Persia Lou

Creative. Crafty. Fun.

Mini-Blind Shades

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!

Alexis Filed Under: Home Decor

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Comments

  1. Arlene says

    June 30, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    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.

  6. Kim of Mo'Betta says

    July 3, 2011 at 10:39 am

    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…

  8. Ladybird Ln says

    July 5, 2011 at 10:39 pm

    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

  9. cheryl says

    July 5, 2011 at 11:57 pm

    this looks fantastic. I&#39;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.