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Roman shades come in a variety of style adaptations; however, there are basically two types of roman shades: flat or classic, and hobbled.
Flat roman shades--when unfolded--lie flat against the window, and offer clean, uncluttered lines.
Hobbled roman shades have additional fabric which overlaps the previous fold, creating a flowing, or "cascade," look. The horizontal pleating offers visual interest when the shade is up, and a textural look when the shade is lowered to cover the window. -
Roman shades function the same, regardless of which style is used. Heavy fabrics or those roman shades with thermal linings can help with climate control in wintertime. Roman shades with blackout linings provide room darkening benefits. Lightweight fabrics allow a base window covering for other window treatments and diffused sunlight into the room.
Roman shades may be complemented by additional window dressings such as valances, or jabot and swag treatments. - "Roman shades need a lock and clutch mechanism to bring the roman shade up and down so the shade functions properly," said Judi Smith, an interior designer with Ethan Allen located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In order to function flawlessly, both the vertical and horizontal placement of the shade must be in precise alignment, she said.
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For hobbled roman shades, allow at least 8 inches of additional fabric at the bottom of the shade to create the best horizontal "pleated" effect, Smith said.
Secure the shade once it is drawn into position with a window trip-mounted hook or knob along the side. This way additional pull chords can be safely secured. - According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, some roman shades may be strangulation hazards for young children. Because roman shades may have exposed pull chords or loose inner chords on the backside (the portion facing the window glass) of the shade, the chords present a strangulation risk.
