Do you want stylish window coverings without dealing with complicated systems? DIY faux roman blinds might be exactly what you need! These decorative shades look just like traditional roman blinds but don’t actually go up and down. They’re perfect for adding style to your windows while still using regular blinds or shades behind them.
What Are Faux Roman Blinds?
Faux roman blinds (sometimes called fake roman shades) are window treatments that look like folded roman shades but stay in one position. They’re mounted on a board and hang decoratively on your window. The best part? They’re much easier to make than working roman shades since they don’t need cords, clutches, or moving parts!
Many homeowners use faux roman blinds on the outside of their window frames while putting regular blinds or cellular shades inside the frame. This creates a layered, designer look without the cost of custom window treatments.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting your project, gather all your supplies. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own beautiful faux roman blinds:
| Material | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Main decorative fabric (width of shade plus 4 inches, length is 2× desired shade length plus 6 inches) | Fabric store |
| Lining | Thermal foam lining recommended for stiffness (exact width of shade, 2× desired length plus 2 inches) | Fabric store |
| Bottom Bar | Aluminum screen frame channel (cut to width of shade) | Hardware store (Lowe’s) |
| Mounting Board | 2.5-inch pine board (cut to width of shade) | Hardware store |
| Shade Returns/Ears | 8″ × 9″ fabric pieces (2 pieces) | Cut from your main fabric |
| Roman Shade Rings | Small white plastic rings | Fabric store or online |
| Split Rings | For attaching to shade rings | Fabric store or online |
| Crochet Thread | #10 crochet thread in matching color | Craft store |
| Basic Sewing Supplies | Needle, pins, scissors, iron | Craft store |
Measuring and Cutting Your Materials
Getting the measurements right is key to making professional-looking faux roman blinds.
For a 15-inch long shade, cut your main fabric 36 inches long (15 × 2 + 6 = 36). For the width, measure your window and add 4 inches total for side hems. For example, for a 41¾-inch wide shade, cut fabric 45¾ inches wide.
The lining should be cut to the exact width of your finished shade and two times the length plus 2 inches. So for our 15-inch shade example, the lining would be 32 inches long (15 × 2 + 2 = 32).
Creating Your Faux Roman Blinds
Step 1: Attach the Lining
Place your main fabric face down on a flat surface. Position the lining on top, centering it so there’s equal fabric showing on both sides. The lining should align with the top edge of your fabric, leaving extra fabric at the bottom.
Pin the lining in place, making sure to leave the bottom area pin-free since you’ll be creating a hem there.
Step 2: Create the Side Hems
Bring the extra fabric from each side over to align with the edge of the lining. Use a hot iron to press and form a sharp crease. Fold it again to make a double hem, then press it once more. Pin in place.
Sew along the inner fold of each side hem using either a blind stitch or straight stitch. This creates clean edges for your shade.
Step 3: Make the Bottom Hem
The bottom hem needs to be sturdy enough to hold the weight bar. Fold the bottom edge of the fabric up to meet the lining edge and press. Then fold again to create a double 2-inch hem. Pin and sew it securely.
This creates a pocket for your bottom bar, which gives your faux roman blind a nice, weighted hang.
Step 4: Create the Shade Returns (Ears)
Shade returns cover the sides of your mounting board for a finished look. For each return:
- Take an 8″ × 9″ piece of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise
- Sew along two sides, leaving one short side open
- Clip the corners diagonally (without cutting the stitches)
- Turn right side out and press flat
These will be attached to your mounting board later to give a finished look from the side.
Step 5: Create the Folds
To create the look of a roman shade with folds:
- Measure and mark horizontal lines across the back of your shade where you want folds
- Sew rings along these lines, spacing them about 8 inches apart
- Opt for matching crochet thread instead of standard thread for a neater finish
- Attach split rings to these sewn rings
When mounting, you’ll use the split rings to create and secure the folds in your faux shade.
Mounting Your Faux Roman Blinds
Once your shade is sewn together:
- Attach it to the mounting board using staples across the top edge
- Attach the shade returns to both ends of the board.
- Mount the board above your window frame
- Create the folds by pulling up sections of fabric and securing with the split rings
- Insert the bottom bar into the bottom hem pocket for a clean finish
Why Make Faux Roman Blinds?
Faux roman blinds give you the elegant look of custom window treatments without the high price tag. They’re perfect for adding color and texture to a room while still allowing you to use practical blinds or shades for light control.
These decorative shades are also great for windows that are hard to reach or rarely need adjustment. You get the beautiful look without needing to raise and lower them daily.
Tips for Professional-Looking Results
For the best results, choose a fabric with some body to it. Linens, cotton duck, and decorator fabrics work wonderfully. The thermal foam lining adds stiffness that helps your folds look crisp and tailored.
If you’re making multiple faux roman blinds, create a template for your measurements to ensure consistency across all your windows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roman Blinds
How to sew on Roman blind tape?
Roman blind tape is simpler than it looks. First, lay your fabric face down. Position the tape along the back of your fabric where you want the folds. Pin the tape in place carefully. Use a straight stitch on your sewing machine to attach the tape. Make sure to sew along both edges of the tape. Always test your stitches on a scrap piece first.
How do magnetic Roman shades work?
Magnetic Roman shades use a clever system. Small magnets are sewn into the shade’s folds. These magnets stick to a metal strip on your window frame. When you want to raise the blind, each fold attaches to the one above it. It’s a cord-free solution that’s both safe and stylish. They’re perfect for homes with children and pets.
How to make a Roman blind for a window?
Making a basic Roman blind starts with careful measuring. Cut your fabric to size, adding extra for hems. Create rod pockets at the top. Make horizontal channels for dowels or rods. Add rings and cording for the lifting mechanism. Sew side hems first, then bottom hem. Finally, attach the headrail and test the mechanism. Our faux version above is much simpler and faster to make.
How to hang Roman blinds with velcro?
Velcro hanging is very beginner-friendly. Start by attaching the hook side of the velcro to your window frame. Sew or iron the soft side to your blind’s top edge. Make sure the velcro strips align perfectly. Press firmly to attach the blind to the frame. It’s that simple! This method makes removal for cleaning super easy.
How do you sew a blind stitch?
A blind stitch is useful for invisible hems. Thread your needle with matching thread. Fold your hem and press it. Take a tiny bite of fabric from the main piece. Then catch a small section of the hem fold. Keep your stitches loose to prevent puckering. Space them about 1/4 inch apart. When done right, the stitches are nearly invisible from the front.
Ready to Transform Your Windows?
DIY faux roman blinds are an affordable way to add designer style to any room. With just basic sewing skills and a few simple materials, you can create beautiful window treatments that look like they came from a high-end decorator.
Get started today and watch how these elegant window treatments transform your space! Your windows will thank you.