DIY Faux Roman Shade for the Kitchen


Are you guys ready for one of the easiest DIY projects you’re ever gonna see here on the blog? I hope so, because this project is s-i-m-p-l-e….but it makes a big impact! #myfavoritekind

DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook

We haven’t really touched our kitchen since we installed the subway tile backsplash, and replaced the kitchen pendants. I’m still on the hunt for some new stools, and don’t even get me started about our lack of a dining room table. Baby steps….baby steps.

DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook

But I did finish one task on my kitchen to-do list. I added a window treatment to the bare kitchen window. Our window is naked no more! I created this no-sew/faux/roman shade/super simple window treatment in less than an hour and with minimal supplies. After originally seeing this tutorial over on Bower Power Blog, I figured I would give it a try. I’m soooo happy I did, as this little window was begging for a little somethin’ somethin’.

How to Make a DIY Faux Roman Shade
DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY PlaybookProject Supplies

  • Fabric of your choice (I ordered twice the length of my window, and now have a lot of extra fabric!)
  • Scissors
  • Iron
  • Hemming Tape
  • 3 tension rods
  • Tape Measure
Get the fabric: DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook

I decided to go with a navy stripe for the shade because I figured it was a classic look and would pair well with the white subway tile backsplash. The stripe actually came in handy when cutting and hemming my fabric…as I had ready-made lines that I could easily line up on each side.

Steps to Make a DIY Faux Roman Shade

Measure: DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook
Cut: DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook

1) I measured the width of my window, added on 2 inches, and then measured and marked my fabric. I left an inch on each side that I could later hem for a more finished look. 2) Next? Cutting time! This lefty hates cutting, but again those pre-made stripes made it a bit easier! I cut both the width and the length to size.

Hem: DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook

3) With my fabric cut, it was time to hem. Since I’m not a very good seamstress, I absolutely love to use hemming tape (as evidenced by my DIY blackout curtains). I just used my iron, a towel underneath, and went around all of the edges (sides, top, bottom).

Hang: DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook
Finished! DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook
DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook
DIY Faux Roman Shade | DIY Playbook

4) Finally, it was time to get my new fabric shade hung! This is where the tension rods came in handy. I put one at the top, and then 2 below it. Then I folded the entire piece of fabric in half and laid it over the bar at the top of the window. Wanting to create the look of a roman shade, I simply folded the rest over the other 2 bars so they were hidden. And that’s it! I told you it was simple.So obviously these are faux shades…so I won’t be putting them up and down. That’s fine by me, because we don’t need privacy in the kitchen and that window looks out to our neighbor’s brick wall. They’re merely decorative and make the window look that much more finished. Finn was a bit confused when I told him how they just hang out at the top of the window, but he now gets that they’re like an “accessory” for our windows.

Our kitchen seems a bit more complete with the TLC the window received. But we still have more items on our to-do list…

Kitchen To-Do List:

  • Stain Floors
  • Paint Walls
  • Upgrade Kitchen Faucet
  • Install Backsplash
  • Hang new Kitchen Pendants
  • Add Window Treatment
  • Add Kitchen Rug
  • Find lighter kitchen stools (the brown leather gets lost in all of the dark woodโ€ฆ)
  • Buy a dining room table & chairs
  • Buy a new rug for underneath dining room table
  • Dream To-Do: Swap out countertops for something lighter (somedayโ€ฆ..)

Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.

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