Creative “functional “ blinds

BetsyRambo
by BetsyRambo

I have 4 windows to do, no blinds or curtains and NON SEWER! Must be able to be raised and lowered a lot. Wondering if there is a way to get drapable material, make a top pocket for inside top rod to hang ( using stitch witchery) lol, and maybe buy 8 long matching scarves, 2 for each “shade”, run back and front and tie at top with a hole and maybe grommet and find a way to pull up and down? I’m not good with cords or knowing how they work and want as few as possible?


  11 answers
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 21, 2020

    Hi! I think this project would work for you! Good luck!


    https://www.lanternlanedesigns.com/diy-no-sew-roman-shades/

    • See 2 previous
    • BetsyRambo BetsyRambo on Oct 30, 2020

      Interesting. Never thought to look on Amazon. I’ll check them out. Thanks

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Oct 22, 2020

    Hi Betsy at one point I purchased bamboo shades from walmart and how they worked was kind of interesting. Instead of gathering etc. when you pulled them up, instead they rolled really basically up from the bottom. You would need to put a rod at the bottom and attach the scarves to that so it would roll when you pulled up the shade. Here's a tutorial on how to make them: https://www.idealhome.co.uk/diy-and-decorating/make-a-roll-up-blind-67548

    • BetsyRambo BetsyRambo on Oct 30, 2020

      I’ve seen them. Really don’t like because I like to put blinds all the way up to open whole window and they look like a big log.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Oct 22, 2020

    Consider getting an opaque window film. We have that on our bedroom window. It lets in the light, but you can't see in (or out).

    • See 1 previous
    • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Oct 22, 2020

      OK. Lots of other suggestions have been provided. We bought a new house 3 years ago and a salesperson from a window covering store came, made suggestions, and discussed our options. It was well worth the $$.

  • Dee Dee on Oct 22, 2020

    I got blinds at Lowes. They cut them to size and all you have to do is put in clips to use them. Easy peasy.. You can do the same with bamboo or outside blinds. Lowes will cut them down to your measurements too. Remember outside blinds block the sun more and can be used inside.

    • BetsyRambo BetsyRambo on Oct 22, 2020

      Yes but lots of money when doing 4 just for window blind. I do like the lighter gray weathered wood ones since the woodwork and casing will be charcoal grey. But hundreds just for the cheapest for 4

  • This may be a good no-sew option for you:

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/windows/diy-cordless-new-sew-no-heat-roman-shade-44330035?expand_all_questions=1

  • BetsyRambo BetsyRambo on Oct 22, 2020

    If I wanted to buy blinds I’d just go with them instead of buying them then doing Roman shades. Too much money

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Oct 22, 2020

    The roll up bamboo blinds work wonderfully and are cheap, just attach with hooks, roll up or let them down to the desired height.

    If you need to fancy it up, you could add a valance or side curtains.

  • This is easy and no sew...https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/windows/shades-window-no-sew-roman-4053586

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 22, 2020

    Hello Betsy,

    Yes you could do that, Stick the fabric or even use Velcro with a sticky back to it to make the hem to take the pole. or you could use Clip rings. The rings tread onto the pole and then the Clips that dangle from it clip onto the fabric. These Clips are great for Curtains too. Best wishes.

  • BetsyRambo BetsyRambo on Oct 22, 2020

    Thanks all. I think I need to experiment before buying all supplies for 4 windows. Thinking a soft drapey material like silk or moire with silk scarves would work. Just need to figure out how to run one cord to take up both scarves.

  • Dee Dee on Oct 22, 2020

    Talk to the manager about the discount area. Plus if you have a Habitat for humanity they sell blinds really cheap. They are contractors leftovers