How to Create Embellished Roller Shades

Turn basic roller shades into stylish window treatments by simply adding decorative trim.
By: Janell Beals
Shabby Chic Bedroom Bright Curtains and Roman Shades

Shabby Chic Bedroom Bright Curtains and Roman Shades

Bright and bold patterned curtains combined with roman shades make for a stylish window treatment behind a blue bed in this shabby chic bedroom.

Materials Needed:

  • roller shades
  • decorative shade pulls
  • upholstery trim (grosgrain ribbon, rick-rack, bullion fringe, pom-poms, etc.)
  • temporary fabric pen
  • fabric glue
  • small brush
  • scissors
  • tape measure
  • ruler
  • screwdriver

Gather Materials and Attach Pulls

Select roller shades, decorative shade pulls and trim. Attach pulls to center point of bottom shade edge.

Materials for Embellished Roller Shades Project

Select the Roller Shade Decor

Select roller shades, decorative shade pulls and trim. Attach pulls to center point of bottom shade edge.

Cut Decorative Trim

Lay trim on shade and cut to size, leaving one inch excess on each side.

Green Rick-Rack Trim, Ruler, Glue and Roller Shades

Cut and Add Decorative Trim

Lay trim on shade and cut to size, leaving one inch excess on each side.

Apply Fabric Glue

Brush fabric glue onto back side of upholstery trim. Tip: We used rick-rack but any similarly lightweight trim would work.

Applying Glue to Green Rick-Rack Trim

Brush Trim With Fabric Glue

Brush fabric glue onto back side of upholstery trim. Tip: We used rick-rack but any similarly lightweight trim would work.

Attach Trim to Shade

Position trim at desired height along bottom edge of shade, brush glue on remaining length of trim and attach to shade.

Applying Glue to Rick-Rack Trim

Attach Trim Onto the Roller Shade

Position trim at desired height along bottom edge of shade, brush glue on remaining length of trim and attach to shade.

Measure Trim Placement

Check distance of trim from bottom edge of shade to ensure level placement before glue dries. Once you're satisfied with placement, press trim firmly onto shade to ensure glue adheres properly.

Remove Excess and Glue Down Edges

Cut off excess trim leaving approximately 1/2-inch selvage at each side of shade. Apply glue to back side of trim selvage; turn under and press selvage firmly onto reverse side of shade.

Add a Second Layer of Trim

Repeat above steps to apply additional layers of trim. Tip: Consider using more than one style and color of trim for a creative, custom look.

Green Rick-Rack Trim on Roller Shades

Add on Layers of Trim

Repeat above steps to apply additional layers of trim. Tip: Consider using more than one style and color of trim for a creative, custom look.

Install Shades

Using a screwdriver, attach hardware included with roller shades to window frame and hang shades.

Installing Shades With Screwdriver

Hang the Roller Shades

Using a screwdriver, attach hardware included with roller shades to window frame and hang shades.

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