How do you choose the right Roman Shade?

Choose a Roman Shade based on the functionality you need and the aesthetic you want. Flat, Cascade, Aventura and Pleated styles are practical for everyday use, while Relaxed and Tulip styles are more decorative and require their folds to be arranged by hand.

What are the six main Roman Shade styles?

The six main Roman Shade styles are Flat, Cascade, Aventura, Relaxed, Tulip and Pleated. Each style has a different fold structure, appearance and level of everyday functionality.

What are Flat Roman Shades?

Flat Roman Shades have a smooth, unadorned face and form a clean fold at the bottom when raised. Their contemporary appearance, material versatility and easy operation make them one of the most popular Roman Shade styles.

What are Cascade Roman Shades?

Cascade Roman Shades feature crisp horizontal pleats created by aluminum dowels sewn into the back of the shade. They have a modern, linear appearance, work well for everyday light and privacy control and are compatible with motorization.

What are Relaxed Roman Shades?

Relaxed Roman Shades feature a soft, curved fold that creates a casual, hand-finished appearance. They work well in coastal, farmhouse and boho-inspired rooms but require manual dressing each time they are raised and are not compatible with motorization.

What are Tulip Roman Shades?

Tulip Roman Shades feature a deep inverted pleat that resembles the shape of a tulip flower. They offer an elegant, decorative appearance suited to formal traditional and southern-style interiors. They require manual dressing and are not compatible with motorization.

What are Pleated Roman Shades?

Pleated Roman Shades feature full hobbled folds spaced approximately four to five inches apart. Their additional fabric creates a luxurious appearance and can provide added insulation for drafty windows. They are functional for everyday use and compatible with motorization.

Which Roman Shade styles are best for everyday use?

Flat, Cascade, Aventura and Pleated Roman Shades are best suited for everyday use. They raise and lower easily, provide practical light and privacy control and are compatible with motorization.

Can decorative Roman Shades be layered with other window treatments?

Yes. Relaxed and Tulip Roman Shades can be layered over Solar or Roller Shades. This pairing preserves the decorative fabric folds while providing more practical light control, privacy and room-darkening functionality.

Which Roman Shade styles are best for living rooms?

Flat and Cascade Roman Shades work well in living rooms because they balance everyday functionality with a polished appearance. Pleated Roman Shades are another option for more formal living rooms.

Which Roman Shade styles are best for bedrooms?

Any functional Roman Shade style can work in a bedroom when paired with blackout lining. Flat Roman Shades are a common choice because their smooth face creates a clean, calm appearance.

Which Roman Shade styles are best for kitchens?

Flat Roman Shades made from a tightly woven, easy-care material are a practical option for kitchens. Their smooth construction sits close to the window and is easier to maintain near cooking areas.

Which Roman Shades are best for bathrooms?

Roman Shades made from tightly woven synthetic materials are better suited to bathrooms because they tolerate humidity more effectively than natural linen and other moisture-sensitive fabrics.

Which Roman Shade styles are best for dining rooms?

Tulip and Pleated Roman Shades work especially well in dining rooms. Their fuller, more decorative folds complement formal spaces and rooms where the shades do not need to be raised and lowered frequently.

Which Roman Shade style is the most popular?

Flat Roman Shades are the most widely chosen and often the best Roman Shades for a modern home because their smooth face works with almost any fabric and suits both modern and traditional rooms.

What is the downside to Roman Shades?

Roman Shades work well in many applications, but their fabric folds may not be ideal for bathrooms with significant moisture and humidity. Some decorative styles also require manual dressing each time they are raised.

Can Roman Shades block out light completely?

Yes. Roman Shades can provide full room darkening when made with blackout lining. A decorative Roman Shade can also be paired with a blackout Roller Shade for the same light-blocking effect with a softer appearance.

Why are Roman Shades more expensive than other treatments?

Roman Shades typically require more material than many other types of shades to create their folds. Pricing also depends on the selected fabric, lining, control type and other customizations. Flat and Relaxed Roman Shades may offer lower starting price points.

Should Roman Shades be mounted inside or outside the window?

Roman Shades can be mounted inside or outside the window frame. An inside mount creates a streamlined appearance but requires sufficient window depth. An outside mount covers more of the window frame and can provide greater coverage.

How much longer than your window should a Roman Shade be?

An inside-mounted Roman Shade should cover the window box from the top of the frame to the inside bottom of the windowsill. An outside-mounted shade should extend from above the window frame to just below the outside edge of the bottom trim.

What is the difference between Roman blinds and Roman Shades?

Roman blinds and Roman Shades describe the same type of fabric window treatment. Roman blind is more commonly used in the United Kingdom. Because the treatment uses a continuous piece of fabric rather than adjustable slats, Roman Shade is the more accurate term.

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Shades

August 5, 2026

6 Main Roman Shade Styles Defined

Q: Are Roman Shades in style?

Yes. Roman Shades remain a popular choice for homeowners and designers because they combine elegant, modern aesthetics with easy functionality. Their wide range of fabrics, fold styles and customization options allows them to complement many interior designs.

Roman Shade styles come in many forms, from sleek functional designs to elegant decorative options. Finding the right one for your space means knowing what sets each of the six types of Roman Shade styles apart, and which factors matter most when choosing between them.

Start with the takeaways below to see how the six styles compare at a glance. From there, use the guide overview to jump into any section, beginning with what a Roman Shade actually is.

Key Takeaways: Choosing a Roman Shade Style

Six main Roman Shade styles: Flat, Cascade, Aventura, Relaxed, Tulip and Pleated
For everyday use: Flat, Cascade, Aventura and Pleated all raise and lower easily and work with motorization
Purely decorative: Relaxed and Tulip need dressing each time they are raised and cannot be motorized
The best of both: layer a decorative fold over a Solar or Roller Shade and keep the look with light control

In this Roman Shade Guide

What Are Roman Shades? Are Roman Shades in Style?

Choosing the Right Roman Shade

Different Types of Roman Shades

Roman Shades by Room

Roman Shades FAQs

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman Shades are fabric window treatments that raise by folding into themselves and lower in a smooth waterfall motion, combining drapery’s softness with a shade’s function.

As their name implies, Roman Shades have a long history and were first used by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Their original use was purely out of necessity, to keep dirt and debris out of the household. They’ve since evolved to be not only functional, but highly stylish as well, and today’s Roman Shades for windows look far more refined than their ancient counterparts.

You may also see them called Roman blinds, particularly in the United Kingdom. So what are Roman blinds? They describe the same treatment as Roman Shades: a fabric shade that folds as it rises. When people search for types of Roman blinds or Roman blind styles, they are looking at the same six Roman Shade styles covered here.

An office with orange striped walls has Flat Roman Shades made of Archer in Cornsilk, showing one type of Roman Shade style

Are Roman Shades in Style?

Yes, Roman Shades are a popular option for many homeowners and designers thanks to their elegant aesthetics, design versatility and easy functionality. Explore curated interiors in our Photo Gallery for Roman Shade ideas and inspiration.

explore photo gallery

Choosing the Right Roman Shade

From a simple utilitarian shade in ancient Rome, Roman Shade styles and types have evolved to include several main fold styles, with multiple customizations for each. So, how do you know which to choose for your space? The right Roman Shade for you will depend on the functionality you need and the aesthetic you want.

Functionality – Different Roman Shade fold styles have different levels of functionality, with some being more decorative while others are more practical for everyday use. The more functional styles are also compatible with motorization options for effortless everyday use.
Aesthetics – Certain Roman Shade styles have a lot of design versatility to suit a wide range of aesthetic styles, while others are more suited to a specific look and feel. Picking the right one for you will depend on which best suits your existing interior design.

Designer Insight

Flat Roman Shades read tailored and modern while relaxed and hobbled styles feel soft and traditional. The flat fold is the most versatile and shows off patterns and stripes most cleanly.

All the Different Types of Roman Shades

Now that you know the basics of what Roman Shades are, as well as tips on how to choose the right shade for your space, you’re ready to explore all the Roman Shade styles.

Be sure to keep in mind functionality and aesthetics while exploring your shade options and remember that the right choice for you will come down to your needs and preferences. Learn more about the different types of window shades to better understand all of your options.

1. Flat Roman Shades

A dining room with a dark wood table has Flat Roman Shades made of Shoreline in Jade showing one type of roman shade styles — *Pictured: Flat Roman Shades, Shoreline in Jade*

Flat Roman Shades feature a clean fold at the bottom when raised, creating a neat stack (the gathering of a window treatment material when fully retracted). Flat Roman Shades have a simple, unadorned face that gives them a contemporary aesthetic and lots of design versatility depending on the type of material you choose for your shade. Thanks to their versatile, stylish design and easy functionality, Flat Roman Shades are one of the most popular Roman Shade styles.

Why Choose Flat Roman Shades

One of the most popular Roman Shade styles thanks to its design versatility
Simple, contemporary aesthetic ideal for modern homes
Easy functionality ideal for everyday light and privacy control
Works with motorization to excellent ease of use
Compatible with privacy or blackout lining, so the same clean face suits a bright living room or a fully darkened bedroom

2. Cascade Roman Shades

A family room with a peach sofa has Cascade Roman Shades in Nomad Stripe, Granite, showing one type of roman shade styles — *Pictured: Outer Layer: Cascade Roman Shades and Inner Layer: Solar Shades, 3% Sonoma in Light Grey*

Cascade Roman Shades feature pleats created with aluminum dowels stitched in the back of the shade. The effect is very crisp folds that unfold beautifully, like a waterfall, when unfurled. Cascade Roman Shades, thanks to their linear design, are ideal for modern or contemporary homes. Plus, they are highly functional for easy everyday use. For daytime glare control during the day— and a dynamic aesthetic — layer them over a Solar Shade.

Why Choose Cascade Roman Shades

Modern aesthetic thanks to its elegant, linear design created by aluminum dowels sewn into the back
Easy functionality ideal for everyday light and privacy control
Lots of customization options, including many material choices as well as privacy and blackout lining
Works with motorization for excellent ease of use

Go Natural with Woven Wood Shades

Woven Wood Shades share many of the same characteristics as Flat and Cascade Roman Shades but are made with eco-friendly fibers like bamboo, grasses and reeds for an organic, boho-inspired look.

explore wovens

3. Aventura Roman Shades

An office with tall windows has Aventura Roman Shades in Sheer Wool Blend, Urban Grey, showing one type of roman shade styles — *Pictured: Aventura Roman Shades, Sheer Wool Blend in Urban Grey*

Aventura Roman Shades are inspired by Japanese shoji screens, which traditionally consist of thick semi-transparent paper stretched over a wood or bamboo frame. These types of Roman Shades feature aluminum dowels sewn into the front of the shade every five to seven inches. The effect is a modern, linear design that also evokes a calming Zen aesthetic.

When using sheer or light-filtering material, Aventura Roman Shades deliver a delicate look just like shoji screens. Despite their sometimes-delicate appearance, these types of Roman Shades are highly functional and ideal for everyday use.

Why Choose Aventura Roman Shades

Modern Zen aesthetic thanks to its shoji-inspired design
Easy functionality ideal for everyday light and privacy control
Lots of customization options including many material choices, privacy and blackout linings and compatibility with motorization
Especially beautiful in sheer and light-filtering treatment materials, where the front dowels read as a soft grid against the daylight

4. Relaxed Roman Shades

An inviting bedroom with cool colors and an upholstered curved bed frame has Relaxed Roman Shades made of Celeste in Moon — *Pictured: Relaxed Roman Shades, Celeste in Moon*

Relaxed Roman Shades feature a gentle curved fold when raised. This softly gathered hem gives them a distinctly elegant, hand-finished look that leans toward rustic and charming. These types of Roman Shades are ideal for aesthetic styles that embrace a more casual appearance, such as coastal, farmhouse or boho.

Due to their relaxed folds, these shades require dressing (adjusting the folds to look their best) every time they are raised, making them best suited to decorative applications. Keep in mind as well that Relaxed Roman Shades are not compatible with motorization, so if effortless functionality is what you’re after, this type of Roman Shade likely isn’t the best choice.

Why Choose Relaxed Roman Shades

Casual, rustic look ideal for coastal, farmhouse or boho-inspired homes
Best for decorative use as they require manual dressing each time they are raised
Ideal for layering with more functional window treatments like Solar or Roller Shades to achieve a decorative look without sacrificing functionality
Some customization options including lots of material choices and privacy and blackout linings

5. Tulip Roman Shades

An elegant room features Tulip Roman Shades made from Velvet in Camel which give a soft look to the black-framed windows — *Pictured: Outer Layer: Tulip Roman Shades, Velvet in Camel and Inner Layer: Roller Shades, Naomi in Light Tan*

Tulip Roman Shades feature an inverted pleat with a deep curve that resembles a tulip flower. These types of Roman Shades are highly decorative and elegant, best suited for formal traditional or southern-style homes. Just like other decorative Roman Shade styles, they require dressing every time they are raised, and they are not compatible with motorization. Since they aren’t ideal for everyday use, it’s best to layer them with a Solar or Roller Shade to give you the privacy and light control you need.

Why Choose Tulip Roman Shades

Elegant, sophisticated look ideal for formal traditional or southern-style homes
Best for decorative use as they require manual dressing each time they are raised and lowered
Ideal for layering with more functional window treatments like Solar or Roller Shades to achieve a decorative look without sacrificing functionality
Some customization options including lots of material choices and privacy and blackout linings

6. Pleated Roman Shades

A contemporary room features modern art pieces and a large window covered by Pleated Roman Shades made of Wool Blend Fleece — *Pictured: Outer Layer: Pleated Roman Shade, Wool Blend in Fleece and Inner Layer: Solar Shade, 5% Evergreen in Coal*

Pleated Roman Shades feature luxurious hobbled folds spaced four to five inches apart. These types of Roman Shades are made with lots of fabric to give each fold a lush, opulent appearance ideal for formal rooms in more traditional homes like the dining room and living room.

Despite their elegant, decorative look, Pleated Roman Shades are actually very functional, ideal for everyday use. Plus, they’re compatible with motorization options. The additional fabric used to create the lavish folds can also help insulate drafty windows.

Why Choose Pleated Roman Shades

A luxurious, elevated aesthetics ideal for formal rooms in traditional homes like dining rooms, foyers and living rooms
Easy functionality ideal for everyday light and privacy control
Lots of customization options including many material choices, privacy and blackout linings and compatibility with motorization

Compare All Six Roman Shade Styles

Each of the six styles has a fold, a function and a feel that make it right for different rooms. Use the examples below to compare Roman Shade styles at a glance.

Flat Roman Shade example in gray fabric raised part way, showing a smooth face and clean fold at the bottom.

Flat Roman Shades

A clean, simple style with a smooth face and neat folds. Best for modern and transitional rooms, everyday use and motorization.

Cascade Roman Shades

A structured style with crisp horizontal pleats created by back dowels. Best for modern rooms, everyday use and motorization.

Aventura Roman Shades

A calm, modern style with a Shoji-inspired grid and front dowels. Best with sheer or light-filtering materials, everyday use and motorization.

Relaxed Roman Shade example in gray fabric with a soft curved hem, shown flush mounted for a casual decorative look.

Relaxed Roman Shades

A decorative style with a soft, curved fold when raised. Best for coastal, farmhouse and boho rooms, and for windows adjusted only occasionally.

Tulip Roman Shades

A decorative style with a deep inverted pleat and tulip-like curve. Best for formal, traditional and Southern-inspired rooms where the shade is primarily a design feature.

Pleated Roman Shades

A fuller style with uniform hobbled folds and a layered look. Best for formal rooms, draft-prone windows, everyday use and motorization.

Roman Shade Ideas and Styles by Room

The right fold often follows the room rather than the other way around. If you’re gathering Roman Shade ideas, start with how each room actually gets used.

Living rooms ask the most of a shade, since the space works hard through the day and still needs to look composed at night. Both Flat and Cascade handle that balance of style and functionality well. If the room leans more formal, Pleated brings elegance without giving up daily function. See living room window treatment options.
Bedrooms need darkness and privacy. Any of the functional styles paired with blackout lining will keep your room feeling calm and dark. Flat is a common choice because the smooth face is unassuming for a clean, simple visual ideal for peaceful spaces. See what else works in bedroom window treatments.
Kitchens favor practicality. Flat Roman Shades in a tightly woven, easy-care material are easier to clean and the flat folds sit closer to the window to stay further away from the cooking. Our guide to kitchen-friendly Roman Shades covers the topic in greater detail.
Bathrooms need moisture tolerance above all. Clean straight folds of Flat Roman Shades won’t hold as much moisture as the gathered fabrics of Relaxed or Pleated Roman Shades. Combined with tightly woven synthetics, your shade should hold up well. Browse bathroom window treatments for materials suited to humidity.
Dining rooms are a strong fit for more decorative Roman Shade styles. Tulip and Pleated both suit a more formal room. If privacy is a concern in the evenings, choose the functional Pleated style, or layer Tulip shades with elegant Drapery. See a gallery of dining room window treatment options.

Explore Roman Shade Styles in Person or at Home

Now that you’re familiar with all the Roman Shade styles, you probably have an idea of which ones will best suit your functional needs and aesthetic preferences. To explore your options in more depth, you can visit a local showroom to see each style in an interactive display with varying control types, including motorization, or order free swatches to compare materials in your own light at home. All material options are available as free swatches delivered to your door, so you can pick your favorites and live with them for a few days before deciding.

ORDER YOUR FAVORITE SWATCHES FOR FREE

Compare as many of your favorites from our collection of 1,200+ premium materials at home when you order free swatches online.

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A close-up image of white swatches featuing different textures and materials shows the declicate details of these designs

Roman Shades FAQs

Find answers to common questions about Roman Shades.

Flat Roman Shades are the most widely chosen and one of the best Roman Shades for a modern home. Yet thanks to their smooth, unadorned face and variety of fabric options, this style is suitable for nearly any style of home.

Roman Shades for windows are a great option for many applications, and they don’t have many downsides. However, their folds of fabric do mean they’re not the best choice for a bathroom where there’s lots of moisture and humidity.

Yes. Most functional styles of Roman Shades can provide maximal room darkening when made with blackout lining. Or, if you prefer a decorative Roman Shade, pair it with a blackout Roller Shade for the same light-blocking effect plus more design dimension and a softened appearance with the Tulip or Relaxed Roman Shade.

Dressing means arranging the folds by hand so they hang evenly after the shade is raised. Relaxed and Tulip styles require dressing each time, which makes them better suited for decorative use rather than everyday operation.

Roman Shades for windows are typically not the lowest priced window treatment option available, due to their need for more material than most other types of shades to create their attractive folds. However, you can reduce your costs by choosing Roman Shades styles that have lower starting price points like Flat Roman Shades or Relaxed Roman Shades . Plus, being mindful when choosing customizations like material and control types can also help keep your costs in check.

Roman Shades for windows can be inside or outside mounted — the choice is up to you. However, keep in mind that to inside-mount your Roman Shades securely, your window box will need to have a depth of at least ¾”.

If your Roman Shade is inside mounted, it should be just long enough to cover the entire area of your window box from the top of the window frame to the inside bottom of the windowsill. For an outside-mount Roman Shade, the shade should extend from above your window frame down to just below the outside edge of the bottom trim of your window, so your entire frame is covered when the shade is fully extended.

The terms “Roman Shades” and “Roman Blinds” refer to the same product. The Shade Store calls them Roman Shades, but other brands and businesses may call them “Roman Blinds.” While there may be differences in style and functionality between Roman Shades and Roman Blinds from different brands, these products generally all fall in the same category.

Flat, Cascade, Aventura and Pleated Roman Shades are compatible with motorization. Relaxed and Tulip styles are not because their folds need to be arranged by hand each time the shade is raised.

6 Main Roman Shade Styles Defined

In this Roman Shade Guide