The near perfect window treatment for any home just might be Roman shades. They are a minimal look that can be customized to either blend in with the walls to expand space, or add a punch of color for personality. The fabric softens harsh lines creating a smoother overall look to a room. The only drawback is that to order them custom made is expensive. However, with some basic sewing skills (or even no sewing at all in some of these tutorials!) you can DIY roman shades for every room in your home. Did I mention, they also help with energy efficiency? So if you are looking for an alternative to those boring mini-blinds, here are several tutorials on how to make roman shades for you home!
DIY Roman Shades
How to Make Roman Shades
Let’s start with this DIY Roman shade project from ‘Satori Design‘. This is a great step by step tutorial with lots of photos, but also she gives great tips on the hanging hardware as well. This is only 2 yards of fabric, and it looks amazing!
‘The DIY Mommy‘ chose this amazing black and white check fabric for her DIY Roman shades, and it rocks. Her tutorial has lots of photos, the sewing steps are very simple, and you have to jump on over and see how this project looks in her white kitchen. Striking, warm, and fresh… All at the same time! If you have a white kitchen that needs a pop, but you want to stay neutral, choose a graphic fabric like this!
‘DIY Decor Mom‘ created this DIY Roman shade three ways! This one is our fav, made from an Ikea curtain as fabric. But go check out her tutorial and see her other two versions of this project as well!
‘Reality Daydream‘ has figured out how to make Roman shades using your mini blinds. This is a hand sew only project, so even if you don’t have a machine, you can do this. She actually went out and bought cheap mini blinds for $4 each so she would have a sturdy new base for her DIY Roman shades. Easy!
‘Brown Paper Packages‘ has a roman shade tutorial that is for the sewing crowd. I also think these would get the longest life and be perfect for windows that get a lot of use. She provides TONS of step by step pics though, so don’t feel like you have to be an accomplished sewer. Also, she spent about $30 on this custom window shade… you would easily spend $150 to have one made.
From ‘Honestly WTF‘, these DIY Roman shades are also made from mini blinds. There is minimal sewing, and you can choose to hand sew or use a machine. Using your existing mini blinds allows you to make cheap Roman shades that definitely don’t look it!
‘Oh Oh Deco‘ not only teaches you how to make Roman shades, she has a great diagram on hanging them!
DIY Faux Roman Shades
Faux Roman shades are even easier to make. BTW, what that means is that these do not function as blinds, they are merely decorative, and stationary. Perfect for a kitchen where privacy is not usually an issue, this DIY faux Roman shade from ‘DIY Playbook‘ is really, really easy. I love this soft striped fabric they chose! Be sure to visit their site and check out the whole kitchen makeover!
This DIY faux Roman shade from Jen at ‘With Heart‘ adds a pop of color with her fabric choice, which we love. The best part about learning how to make this Roman shade? It’s no sew! Also, this is a more relaxed Roman shade which gives you a slightly different look. Fun fact : This fabric is a tablecloth!
Corey at ‘Hey There, Home‘ brings us a tutorial for another faux Roman shade. There really isn’t an easier project for inexpensive window treatments.
Corey from ‘Tiny Sidekick’ via ‘Everyday Good Thinking‘ has this fresh and fun DIY Roman shades tutorial for you. This is another faux Roman shade, and is easily made with some really simple sewing skills. We love how this looks at her kitchen window. These bloggers have amazing homes with lots of decorating ideas!
So try out one of these easy tutorials, and create custom DIY roman shades… they work in any room, and can even be used on sliding glass doors. (Several hung side by side). Love this idea, and you could even use a quilted fabric for more insulation. Definitely not your Grandma’s roman shades! We think you will also love our post on DIY Curtains & Drapes and Step On It : DIY Area Rugs!
Note: This post has been refreshed with updated projects.
Image Credits: Satori Design , DIY Decor Mom, Reality Daydream, Brown Paper Packages, Honestly WTF, Oh Oh Deco, DIY Playbook, With Heart, Hey There, Home, Everyday Good Thinking