When I moved into my new apartment, I knew I had to spruce it up a bit. One of the things that I wanted to add was some window treatments. I had always loved the look of Roman shades, but the ones in the stores were too expensive for my budget.
That’s when I started researching how to make Roman shades myself. I stumbled upon a tutorial for DIY Roman shades with dowels and decided to give it a try. After some trial and error, I finally figured out how to make them and I’m so happy with the results.
What are DIY Roman Shades with Dowels?
DIY Roman shades with dowels are a type of window treatment that is made from fabric and dowels. The dowels create the horizontal lines that give the shades their signature look. They are relatively easy to make and can be customized to fit any window size or style.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making DIY Roman Shades with Dowels
- Measure your window and cut your fabric to size.
- Cut your dowels to fit the width of your fabric. You will need one dowel for every horizontal line in your shade.
- Sew pockets for the dowels into the back of your fabric. Make sure they are evenly spaced and straight.
- Thread the dowels through the pockets, making sure they are straight and evenly spaced.
- Attach the shade to your window using either tension rods or a mounting bracket.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas for DIY Roman Shades with Dowels
- Choose a fabric that is easy to work with, such as cotton or linen.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that your dowels are evenly spaced.
- Add a blackout lining to your shades for extra light control.
- Experiment with different colors and patterns of fabric to match your decor.
- Consider adding a trim or ribbon to the edges of your shades for a decorative touch.
- Use a rotary cutter to ensure clean, straight edges on your fabric.
- Hang your shades higher than the top of the window frame to make the window appear larger.
- Use a mounting bracket for a more secure installation.
- Make sure to iron your fabric before starting to ensure a smooth finish.
- Practice on a small scale before making a shade for a larger window.
Pros and Cons of DIY Roman Shades with Dowels
Like any DIY project, there are both pros and cons to making your own Roman shades with dowels.
Pros:
- Customizable to fit any window size or style
- Can be made at a fraction of the cost of store-bought shades
- Allows for creative expression with different fabrics and trims
Cons:
- Requires some sewing skills and basic tools
- May not have the same high-quality finish as store-bought shades
- Can be time-consuming to make
My Personal Review of DIY Roman Shades with Dowels
I am thrilled with my DIY Roman shades with dowels. They were relatively easy to make and cost a fraction of what I would have paid for store-bought shades. Plus, I was able to customize them to fit my window perfectly and match my decor. The only downside was that they did take some time to make, but the end result was well worth it.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can I use other materials besides dowels for the horizontal lines?
A: Yes, you can use other materials such as PVC pipes or wooden slats. Just make sure they are cut to the same size and evenly spaced.
Q: How do I clean my DIY Roman shades with dowels?
A: It depends on the fabric you used. Some fabrics can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth, while others may need to be dry cleaned. Check the care instructions for your specific fabric.
Q: Can I make DIY Roman shades with dowels for a bay window?
A: Yes, you can make DIY Roman shades with dowels for a bay window. You will just need to measure each window separately and make individual shades for each window.