Types and Styles of Roman Shades

More and more homeowners are choosing Roman shades for window coverings. Characterized by soft folds of fabric which cascade when pulled up, this customizable window treatment is easy to use and regularly evolves with the changing design trends.


History of Roman shades

Roman shades were invented by (you guessed it) the Roman aristocracy when they felt a need to shelter themselves from the sun at the colosseum games. Today, Roman shades are a popular decorative and functional window covering that comes in many types, styles and fabric options.



Why choose Roman shades?

There are many reasons why you would choose Roman shades over traditional drapes.

  • Simpler look – If your window is small, odd shaped or narrow, a Roman shade can add style while fitting your space better.
  • Easier to operate – Adjusting Roman shades is easier than curtains. Whether you go with corded or cordless, raising and lowering the shade is easy.
  • Stays cleaner – Some rooms attract dirt and spills. Since Roman shades are mounted and can be raised up, they are less likely to be in the way.

If you’re considering buying this type of window dressing, here are some of the different types of Roman shades from which to choose.


Varieties of Roman Shades

Custom Fabric

These are available in almost any fabric you would like. They can have light filtering or blackout lining and/or interlining and can be made in almost any size. These shades can operate with cords, be cordless or motorized. They are also available top down/bottom up, but that feature is limited to a cord lock mechanism in most cases.





Vignette from Hunter Douglas

These unique shades from Hunter Douglas have specific fabrics available but can be stacked or rolled up into a headrail. They can come cordless top down/bottom up, with a retractable cord mechanism or motorized. They also have an option for light filtering or blackout lining and are clean looking from the back because the operational cords are hidden inside the layers of fabric. This is also the most child safe.

The image to the right is a Vignette Modern Roman shade and a Traditional Roman shade for comparison.



Single Layer Roman Shades

These are available from a few different manufacturers such as Horizon Window Fashions and come in a select number of light filtering, room darkening and sheer fabrics. These shades are the least expensive option for a Roman shade, but lack the rich feel of a custom Roman fabric shade.











Horizons Twin Shades

Horizons also offers a “twin” shade that can have a separate liner in the back for a more versatile application.

This dual shade system has a beautiful Roman shade on the front and a practical roller shade on the back that acts like a movable lining.








Faux Roman Shades

Another popular application of Roman Shades are Faux (non-working) Roman shades. These help dress a window without the expense of the extra fabric, labor and mechanism. These can be done in many styles and fabrics with endless combinations of fabric and trim. Because they don’t work, they have a lasting beauty that can hide more durable functional shades underneath.

a window with a roman shade with a dandelion pattern on it Simply Windows.
a window with a plant in front of it and roman shades Simply Windows
a room with a crib a dresser and a stuffed giraffe and roman shades on the windows Simply Windows
a close up of a pair of curtains and a roman shade on a window Simply Windows.
a window with a roman shade on it and a black trim Simply Windows.

Styles of Roman Shades

Different manufacturers have different names for the different styles of Roman shades, but the basic styles are as follows:

  • Flat – When the shade is lowered over the window it becomes flat and squared off at the bottom. This is the most basic.
  • Relaxed – The shade is flat at the top of the shade, but has a curved bottom that has a few permanent folds.
  • Reverse Fold – Weights are sewn into the shade at various intervals horizontally towards the back of the shade. This creates a modern clean look and helps the shade raise without crinkling at the edges as it folds up.
  • Front Fold – Weights are sewn into the shade at various intervals horizontally towards the front of the shade. This allows the pattern to appear somewhat less “interrupted”.
  • Valances – These help the shade sit closer to the window for outside mount applications. This is especially helpful for bedrooms where one might want a room darkening shade. The valance hides the mechanism which is on the front of the shade so the fabric can come off the back of the headrail and sit almost flush with the window casing.


If you’ve been looking for the perfect window treatment, consider Roman shades. They offer a wide variety of colors, textures and materials with a choice of folds that will complement your home. And if you want help in selecting the right window treatment for your home, contact Simply Windows for an appointment.