Creating a Custom Roman Shade Without Sewing or Drilling
Custom Roman shades can be a great investment if you plan to open and close them frequently throughout the day. A linen set from The Shade Store, lined with blackout fabric, transforms my children’s room into a cool, dark space at bedtime and then into a sunroom in the morning. However, not all windows require such heavy coverage. Some windows benefit from a lighter touch—Roman shades that add softness and privacy while staying in one position most of the time.
Anushca Dalton, a designer and content creator based in South Africa, came up with a DIY solution for her kitchen window. Her design offers the same functionality as a custom shade but at a fraction of the cost. It’s an excellent option for those looking to decorate on a budget, especially in temporary rental apartments.
How Dalton Designed Her DIY Roman Shade
Dalton’s window receives soft light most of the day and a few hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon. Inspired by a Pinterest design, she experimented with a large piece of fabric, iron-activated hemming tape, and tension rods to create a custom folded shade. The shade sits at the top of the window and filters harsh light when it comes in.
“I didn’t want to do a lot of drilling, and I can’t use a sewing machine,” she explains. “I wanted something that was possible for my skill set.” Her method worked perfectly without any sewing or drilling required. The shade can be let down and drawn up with careful refolding, making it ideal for both temporary and permanent homes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Shade
Procure Materials
To begin, you’ll need:
- A piece of fabric slightly larger than your window
- Three tension rods (one heavy-duty, two small)
- A roll of hemming tape
- Measuring tape, scissors, and an iron
When choosing fabric, consider that this DIY project is for a simple light-filtering shade, not a blackout curtain. Opt for a heavier, darker fabric to block more light. You can invest in high-quality drapery or find budget-friendly options on Etsy. The amount of fabric needed depends on the size of your window.
Perigold
Morris & Co. Holland Park Stripe Fabric in Slate/Linen
$342
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Michael’s
Heat n Bond® Iron-on Adhesive Roll
$4
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Pottery Barn
Standard Tension Curtain Rod
$80+
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Lowe’s
White Steel Tension Curtain Rod with Finials
$8
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Measure the Window
The goal is to hem a single piece of fabric on four sides so it fits inside the window frame. Start by twisting the main tension rod into place and measuring its width between the two rubber end-caps. You cannot put the fabric over the caps because they are slightly larger than the rod itself.
Next, measure the height of the window frame with a tape measure.
Measure and Cut the Fabric
Add 2 inches to the tension rod measurement to ensure enough fabric for hemming both sides. Cut the fabric to this width. Then lay the tension rod—still locked into its installed length—on top of the fabric. Flip the top end of the fabric over the rod, creating a long loop. Add 2 inches to the window height measurement and cut the fabric from the top of the tension rod loop to the bottom end.
“You may want to take your Roman shade back to the window and check the length before cutting,” Dalton advises.
Hem the Sides Using Hemming Tape
While you could use a sewing machine to create hems, using hemming tape is much simpler. The tape melts under the heat of an iron and glues the fabric together. Hem all four sides of the fabric to create clean edges.
Hem the Top Loop Using Hemming Tape
Hold up the hemmed fabric to the window. It should fit perfectly in width but seem too long for the height. That’s because you still need to loop it over the rod. Lay the fabric flat on a table, backside up, and place the tension rod near the top side. Lay another piece of hemming tape across the fabric, press the end of the fabric over the rod and onto the hemming tape, and iron it to seal shut. Confirm the size of the loop before sealing it.
Hang the Curtain and the Rods
Hang the curtain by twisting the tension rod back into place; it should fit right inside the window frame. Install the two smaller tension rods as well. Your Roman shade will drape over these rods, so install them slightly higher than where you want the shade to hang.
Fold Up the Curtain
Drop the curtain behind the smaller tension rods. Using one hand on either side, gently tug a fold of the curtain over the top rod. Drop it before pulling the curtain all the way through. Reach between the two smaller rods and grab the sides of the fabric again, pulling it through to create a second fold. Adjust as needed until the shade has two folds and sits at the top of the window frame.
If you want to lower the shade, move the rods lower or remove them entirely. This adjustment isn’t meant for frequent use, but it’s easy to make when needed.
Dalton is thrilled with the final result. She recommends painting the ends of the smaller tension rods to match the window frame, making them almost disappear when the shade is drawn. With some patience and planning, this DIY project can be completed in a single afternoon—just in time to block out the harsh light.
