How to Customize Plain Window Shades

Remove the shades from the windows. Measure the width of the shades, as well as the length when the shade is fully open.

Cut pieces of wallpaper, fabric or decorative paper such as wrapping paper in sizes to fit the shades you measured in Step 1. Add an additional 1 inch to the width and length to give you a little wiggle room when attaching the decorative material.

Lay the open shades on a table large enough so the shades do not hang over the edge. Place them with the side of the shade that faces into the room facing up.

Add 1 part water to 4 parts white glue. Mix well. Paint the glue onto the open shade. Work quickly so the glue doesn't have time to harden.

Position the piece of wallpaper, fabric or decorative paper in place over the glued side of the shade. Press the decorative material into the glue, working from the center of the shade out to the sides. Smooth out any air bubbles with the palms of your hands, using gentle pressure.

Allow the glue to dry for four to six hours.

Place the shade onto a self-healing cutting mat, used in conjunction with a rotary cutter. Lay a ruler flush with the edge of the shade. Use a rotary cutter to cut along the ruler to create a professional-looking, straight edge. Trim off the excess decorative material along the sides of the shades.

Glue a contrasting or complementary colored ribbon over the bottom edge of the shade to cover the raw edge of the decorative material. Use full-strength white glue placed directly on the back of the ribbon. Press the ribbon in place over the raw edge of the decorative fabric or paper. Cut the ends of the ribbon flush with the edge of the shade or fold them to the back of the shade and glue the ends down.