Roman shades are making a major comeback in interior design, and for good reason. These elegant and functional window treatments have stood the test of time, bringing beauty, privacy, and light control to rooms of all kinds. With countless fabrics, colors, and styles to choose from, roman shades allow you to make a dramatically stylish statement or create a soft, subtle look. Let’s explore why rooms reign supreme with roman shades.
What Are Roman Shades?
Roman shades, also known as roman blinds, are a classic style of soft window covering that fold up into tidy horizontal folds when raised. The fabric hangs flat when lowered, providing coverage and privacy. Roman shades have a crisp, tailored look when fully extended down, unlike drapery which has more relaxed gathered folds.
Roman shades can be opened and closed via pull cords, typically corded loops on the back. More advanced remote control systems are also available. This allows you to easily adjust the amount of light filtering in.
Roman shades have been around for centuries, originating in ancient Rome. Their timeless elegance has maintained popularity over the years.
Benefits of Using Roman Shades
Roman shades offer many practical and aesthetic benefits:
- Light control – Adjust how much sun or visibility you want. Lower when privacy is preferred, raise to enjoy the view.
- Insulation – Roman shade fabric provides an extra layer of insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures.
- Noise reduction – The thick layered fabric helps muffle sounds from outside.
- Soft, tailored look – Crisp, neater appearance than drapery when extended down.
- Design versatility – Choose from countless colors, patterns, textures and layering options.
- Enhances architecture – Follows the window shape for a custom built-in look.
- Easy to raise – Conveniently adjust using cord loops or remote.
- Child/pet safety – Eliminates dangling cords when upgraded systems installed.
With such versatile functionality and visual appeal, it’s easy to see why roman shades are a favorite window treatment.
Ideal Rooms for Roman Shades
The clean lines and graceful draping of roman shades can beautifully enhance all types of rooms. Here are some spaces where they are particularly impactful:
Living Rooms
Roman shades are excellent for living rooms, providing privacy while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoor views. Choose rich fabrics like velvet or linen in darker hues for a luxurious, elegant feel. For a relaxed vibe, go for breezy natural fibers like cotton or bamboo in neutral earth tones.
Layer roman shades with drapes in complementary colors and textures for a coordinated sophisticated look. This layered window treatment creates an inviting space to relax and entertain.
Bedrooms
Few window treatments can match the cozy, peaceful ambiance created by roman shades in bedrooms. Choose blackout fabrics in soothing colors like creamy ivory or pale blue for darkening at night.
In the morning, gently raise the shades to filter the daylight in gradually. Soft muted solids or tone-on-tone patterns work beautifully for an airy, relaxed vibe.
Home Offices
Roman shades offer an orderly, tidy look perfectly suited for home offices. Opt for crisper fabrics like linen, cotton duck, or faux silk in neutral solids or simple stripes for an understated yet polished look.
For a modern professional vibe, consider roman shades in complementing bold hues like navy blue paired with gray. The tailored elegance keeps the space looking neat and focused.
Kids’ Rooms
In kids’ rooms, roman shades provide safety and a playful pop of color. Choose durable, child-friendly fabrics like canvas, cotton, or easy-wipe faux suede. Go for fun prints, checks, or colorful solids to energize the space.
For blackout needs, room-darkening fabrics help kids sleep better. Cordless shades or monitors offer added toddler safety. With their cheerful colors, roman shades create a playful yet practical kids’ room.
Bathrooms
Roman shades are the ideal choice for bathrooms needing privacy along with moisture resistance. Look for washable fabrics treated to withstand humidity. Natural fibers like linen and cotton or durable synthetics like polyester and acrylic work well.
Stick to solids or subtle prints, avoiding overly delicate fabrics in bathrooms. Water-repellent shades in white, ivory or pale aqua lend a refreshing spa-like feel.
Popular Fabrics and Materials
One of the best aspects of roman shades is the virtually endless array of fabrics available. Here are some top choices:
- Linen – Natural fiber with beautiful texture, drapes softly.
- Cotton – Natural fiber, breathable and comfy with great durability.
- Polyester – Wrinkle-resistant synthetic with vibrant color and strength.
- Faux silk – Affordable alternative to silk with luxurious sheen.
- Velvet – Plush velvety texture, sophisticated and elegant.
- Canvas – Durable, casual woven cotton perfect for kids or casual spaces.
- Acrylic – Soft synthetic mimics delicate fabrics like silk or wool for affordability.
- Microfibers – Lightweight synthetic woven tightly for superior durability.
- Blackout fabrics – Specialty fabrics in various fibers block all external light.
Choosing Your Style
Roman shades come in an array of styles perfectly suited to both casual and formal decors. Consider these popular options:
Flat Roman Shades
These feature crisp, flattened folds when raised. The fabric hangs straight down when lowered. Flat roman shades have a tailored, neat look for a clean modern aesthetic.
Relaxed Roman Shades
These have a looser draped look when raised, creating a more easygoing casual vibe. The fabric still hangs directly when fully extended. Relaxed shades work well in family spaces.
Hobbled Roman Shades
A slight ruffle is stitched into the back pleats for visual interest from the exterior. Interior view remains flat and neat when raised. The ruffled back creates a softer cascading effect.
Euro Roman Shades
These have wider, boxier folds when lifted up rather than tight accordion-style pleats. The fuller stacked look provides a contemporary edge.
Balloon Roman Shades
With material added to the back folds, these shades have a puffy raised appearance. The balloon folds create a playful, whimsical feel perfect for kids’ rooms.
Tiered Roman Shades
Two or more horizontal tiers of fabric with separate lift cords allow you to customize shading. Tiers add architectural interest and light control options.
With this diversity of roman shade styles, you can find just the right option for the mood and function you want.
Ideal Placement and Mounting
One of the benefits of roman shades is their versatility for mounting just about anywhere. Consider these optimal placement options:
Over Windows
The most common spot, mounted neatly inside window frames. Allow clearance for cords, lifts and hardware. Factor in whether shades will stack behind drapes.
On Ceilings
Mount just below the ceiling line, extending down over windows for a cascading look. Consider wire-guided systems to avoid sagging.
Below Molding
Mount shades right beneath crown molding or ceiling trims for a built-in custom look. Provides privacy without impeding views or light as much.
Door Windows
Perfect for front door sidelights or anywhere else needing just a touch of coverage. Use narrower shades sized to fit.
Skylights and Angled Windows
Get custom-made shades designed specifically for tilted ceilings, angled windows and skylights. Enhance hard-to-cover spaces.
With professional measuring and mounting, roman shades can transform virtually any window or opening.
Layering Window Treatments
One of the great aspects of roman shades is how beautifully they layer and coordinate with other window treatments. Some chic combinations include:
- Roman shades with drapes in matching or contrasting fabrics
- Roman shades beneath individual valances
- Roman shades combined with sheer curtains
- Separate roman shade tiers with contrasting textures & patterns
- Roman shades above woven wood shades for light filtering
When layering, make sure roman shades are mounted correctly inside the window frame to allow drapery or other treatments to stack in front of the shades. Fully layered window treatments create an inviting polished look.
Expert Tips for Choosing Roman Shades
- Select cordless lift systems for child and pet safety whenever possible.
- Check that fabrics have UV protection and insulating backing to aid energy efficiency.
- For wider windows, consider two separate shades mounted to meet in the middle when closed.
- In bathrooms and kids’ spaces, look for mold/mildew resistant, easy-wipe fabrics.
- To make small windows appear larger, extend mount width 2-3 inches past the frame.
- For maximum light blocking, choose blackout liner on the back of light-filtering roman shade fabrics.
With the right combination of style, fabric, color, and detailing, roman shades can enhance any room with elegance and European flair. Their rich textures, tailored elegance, and functional style make rooms reign supreme with roman shades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roman Shades
Roman shades are growing in popularity thanks to their stylish versatility. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
Are roman shades expensive?
Roman shades are available at all price points to suit every budget. While designer fabrics like silk can be pricey, many affordable synthetic and natural fiber options are under $50 per shade. Shop sales to find great deals.
Do roman shades let in light?
Most roman shade fabrics filter in indirect sunlight when raised while still providing privacy. Blackout liner blocks virtually all light for rooms needing darkness.
How do you clean roman shades?
Look for machine-washable, spot-clean fabrics when possible. Spray stubborn spots with a mix of gentle soap and water and air dry. For shades not removable, vacuum carefully and spot treat stains.
Can you put roman shades on sliding glass doors?
Yes, roman shades are a great option to soften and cover sliders. Mount them directly on the door track or on the ceiling. Ensure a snug fit.
Are roman shades good for windows?
Roman shades are ideal for windows of all types and sizes. Their tailored look complements both traditional and modern window frames beautifully.
Are roman shades still in style?
As a classic window treatment with roots dating back centuries, the elegance of roman shades never goes out of style. They remain one of the most popular options.
Do roman shades work with a cordless drill?
Yes, a cordless drill allows easy installation almost anywhere. Just be sure to have the proper drill bits and wall fasteners. Use speed control for delicate fabrics.
With their timeless style and unmatched versatility, roman shades are sure to maintain their standing as a top choice for stylish and functional window coverings. Rooms will continue reigning supreme with roman shades for generations to come.
Conclusion
Roman shades are clearly one of the best ways to add elegance, ambiance, and functionality to a space. With their classic tailored style, adjustable light control, and diverse fabrics and colors, roman shades complement rooms of all kinds. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or cozy cottage-style decor, roman shades are a go-to window treatment sure to enhance your rooms.
With proper mounting, layering, and coordinating with other accents, roman shades can help your rooms reign supreme. They filter light beautifully, provide insulation and sound absorption, and lend a polished custom appearance. Rooms feel more intimate and peaceful with the privacy and versatility of roman shades.
Next time you want to upgrade the style and comfort of your living spaces, turn to the timeless beauty of roman shades. Their rich textures, graceful draping, and simple operation make them a joy to use while lending rooms a refined elegance. Let roman shades help elevate your interiors to create the stylish, rejuvenating rooms you deserve.
