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 best price offered anywhere!
How you dress your windows can completely transform a room. Window coverings add texture, warmth and personality while creating another design layer in the home. I get lots of reader questions about the bamboo blinds and curtains I use, so here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about how I installed and styled them.
Mounting: Inside or Outside?
Answer: In my guest room and bedroom I used outside-mount roll-up bamboo shades mounted directly to the wall. These were inexpensive roll-up styles from Lowe’s that come with hooks already attached, making them very simple to hang. Outside-mount roll-ups work best when window trim is minimal or flat so the trim doesn’t interfere with how the shade hangs. I mounted mine almost to the ceiling to make the windows feel taller, a trick I use with many curtains as well.
When choosing width, I selected blinds slightly wider than the window opening. Some roll-up blinds can be trimmed to size, so check product details at your store.
Inside-Mount Blinds
I ordered woven wood/roman-style bamboo blinds online for the family room and kitchen. These were inside-mount, meaning they sit inside the window frame. Because those rooms have attractive trim and deep sills, inside mount made the most sense. I measured each window carefully so the blinds would be cut to fit exactly.
Multiple Windows: One Blind or Several?
Answer: For a wide wall of windows, I used three separate blinds, one for each window, rather than one giant shade. Several smaller shades are much easier to operate and maintain than one heavy, continuous blind. On the kitchen slider I used a two-panel setup with a single header so each side operates independently while still looking cohesive.
Privacy and Light Control
Answer: You can order bamboo blinds with liners if you need more privacy and better light control. My blinds do not have liners, so some light filters through and you can see a bit through them. For many living spaces that’s sufficient, but liners or blackout options are available if you need full privacy or room-darkening.
Do the Blinds Roll or Fold?
Answer: It depends on the style. The kitchen and family room blinds I installed function like roman shades and fold up in layers. The bedroom shades are roll-up styles that roll up into a tube.
Cords and Safety
Answer: My blinds have cords. If ordering now, I’d pay closer attention to lift options—cord position, cordless lifts or continuous-loop systems are often offered and improve convenience and child safety. These options are worth considering when placing a custom order.
Curtains: Sourcing and Panels
Answer: The guest room curtains came from Target. I ordered six panels—three on each side—because I like a full look. Those inexpensive panels are on the narrow side, so using several panels helps create a rich, layered appearance and minimizes any pattern mismatches.
Hanging Long Runs of Curtains
Answer: For the long curtain run in the guest room we used an extendable curtain rod in the longest length available and mounted four brackets across the span. The curtains were arranged and fluffed so the hardware is nearly invisible. Leaving a few inches at each end for finials prevents the rod from slipping out of the bracket.
When to Use Stationary Rods
Answer: In rooms where trim is a key architectural feature I often use short stationary rods instead of long functional rods. For example, in the family room the trim is pretty and I didn’t want another horizontal line cutting across it. The curtains there are decorative—meant to soften the room rather than provide privacy—so a stationary rod is practical and visually minimal.
Where I Found Short Rods
The short rods in the family room are standard adjustable rods set to their smallest length and fitted with small gold-toned finials to stay subtle. In the dining room I used simple tension café rods hidden by the molding so they aren’t visible.
How Long Should Curtains Be?
Answer: Curtain length depends on fabric, style and room function. Heavier fabrics often look best hanging just to the floor, while softer, lighter fabrics can be allowed to “puddle” slightly for a more relaxed look. It’s largely personal preference. If curtains are too long and you prefer a cleaner line, they can be hemmed or shortened.
How High and Wide to Hang Curtains
Answer: A common design rule is to hang curtains high and wide to visually enlarge windows. I typically mount rods closer to the ceiling and extend them beyond the window sides so windows appear taller and wider. That said, always consider proportions in your room—hanging too high can create awkward blank spaces above windows, so adjust based on ceiling height and the room’s balance. Hanging as wide as possible while staying near the outer edge of the trim maximizes light when curtains are open.
Decorating often relies on your eye and what looks balanced in the space rather than a one-size-fits-all formula. I hope this roundup answers many of the common questions about bamboo blinds and curtains. If you have anything I didn’t cover, 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 best price offered anywhere!
Have a great day, everybody!
