About a year ago we installed some Ikea Billy bookshelves in our little loft. We chose units to fit around the window, but it left an awkward foot or so of wall above the window that I didn’t like.
I had decided that I wanted to mound a roman shade to the wall that would cover up that space and make the window look taller. I had read through a few tutorials on how to make roman shades, and they were a bit intimidating. Then I saw this easy, clever idea, but I really wanted a functioning shade, so that was a no-go. Solution: turn my yucky mini blinds into a pretty shade! I followed the tutorial over at the little green notebook, and I really love the color they add to the room.
I chose the Amy Butler fabric because it picked up the wall color and the color of our desk chair. Plus, it’s just an awesome print, right? I bought the fabric from my friend’s online fabric shop, Christa Quilts. Check it out!
If you are thinking of tackling this project yourself, here are a few of my tips!
1. Taking the thing apart was confusing and a bit scary for me, so I thought I would point out the important string. You want to keep the one that runs through the center, the lattice that is used to tilt the blinds can be cut off.
2. Measure, measure, measure! I tried to make sure everything was measured exactly right, but one of my slats seems to be a bit off.
3. If you want to line your shade, don’t try to do it the way I tried to do it. That totally will NOT work. I first glued the blinds to my shade fabric, and then glued my lining fabric on the back, sandwiching the blinds between the two pieces of fabric. If you do it that way, your shade will not gather the way it should.
If you want to line your shade, you will need to add the lining fabric BEFORE gluing on the blinds. When I realized, my mistake, I just ripped the lining fabric off the back. I may redo it later, but for the moment my shade is remaining unlined.
Anyway, overall, I am very happy with my new pretty shades! I am working on a few more projects in our loft. Coming soon!
I’m linking up at Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts, Hookin Up with House of Hepworths, What I Whipped Up Wednesday at Sugar and Dots, Friday Flair at Whipperberry, Weekend Show Off Party at Ladybird Ln, Friday Fun Finds at Kojo Designs, Party Mindie Style at the Hungry Hungry Hypo, Pity Party at Thirty Handmade Days, Nifty Thrifty Sunday at Nifty Thrifty Things, and Hoo’s Got Talent at Night Owl Crafting (which is totally appropriate since I finished this at two in the morning).
Arlene says
Fun! They look great, as usual, you've done an excellent job!! Isn't it fun how a small change like this can make the whole room look "new". Enjoy your "new" room.
PMG Smith Family says
It looks fantastic! I actually just used the same tutorial recently for my master. http://frostedgingerbread.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-window-treatments-at-last.html <br /><br />So fun!
Amy at Ameroonie Designs says
The fabric is gorgeous! What a fantastic idea and I love how you hung it to cover that empty space- brilliant!<br />xoxo,<br />Amy
April@ Natural Nester says
The fabric is so beautiful! I'm off to check out that tute at Little Green Notebook…this sounds like the perfect solution for my hideous bathroom window.
Suburbsmama says
I love it! It looks beautiful.
Kim of Mo'Betta says
I've been thinking about trying this since roman shades are so expensive! Glad to have your tips! Shade looks great and really adds to that space. Visiting from Bacon Time…
The Autocrat: Haley says
Whoa! Thanks for the instructions! Lovin' your fabric selection!
Ladybird Ln says
These turned out great! I have a project like this on my list! I am going to show this off on my blog later today!<br /><br />Carlee<br />www.ladybirdln.com
cheryl says
this looks fantastic. I've seen this around a little – but your tips were great. thankyou.<br />thinking of tackling this one very soon.<br />cheers,<br />cheryl xox.
Korrie@RedHenHome says
This looks amazing! Thanks for the tips…pinning this!
{nifty thrifty things} says
This turned out great!!<br />Thank you so much for sharing this @ <a href="http://niftythriftythings.blogspot.com/search/label/nifty%20thrifty%20sunday" rel="nofollow">{nifty thrifty sunday}</a> last week!<br />I can't wait to see more from you on Sunday!<br />xoxo,<br />Vanessa
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Waseem says
best fabric you choose..like it…it make the whole room beautiful.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.worldclassco.com" rel="nofollow">window shutters clayton, ca</a>