The Differences Between Standard Roll vs Reverse Roll at a Glance:
- Roller Shades with a Regular Roll let the material sit closest to the window, with the roll exposed and the material falling off the back.
- A Regular Roll will allow less light to seep in around the sides of the window than with a Reverse Roll.
- A Reverse Roll allows your Roller Shade material to fall of the front of the roll, keeping the roll concealed when the shade is drawn and creating a gap between the shade and the window.
- Reverse Roll Roller Shades conceal the workings of the shade and provide additional clearance, giving your windows a sleek and minimal appearance.
Roller Shades are excellent all-purpose window treatments that can suit virtually any style of home. They provide a clean and simple look on the window, and our wide variety of exclusive materials lets you coordinate your shades with any color and texture in your home décor. Roller Shades also have a unique ability to hang on windows and doors that may not be able to accommodate other types of window treatments. This is because we offer two types of Roller Shades: Regular (or Standard) Roll and Reverse Roll.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between Standard Roll vs Reverse Roll how to choose the perfect option for your space.
Regular Roll Roller Shades Feature the Hardware

Regular (Standard) Roll Roller Shade — Rosette
Roller Shades with a regular roll let the material sit closest to the window, with the roll exposed and the material falling off the back. This arrangement puts the roll and the brackets on display when the shade is drawn. The Shade Store offers designer brackets in five colors. And if you’d prefer to hide the roll but want your shade close to the window, our Regular Roll Roller Shades are compatible with our metal valances and upholstered valances.
If you are using an inside mount for your shades — meaning your shades sit within the window casing — and the depth is shallow, Regular Roll is the way to go. An inside mount lets the material sit close to the glass rather than protrude. Our designer brackets only need a minimum depth of ¾” for typically sized windows.
When light blockage is a priority, a Regular Roll will allow less light to seep in around the sides of the window than with a Reverse Roll.
Achieve a Seamless Look with Reverse Roll Roller Shades
Reverse Roll Roller Shade — Chilewich Mini Basketweave
The Reverse Roll allows your Roller Shade material to fall of the front of the roll, keeping the roll concealed when the shade is drawn and creating a gap between the shade and the window. If you’re adding window treatments to doors with handles or windows with cranks, this gap lets the shade close over things like these.
Upholstered valances may be added to Reverse Roll Roller Shades as decorative accents, but metal valances will not work with this roll type.
Inner Layer: Reverse Roll Roller Shades — Lola, Aubergine / Outer Layer: Tailored Pleat Drapery — Teardrop Sheer
Reverse Roll Roller Shades conceal the workings of the shade and provide additional clearance, giving your windows a sleek and minimal appearance. For light blocking and narrow casements, we recommend the Regular Roll.
Regular Roll Roller Shades — Mesa Verde, Sand
To find the perfect Roller Shade roll type for your windows, or if you still have questions about Standard Roll vs Reverse Roll shades, simply request a complimentary consultation with our expert Design Consultants online or visit one of our nationwide showrooms.