Key Takeaways
- Roman shades are soft fabric window coverings with blackout lining functionality and offer the most aesthetic look among other shades.
- Different types of Roman shades: Flat (most used), tailored (can be customized), natural (most sustainable), pleated (best for sophisticated spaces), cascade (most stylish).
- Choosing the perfect window types of Roman shades is not hard, as long as you know the ‘secret’ tricks below when working with the shade brand.
What Are Roman Shades?
Roman shades are soft and elegant fabric window coverings. They hang flat against the window with easy functionality like blackout lining and a contemporary aesthetic. When folded up, they are lined horizontally using a simple system of cords and rings sewn into the fabric (like the picture below).
The look of Roman shades.
These shades got their names from the Romans and were first used over 2,000 years ago. However, instead of becoming a house interior and preventing sunlight, the original purpose of this was to keep dirt and debris out of the household.
5 Most Popular Types of Roman Shades In 2024
Many homeowners use Roman shades for their home interiors due to their aesthetic, stylish appearance, and easy functionality. Here are some popular window types of Roman shades in 2024:
- Flat
- Tailored
- Natural
- Pleated
- Cascade
While each has different pros and styles for your house, they are all perfect types of Roman shades for windows. Let’s get started!
Flat
Highlights of Flat Roman shade:
- Fold and close easily with no seams.
- Have a slim profile.
- Fit best for French doors and shallow windows.
Discussing different types of Roman shades, the flat ones are made from a single fabric without any seams and lie flat against the window. These types of Roman shades have horizontal panels and sturdy bars to keep them strong and give a clean, structured look. When raised, they form gentle curves at the top, similar to a valance.
They are most frequently used in areas where windows are open and close frequently because the seams help the fabric fold smoothly. Flat types of Roman shades best fit French doors and shallow windows due to their slim profile. However, they can look plain if left down most of the time.
Tailored
Highlights of Tailored Roman shade:
- Available in many options from 1000’s fabric, theme, and style.
- Bring the most elegant home-style look.
- Customize to personal preferences.
If you ask what types of Roman shades bring the most elegant to your home look, tailored Roman shades are the best option.
These window coverings look bold with thick stripes or more subtle with thin, textured fabrics. The variety of choices makes these window types of Roman shades perfectly match any home decor. As the name implies, homeowners can choose custom fabric Roman shades or styles based on their personal preferences to get the look they want.
Natural
Highlights of Natural Roman shade:
- Made from sustainable materials: wood, grass, jute, bamboo, reed, and even renewable grasses.
- Offer an age-old window treatment style with unique materials to filter out UV rays.
If you are an eco-friendly lover, natural Roman shades will be your go-to type of Roman shades for windows. Made from natural materials like wood, grass, jute, bamboo, reed, and even renewable grasses, these shades provide a durable and sustainable use.
Natural Roman shades offer a classic window treatment style with unique materials to filter out UV rays for comfort and protection.
Pleated
Highlights of Pleated Roman shade:
- Made with heavy fabric to prevent sunlight.
- Fit best for dining and living room.
- Can be motorized.
Pleated Roman Shades have crisp folds spaced 4 to 5 inches apart, made of heavy, premium fabric, giving each fold a lush appearance. Their fashion-inspired looks best suit sophisticated spaces, like dining and living rooms.
Despite their fancy appearance, Pleated Roman Shades are practical for everyday use and can even be motorized. The extra fabric also makes them great for drafty windows, helping to prevent sunlight.
Cascade
Highlights of Cascade Roman shade:
- Fold beautifully like a waterfall.
- Open smoothly due to aluminum dowels.
Cascade Roman Shades, called waterfall shades, offer soft and elegant folds. The name comes from how the folds ” fall” off the headrail at the top of the shade. They use aluminum dowels in the back, giving them neat, crisp folds that open smoothly. The linear design of these window types of Roman shades is perfect for modern homes.
How To Choose The Perfect Types of Roman Shades For Windows
Now that you have answered the question of what are the different types of Roman shades, here is a simple guide to choosing the perfect types of Roman shades for your home:
- Choose Your Style: Decide between casual, formal, or modern shades, you can find references on home decor websites like Pinterest or refer to the above different types of Roman shades.
- Consider the Room’s Function: When choosing which room to place the shades in, consider one that matches the shade style to the room’s use.
- Select the Right Fabric: Choose light-filtering, blackout, or sheer fabrics based on how much light and privacy you want. Linen, cotton, and silk are recommended.
- Decide on Operation: Choose between manual or motorized shades.
- Measure Your Windows: Take precise measurements for precise Roman shades’ craftsmanship.
- Set Your Budget: The price for different types of Roman shades is around $100 to over $700, which is quite pricey compared to others, so set your budget wisely.
- Request Samples: Ask the designer for fabric samples so you can see the colors and textures in your home’s lighting in person. These are usually free.
- Ask for Expert Help: Consult a professional for advice on the best choice for your windows. Creative Window is here to help at no cost!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the most popular Roman shade style?
Flat Roman shades are the most popular by far due to their simple functionality and structure but still offer a stylish look that matches every home style.
- What is the difference between classic and hobbled Roman shades?
Classic Roman Shades have a flat, smooth appearance when lowered. Create a sleek, streamlined look ideal for a modern or minimalist home style.
Hobbled Roman shades feature soft, cascading folds even when fully lowered. They use twice as much fabric and are more expensive. However, they add depth to the window treatments with a pleasant overlapping horizontal line.
