Sprucing up your windows shouldn’t cost a fortune, and you don’t need a degree in interior design to get a professional look. So, if you’ve just moved into a new place with bare windows or you are tired of looking at those dusty old curtains, there are plenty of ways to handle window coverings yourself without breaking the bank.

In Australia, most homes have to deal with some intense sun, so a good DIY shade needs to do more than just look pretty. It needs to keep the heat out and survive the UV.

1. The Classic Fabric Roller Shade

If you have some basic sewing skills (or even just some good fabric glue), you can create a custom roller shade. Most craft stores sell stiffening spray that turns regular cotton fabric into something sturdy enough for a window.

You can buy a cheap, plain roller blind from a hardware store, strip off the plastic fabric, and use the hardware to mount your own custom material. It’s a great way to get a high-end designer look for the price of a few metres of fabric.

2. No-Sew Roman Shades

Roman shades look expensive, but they are surprisingly simple to put together. You can use old tension rods and some fabric to create faux Roman shades that stay in a fixed, folded position.

If you want them to move up and down, you can use small wooden dowels and some nylon cord. The trick is getting the measurements right before you start cutting. If you are unsure where to start, check out our measuring guide for some tips on getting the height and width spot on.

3. Timber Matchstick or Bamboo Blinds

For a coastal or boho look, bamboo shades are a fantastic DIY option. They are lightweight and easy to install with just a few cup hooks. While they don’t offer total blackout, they filter the light beautifully. These are particularly good for sunrooms or verandahs where you want to cut the glare but keep the breeze moving.

4. Customising Made to Measure Blinds

The most common DIY project isn’t actually making the blind from scratch. It’s doing the installation yourself. By ordering professional-grade blinds online and handling the drill and level yourself, you can save hundreds of dollars in consultation and installation fees that local showrooms charge.

Timber Matchstick or Bamboo Blinds

At Blinds Deal, we see plenty of homeowners taking this route. You get the quality of a custom-fitted product but at a DIY price point. Plus, since we offer free shipping Australia-wide, you aren’t getting stung with extra costs for living outside the big cities.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Before you get the hammer out, keep these three things in mind:

  • Check your depth: If you are mounting inside the window frame, make sure there is enough room for the bracket. There’s nothing worse than finishing a project only to realise the window won’t open.
  • Think about the stack: When the shade is up, how much of the window does it cover? If you have a beautiful view, you don’t want a thick DIY shade blocking half of it even when it’s open.
  • Safety first: If you have little ones or pets, make sure any DIY cords are secured with a cleat. It’s a small detail that is a legal requirement for professional blinds in Australia.

Ready to tackle your windows?

DIY window shades are a satisfying weekend project that can completely change the feel of a room. Whether you are gluing fabric or just doing the mounting yourself, the key is taking your time with the prep work.