How to Make a Roman Shade From a Canvas Drop Cloth

Learn how to turn boring blinds into a custom window treatment.

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Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 1/2 day
Estimated Cost: $30

Photo by: Gary Payne

Gary Payne

Tools and Materials

window blind
drop cloth
scissors
decoupage glue

permanent marker
painter’s tape
measuring tape
clothespins

Step 1: Remove Blind

Gary Payne

Before

Gary Payne

Before

Photo By: Gary Payne

Remove the blind from the window and lay it out on a work table.

Step 2: Remove Slats

Photo by: Gary Payne

Gary Payne

Measure the window length and set blinds to that length. Begin removing slats starting from the top and working down. For a 2-1/2” blind, leave roughly every fifth slat in place so when fabric is added the shade will draw up correctly. The remaining slats should be roughly 7” apart.

Step 3: Measure and Mark Fabric

Gary Payne

Photo By: Gary Payne

Lay the drop cloth on the work table and center the blind in the middle of it. Measure and mark the fabric 2” wider than the blinds on all sides. Cut out the rectangle needed.

Step 4: Create a Design

Gary Payne

Photo By: Gary Payne

Use a marker and painter’s tape to mark the 2” border that will be glued and folded over the blinds. Be creative — any design will do. For a geometric V-shape pattern like ours, use painter’s tape to make five columns equal in width. Mark every 1-1/2” on the painter’s tape as a guide for the pattern to mark the top and bottom points of the V shape. Use a permanent marker to create the V shapes keeping them uniform. When your pattern is complete, remove the painter’s tape.

Step 5: Place Blind on Cloth

Gary Payne

Photo By: Gary Payne

When your pattern is complete, remove the painter’s tape. Flip the fabric over (patterned-side down) and put the blinds on top of the fabric. The cord of the blind should be toward you, which is the back side.

Step 6: Attach Blind to Cloth

Gary Payne

Photo By: Gary Payne

Adhere the fabric to the blinds using decoupage glue. Start with the top of the blinds and glue the fabric to the top bracket like you are wrapping a present. Cut a diagonal from the top of the bracket upward and cut from the lower side of the bracket straight across to the edge of the fabric for easy wrapping. When gluing the bottom of the blinds, be sure to roll the bottom rail so the fabric fully covers the rail.

Step 7: Glue Sides to Slats

Gary Payne

Photo By: Gary Payne

Continue gluing across the top and down each of the side of the blind. Use clothespins to keep pressure applied until the glue dries.

Step 8: Hang

Photo by: Gary Payne

Gary Payne

Hang your new Roman shade in the same brackets as the blinds were hung before.

Photo by: Gary Payne

Gary Payne

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