9 Ways to Disguise Ugly Rental Vertical Blinds Without Removing Them
No tools, no landlord drama — just smart design moves that work with what you’ve got
If you’ve ever walked into a rental and been greeted by those chunky, yellowing vertical blinds from the ’90s, you know the pain. They rattle, they clash with every aesthetic, and your landlord won’t let you take them down. Good news: you don’t have to. These nine tricks let you hide, soften, or completely transform vertical blinds — all while keeping your deposit intact.
1. Hang Curtains Over Them
The simplest and most popular fix: just hang curtains in front of them. Mount your curtain rod a few inches above the existing blind hardware and extend it 6–8 inches past the window on each side. When the curtains are closed, nobody knows the blinds are even there. When open, they tuck behind the curtain panels and disappear from view. Go with lightweight linen or cotton for an airy feel, or velvet if you want drama. Tension rods work too if you can’t drill — just make sure they fit your window width.
Style TipHang the rod 4–6 inches above the window frame to make ceilings look taller
Why It WorksWide rod placement fully covers blind hardware and creates the illusion of bigger windows
2. Drape Sheer Fabric Panels
Sheer fabric panels are the boho-chic answer to ugly blinds. Attach a simple curtain rod (or even a few Command hooks with a dowel) and hang lightweight gauze or muslin panels that pool slightly at the floor. The softness completely neutralizes the hard plastic look of vertical blinds. You can layer these over existing curtains for depth, or use them alone for a dreamy, diffused light effect. They’re also dirt cheap — grab a few yards from a fabric store and call it done.
Style TipLet panels puddle 1–2 inches on the floor for an intentional, elevated look
Why It WorksTranslucent fabric filters light beautifully while making blind hardware invisible
3. Mount a Roman Shade in Front
A Roman shade mounted slightly above and outside the window frame can completely conceal vertical blinds while giving your window a polished, intentional look. Choose a woven bamboo shade for a natural vibe, or a linen Roman shade for something more classic. Most come with simple bracket hardware that only leaves small screw holes — easy to patch when you move out. The blinds can stay drawn behind the shade, out of sight and out of mind.
Style TipMount the shade 3–4 inches above the frame for a taller window illusion
Why It WorksRoman shades create a solid visual barrier that replaces, not just hides, the blinds
4. Use Command Hook Curtain Clips
If drilling is totally off the table, Command hooks are your best friend. Stick two or three heavy-duty Command hooks above the window frame, lay a lightweight dowel or tension rod across them, and clip on some curtain panels. The key is to use light fabrics — heavy drapes will pull the hooks down over time. This method takes about 15 minutes, costs under $30, and leaves zero damage when you remove everything with the proper pull-tab technique. Perfect for strict landlords.
Style TipUse 3 hooks instead of 2 for extra support if your curtains are longer than 63 inches
Why It WorksZero-damage mounting means you get real curtains without risking your security deposit
5. Apply Frosted Window Film
If the main reason you keep the blinds is privacy (not style), frosted window film lets you ditch the functionality entirely. Apply the static-cling film directly to the glass, then push or tie back the blinds permanently. You get full daytime privacy, natural light still filters through, and the blinds become purely decorative — or invisible if you tie them neatly to one side. The film peels off cleanly when you leave, no residue. Works especially well in bathrooms and bedrooms.
Style TipTie blinds open with a ribbon or fabric strip so they look intentional, not neglected
Why It WorksPrivacy film replaces the blinds’ actual purpose, making them purely optional
6. Create a Macramé or Tapestry Wall
A large macramé piece or woven tapestry hung over the blind hardware turns your biggest eyesore into a statement wall. Use a simple curtain rod or wooden dowel mounted above the blinds, then hang your textile of choice. This works especially well on sliding glass doors where curtains feel bulky. Macramé adds texture and warmth, while a vintage tapestry can bring in color and pattern. The blinds disappear behind it, and you’ve got an instant focal point that looks completely intentional.
Budget HackDIY macramé kits start around $15 and make surprisingly impressive pieces
Why It WorksLarge textiles create a visual wall that redirects attention away from the blinds entirely
7. Tuck and Tie Them Back
Sometimes the simplest solution is the one you overlook: just tie the blinds open and leave them. Use fabric strips, ribbon, or even a decorative rope to bundle the vanes together on each side of the window. Once they’re gathered and secured, they look like a deliberate valance or side panel. This takes five minutes and zero money. The window is fully exposed, the blinds are technically still installed (landlord happy), and your room gets way more natural light. Pair this with a simple window film for privacy if needed.
Style TipUse fabric that matches your room’s color palette so the ties blend in
Why It WorksBundled blinds read as intentional window framing rather than forgotten hardware
8. Layer with a Valance or Cornice Board
A valance or cornice board hides the ugly track and headrail hardware at the top while making the whole window treatment look designed and deliberate. You can buy a simple upholstered cornice board, or DIY one with a foam board and fabric — just wrap, staple, and mount with L-brackets above the window. Combined with side panels, this creates a classic layered window treatment that completely disguises the fact that vertical blinds exist. The blinds stay in place behind the valance, out of sight.
Style TipMatch the valance fabric to your throw pillows for a cohesive room design
Why It WorksHiding the track hardware eliminates the most visually offensive part of vertical blinds
9. Replace Just the Vanes with Fabric
Here’s a hack that surprises people: you can swap out the ugly plastic vanes for fabric ones without touching the track. Remove each plastic vane, trace its shape onto your chosen fabric (heavyweight cotton or canvas works best), cut it out, and slide it into the same clips. Some people use fusible interfacing to stiffen the fabric first. The track and mechanism stay completely intact — you’re just swapping the visible part. When you move out, pop the original vanes back in. Landlord never knows.
Style TipIron fusible interfacing onto thin fabric to add structure without bulk
Why It WorksSame mechanism, totally different look — and fully reversible for move-out day
Essential Tips for Disguising Rental Vertical Blinds