I really love a good woven shade, but I prefer them in lighter tones with lots of tortoiseshell mottling in the pattern. Home Depot used to carry a really beautiful version that was discontinued a couple years ago and I’ve been feeling the loss ever since. I wanted warm-toned woven shades for my studio and all my usual sources were coming up short. Then one day when I was buying lumber at Lowes, I took a turn down the curtain aisle, headed for the check out, when the clouds parted and there they were. The perfect shade in the perfect color. A decent price. LINED. And most exciting of all – customizable!
They’re by Levolor and they’re not terribly expensive for as well made and pretty as they are, especially considering the custom sizing option. They have a machine in the store that can cut the shade in super exact widths on the spot. It’s pretty amazing.
I like my shades to hang 1.5-2 inches wider than the window casing on each side. So these ones were cut four inches wider than my windows. I also hang the little fork thing for twisting the cord around up very high to keep it well away from little hands.
This time I wanted pure white cups so I bought these ones from Amazon and they worked beautifully. I did the same basic technique of cutting down the paper flowers a few inches and glueing them to the cups. I spray painted the base this time, which was way easier than brushing on the gold paint. (there are some things about apartment living that I don’t miss! :)
Great look Jenny! As a long time Valley resident, thought you should know that I've had these shades on both the south and west sides of the house. Unless you have UV screens, the rope will disintegrate! West side is especially difficult and what seems to work is a UV film that I've put on a side door window to prevent it.
Enjoy the space, it's great.
Waiting and Waiting for this post… your bay window with amazing blinds and chandelier are really my very most favorite part of the room (second only to the floors) Its amazing what you are able to find (and share on your blog thank you very much) while out getting lumber!
Love what you've done!
Waiting and Waiting for this post… your bay window with amazing blinds and chandelier are really my very most favorite part of the room (second only to the floors) Its amazing what you are able to find (and share on your blog thank you very much) while out getting lumber!
Love what you've done!
Waiting and Waiting for this post… your bay window with amazing blinds and chandelier are really my very most favorite part of the room (second only to the floors) Its amazing what you are able to find (and share on your blog thank you very much) while out getting lumber!
Love what you've done!
Wow! I thought for sure that incredible sputnik was one of your splurges… Seriously genius- I am in awe!!!
I thought this was the same lighting that you had in your apartment and I thought it made the trip so nice, I love the white cups you attached to this one, you're right it does look like milk glass! I used this lighting in my daughters room in an ombre effect, this is one of my favorite ikea items for sure!! Yours is beautiful!!
Jenny,
What about that planter. It so nice..where is it from??
xoxo
Wow that chandelier is amazing!
Love, Love, Love your DIY chandy. It's so chic. I'm glad you have the patience for such a tedious task, because I sure don't! Looks fab and I know you are enjoying your newly personalized space!
Jenny! I love love love the shades! I actually just wrote about them and showed how I used them (three different spots so far) in my own home.
http://www.astoriedstyle.com/index.php/2014/04/the-best-most-affordable-bamboo-shades/
The chandy is an infamous Jenny creation, still love it! Xo
I can't decide which is my favorite! The green-ish Sputnik or this white one!
The old one was cool, but the NEW Sputnik looks AMAZING! Lovely!
Jenny, amazing!! Also have you considered using you leopard office chair as your main desk chair?
After I saw your reveal, I found a Maskros pendant in the "junk" section at Ikea and hung it up in the hallway, as I too really wanted a sputnik style light there. i am itching to cut down the petals and paint it gold on the inside, but my hubby and kids really like the pendant as is ( go figure).
Everything looks wonderful. What a great place to get inspired and work.
Where is that plant stand from?? It's amazing!
I just have a question…Do you think all of the blinds in a house need to match? Or is it acceptable to mix it up?? Inquiring minds want to know:-)
Today we spent 6-7 hours trying to hang 2 of the Levolor blinds. Loved the look. We bought 7 of the blinds to try to get 2 to work. They would not stack correctly. All of the eyes on the back were sewn on at different levels and therefore they would not work well. We ended up with one that worked but needed 2. They all are going back to Lowe's tomorrow. I really enjoy your blog and I am sorry to post a negative but thought since these can be cut to size others might want to test them before cutting to be sure they work.
Hi Jenny – I am curious if the shades provide privacy since they are lined? I have unlined once in my bedroom and love the look but you can see straight into my bedroom at night so I had to use curtains over them which looks great for THIS room.
I wanted to hang some in my huge living room window but not put curtains over them. Our living room faces a main street so I need something that will block the view at night. Right now I have black out shades in there which I HATE.
Did you put the new petals down like you did on the gold one? It looks like it but you don't mention it.
The Sputnik is amazing! I loved it the first time but I think I like this one even more. I'd love to see a pic of it at night when it's on.
It's funny you mention this because I have been so frustrated by the exodus of good bamboo blinds from the Big Box places. The lovely, lined tortoise shell-y bamboo blinds in my dining room came from Target ages ago. Why don't they still sell them??? Dummies.
I was just looking for shades like these. I'm thrilled that they can be found at Lowes and come with lining! :)
Okay WOW! You have made this light fixture look a million dollars. I have it and over time the paper flowers have started to warp and it makes the shadows a little creepy. One day when I have the time (and patience) I'm going to do this!
Which color gold paint did you use?
Love the white cups! I have been debating for years if I should DIY your version or keep on waiting for a vintage Emil Stejnar chandelier ;)
What kind and color did you go for? So many options online!
I love your lavender (?) planter. Where do I find something similar? Thank you!
Thank you Jenny!! Looks amazing!!
Can’t believe this is a DIY. It looks amazing!
http://www.ohsodeco.com
I’m looking for a cool gift for my brothers housewarming party. He’s into like techy stuff and gadgets. We had this huge old school projector with slides (if anyone remembers those) when we were kids, so thought this would be pretty awesome and remind him of that (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/starsailor-live-brings-the-skies-into-your-bedroom-technology#/), but i’ve never bought anything from indiegogo, is it reliable and do you think it’s appropriate to give since they’ll have to wait to receive it? Anyone see something like this before?
You are awesome at craft. I love your sputniks and can’t believe that you have done by yourself. Combination of white and gold color looks amazing. I real;y want to buy for my home.
Amazing..! Wow I just love it. The chandelier looks beautiful. I Appreatiate your project.
This is very nice!