Roman shades are a versatile and stylish window treatment that can add elegance and softness to any room. Whether you're looking for a clean, streamlined look or a dramatic and ornate style, Roman shades offer a wide range of options to suit your taste. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Roman shades and how they can enhance your home.
Are Roman shades right for your home?
Before diving into the different styles of Roman shades, let's consider if they're the right choice for your home. Roman shades are perfect for rooms where you want a soft treatment but don't have the space for full-length draperies. They also work well in small rooms or areas where space is limited. Additionally, if you have pets or young children, Roman shades are a practical option as they don't reach all the way down to the floor.
To determine if Roman shades are suitable for your home, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have room for a stack back? Roman shades offer a smaller stack back than draperies, making them ideal for rooms with limited space.
- Are your windows odd sizes or difficult to reach? Roman shades are a convenient solution for windows that pose challenges.
- Is the window in a small room or area? Roman shades add style without taking up much physical space.
- Do you have pets or young children at home? Roman shades eliminate the worry of children pulling on long draperies and offer a variety of performance fabrics to withstand pets' activities.
6 common styles of Roman shades
Roman shades come in various styles, allowing you to customize the look and feel of your windows. Here are six popular types:
1. Plain fold
The plain fold Roman shade is the most recognizable style. It features visible folds when lowered and more pronounced folds when raised. This timeless look adds texture and body to your windows, creating a classic and sophisticated ambiance.
Different Roman Shades Header Styles
2. Soft fold
For a softer and more romantic feel, consider the soft fold Roman shade. It features cascading fabric in rippling folds, maintaining loose folds in both raised and lowered positions. This style adds an informal and airy touch to any room.
3. Swag
Swag Roman shades bring an elegant statement to your windows. Crafted with inverted pleats along the headrail, these shades create a relaxed middle with decorative tails on each end. While primarily a decorative style, they offer lasting shape and beauty.
4. Tie
Tie Roman shades are a playful and fun option, often seen in nurseries and kids' rooms. Although they require a bit of effort to achieve the desired look, they offer numerous design possibilities with added embellishments like trim, contrasting fabric, or buttons.
Kitchen with flat fold Roman shade on a window
5. Flat fold
The flat fold Roman shade features a continuous piece of fabric that hangs flat against the window. When fully lowered, the shade appears flat, but when raised, it forms neat folds reminiscent of cellular shades. This highly functional style requires minimal styling or adjusting of the fabric.
6. Relaxed
Relaxed Roman shades, also known as European Roman shades, offer a laid-back and unconstructed look. Unlike other types, they don't have a rod sewn into the bottom, allowing the fabric to drape naturally in soft curves. This style highlights the chosen fabric's beauty and adds a touch of casual elegance to your space.
Roman shades can be completely customized
Besides choosing a specific style, you can personalize your Roman shades further. Add details like inset borders and contrast piping to match your home's decor. Additionally, select your preferred operating system, whether it be corded, cordless, or motorized. Cordless and motorized options provide convenience, especially if you have young children.
Roman shades offer more than just style. They provide privacy, temperature control, and light control. With a Top-Down/Bottom-Up system, you can position your shades to balance light and privacy in your home.
We, at High Country Drapery Designs, specialize in creating beautifully tailored Roman shades that perfectly match your style. Contact us today to get started on transforming your windows with custom Roman shades.
Breakfast table in front of windows with relaxed Roman shades and a mountain view
