Update a Roman Shade with Paint
Transform your kitchen or living space with this easy, budget-friendly DIY project! Learn how to update Roman shades with spray paint to match your décor, saving money while achieving a custom look. This step-by-step guide will show you how to refresh your window treatments using spray paint for a vibrant, modern style.
Why Update Roman Shades with Paint?
Roman shades are a stylish and functional window treatment, but they can clash with new room colors or outdated décor. Instead of splurging on custom Roman shades, spray painting offers an affordable solution to refresh your existing shades. In this project, I transformed a tan Roman shade to a stunning beachy blue (Krylon Ocean Breeze) to complement my newly painted gray kitchen walls, all for under $20
Here’s the lovely tan we use to have. It was a great color… just was clashing now with the gray walls.
Materials Needed
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- Roman Shade to update
- cardboard or some type of surface to paint on
- Krylon Ocean Breeze spray paint
I’m going with a classic glam beachy look in the kitchen with accents in blues and greens, so I decided to spray paint the shade with Krylon’s Ocean Breeze. It’s a beautiful beachy blue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Roman Shades
1. Remove the Roman Shade
Carefully take down your Roman shade, following the manufacturer’s instructions or gently unhook the cords and pulls. Lay it flat on a drop cloth in a well-ventilated area, like a garage or outdoor space. For shades with complex strings, take photos before removal to simplify reinstallation.
2. Apply Spray Paint
I used 2 cans of the spray paint to get the coverage I wanted. The key with any spray paint project is multiple light coats. You only need to let it dry for about 10 minutes till you can do the next coat though.
3. Let It Dry
Allow the shade to dry completely for 4 hours in a well-ventilated area. Check for even coverage and touch up if needed. Ensure the fabric remains soft and flexible for proper folding.
4. Reinstall the Shade
Rehang the shade, ensuring all cords and pulls are correctly aligned. Adjust as needed to achieve a smooth, professional look. Step back and admire your refreshed window treatment!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Paint: Use fabric-friendly spray paints like Krylon or Rust-Oleum 2X Satin. Satin or flat finishes work best to maintain fabric flexibility.
- Test First: If your shade has a blackout or plastic backing, test a small area to ensure paint adheres without damaging the material.
- Consider Darker Colors: Painting over dark or patterned fabrics may require a primer or multiple coats for full coverage, especially for lighter colors like white.
- Avoid Stiffness: Thin, even coats prevent the fabric from becoming too stiff, ensuring the shade folds properly.
Why This DIY Works
This project is perfect for renters, budget-conscious homeowners, or anyone wanting a quick décor update. The beachy blue shade I created transformed my kitchen’s vibe, complementing the gray walls and adding a coastal glam touch. It’s a sustainable way to repurpose existing shades, saving money and reducing waste.
Q – I have shades that are blackout on the back and a suede finish on the front…what type and sheen of paint would you recommend I try? Thank you.
THANK YOU !!! for this awesome idea. We just purchased a custom made roman shade, which I loved in the store, but not happy with it once I saw it on the window. You just gave me a great idea, plus the Ocean Breeze is stunning. I only see it in gloss finish though — not satin. Would that work on a small kitchen window shade?
Gloss should work fine, it just might have more shine to it.
Did you spraypaint both sides? Thanks!
Yes!
Would this work with a bamboo roman shade? It’s lined, so what do I do about that?
This is awesome! I just painted our brown walls grey and have the exact same problem with our tan shades. Do you think I could get them white? That’s the color I’d like to have but I’m not convinced it would work. 🤔
How did you remove your shades? I want to try this but am not sure how to manange all the strings and pulls to remove them from the window!
Such a great idea of turning something very simple blind into an expensive and awesome looking blind. surely I will be trying this on one of my blinds.
Thank you so much. That is such a great idea. I will let you know how I make out. Can’t wait to try.
H Maryann, have roman blinds with a plastic backing. Do you think I could spray paint the back? They don’t look good from the outside at present!
Ta, rachel
I recently moved into a house with light yellow fabric roman shades. I want to change the color. Would you suggest spray paint instead of fabric paint?
If the spray paint lists fabrics that will work great, but I think that brushing on fabric paint would cover the best, just takes more time.
Happy painting!!!
i was looking for a way to update my Roman shades This is perfect! My only question is my shades are red, what do you suggest I do if I want a lighter color or more neutral color?
Paint white first to block out the red ?
Kacy ?
What a great idea!!! Womdering anout the back though. Is there a lining? If not…..or if so what happenes to the back of the fabric?
Hi Maryann what type and make if spray paint did you use was fabric paint? Thank you for your reply nice colour blind
Hi Ailse! I used Krylon spray paint which can be used on fabric.
You are so clever! I love the effect of the paint!
Thanks Malia… gotta love spray paint!
I swear we have these exact roman shades. I have been searching for white ones, but I am 99% sure I’m going to try this route now. Genius!!
Great! Give it a try Sarah!
Clever idea! I love that blue color too! Can’t wait to see your new kitchen!
Thanks Heather… I love that color too.
Hi Maryann, The previous owners of our new home had custom roman blinds made for two windows in the kitchen. They are the wrong color for my décor so I was trying to figure out how to make them work. Thanks for sharing this.. …you just saved me a pile of money!
Hugs,
Sherry
Oh good Sherry!
Genius!! I have covered 3 of mine in a printed fabric to update them but never would have thought to spray paint them! I’m assuming you used a flat paint? Love the new color 🙂
Erica
https://www.fortheloveofdecorating.com
Erica ~ I’m pretty sure it’s a Satin finish. That color only comes in one sheen.