Tricks to Lengthen Bamboo Blinds
Bamboo blinds filter light, add privacy and reduce excessive heat coming through windows. Bamboo provides the additional advantages of durability, sustainability and natural, warm colors. Sometimes getting a bamboo shade to fit creates a challenge. For a custom bamboo window treatment, modify the blinds. Use economical and attractive strategies to lengthen them. Does this Spark an idea?
Open at the Top
For bamboo blinds that are too short for a tall window, leave the top of the window uncovered if that won't compromise privacy. Use fishing line to hang the blind from above the window frame. Check that the blind extends all the way to the bottom of the window sill (or within a 1/2-inch from the floor), and leave the top of the window exposed. This creates an effect similar to tab-topped curtains, without the tabs. It's an effective look for tall windows and increases light.
For this window treatment, get some decorative screw-in hooks from a hardware store and some clear nylon fishing line. Use two hooks for blinds under 3 feet wide, and four hooks for wider blinds. Screw the hooks in above the window frame. Loop two or four lengths of fishing line through the top bar of the bamboo blinds. Have an assistant help determine the right length to tie the fishing line so the blind hangs straight with the end reaching to the bottom of the window (at the sill) to assure privacy.
Valance Top
To create the appearance of a longer bamboo blind, add a valance to the top of the window. Valances are short curtains to decorate the top of a window. They come in many styles, colors and fabrics. For an inconspicuous valance, select one in a color similar to the bamboo shade or match it to the wall. You could also make it part of the decorating scheme and choose colors from the room, such as the sofa color or an accent color to go with the room's accessories. The Southern Accents website features a bamboo shade and drapes window treatment; using a valance with bamboo blinds creates a similar effect, combining fabric with the natural bamboo.
This treatment will work for either an inside mount (mounted within the window frame) or an outside mount bamboo blind. For best results hang the valance so it extends from the outside of the frame on one side to the outside of the frame on the other (outside mount). Brylane Home website advises having window coverings extend to the window sill. Have an assistant hold the bamboo blind so the bottom of it reaches the bottom of the window. Measure from the top of the window's frame to the top of the blind to determine the minimum length of the valance. Add at least 2 inches so the valance overlaps the top of the blind, and so you can hang it above the top of the window, if desired. Hang the bamboo blind in the same manner as described above, except use plain hooks, as the valance covers them. Install a curtain rod at the top of the window frame and hang the valance.
Extension
You can make a bamboo blind extension if you're able to match the blind. Measure to determine how much longer the blind needs to be. Cut that amount from another bamboo blind. For example: cut 6 inches from the bottom of a matching blind to make the first blind 6 inches longer. Use wire or fishing twine to attach the extension to the blind.
Tags: bamboo blind, window frame, fishing line, above window, bamboo shade, bottom window