Jennifer took simple, plain and inexpensive Roman shades from Target and completely transformed them with a graphic patterned fabric from IKEA — providing customized window coverings on a budget. Click above for the pics and head below for all the instructions. Give Jennifer a THUMBS UP if you find this project helpful....

SECURING THE SHADE
TOOLS:
Jute grass Roman shade
hardware to hang your shades (should already come with the pre-made shades)
fabric
iron & board
hot glue sticks & gun
big clean space — such as floor
STEPS:
1. start with an existing roman blind...I just bought a neutral, inexpensive version from Target...and make sure you have enough fabric to cover the entire shade (leaving an inch allowance around the entire piece) as well as for the velcro piece that goes across the top.
2. use clean, pressed fabric...mine was a cotton blend...and lay your opened blinds on top (remove the decorative strip, you'll cover that later)
3. making sure your fabric is wrinkle free under your shade, wrap the edges of the fabric over the back of the shade...almost like your wrapping a gift. Hot glue the fabric all the way around the edge.
4. do the same for your smaller decorative piece that velcroes to the top, making sure to press the edges for a clean line
5. once you finish gluing around all the edges of the shades, fold them like they would be drawn all the way up, and press the edges
RESOURCES:
I used fabric from IKEA, purchased over 1 yr ago.
The shades are from Target.
Give Jennifer a THUMBS UP if you find this project helpful....







Nomade Express Slee...
this is a great idea and sounds super easy. i've wanted roman shades but thought it might be too expensive to get them custom made. i may do this in my office. if it works out for me, i'll work on the bedrooms, too.
Wow!! This is awesome!
Wow, great idea! I was going to buy a kit and attempt my own, but this is much easier and looks better I think. Thanks so much for the tips!
That fabric is perfect for roman shades- well done.
Wow, I love this idea! These types of projects always seem to require sewing skills (of which I have none), but I can operate a hot glue gun!
what a clever idea. i guess you can do this with any kind of fabric, who would have known you can make your own custom window shades!
I have been waiting to make these shades. I finally had the time and energy. I used insulated roman shades and sheets from The Company Store. I found the directions perfect and I made 4 in just under 2 1/2 hours. Spent more time ironing and trying to get my glue gun to work than on the project itself. Am eagerly looking forward to re doing my roman shades in my living room as well.
thanks so much, saved my budget and the blinds are exactly what I thought they would look like. Beautiful!
Can you use soft pleated shades for this or do you have to only use flat romans? I am having a hard time finding 29" flats for a good price