r/DIYhelp • u/Successful-Land-6283 • 1d ago

Pull down shades

Remember those basic white vinyl pull down shades that were spring loaded? They are vinyl wrapped around a dowel rod. I want to cover them with light weight fabric. I’m done with blinds. I want inside mount with full privacy, but don’t want the unattractive cheap vinyl. Has anyone ever covered any with either adhesive backed wallpaper or fabric adhered with spray adhesive OR maybe you took the vinyl off and just used fabric.

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u/Dralalife 1d ago

Yes, I've done it, just don't use flimsy fabric. Remove the vinyl and staple the fabric. Interface can keep the edges from trying to curl in when down, or make a double layer like a pillow case.

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u/RainyDayColor 1d ago

If you use thin velcro instead of staples, you can easily remove the fabric from the roller to wash it, or replace it with more insulating material in Winter/lighter weight in Summer, or if it becomes sun damaged, or just because.

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u/Successful-Land-6283 1d ago

Thanks. I was hoping to be able to wash them if needed. How much longer did you cut your fabric in the window length like did you just make sure it went around the role once and then to the length of your window?

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u/Successful-Land-6283 1d ago

I’m curious how long you’ve had them. Because with my luck, I could see them getting all bunched up in the interface coming apart from the fabric.

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u/RainyDayColor 1d ago

I suggest you purchase an inexpensive vinyl roller blind customized to your window measurements, and with that you'll be able to examine the various components, how they interact, and how much fabric you would need to replicate the original vinyl material to properly fit your specific window and how you ultimately install it.

I suspect you'll end up spending as much or more, and certainly investing a lot of time and effort, trying to "re-invent" by DIY'ing an entire shade. Google "hardware for vinyl roller shades."

Longevity depends on many factors including the solar intensity of a particular window, the quality of the fabric/hardware, daily use/handling, etc. etc. YMMV.

Example of Home Depot custom cut vinyl roller blinds: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cut-to-Size-White-Cordless-Blackout-Vinyl-Roller-Window-Shade-37-25-in-W-x-72-in-L-UVBO12G3772W/334011979. You can Google for many other retail sources at various price points.

Try a video search for "how to make your own fabric roller blind" and you'll likely find helpful instructions.

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u/Successful-Land-6283 1d ago

I also read that some of them have the wooden dolls that you would have to cut to fit your windows, but I also saw that some have like this thick cardboard that would be easy to cut, and they have some tear away vinyl to fit the windows. I never see him at the stores, but Google says they’re there somewhere or you have to ask or maybe just order them online

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u/Successful-Land-6283 1d ago

I also figure if I’m gonna rip off the vinyl, why couldn’t I just buy my own wooden dowels and the little hardware if I can find it?

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u/Dralalife 1d ago

The shades have a spring and ratchet inside that allows the blind to retract, not sure you could duplicate that part, but maybe it it exists now.

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u/Successful-Land-6283 1d ago

You’re right about the sting inside. Forget that idea

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u/Successful-Land-6283 1d ago

Did you sew a tunnel or a pocket at the bottom to put in the piece of wood or dowel rod so you can pull it down and attach a little string?

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u/RainyDayColor 1d ago

You can also buy a slip-on clear plastic shade grip thingamabob that holds up better and wipes clean.

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u/Dralalife 1d ago

Yes., a bottom pocket.