Roman Shades: Styles, Fabrics and the Rooms They Suit
A Roman shade is a fabric shade that folds into neat horizontal pleats as it rises. It has the softness of a curtain and the tidy footprint of a blind.
In short
- Flat folds look tailored; hobbled (looped) folds look softer and fuller.
- The lining sets the light: unlined, privacy, blackout or thermal.
- Roman shades stack at the top, so mounting them above the frame keeps the glass clear.
- We install them cordless or motorized, for child safety.
On this page
Three styles
- Flat (classic): the fabric lies flat when lowered and folds into crisp, even pleats when raised. Tailored and modern.
- Hobbled (looped): soft loops of fabric cascade down the shade even when it is lowered. Fuller and more traditional.
- Relaxed: a flat shade with a gentle curve at the bottom edge. Casual and soft.
Fabrics
Roman shades show off fabric more than any other shade: linen looks, textured weaves, cotton blends and patterns. Lighter fabrics glow when the sun is behind them; heavier weaves look richer and block more light. If you like a fabric, ask to see it with light behind it; it can look quite different against the window.
Linings
| Lining | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Unlined | Lets light glow through the fabric | Kitchens, sunrooms |
| Privacy | Stops silhouettes, protects the fabric | Living and dining rooms |
| Blackout | Stops light through the fabric | Bedrooms, nurseries |
| Thermal | Adds insulation | Cold or drafty windows |
Stack height
When a Roman shade is raised, its folds gather into a stack at the top. That stack is deeper than a roller shade's roll and can cover the top of the glass. Mount the shade above the window frame and the stack sits on the wall instead, so the full window is clear when the shade is up. It also makes the window look taller.
Inside or outside mount
Inside mounts look built-in and show off trim, but the stack covers part of the glass and there are small light gaps at the sides. Outside mounts hide the frame, give more darkness and keep the stack off the glass. In bedrooms with a blackout lining, we usually suggest an outside mount.
Rooms they suit
- Living and dining rooms: soft texture without the bulk of curtains.
- Bedrooms: with a blackout lining, mounted outside the frame.
- Kitchens: in washable or moisture-friendly fabrics, away from the splash zone over the sink.
- Traditional homes: they suit tall windows and older trim. See our Chatham-Kent guide.
Cordless or motorized
Traditional Roman shades used exposed lift cords at the back, which are a strangulation hazard for children. Every Roman shade we install is cordless or motorized and meets Canada's cord rules. See child-safe blinds.
Care
Vacuum gently with a brush attachment. Most Roman shades are spot-clean only; check the care label for your fabric before using water.
Measuring Roman shades
Roman shades need a little more planning than roller shades because of the fold stack. For an inside mount, check that the frame is deep enough for the headrail and that the stack won't hide too much glass. For an outside mount, allow space above the window for the stack to sit on the wall, and overlap the sides for privacy and darkness.
Motorized Roman shades
Motors suit Roman shades well, especially wide ones that get heavy to lift by hand. Our smart motors deliver 2 Nm of torque and raise the folds evenly every time. Every motor and its programming is covered by our full 3-year in-house warranty.
Common questions
Roman shades or roller shades?
Roman shades are softer and show off fabric; roller shades are slimmer, roll up smaller and suit very wide or tall windows. Many homes use Roman shades in living areas and roller shades elsewhere.
Can Roman shades be blackout?
Yes, with a blackout lining. Mount them outside the frame to reduce light at the edges.
Do Roman shades work on large windows?
Up to a point. Very wide Roman shades get heavy, so we often split a large window into two or more shades, or motorize them.
How much space does a Roman shade stack need?
It depends on the length of the shade and the size of the folds. We work it out at the measure and, where possible, mount the shade above the frame so the stack sits on the wall.
