapt them to your space.
PHEW! That was a long post, but I hope this answered many of your questions about bamboo blinds and curtains. If you still have questions, feel free to ask!
NOTE: If you place an order for ANY window coverings from Select Blinds, be sure you use my special link for the best possible discount! Plus if you also put in my code INSP1RE5 you’ll receive an additional 5% off the very best price offered anywhere!
Have a great day, everybody!
