Window coverings can be a costly and often neglected project for many. During the summer, however, they more than pay for themselves by keeping some of that sun heat out of your home. While shades are definitely more stylish, mini-blinds are often the cheap and default option for most. But no more! We'll show you an easy and attractive DIY upgrade to the standard mini-blind.
Jenny from LittleGreenNotebook has put together a great Hot-To on turning standard mini blinds into a roman-shade-like shades.
The materials are simple:
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Fabritac (or comparable fabric glue - not hot glue)
- Mini blinds (think recycled)
- Fabric (yardage depends on the size of your window)
- Trim (optional)
Check out the preview photos above, and then head over to LittleGreenNotebook for the full instructions.
(Via: Little Green Notebook via How's House. Images: LittleGreenNoteBook)
Originally published 2009-07-01 - CB
Small Cool Lessons: Discovering Small Space Design Ideas That Really Work
Beatriz's Fun & Functional Workspace
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Sheex Bedding
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Energy Bars at Home
How to Make Fresh Pasta Dough in the Food Processor
very, very cool
I did this project, reusing my beat up old mini-blinds. The outside view ends up looking a bit unfinished, but from the comments on LittleGreenNotebook it seemed that gluing on a liner makes it not fold up nicely. So I glued ribbon on the back side of just the mini-blind slats - it looks pretty good. Also, it's a bit weird because the pull cord ends up between the shade and the window - I don't mind it, but I suppose other people might.
MrsCatBird, thanks for the tips!
I wish I'd seen this seven years ago when I got rid of all the mini-blinds in the little house I bought.
this is really cute! Can this be adapted for my horrible apartment vertical blinds?
Very creative! Luckily I haven't thrown ours out yet.
I made 2 of these awesome !!!! I love them, only difference i did was add 2 slats to each 9 inch place on the shade it rolls up and looks nicer to me with the 2 slats, it gives it a little more strength. Also I did a lining on my shades to make the look more professional and with the 2 slats on each 9 inch row, hey they work perfect. Have fun making them I did !
I've done this one all the windows in my small apartment now and I agree with MrsCatbird, the cord was an issue on the first one I did. To remedy that, I just cut a small slit in the fabric and pulled the cord through before gluing and voila, the cord is now on the outside & easy to use instead of awkwardly between the window and the shade.