Value Blinds & Shutters Can Customize Your Roman Shades

Not many window coverings can claim to have both timeless beauty and modern appeal. This versatility is what makes Roman shades so desirable. They have a rich and surprising history, with numerous customization options for contemporary homes.

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades are as beautiful as they are functional. The soft fabric window covering hangs flat or pleated against the window when closed, and then it folds neatly and crisply into horizontal pleats when raised. Roman shades typically feature hidden rods to create these gentle folds, with eyelets and cords to draw the shade up and down.

History of Roman Shades

The name is no coincidence. Roman shades are reminiscent of the retractable fabric shades that once covered Rome’s famous Coliseum, filtering out the bright, hot Mediterranean sun to make spectators more comfortable. Romans were famous for using fabric coverings in both public buildings and private homes. It just goes to show that window treatments have been around as long as people have wanted to control light, heat, and privacy in their homes.

Styles of Roman Shades

Roman shades come in many varieties. Motorized options are suitable for the ultimate ease of operation. Fabric types also differ. Lightweight cotton, linen, and polyester blends serve as light filtering window coverings, while stiffer materials with room-darkening linings are also available.
When selecting interior shades for your home, consider these Roman shade styles:

Flat fold Roman shades hang flat against the window, providing a pristine, uncluttered look. Still, the soft fabric and neat horizontal pleats add a unique depth of design. Flat fold shades are the perfect way to show off a bold print that you don’t want to disrupt with seams or folds across the length of the shade.
Plain fold Roman shades, also known as knife pleat shades, feature horizontal seams sewn across the window covering. The seams add stability and help the shade fold neatly and evenly when opened. Depending on your aesthetic preference, you may enjoy the visual interest of plain fold shades.
Soft fold Roman shades, or hobbled shades, have soft loops of fabric down the entire length of the shade. This design makes soft fold shades the ideal choice if you plan to keep your window coverings down most of the time.
Relaxed Roman shades, sometimes called European style shades, feature a gentle curve at the bottom. The relaxed design adds a charming, casual feel that suits traditional, French country, and cottage-style homes the best.