I’ve just finished renovating the kitchen, and while it was feeling mostly done, something was missing!!
You know that feeling when a space looks good but still needs a little something extra? For me, it was the windows. I wanted Roman blinds, something a little elevated, a little cosy, and definitely striped. But everything I found was either way too expensive or just not quite right. So I decided to make some myself. I used $35 matchstick blinds from Bunnings to make these, and the result is something I’m loving so much! If you’ve been looking for an affordable way to dress your windows or bring a more custom look to your space, this is one of those projects that’s simple but makes a big impact. Here’s how I did it.
Materials You New To Make Roman Blinds
- Windoware Matchstick Roman Blinds (I used the 120cm version – $35 each)
- Fabric of your choice (I used a striped cotton doona cover)
- Cotton lining fabric (I didn’t use a lining, but helpful if your main fabric is sheer)
- Spray adhesive
- Cloth tape
- Scissors
- Glue gun
How to make Roman Blinds (The Easy Way)
1
I started by laying the blinds flat and doing two lines of tape a little bit up from the bottom.
2
Because I didn’t need the full drop of the blinds I trimmed a section off the bottom to use for the pelmet (if you don’t want to cut the bottom off, simply cut a piece of cardboard or MDF to size for the pelmet). Taping them stops the blinds from unravelling or coming apart. I also untied the cord from the last ring and tied it at a higher ring before cutting the blinds so that they would still pull up.
3
Then I cut my fabric slightly larger than the blind. If your fabric is sheer you can also add some lining fabric (hold your blind and fabric up to the window to decide).
4
Using spray adhesive to attach it, I glued the fabric onto the front of the blind, then flipped it over to glue and fold the edges neatly around the back.You can also use hot glue to secure it if the spray adhesive needs some support. I didn't add a lining at the back of the blind because our windows aren't overlooked by anyone, but if you want to clean up the back of the blind, simply cut another piece of fabric and use spray adhesive to attach it to the back.
5
To finish it off, I made a pelmet using the offcut from the blind (as mentioned you can use MDF or cardboard cut to size). I wrapped it in fabric, using spray adhesive on the front and then folding the edges of the fabric towards the back and gluing them down with a glue gun.
6
I then attached the pelmet to the top of the blind using hot glue, making sure that the cord still works to raise and lower the blinds. I then hung the blind on the wall using nails. To raise and lower the blind, you simply pull the cord. I like to then tuck the cord behind the pelmet to give a really streamlined look.
