Custom curtains can be both functional and beautiful—they can let sunlight in or keep it out at will, and add lots of color and impact to your decor. But custom, professionally-made curtains aren’t always in the budget. Sure, you could grab some fun fabric and whip out your sewing machine and start measuring, but I’m thinking this stenciled window shade from Southern Living has a lot of potential.
“Stencils have come a long way; today’s options are sophisticated, easy to use, and offer you endless design possibilities. Combine your favorite pattern and paint color for a shade that makes a personal statement in a bedroom, bath, home office, or anywhere you want to add privacy. Completing your project is easy once you prep your shade and get the hang of applying the paint. Don’t worry about achieving perfection. If you’ve never stenciled before, try a few practice designs on poster board. Hang your finished shade alone for a clean, tailored look, or layer it with simple curtains for softness.”
I don’t find much inspiration in the gold, Celtic-ish pattern in the how-to, but as SL points out, there are “endless design possibilities.” Plus, a vinyl shade’s slick surface makes it easy to create your own stencils and print on cardstock or acetate for complete control.
[Done in a Day: Stenciled Window Shade, at Southern Living]
