Upcycled Shutter Valance

When I moved into my new house last fall, I knew I wanted it to be a reflection of my style and personality.  The neutral walls were the perfect backdrop for color so I chose a palette of six bright colors that I planned to use throughout the house, in furniture, throw pillows, the chairs around my table, and accessories.  And I also decided that, in addition to color, I’d add more of the upcycled projects and found furniture that I love.  In keeping with those plans, a large window in my family room recently got a new window covering: a turquoise upcycled shutter valance that’s adding a touch of whimsy and a pop of color to this space!

After looking for an old distressed shutter for a while and only finding options that were too small or too expensive, I stopped in at my local Habitat ReStore and came across a set of two plastic shutters that were the perfect size.  

I was hoping for wood shutters instead of plastic but decided the price was right on these ones and I’d make do.

I put one of the shutters aside for another project and spray painted the other one in a bright turquoise that matches other decor in the house.  Because of the faux wood texture on the plastic, the paint adhered really well and the coverage was really solid with just a couple of coats.

I hung the shutter across the center of the large window and had instant character and color!

The window looks a little lonely right now but I’m painting an old bench I have and creating a cover for it and then it’ll sit in front of this window, adding a little more color and texture.

In the meantime, this upcycled shutter valance suits my style and definitely beats the standard fabric valance that used to be on this window!

Have you created any upcycled window coverings?

For more inspiring shutter ideas, be sure to check out these 10 ways to repurpose shutters!