How to Line Bamboo Roman Blinds

Bamboo Roman blinds are similar to standard roll up blinds, except that these form layers or pleats when gathered on top. Bamboo blinds aren’t typical privacy blinds, especially the unlined variety. Because of the weaving design, it lets in light and some ventilation. However one can actually improve the privacy of bamboo blinds with a lining or liners.

Liners can either be attached to the blinds or come as a separate sheet. Attached lining are often sewn on the sides of Roman blinds. Edge binding avoids fraying on edges as it wraps both the bamboo blind and liner together. Hence, this functions as one. A separate liner, on the other hand, is unattached to the blinds. But this shares a common head rail with the bamboo blinds. Because of this, you can lower or raise the liner even without moving the blinds. For instance, if you want to allow more light to filter in, you can gather the liner but leave the blinds lowered. In a way, these movable liners allow Roman blinds to be more versatile.

Liners come in a variety of fabrics. There are light and thin fabrics, and others have darker colors and are made from thicker fabrics. The latter types are also known as blackout liners. If you want more privacy for your room, you can opt for blackout liners as these allow the minutest amount of natural light to pass through.

For those who have already bought unlined Roman bamboo blinds, you can actually make your own lining to improve privacy. Below are a few simple steps to help you create unique liners for your Roman blinds by attaching the lining with hot glue.

1. Measure the width and length of your blinds. It’s best to flatten it out to be more accurate in your measurements.
2. Spread out your lining and following the measurements taken from the blinds, measure these out and mark with a pencil.
3. Measure about 6 to 8 inches from all sides of the original measurement. This creates an over-sized rectangle, which gives you an allowance for trimming and sewing.
4. Cut out your over-sized rectangular fabric and lay it flatly on the blind.
5. Preheat a hot glue gun.
6. Note where the dowels are. Dowels are fastenings, and Roman blinds typically have dowels that run along its length.
7. Press in some glue inside the dowels, while pressing down the fabric too.
8. Repeat process for all dowels.
9. Once the glue has dried up, you can now use your newly lined Roman blinds.

Sewing a lining onto the blind is a better way to affix these two permanently. Use a large needle and thread a fishing line instead of the usual thread as the former is more suitable and durable. Position the needle about an inch from the edge of the blind. Make a knot at the end of the line and start sewing from the bottom of the blind. Stitch through the fabric liner first. Then, insert the needle through two bamboo slats. Tack every few inches to make sure that the liner won’t unravel completely when one part becomes undone.