Enjoying the sunshine is one thing, but having it blast through your home’s windows is another. While mini-blinds are a great option for keeping out the sun – wouldn’t it be nice if they were dressed up a bit?
Roman shades are a gorgeous alternative to typical blinds, however, they’re not in everyone’s budget. That doesn’t mean you can’t make your own though!
Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) shared a DIY project for transforming faux wood blinds into beautiful Roman shades. Not only do they add style to a room – but they also provide privacy too.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- Faux wood blinds (white)
- Thick upholstery fabric
- Scissors and a pencil
- Decoupage medium (plus a small bowl for it)
- Foam brush
- Clothespins
- Tape Measure
- Iron
Step 1:
Measure to determine how long of blinds you’ll need for your window.
Step 2:
Find a large work area for the project. Then, lay the blinds out (facing down) and stretch them to the length you’ll need for your window.
Now cut the ladder strings on the sides of the blind (but nothing else). According to BHG, it’s “the string that connects the slats.”
*They also provide a warning that you shouldn’t remove the thicker cord. It’s what will allow the Roman shade to go up and down!
Step 3:
You’ll be doing some calculating here. Since the slats will be spaced seven inches apart, divide your window’s length (in inches) by seven. This will help you figure out the number of slats needed.
Step 4:
After determining how many slats will be required for your project – remove the extra ones. In the video, she simply breaks them off.
Step 5:
Lay your fabric down underneath the blind (backside up). Next, move your remaining slats so they are evenly spaced seven inches apart. Measure and mark the fabric with a pencil.
Step 6:
When it comes to your fabric, there should be approximately two inches of extra material on either side of the slats (which will eventually fold over). Also, your fabric should extend an extra two inches at the top and bottom of the blind as well. Put a pencil mark on the material where the fabric will fold.
Step 7:
Press the edges with an iron to make nice hems.
Step 8:
Look at the blind’s top bracket and remove the stopper at the end.
Step 9:
BHG says to then, “Notch the fabric so it wraps nicely around the ends.” Next, paint your glue (decoupage medium) on both the fabric edge and the bracket.
Step 10:
Wrap your material around the bracket, and use clothespins to keep it secure while drying.
Step 11:
Glue the material’s edges to the ends of the slats, using the slat placement marks you made. Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article for a visual of how this is done! Clamp with the clothespins to dry.
Step 12:
Move to the bottom bar of the blind. Fold the material edge over creating a “clean edge.” Now brush the bar with glue, wrap your material around it – and finally, secure with clothespins.
Make sure that you allow your Roman shade to dry before hanging it up. But once it is dry – the installation will be the same as regular mini-blinds (and they work just like them too).
Doesn’t this look stunning? What a great way to give a room some extra pizazz!
Watch the video below to see all the steps in action!
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