Introduction

Decorating on a budget? Like the look of painted moldings? Pattern and practicality finally meet -- in these affordable, ready-made window shades that can be painted in minutes to perk up any decor. They leave woodwork in view, and they're quickly adjusted to show as much of the shade pattern as you want, so you can change the look with a flick of a wrist. Let the ideas and techniques shown here inspire your own showy shades.

For a balanced design, repeat a bedroom's motifs and color schemes. Borrow patterns such as flowers, stripes, and falling leaves from bedspreads, borders, and upholstery.

Think beyond the bedroom to the screen porch, where matchstick shades can temper the rays of a setting sun. Add color in the kitchen to a Roman shade above a breakfast table. Paint a shade in a powder room, home office, or entry.

Using basic painting supplies along with sponges, stamps, and simple stencils, the technique is easy, fast, and fun. No one has to know how little time it takes to brush up such a lavish look!

• Choose a window shade, old or new, in a color that reflects the look you want. A soft dry-brush technique works well on cotton; bold, colorful designs look good on heavy weaves.
• Select your paint. Use water-base acrylic crafts paints. The paints on these shades are adaptable to other surfaces such as lampshades, furniture, and floors.
• Experiment first. If possible, work on a spare shade or remnant to practice your technique, test paint absorbency, and explore colors.
• Clean up. Rinse sponges, stencils, and brushes in water, and you can reuse them for other projects.

 

1. Squeeze a dime-size dab of paint onto a paper plate.
2. Dip a dry stencil brush into the paint.
3. Scrub the loaded brush onto a paper towel to remove as much paint as possible.
4. Apply paint, moving the brush in a circular motion.