If you've wanted the layered bamboo shade with curtains look in your bedroom but don't have the budget to buy all new, this DIY bamboo shades hack might be perfect for you.
I made these light-filtering bamboo shades many years ago and we had them in our bedroom for 7+ years. They looked so great and fooled anyone who saw them into thinking that they were traditional bamboo shades. I've recently switched the look of our bedroom and decided to move on to something new. But honestly, if you are looking for something like the outdoor bamboo shades that people hang on a patio or in a sunroom, these look like those and are a great addition indoors!
Why To Make Cheap Bamboo Shades?
I loved the look of the layered bamboo over windows with curtains on top of them, but couldn't afford the $120 price tag. For just $10, I made my own bamboo window shades and 7+ years later, they still looked great!
*I do want to say that I bought the bamboo fencing (also called reed fencing) in 2013. Pricing has gone up but if you shop local, you can still find some that are pretty affordable. Maybe not $10 for a package but definitely cheaper than buying traditional bamboo window shades.
Let's answer some common questions and then I'll give you the tutorial.
Do bamboo shades block light?
Some do but if that's what you are looking for then this tutorial isn't for you. If you can't tell from the photos, this is a faux bamboo shade, meaning the shade doesn't lower. If you need privacy, you'll have to close your curtains or, like we did, install roller blinds on your windows. Roller blinds are not cute, but during the day, they are hidden behind the bamboo shades.
Our faux bamboo shades are just for looks. We pull our curtains every night and I have to say that the bamboo shades are holding up great, even years later.
Is this tutorial for a bamboo shade valance?
You can definitely say that this is a bamboo shade valance. It's stationary so if you don't want to adjust bamboo blinds and want the look, this is your project!
Other window treatment projects that I've done
Hilariously enough, we are no strangers to window privacy hacks. We cut bamboo shades to fit our living room windows (that was such an easy project) and have also applied privacy window film on multiple bathroom windows. You have to get creative when you have a small budget, for sure!
Like I mentioned earlier, the project is from years ago, so the photos below are from when our bedroom looked completely different; but it's fun to see that the layered window look still looks great in our bedroom today! If you want to see the current version of our bedroom, check out our Tricorn Black master bedroom for more pictures and all the sources!
Ok, let's get to the supply list to make this bamboo shade valance. Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting me. Click to read my privacy and disclosure statement.
Supplies Needed for DIY Bamboo Shades
How To DIY Faux Shades
- Measure your window (I wanted an outside mount so I accounted for extra). I also was layering window curtains over my bamboo valance, so I had a bit of wiggle room.
- Cut the bamboo with scissors.
- Hot glue scrap fabric around the curtain rod. Do this so the white curtain rod doesn’t show through when you hang the bamboo shade up.
- Place your curtain rod over your bamboo about 8 inches (this accounts for the fold over the curtain rod). Gently fold the bamboo over the rod and check to see if you like the amount of bamboo that you have hanging (this is the top of your bamboo shade).
- If you like the amount of hanging bamboo, then hot glue the bamboo to the rod. I don’t have a picture of this, but make sure to overlap your second piece of bamboo (if you have an oversize window like me) so that your bamboo shade looks seamless. I overlapped about ½ inch.
- Hang your rod up so that you can determine where you would like your folds to be.
- Add a cup hook in the middle of the window where the curtain rod is to help support it.
- Using wire from where you cut your bamboo shades, separate it and cut it in to 5 inch pieces.
- Gently bend your shade where you would like your bend to be.
- On the seams (I did every other), wrap wire from the front of the fold to the back piece to create the fold. You can see how this is done in the pictures.
- Once you get to the second shade (if you have an oversized window), keep in mind that you are trying to match the folds. Repeat the process to create a seamless shade similar to how large outdoor bamboo shades look.
Let me show you some photos of the DIY bamboo shades process and then, below, you can see reviews and print the tutorial if that's helpful!
From start to finish, these DIY bamboo shades took around 2 hours. I'm in love with the results. If you wanted to actually be able to raise and lower the blinds, then this isn't for you. If you want the added layer of blinds for visual purposes, then this is the perfect thing.
DIY Bamboo Shades Hack for $10
Want the layered bamboo shades look but don't have the budget? Make these for just $10!
Materials
Instructions
- Measure your window (I wanted an outside mount so I accounted for extra). Cut the bamboo with scissors.
- Hot glue scrap fabric around the curtain rod. Do this so the white curtain rod doesn’t show through when you hang the bamboo shade up.
- Place your curtain rod over your bamboo about 8 inches (this accounts for the fold over the curtain rod). Gently fold the bamboo over the rod and check to see if you like the amount of bamboo that you have hanging (this is the top of your bamboo shade).
- If you like the amount of hanging bamboo, then hot glue the bamboo to the rod. I don’t have a picture of this, but make sure to overlap your second piece of bamboo (if you have an oversize window like me) so that your bamboo shade looks seamless. I overlapped about ½ inch.
- Hang your rod up so that you can determine where you would like your folds to be.
- Add a cup hook in the middle of the window where the curtain rod is to help support it.
- Using wire from where you cut your bamboo shades, separate it and cut it in to 5 inch pieces.
- Gently bend your shade where you would like your bend to be.
- On the seams (I did every other), wrap wire from the front of the fold to the back piece to create the fold. You can see how this is done in the pictures.
- Once you get to the second shade (if you have an oversized window), keep in mind that you are trying to match the folds. Repeat.
Pin for later:
I teamed up with a few other ladies to share hacks and repurposed tutorials. Check them out below.
Thrifty and Chic - Ikea Hack (Hamper to Side Table)
All Things G & D - DIY Boot Socks from Old Sweater Sleeves
Carrie
This is a super smart idea! Way to find a much cheaper way to get a beautiful look!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Carrie! MUCH cheaper is the key!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design
This is a fantastic idea! Love it and they look so good.
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Julia! It was so hard to photograph, but they look super great in person. Seriously, I don't think anyone would know that they are faux.
Holly @ Life as a Thrifter
These are so cool!! I gotta try this!
Ashley Mayes
Let me know how it goes if you try it. I'm thinking about making some for my living room. =)
Linda @ it all started with paint
This is just so stinking amazingly genius!!!!! I may just return those three bamboo shades I recently ordered for my family room ...
🙂 Linda
Ashley Mayes
lol. Thanks Linda. Seriously, I just took mine back to HD yesterday. I told the HD associate all about it and she loved the idea. =)
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures
These are perfect for adding texture and look beautiful in your room! Pinned and I hope you will stop by and share this at The Makers!
Have a great week!
-Katie
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Katie! I'll be by to share next week for sure!
Alicia @ thrifty and chic
you have no idea how much i love this! I was thinking about something like this for my bedroom. I don't care to for blinds. hate them. But this would be the perfect solution to hide them when they are up 🙂 Love it! I might have to steal this idea. I'm wondering if a grass mat would work, you know the ones for when you go to the beach?
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Alicia! I think a grass mat would definitely work, but may not provide the depth that real bamboo does. You could definitely play around with it and see. Since the fencing is bound by wires, it is a bit bulky which I think is what makes the folds look like the real deal. If you try it with the mat, let me know. I'd like to know how it turns out.
Dusty @All Things G&D
Love this money-saving idea, Ashley!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Dusty!
Chrystal Jones
Do you lower them? If so, how? I love this!
Ashley Mayes
No, you can't lower them. We have roller blinds installed underneath (which we already had) and we just needed to add a pretty layer so you didn't see the ugly roller blinds.
Emily@HouseintheHeights
Wow!!! What a great idea ! I can't believe they only cost you $10....
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Emily. =)
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life
Gorgeous. How clever and creative is this. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party this afternoon http://www.astrollthrulife.net. Hope to see you there. Hugs, Marty
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Marty! I will stop by.
Debbie @Dewdrop Gables
Wow, great way to get the look for a lot less! When I worked at the garden centre, we sold similar bamboo fencing but they cost a heck of a lot more than $10.00! Mind you, I live in Canada where everything is more expensive and it was a high end garden centre. Boy, I'd love to be able to shop in the States...the prices and stores are nothing like we see up here.
I saw you sharing at Project Inspire{d}
Debbie 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Debbie! I have heard that from other Canadian bloggers. Do some of the big box stores over here ship? Just a thought. Thanks for stopping by.
Jodie
Oh my goodness you definitely are a bonafide genius! These are gorgeous. I can't believe how simple and inexpensive you made it! Might have to take a trip to Home Depot myself : ) Amazing idea!
Ashley Mayes
Ha. Thanks Jodie. You should totally make some.
Corey @ tinysidekick
You are right. That is genius! Gotta love the same look for less. Thanks for sharing at the Makers!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Corey!
Nancherrow
What a simple and great idea! And such a lovely way to add texture and layer to your window treatments without breaking the bank. Would love for you to share at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Alison! Coming over to share.
Claire
Wow- you are a bonafide genius!! My oversized kitchen widow was driving me crazy and all the bamboo shades were too pricey- wound up making roman shades to cover that ugly roll up shade- can't wait to run to the depot to get some of that fabulous bamboo fencing!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Claire! If you end up trying it...let me know. I would love to see it!
Lynnette
Love this idea since my windows are too narrow for standard bamboo shades. Did you just have 2 folds? It is hard for me to tell if so does 'it still give the illusion of a full length shade?
Ashley Mayes
Yes, It has two folds and the hanging flap at the top. It looks like the real deal in person, no one would know that it was a DIY. Hope that helps!
K.Michael
Hi Ashley Mayes,
We are manufacturing of window blinds in Vietnam.
If you are interested in buying roll material for making DIY window blinds.
Please do not to contact us for more infomation.
We make bamboo/jute/seagrass..etc natural material for window blinds.
Our max width is 2m44cm
Thank for your kind attention and support.
Best Rgds,
K.Michael
Daiviet Handicraft co.,ltd
Alexis @ Persia Lou
This is super, super smart, and they look great! Nicely done. And I agree, total genius. (Thanks for linking up at The Makers 🙂
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Alexis!
Corinna Ashley [ForMyLoveOf]
The whole space is coming together beautifully! Quite the creative solution to "get the look!"
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Corinna!
Brandi
So clever! You were able to get the look and save a bunch of money!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Brandi! Saving money = more projects!
Tami @ Curb Alert!
Ashley, Congratulations on a super awesome idea. Love it!
~Tami
Ashley Mayes
Thanks so much!
valarie
stick'in genius!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Valarie!
Laurie
I want bamboo, but I need to be able to move up and down. Do you think it would possible to adhere the bamboo to a roll-up shade?
Ashley Mayes
These won't move up and down easily. They have wire weaving them together and the wire is pretty stiff. Someone earlier in the comments, asked about a bamboo beach mat. I think that would work much better for being able to move up and down. But, I don't think the beach mat will give you the look of real bamboo like the fencing does. So, I think it's probably either/or. Good luck!
Susan
This is just exactly what I needed!! I have a big, oversize window with working honeycomb shades, but really really wanted the texture and layer of bamboo shades--but I just couldn't bear to pay the high price when I don't need them to be working at all. I couldn't believe it when I saw this post...the perfect solution!
Ashley Mayes
Susan, I'm happy to hear that it's going to work for you. It's funny how sometimes things can just be the perfect timing. Good luck on yours!
Kate
Oh my goodness! This looks amazing!!!! I have been eyeing some bamboo shades for my dining room, but couldn't bring myself to spend $120!!! This.is.perfet! Thank you! And P.S. I love that you used the phrase "Holy Mackarel"- my dad always used to say this (and now I do). Too cute!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Kate! Ha! I don't know where I get weird sayings like that, but I have lots of them! Thanks for stopping by!
Amber
You're right! This is genius idea!! Thanks so much for a detailed tutorial!!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Amber! I would love to see yours if you try it. =)
Cindy DIY beautify
What a crazy clever idea Ashley! This project is right up my budget-lovin-alley! I can understand your excitement!
Ashley Mayes
Thanks Cindy! We still have them and still love them!
Jose Barajas
Your idea about use of bamboo is really great. I've multiple use of bamboo. Generally I used bamboo poles for bamboo fencing.
Ashley Mayes
Thank you.
Name
Great idea! Could I ask where did you get this dark bed blanket? I really like it!!
Ashley Mayes
Thank you! It's an old purchase from Target, but I do believe they still have similar ones.
Rebecca
I just posted on my blog yesterday about how to make outdoor shades from a bamboo fence, then I saw your great idea on Pinterest last night. I hope you don't mind, but I put a link to this post on my blog because your shades look awesome!
Ashley Mayes
The fencing is so easy! Thanks for linking to me. I don't mind at all.
bamboo decorative sticks
Variations in tҺе closing segment using bamboo planks tɦat covered tɦe meeting arrangedd bamboo circle.
Christine Duffy
Our cording for raising and lowering the shades is sun rotted. Where do I order more? I can restring the shades using the original hardware. I will need yards and yards. Thank You
Ashley Mayes
Hmm, I don't know. That's a tough one.
Denise
How wide is That window? I have two windows I want to do this to (I don't care if they go up or down) but the fencing coming in 8ft wide but I cant tell if the *ft part on your blind is vertical or horizontal?
Ashley Mayes
Hi Denise,
It's 78" wide.
Abbey
Thank you, Ashley, this is so helpful. This is what I call an internal valance. It provides a nice texture contrast and hides some inner workings while never moving. We hung curtains up by the ceiling. The highly functional but unaesthetic roller shad is exposed and the center rod support brace is very prominent to me. Now, we will hide it all under the bamboo, yet the cutains and rod will still be the focus.
Ashley Mayes
Yes, that should work perfectly! We had rollers behind it when it was in our bedroom and loved how it hid them.
Wanda
Omgoodness! Didn’t want to pay the price for Bamboo shades! Was reading your site about cleaning
House siding! Saw this & going to try!
Thx!
Ashley Mayes
Go for it! If you just need the stationary look... they are perfect!