We have a patio door w/cordless, cellular shades (Graber brand). The look is similar to a French door but the panel on the left side is stationary. Consequently, the door part (on the right) opens toward the stationary panel on the left. The problem w/the cordless cell shades is that they stuck out too far from the stationary panel and from the door. This meant they would hit each other whenever the door was opened too far (it couldn't open all the way due to the shades). This happened a lot, unfortunately, because it was the door to the backyard and we go outside frequently. We've had the shades about four years; in the last six months or so, one of the cords snapped on the shade on the door so the blind would no longer stay up. We opened and closed these shade a lot b/c I liked them open but DH wanted privacy. Another thing about these shades is that they clanked against the door whenever it was opened or closed. I found that very annoying. I'm looking to replace these shades with panels on flush mount rods. Incidentally, we have a window with a corded cellular shade purchased at the same time and it's working great.

I have roman shades in the bedroom. They are mostly decorative and a bit of a nuisance to open and close. I do close them at night, but have to fuss with the folds every morning when pulling them up. Light leaks in around the edges. I guess there are various kinds of roman shades. Mine are zero fuss and fit close to the edges and are cordless, top-down bottom-up. Even without the side panels mine are close to the edge in an inside mount. measured to fit. You may be referring to more designer custom fabric-y style roman shades???

We build cellular shades here in Vermont with Hunter Douglas cellular fabric made by Comfortex. We have a good client base in Australia, as well as other very hot places in the US, so I asked a Comfortex rep about any heat limits. The fabric we build our shades with has no limitation that would preclude usage in extremely hot locations. If you invest in a quality shade it'll last you. Ours last 20 years! Hope that helps!

Thanks for the response, I had already ordered the 3/4". Sometimes posting here helps me even before I get responses, forces me get all my thoughts in order! I'm buying Bali through Costco, don't have a 3/4" heavy option. I've been living with black paper shades on the windows for several months so excited to have finally placed the order!