Rooms Reign Supreme With Roman Shades
Relaxed or tucked into lavish folds, Roman shades triumph over plain curtains for a tailored, elegant window look
Shane Inman
August 27, 2012
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under Shane's leadership, The Inman Company is committed to raising the standard of business to incorporate the highest-quality customer service with unwavering excellence in design.
Houzz contributor and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. Under... More
The Roman shade is a lined or unlined quantity of drapery fabric sewn to internal rings for operability. When drawn into the upright position, a Roman shade creates a series of concentrated folds. Whether used in conjunction with another window treatment or left on its own, these flexible shades have reigned supreme for decades, accommodating everyone's personal design style, from shabby-chic and traditional all the way to contemporary. Take a look at some of my favorite uses to see if any could be a possibility within your interior spaces.
Relaxed, Banded Roman Shade
This version of the classic Roman shade is referred to as relaxed since the bottom sags. The applied fabric banding appears to be an element of structure but is just a detail.
Style tip: Place a design emphasis on your shade by adding a vertical band in a contrasting color and texture.
This version of the classic Roman shade is referred to as relaxed since the bottom sags. The applied fabric banding appears to be an element of structure but is just a detail.
Style tip: Place a design emphasis on your shade by adding a vertical band in a contrasting color and texture.
Arched Roman Shade
The perfect solution for an arched window is an arched Roman shade. The internal mechanics (rings) are inset far from the edges to create "tails" for high visual interest on the sides.
Style tip: Coordinate the fabric for the kitchen window treatment with the colors and design of your backsplash. It's a great way to create design cohesion.
The perfect solution for an arched window is an arched Roman shade. The internal mechanics (rings) are inset far from the edges to create "tails" for high visual interest on the sides.
Style tip: Coordinate the fabric for the kitchen window treatment with the colors and design of your backsplash. It's a great way to create design cohesion.
Roman Shade With a Valance
These streamlined, classic Roman shades are set under matching box-pleated valances, which are actually attached.
Style tip: Since these shades are mounted on the outside of the window frame, you can raise them up to make the window appear taller than it actually is.
These streamlined, classic Roman shades are set under matching box-pleated valances, which are actually attached.
Style tip: Since these shades are mounted on the outside of the window frame, you can raise them up to make the window appear taller than it actually is.
Matchy-Matchy Roman Shade
Use the exact same fabric from the window treatment on the bed's headboard and footboard as well as on the cushion of the window seat. It's a fun and vibrant way to style a little girl's room.
Style tip: Cut fabric costs by making everything out of bedsheets, since the girl will soon become a teenager. I do it for my clients all the time.
Use the exact same fabric from the window treatment on the bed's headboard and footboard as well as on the cushion of the window seat. It's a fun and vibrant way to style a little girl's room.
Style tip: Cut fabric costs by making everything out of bedsheets, since the girl will soon become a teenager. I do it for my clients all the time.
Burlap Roman Shade
Burlap is a perfect low-cost fabric to make a Roman shade out of for your craft room.
Style tip: Save money by making your Roman shade nonoperable for rooms where the budget is tight. This window treatment could very easily just be a valance but has the sophistication of a Roman shade.
Burlap is a perfect low-cost fabric to make a Roman shade out of for your craft room.
Style tip: Save money by making your Roman shade nonoperable for rooms where the budget is tight. This window treatment could very easily just be a valance but has the sophistication of a Roman shade.
Masculine Roman Shade
Flexible for any room, this relaxed Roman shade is masculine enough for "his" den but still shows style.
Style tip: Use the same fabric of the Roman shade for adjacent draperies to tie the entire room together. He will be so glad you did.
Flexible for any room, this relaxed Roman shade is masculine enough for "his" den but still shows style.
Style tip: Use the same fabric of the Roman shade for adjacent draperies to tie the entire room together. He will be so glad you did.
Embellished Roman Shade
No window in any powder room is complete without interjecting a level of opulence for all your guests to enjoy. This relaxed Roman shade has fringe, a monogram and a top button closure that do the trick.
Style tip: Install the Roman shade all the way to the top of the ceiling for additional elegant flair.
No window in any powder room is complete without interjecting a level of opulence for all your guests to enjoy. This relaxed Roman shade has fringe, a monogram and a top button closure that do the trick.
Style tip: Install the Roman shade all the way to the top of the ceiling for additional elegant flair.
Romantic Roman Shade
Travel back in time to the Victorian era with this stylized, relaxed Roman, also known as a London shade. It's a perfect complement to any boudoir.
Style tip: For that extra-full appearance, choose a fabric that's heavier than traditional drapery fabric. A satin-sheen finish will also play a dynamic role.
Travel back in time to the Victorian era with this stylized, relaxed Roman, also known as a London shade. It's a perfect complement to any boudoir.
Style tip: For that extra-full appearance, choose a fabric that's heavier than traditional drapery fabric. A satin-sheen finish will also play a dynamic role.
Modern Roman Shade
Create a stunning modern interior with a very streamlined Roman shade in a high-contrast black and white geometric pattern.
Style tip: Choose a fabric that is more like art than like fabric and there will be no need for artwork on your walls.
Create a stunning modern interior with a very streamlined Roman shade in a high-contrast black and white geometric pattern.
Style tip: Choose a fabric that is more like art than like fabric and there will be no need for artwork on your walls.
Layered Roman Shade
This is the perfect example of how you can layer your Roman shade under functioning coordinating drapery panels. High design is achieved by the fringe at the bottom of the shade and the rod at the top of the draperies.
Style tip: Layering your window treatments will allow you to block out more light — great for those who are easily awoken by sunlight.
This is the perfect example of how you can layer your Roman shade under functioning coordinating drapery panels. High design is achieved by the fringe at the bottom of the shade and the rod at the top of the draperies.
Style tip: Layering your window treatments will allow you to block out more light — great for those who are easily awoken by sunlight.
Roman Shade With Wall Covering
"Wow" is what you get when you pair your high-powered Roman shade with a matching high-powered wall covering. Some say that it's not done until it's overdone!
Style tip: Align the wall covering exactly with the fabric of the shade, and when the shade is in the down position you will fool even yourself.
"Wow" is what you get when you pair your high-powered Roman shade with a matching high-powered wall covering. Some say that it's not done until it's overdone!
Style tip: Align the wall covering exactly with the fabric of the shade, and when the shade is in the down position you will fool even yourself.
Dave Fox is a design/build remodeling firm with a customer focused process, an incredible staff and a close knit... Read More
Related Products
Related Stories
Organizing
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Home Office
Follow these steps to get rid of the paper piles and make room for beauty and better organization
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
By tidgboutique
Use these pro tips to minimize noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
Full Story
White
Design Pros Share 10 Favorite Creamy White Paints
By Becky Harris
These off-white color choices include versatile tones, warming hues and pleasingly soft shades
Full Story
Entryways
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
By tidgboutique
A pro shows how adding color, statement pieces and more to a foyer can set the right tone for the rest of the home
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By tidgboutique
Gain confidence to start your interior design project with this advice from a professional designer
Full Story
Living Rooms
4 Must-Have Features for a Small Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer shares important ways to live large in a tight space and make it look stylish
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Pros share solutions to design problems they often find in people’s living spaces
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Decorate a Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer offers tips for creating a comfortable space that reflects your style
Full Story
Budget Decorating
Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating
By tidgboutique
See where it makes sense to invest in durable essentials and focal pieces, and where to economize on other things
Full Story
Lighting
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
First Impressions (702)672-2409