Customize your Simple Window Roller Shade

By: Dawn Monclova

Roller shades can be an excellent way to bring affordable style  and flair to your windows with supplies you can pick up at your local arts and crafts store.

Use your roller shade as a blank canvas to add a variety of funky effects to glam-up your windows. Choose your favorite color (water-based) paint, or add a water-based wood stain as your base color, then use stencils, stamps, wood graining tools, rags (for a faux finish look), or just paint a masterpiece directly onto your shade. 

Embellish the bottom with decorative trims, tassels and ribbons to complete your designer look. The simple instructions below will help you to quickly achieve an interesting and decorative focal point in your home without breaking the bank.

Window Shade Size: 37" W x 66" H

Things you need:

• Roller Shade (plain)
• Water-based paint and/or water-based wood stain or acrylic paints.
• Paint brushes
• Stencils, rubber stamps, wood graining tool, sponge or rags
• Decorative trim (tassels, ribbons, etc.)
• Hot Glue gun (use low temperature glue sticks)

The Crafter's Workshop 12x12 Template: Cosmic Swirl  

Check-out your local arts and crafts store or go online to find acrylic paints, stencils, stencil supplies, rubber stamps, decorative shade pulls/trims, and any other items you will need for this project. Go to your home improvement store to purchase simple roller shades (remember to measure your windows if you're buying new shades), and flat water-based paint (choose colors that coordinate and compliment your room décor) and/or water-based wood stain for a natural rustic look.

Take down or open up your roller shade and roll it all the way out (do not pull it off roller dowel at the top of the shade) onto a flat surface. Paint the entire front of the shade in the color or stain you like (you can also choose to leave the shade in the base color) and allow the paint dry thoroughly.

After paint is dry, use your decorative tools (acrylic paints, stencils, stamps, etc.) and start decorating your shade. Allow the acrylic paint to dry, then add decorative trim and/or pulls to the bottom of the shade to complete your custom design.

To add trim to the bottom of shade, measure width of shade and cut trim to size. Use your low temperature hot glue (check craft store) to run a line or two on the bottom edge width of the shade then quickly press on the trim.

Roll the shade back up and place it into window shade brackets. Your new custom designer shade is now ready to show off.