What Are Roman Shades

Roman shades are a type of window covering that can add style to any home and enhance any decor. Like other types of shades, roman shades work by filtering light, allowing the homeowner to select the amount of visibility from the outside to provide just the right amount of privacy.

The Benefits

Another benefit of roman shades is that they work to keep the home insulated, from the cold in the winter and from the heat of the sun in the summer. They are very cost-effective and can quickly upgrade the entire appearance of a room without having to invest a lot of time and money into installation.

Adjustments can be made to allow in more or less light by using a simple cord system. Roman shades will typically be made of fabric and panels that stack together when they are opened, yet provide consistent coverage when they are closed. A mounting system is used to install them in a window for secure, easy use.

The fabric used in the panels of roman shades works similarly to draperies by allowing in filtered light, yet they are much more functional than curtains and are much easier to use.  

 
Design Varieties

Depending upon the style or decor of the room, roman shades can be purchased in a number of different varieties. Homeowners or designers can choose from pleated balloon, hobbled, flat, tacked or unstructured styles in a wide variety of colors, however the most common colors seen in roman shades include reds, blues, greens and blacks.

In addition to solid colors, roman shades can also be made in a variety of prints and patterns. Custom-made shades can also be created for a more specific and unique look.
  
Easy Installation

Very similar to other horizontal or vertical blind systems, installation of roman shades is simple and straight-forward. Mounting can either be done on the inside of the window, the outside or directly on the ceiling.

Drilling, mounting and hanging the mount and head rail require measuring and leveling for accuracy. To test, just pull the cord to easily raise or lower your new shades.  

 
A Popular Choice

While not as common as other types of window treatments, use of roman shades is becoming very popular with today's homeowners, due in large part to their ability to work with just about any type of decor. Roman shades are a great way to add a stylish, yet functional, touch to your home.

Source: BlindsUpdate.com