Making a faux Roman blind is a great way to add a decorative touch to any window in your home. To make this DIY window treatment, you’ll need a few basic supplies such as fabric, batting, drapery lining, drapery weights, dowel rod, fabric tape, drapery pins or clips, and cord cleats.
Start by measuring the area you’ll be covering and cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the area you measured. Then, use fabric glue or double-sided tape to attach the batting to the fabric wrong side out.
Next, measure and cut the drapery lining and batting and zone everything together following the manufacturer’s directions.
Next, attach the drapery pins or clips to the back of the fabric. Insert the dowel rod through the casing at the back, then use fabric tape to secure the rod at the front and back of the casing. Pull the ends of the rod and fasten the cord cleats at both ends using decorative screws.
To hang your faux Roman blind, you’ll need to secure drapery weights at the bottom of the backside. Then, insert the rod into the window brackets and adjust the folds of the blind for a neat and streamlined look.
Finally, pull the cords on both sides to elevate or lower the blind as needed.
How much fabric do I need for a faux Roman shade?
To calculate the amount of fabric you will need to make a faux Roman shade, you need to know the width and length of the window you are covering. Measure the width of the window to the nearest one-eighth of an inch, then multiply this number by 1.5.
This will give you the width of fabric you need for the faux Roman shade. To measure the length, measure from the top of the window to where you are planning to mount the shade. To determine how much fabric for the overlapped sections in the back of the shade, use the same measurements as for the front.
Once you have taken the measurements for your window, you are ready to calculate the amount of fabric you need. You will need at least twice the window width plus an additional 4 to 4.5 inches of fabric for each pleat.
For example, if your window is 24 inches wide, then you will need 52 inches of fabric (24 x 1.5 = 36, 36+16 = 52). If you are adding trim or a valance to the top, you’ll need to add the width of the trim/valance to the fabric measurement you calculated.
Keep in mind the fabric will need to be wide enough to wrap around the back of the shade, so you may need to add 4 to 5 extra inches, depending on the look you are going for.
The length of your shade will be the length of the window measurement plus an additional 4 to 6 inches for the overlap of fabric. Adding trim or a valance at the bottom of the shade will require you to add the length needed for the valance/trim in addition to the window measurement.
Once you’ve calculated the dimensions for width and length, you are ready to decide how much fabric you need to buy. A standard yard of fabric is usually 54 inches wide and 36 inches long, so you can use this to figure out how much fabric you need to buy.
Take the total width of your fabric and divide it by 54. The result is the number of yards needed for the fabric width. Then take the total length of your shade and divide it by 36 (the length of one yard).
This will tell you how many yards of fabric you need to buy for the length of the shade.
For example, if your window is 24 inches wide and 28 inches long, you will need 52 inches of fabric width and 32 inches of fabric length. Divided by 54 and 36, you will need 1 yard of fabric for width and 1 yard of fabric for length, meaning you need 2 yards of fabric in total for the faux Roman shade.
In conclusion, the amount of fabric you need to make a faux Roman shade is dependent upon the width and length of your window, as well as whether or not you are planning to add a trim/valance or other embellishments.
Once you have your measurements, divide the width by 54 and the length by 36 to determine how many yards of fabric you need.
Is it easy to make a roman blind?
Making a roman blind can be a moderately easy project if you have basic sewing and carpentry skills, are familiar with the tools necessary to make the blind, and take the time to measure and plan the project.
Roman blinds consist of fabric panels affixed to a wooden base. The panel can be hemmed and pleated to create the classic look of a roman blind. Making a roman blind requires measuring and cutting lengths of wooden slats, sawing, drilling and assembling the slats, attaching the fabric panels, and creating the pleats.
Each step of the project requires accuracy, patience, and attention to detail for the blind to hang properly. While it is not a complex project, making a roman blind requires an investment of time and effort to accomplish a successful outcome.
What are the different types of Roman shades?
The different types of Roman shades are:
1. Flat Roman Shades – typically made with either a fabric or fabric-covered board, Flat Roman Shades lay flat when lowered and fold neatly up into beautiful, tailored pleats when raised.
2. Relaxed Roman Shades – they provide a looser and more relaxed look than the flat style. Relaxed Roman shades are a classic look, with a deep “layered” fabric look as they’re raised up and down.
3. Balloon Shades – consist of a single piece of fabric that is closely gathered and connected in the center with a band of braids or cords. They provide a luxurious, romantic look and usually have a scalloped bottom edge.
4. London Shades – A variation of the flat Roman shade, London shades feature a stunningly modern look with crisp, contemporary lines. When lifted, the fabric forms a gibberish-like pattern that is eye-catching and sleek.
5. Hobbled Roman Shades – Hobbled Roman shades have a sophisticated and formal look, providing the traditional Roman shade style with a slight twist. The shade is raised in soft, puddled folds, which gives the impression of a waterfall effect.
6. Cordless Roman Shades – As the name suggests, cordless Roman shades come without any cords. These attractive and lightweight shades are easy to operate and provide a safe and child-friendly option.
7. Motorized Roman Shades – Motorized Roman shades allow you to operate them without lifting a finger. These are great for hard to reach windows or when you need precision and a uniform look on multiple windows.
No matter which type of Roman shade you choose, they all offer a timelessly elegant look that can easily blend with any decor.
Are Roman blinds still fashionable?
Roman blinds are continuing to be a popular choice for homeowners adding window treatments to their home. Despite the emergence of other window treatment options, Roman blinds remain a timeless classic for its classic look and simplistic design.
Whether it’s for a modern home, traditional home, or something in between, Roman blinds are a great option that can bring a room together. Additionally, the many fabric and color options available ensure you can customize the perfect aesthetic for any room.
And with recent innovations in technology, Roman blinds have become much more energy efficient and durable, making them an even more attractive option. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Roman blinds are still fashionable and a great window treatment option for many homes.
What kind of fabric is for Roman shades?
Roman shades are popular window treatments because they offer a versatile and stylish look for any home. The type of fabric used for Roman shades is typically lightweight, opaque, and woven. Common fabrics used for Roman shades are cotton, linen, and synthetic materials such as polyester.
Some people even opt for designer fabrics such as velvet or silk for a more elegant look. As for colours, the sky’s the limit! Most people pick something that complements their existing decor, such as tan for a beachy look or pastel shades for a more sophisticated atmosphere.
It’s also important to consider the openness of the weave before you make your final purchase. For example, if you need something light-blocking, then a thicker fabric like velvet is often recommended.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that still provides privacy but lets some natural light through, then linen or a similar open-weave fabric may be a better option. Ultimately, the fabric you select should reflect your personal aesthetic and match the functionality you need.
What is a mock shade?
A mock shade is a type of window treatment that can be used to create a temporary installation with a look similar to a permanent shade. Mock shades are made from lightweight materials such as fabric and vinyl, and can be hung as is, or fastened at the sides for extra rigidity.
They are often used for places that need a window treatment solution but cannot accommodate a heavier shade. Mock shades come in a variety of styles and colors, and can be great for creating privacy, reducing glares, and saving energy.
They are typically easy to install and can be a great way to update a room on a budget.
What is a relaxed roman blind?
A relaxed roman blind is a window covering that offers advantages of both a blind and a shade. It is a window covering made from a single panel of fabric and does not have separate slats, like a traditional blind does.
Instead, the fabric is pleated when the cord is pulled and hangs below the window in evenly spaced pleats or folds. This makes it easier to evenly distribute the fabric when opening the blinds.
Relaxed roman blinds offer a room great versatility, adding a modern style and class, without any sacrificing functionality. They are great for controlling the light, offering a stylish alternative to standard window covering, as well as providing privacy.
Additionally, they are easy to clean, making them a great choice for windows in high-traffic areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Can I make my own Roman shades?
Yes, you can make your own Roman shades! Depending on your level of expertise and access to tools, the process may be easier or more challenging. If you are a beginner at DIY projects, you may want to start with a simpler shade, such as a flat Roman shade, which requires fewer tools and basic sewing skills.
If you have some experience with sewing and tools, a standard Roman shade can be made with a few more steps.
First, measure the window and decide on the fabric. Make sure to account for shrinkage, as different fabrics will shrink differently. You may need to buy more fabric if worried about shrinkage.
Once the fabric is ready, you can start cutting. Measure and cut out the pieces for the shade frame and the fabric for the panel. When ready to sew, measure twice and cut once to make sure all parts are correct and fit properly.
If making a standard Roman shade, attach the bottom rail and then affix the shade fabric with a hem. After the hem is secured, mark out where the cords will go. Next, cut away the excess fabric and sew the shade lining on.
Finally, insert the rings and attach the cords and cords lock. Pull up the shade and insert the lift type closure into the bottom rail. Now the shade is ready to hang. If necessary, you can use tape to hold it in place.
And now, you have finished making your own Roman shade!.
