DIY Faux Roman Blinds!

I have 2 windows that flank our living room fireplace. I wanted to add a little something to soften the window although we have no issue with privacy. A faux roman blind is perfect for this situation. It adds the warmth of fabric but is only decorative. I started off using a lightweight fabric that is probably meant for clothing and found that weight really does matter.

The fabric wouldn't hold the folds of the blind and the whole thing ended up looking sloppy. Lesson learned! I bought a cotton canvas that is the perfect weight and creases without even using an iron which is perfect for a project like this.

Start by determining whether you want the blind to hang in or outside of the window frame. Measure the window's width and height. I use the entire height of the window just to give fullness to the blind. Add 1" to each side and the top and 4" to the bottom for hems and these are your measurements for the fabric.

Use a square to get a straight line and cut the fabric.

Iron 1/2" hem and then fold again another 1/2" on each side and top. The bottom will have a 2" hem and than a second 2" hem. The double fold gives a nice crisp hem.

Sew all the hems in place.

Determine how many pleats you want in your blind and how deep you would like them. I chose 3 pleats at 3" each.

Start at the bottom and using a ruler create the first 3" fold. Pin in place and continue working up until you have as many pleats as you like.

Once all the pleats are pinned sew across the width of the pleat to hold it in place. Be sure to sew where the seam will be hidden by pleat above.

I used a 1" x 2" piece of wood cut to the size of the window and attached the blinds with a stapler.

Attach the blind to the wall using an L bracket.

Great job Carol!! I have a project I'm about to begin and this just may be the perfect window solution, I'm off to search for a great fabric! To see more of Carol's great DIY projects, make sure to visit her blog, The Design Pages.