Got Boring Shades?

Window shades are a necessary evil, especially in childrens' rooms. But they needn't be boring. Paint them to coordinate with the room. A beautifully painted window shade can even stand alone -- no other window treatment needed. If you don't have artistic talent, buy a stamp or do as above and paint a checkerboard. Checks are a neutral style that coordinate well with other prints.Cotton shades are easier to paint than the plastic/vinyl type, but they can be painted, too. Just make sure you get the kind of craft paint that works well on a plastic surface. Finish off the look with an interesting shade pull --- a tassel, a cluster of glass grapes, etc.