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

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.

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.

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.

Once you're satisfied with placement, press trim firmly onto shade to ensure glue adheres properly.

Accurately Measure the Trim for Placement

Check distance of trim from bottom edge of shade to ensure level placement before glue dries.

Firmly Press Down the Trim

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.