The amount of natural light that enters your home is important to the comfort and overall condition of your floors, furniture and walls. It also dictates how your space is used, so controlling it is a vital part of home design and decor. Window treatments play an essential role in this. Choosing the right shade can help mitigate utility costs, control glare and sun exposure, and add a decorative accent. When it comes to deciding between a roman shade or roller shade, each has its own unique benefits. The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and aesthetic preferences.
Roller shades are a flat fabric shade that fit around the top of your windows and can be opened by pulling cords or chains attached to the casing. They can be automated by motors for additional ease of use. These simple shades are available in a wide variety of colors and fabrics to complement your decor and meet the style of your home.
The determining factors when considering a roller shade versus roman shade are the upfront cost and functionality. Roller shades are generally less expensive than romans due to the less material used to create them. They offer a clean, modern look and are available in several widths to accommodate large windows.
While they offer a contemporary and sleek look, they aren’t without their faults. They can often hold onto moisture, resulting in dampening and mold. Additionally, their cords and chains pose a strangulation risk for children and pets.
A roman shade is a beautiful window covering option that offers an upscale and refined aesthetic. With their soft folds of fabric, they can easily suit a range of aesthetic styles and are available in many widths to accommodate large windows. The ease of use they provide varies depending on the style chosen, with some styles offering simple functionality while others are made primarily for decoration.
Whether your roman shades are flat (pictured above), tulip or relaxed, the fabric that makes up your shade can be light or heavy. The heaviest fabrics are best for those looking for maximum privacy and light blocking, while lighter fabrics can be perfect for rooms like bedrooms or media spaces where a more breezy, natural feel is desired. Many Roman shades come with a faux pleated tail (2 faux pleats with a 2.5” tail) when closed, adding an extra touch of detail to your window treatment.
While the ability to clean your roman shades varies by fabric type, most can be cleaned with a low-suction, handheld vacuum for general cleaning. For tougher stains, we recommend a local window treatment cleaning specialist who can treat your shades at your home with specialty treatments, such as stain repellents or antimicrobial. For a more thorough clean, you can remove your shades from the brackets and use a wet or dry cloth to wipe down your fabric and frame. We recommend using a cleaner that doesn’t contain bleach, as it can discolor your fabric.