How to Buy Roman Shades

Roman shades are tailored window treatments typically made from one piece of fabric that covers all the hardware. All you see is well-supported, non-sagging fabric that, when raised, forms pleats. Some shades come with drapery lining, which protects the shades from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays and filters the sunlight. Others come with blackout lining, which makes the Roman shades lightproof and completely darkens a room when the shades are lowered. There's a lot to think about when buying Roman shades, primarily because there are so many options.

Things You'll Need

• Window
• Measuring tape
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Select an inside or outside mount. An inside mount requires 1½ inches of unobstructed window depth and gives a very tailored look to your window. Outside mounts hide unflattering molding or make small windows appear larger. If your window is out of square, choose an outside mount. (Determine a window's squareness by comparing diagonal window measurements. They should be the same.)

2. Measure the window. For inside-mounted Roman shades, measure the opening width at the top, center and bottom of the window; record the narrowest width. Then measure the height on the right side, the left side and the middle of the window; record the longest height. For outside-mounted shades, add (if possible) at least 3 inches to each side of the window opening (6 inches to the total width). This reduces light gaps and gives the most privacy. Add at least 1½ inches to the window's height to allow room for mounting brackets at the top and overlap at the bottom.

3. Choose a type of Roman shade to buy. Flat shades have no horizontal seams. Structured Roman shades have rear-facing pleats every so often (6 to 9 inches). Soft shades are also called teardrop or waterfall shades because of their soft, overlapping folds. Relaxed shades have one tuck at the top; balloon shades give a room a very formal look with their box pleats and balloon-like poufs at the bottom.

4. Decide if you want extra features such as blackout liners, remote-control motorization or top-down/bottom-up. (The latter means that you can open your shades by lowering the top down or by lifting the bottom up.)

5. Find a store online or in your area that carries Roman shades and provides the extra features you want. Some stores will make your Roman shades to order; others supply only ready-made shades. Use your favorite search engine (such as Google or Yahoo!) and type "roman shades" to find an online retailer; or type "roman shades New York, NY" (type in your city and state instead of "New York, NY") to find a location near you.

6. Ask about return and exchange policies before committing to a purchase.

References

• Measuring for Roman Shade
• Frequently Asked Questions: Living With Roman Shades
• Roman Shades and Blinds