Window treatments are essential to any room, home, or office. They not only protect the interiors from outside elements, like the harsh sunlight and prying eyes but also add character and style to the space. Roman shades embody versatility because there are so many options for making them. You can make them using fabric, sheers, or even wood, and they can even be motorised! As an ode to this timeless window treatment, let us discuss all about buying Roman shades today.
Depending on the curtain fabric and design you choose, they can fit in any style, from the luxurious to the simple. Roman shades are stylish, functional, and customisable, to the extent that you can make them motorised. It is no wonder that more and more people are buying Roman shades. If you want to use them as window treatments for your home, there are some things you should know.
Let us first have a brief look at what a Roman shade is.
What is a Roman Shade?
Roman shades are a type of window treatment that opens and closes vertically and remains flat against the glass. They form soft folds when drawn open and stack neatly on top when fully raised. Traditionally, they are operated with tailored cords, but they can be motorised and controlled through devices.
In the words of Caroline Clifton – Mogg, a Roman shade is one of the cleanest and neatest ways of treating a small window. Here, the shade is set within the architrave, and the blogs are trimmed with fabric in the contrasting stripe.
It gets its name from ancient Rome, where it was first invented. Many public places and homes in Rome were famous for installing fabric coverings to prevent the bright, hot sun from entering the homes. The archaeological excavations discovered a system of retractable fabric shades from the famous Colosseum, Rome. Although these fabric shades were not exactly like Roman shades of the present day, the arrangement of ropes and pulleys replicates the modern Roman shades.
Other Features of Roman Shades?
- They are safe for use around small children and pets
- They don’t take up too much space
- They have a timeless style
- Easy to operate
Things to Consider When Buying Roman Shades
Like any other purchase decision, you must put a lot of thought and care when choosing a Roman shade. These window treatments are versatile and blend well with any room and decor, depending on the style and fabric. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when buying Roman shades:
01. What Purpose Will The Shades Serve?
Just like when buying regular curtains, you first need to determine the purpose of the shade. You can use the Roman shades to darken the room or enhance privacy.
To Darken Your Room
Use thicker blackout shades with extra fabric lining.
To Enhance Privacy While Letting In Light
Shades made of standard white or coloured material allow enough light to enter a room and provide privacy for your space.
To Block Out All Sunlight
Materials with thick lining can stop all light from entering your room.
To Add to the Room’s Décor
You can use Roman shades that are bulkier with thick, embroidered materials to achieve this effect.
What Kind of Fabric for Roman Shades Do You Want?
The answer to this question largely depends on the purpose of putting up the shades. Other factors you need to take into consideration when choosing the best fabric for your Roman shades are:
- Longevity: if you want your shades to last a long time.
- Ease of maintenance: if you want them to be easy to wash and maintain.
- Length of the shades: thick fabrics might prove too heavy if they are very long and will put a lot of pressure on the curtain support and wall or ceiling.
- Weather of the location: thick curtain fabrics may not be ideal for places with a lot of rain. On the other hand, thin, coloured fabrics may not be suitable in areas with a lot of sunlight as they can fade fast.
- Aesthetics: Roman shades generally look neat. However, their neatness depends on the fabric and fold. Rough fabrics aren’t neat when folded.
What Colour, Designs, and Patterns Do You Prefer?
Different patterns and designs call for different types of Roman shades. Patterned Roman shades with large prints are better suited for flat folds, as their design remains uninterrupted when closed. Additionally, Roman shades enhance the overall design of the room if you consider the right colour, pattern, and design. The design or print should match the rest of the room’s aesthetic and style. If you are using Roman shades with curtains, you can make the design match or contrast with the overall assembly.
What Type Of Roman Shade Do You Want?
The type of Roman shade refers largely to the fold style. Knowing what kind of fold you want will help you decide what curtain fabric you should choose. Their types are based on the way they fold when drawn. Some of the most common types of window shades are:
Flat Fold
These are shades without seams, making them look flat and seamless when closed.
Plain Fold
They are like the flat fold, except they have seams every few inches. The seams make these shades more durable.
Soft Fold/Hobbled
Their folds or loops show even when completely closed. They make the shades have a soft ruffle look. They add bulk to window treatments.
European Fold
The sides of these shades go up before the center, giving it a curve at the bottom when raised. By nature, they are decorative.
Tulip Fold
This type of Roman shade resembles a tulip when pulled up. They are also purely decorative and shouldn’t be used frequently.
We have added a complete guide to Roman shades and their types. Dive deeper if you want to learn more about Roman shades in this article.
How Do You Prefer to Raise The Shades?
Roman shades are versatile and there are hence different ways to operate the shades are:
Continuous Loop
This type of lift uses a continuous chain of beads in a loop that you can pull in one direction to raise the shades and the other to shut them.
Cord Lock
This method uses a cord to raise and lower the shades. You can pull the cord to raise the Roman shades and lock them in position by moving the cord to the right. Moving the cord to the left releases the cord lock.
Cordless Lift
With this method, you must raise and lower the shades by holding on to the bottom. Cordless Roman shades are easy to operate and safe for children and pets as there are no loose hanging cords. The absence of cords also makes the shades look visually appealing.
Motorised
Motorised shades are a more modern style of operating Roman shades. Top-quality motors are attached to the coverings and can be operated with a remote control or your smartphone.
What Kind of Mounting or Support is Most Appropriate?
The type of mounting depends on whether you want to fix them inside or outside your home. If you are placing the Roman shades inside your house, you will need to fix them inside the window frame. For exterior window shades, you will need to attach the support on the outside of the window frame.
Conclusion
We hope that these tips will help you make the right choice when you are out buying Roman shades. Pick the shades that meet your needs while blending and adding character to your room.
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Author Bio
Andrea Noronha – Andrea Noronha is a content writer and editor with over 4 years of experience. Although she comes from a finance background, Andrea is passionate about blogging about interior design. Her other interests include travelling, baking, and digital marketing.