Roman shades are a simple and elegant window treatment to block the sun or prying neighbors. Nicer than plain plastic shades, but less expensive than ornate window shades, Roman shades provide the perfect start to a beginning home decorator.
Roman shades can be purchased from home improvement or department stores, or they can be custom made by in interior designer. The cheapest way to decorate your home with Roman shades is to make them yourself. Get ready to refresh your math skills!
To make Roman shades, first measure the window you'd like to put them in. Measure the height and width of the window from inside its frame. Or, if you want the shade to cover more than the window, measure the height and width of the surface the shade will cover. Your shade will probably need to be between 45 and 54 inches wide.
Before you shop for your fabric, you'll need to calculate the number of dowels and the amount of fabric you'll need. To figure out how many dowels you will need, divide the window height by six to nine inches, which will be the space between each dowel fold. You'll need to find a number that goes evenly into your window height. For example, if your window height is 64 inches, divide by six. You'll then need eight dowels for eight pleats. Each dowel needs 1.5 inches, so multiplied by eight, you'll need an extra 12 inches of fabric. You'll also need an extra six inches of fabric to mount the shade, meaning you'll need 18 extra inches for this example. Add this to your window height to get your final height. Add two inches of fabric to your window width. Now you have the size of the fabric you need. Whew!
Next, the fun part: selecting the fabric of your shade. Shades without busy patterns are the easiest to work with because you won't need to make sure the pattern blends seamlessly with each fold. If your window gets southern light, consider picking a near-shear fabric. This will produce a warm, soothing light in your room. Take a picture or your room, fabric swatches of your furniture, and a paint sample of your room when you shop. You don't want to finish making your Roman shade to discover it clashes with the rest of your room!
While you are out buying your fabric, buy the rest of your supplies:
Drapery-lining fabric. You'll need an extra 0.25 inches to cover the mounting board.
Blind cord
Window cleat
Quarter-inch diameter window dowels, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width
A wooden mounting board, 0.25 inches smaller than the window width that's 1x2 inches.
Half-inch diameter shade rings
Screw eyes
Staple gun
Chalk or air-soluble marker
Yardstick
The easiest way to make a shade uses lots of pictures and few words. Find instructions at a home improvement store or for free online to make your own Roman shade. Find patterns that make the type of Roman shade you want, whether it is flat, pleated, or with a sunburst. You'll probably need a sewing machine to make the Roman shade quickly, especially to attach the lining to the fabric. With patience you can make your own Roman shade.
Roman Shades Info provides detailed information about bamboo, fabric, discount, and custom Roman shades, as well as advice on how to make Roman shades, and more. Roman Shades Info is the sister site of Shutters Web.
Putting flowers in your candle will add a unique look,... Read More
Not just food for pandas or the stuff of cheap... Read More
Colors affect our minds, our physiologies, and our social interactions.... Read More
They look so lifelike, that time and time again people... Read More
When it comes to home accessories, baker's racks have long... Read More
In the mini blind market, you have three types of... Read More
Seasoning a Cigar HumidorTo keep the things we cherish in... Read More
Decorative picnic baskets come in many sizes, styles, and artistic... Read More
Wood vertical blinds, a style of wood blinds falling vertically... Read More
The Many Types Of Light Available TodayWhat's in a light... Read More
There are hundreds of choices carpet choices out there! How... Read More
Summer decorating is a wonderful time to lighten up the... Read More
Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the... Read More
Down comforters are one of the more popular ways of... Read More
Tabriz rugs are made in the north western part of... Read More
If your bathroom is looking a bit tired, but you... Read More
For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are... Read More
Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four,... Read More
Decorating a Guest BedroomThe guest bedroom is the one room... Read More
The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing... Read More
Back in the day, fireplaces were an integral part of... Read More
The importance of following feng shui decorating guidelines.Feng shui decorating... Read More
Pre-finished floors come with an extended factory finish warranty unlike... Read More
Shabby Chic bedding is definitely the answer if you are... Read More
A down comforter is a luxury item that can be... Read More
Bamboo, a grass once conjuring up images of Pandas and... Read More
Ionic air purifiers are not filter systems. Ionic air purifiers... Read More
Now if your children are like mine they want to... Read More
You've just invested in a beautiful Persian rug. Even though... Read More
When you decorate your home, think twice about the colors... Read More
The topic of eastern influences on western interiors is a... Read More
Decorating with old, used fishing gear is fun, creative and... Read More
Down, feathers, goose down, duck down, these can all be... Read More
Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block... Read More
Decorating anything is one of the easiest things in the... Read More
"Learn how to be happy with what you have while... Read More
Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More
A little known fact: bamboo is technically not a tree... Read More
Waterbeds provide a unique sleeping experience. They can be great... Read More
Pressed glass, Depression glass and crystal - this month we'll... Read More
Tabriz are one of the most popular Persian rugs. Tabriz... Read More
If you are looking for a quick and easy way... Read More
What does your dream dining room look like? Is it... Read More
If you feel helpless when it comes to picking and... Read More
They look so lifelike, that time and time again people... Read More
It is a cliché that wines get better with age.... Read More
Decorating with old, used fishing gear is fun, creative and... Read More
Picnic gift baskets are a great gift for just about... Read More
Bathroom vanity cabinets are considered bathroom furniture, and usually range... Read More
Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what... Read More
Using accessories is a fun way to accent your bedroom... Read More
California has always been a fertile spot for fresh ideas,... Read More
The Basic Role of Pictures Wall art plays an... Read More
From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and... Read More
Wood stoves are like small fireplaces. They are inexpensive and... Read More
Feng Shui (say "fung shway") associates the kitchen with both... Read More
These days, everything from ovens to telephones silently mark the... Read More
"Big Things Come In Small Packages" We're all familiar with... Read More
Did you ever wish your bedroom was bigger or smaller?... Read More
You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean... Read More
Roman shades adorn windows to block the sun or to... Read More
Gourmet fruit baskets quickly emerged as a way to deliver... Read More
The blades of a ceiling fan make all the difference.... Read More
Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer... Read More
Many years ago I was told that the least expensive... Read More
For those wanted to give their home an instant facelift,... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |