What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades are window treatments that are made of six-inch layers of fabric and fold together as they are rolled up. Roman shades, much like Venetian blinds, operate on a system of cords and pulleys. Roman shades incorporate rollers in the pulley system, which makes them easy to lift and lower. Slaves in the Roman Empire stood at windows to raise and lower the shades for the aristocracy as the sun moved through the day.

Classic

Classic Roman shades leave the folds in an overlapping position when lowered, while cloth shades that lie smoothly when lowered are called flat Roman shades.

Light

Use Roman shades made from heavy fabric or dark colors to block light and woven or transparent fabrics to diffuse light in a room.

Swag

Add a continental flair to Roman shades by using shades that are slightly curved on the edges that create a swag when drawn.

Natural

Bamboo is a common material used for Roman shades that can give a room a natural look and are favored by ecologically minded decorators.

Custom

Quilt-lovers can even turn their patchwork sewing into Roman shades.

Electronics

Roman shades can be integrated into remote electronic operations and can be automated to rise and lower during various times of the day.