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Roman shades for kitchen windows made of Canvas in Stone add a cool grey color to a rustic farmhouse kitchen
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April 12, 2024

Best Roman Shades for Kitchen Windows

Roman Shades are known for their timeless elegance as well as their versatility and functionality—which makes them a popular choice for kitchen windows. However, kitchens can be active, and messy, places, so when choosing Roman Shades for kitchen windows, it’s important to make the right selections in terms of style and fabric.

Learn more about this popular style of shade and get tips on choosing functional styles and easy-to-clean materials so you can make the best selections for your kitchen Roman Shades.

Cover Photo: Flat Roman Shades, Canvas in Stone, photography by John Bessler

Small potted flowers sit below Roman shades for kitchen windows made of Luxe Linen in Oyster with Sakiori Embroidered trim

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman Shades are window treatments made of soft fabric that are raised and lowered by folding into themselves, creating a series of folds when raised and unfolding in a cascading motion when lowered.

Roman Shades for kitchen windows come in several different styles, with some being more functional and others being more decorative.  

Pictured: Outer Layer: Flat Roman Shade, Luxe Linen in Oyster with Samuel & Sons Sakiori Embroidered trim in Porcelain, design by Ariel Okin, photography by Donna Dotan

What Is the Difference Between Roman Blinds & Roman Shades?

The terms “Roman Shades” and “Roman Blinds” refer to the same product: A shade made of soft fabric that is raised and lowered by folding into itself and unfolding in a cascading motion. 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 into the same category.

Learn Everything About Roman Shades

Get answers to all your questions regarding Roman Shades and learn more about your product options in our comprehensive Buying Guide.

Pictured: Flat Roman Shade, Sheila Bridges Archer in Lagoon, design by Sheila Bridges

Roman Shades for kitchen windows made of Shoreline in Pewter cover a narrow window in a charming farmhouse kitchen

Are Roman Shades Good for Kitchens?

Yes, Roman Shades are a great choice for your kitchen, but it’s important to choose a style and fabric that will stand up to the activity of the space. Ideally, your Roman Shades for kitchen windows will feature a functional, easy-to-use style that you can lift out of the way when you’re vigorously chopping, cooking or cleaning. Additionally, it’s best to choose a hardy fabric, such as a performance Sunbrella fabric, that is resistant to moisture and easy to clean should it get splatted or stained.

Pictured: Outer Layer: Flat Roman Shade, Shoreline in Pewter and Inner Layer: Solar Shade, Chilewich Mini Basketweave in Sandstone, photography by John Bessler

Find out more about how to choose the best Roman Shades for kitchen windows based on your needs and preferences.

What Type of Shade Is Best for a Kitchen?

The best types of shade for a kitchen are those that are easy to use and feature material that is easy to clean. Roman Shades for kitchen windows are a great choice when you choose a functional style and a hardy fabric. Other good options include Roller Shades and Solar Shades, both of which are made with durable hard textiles and are highly versatile and functional.

How to Choose Roman Shades for Kitchen Windows

Roman Shades for kitchen windows made of Tangier Weave in Blanco add texture to a kitchen with Mediterranean tiles
Pictured: Flat Roman Shade, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Tangier Weave in Blanco, design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Choosing the right Roman Shades for kitchen windows is about finding the perfect mix of ease-of-use, maintenance and, of course, aesthetics. Be sure to keep these attributes in mind when choosing the right style and the right fabric for your shade.

Choose the Right Style

When thinking about the style of Roman shades for kitchen windows, ease of use should be the first thing you consider. Ease-of-use is primarily based on the control type chosen for the shade, but the style of the shade, especially how the pleats fold, can also contribute to a more or less easy experience.

Control types for Roman Shades include:

  • Continuous Loop: Features a looped chain that allows you to adjust your shade by pulling the chain down or up to lift or lower the shade.
  • Cordless: A metal ring sewn into the back of your shade allows you to easily grab it to lift and lower as needed. It’s important that you’re able to reach the top of your window in order for you to get the best use out of cordless control.
  • Motorization: Use a remote, an app on your smartphone or a paired smart home device to lift and lower your shade with your voice.

Keep in mind not all styles of Roman Shades are compatible with all control types, so be sure to check compatibility before you make your final selection.

For the best functionality with their simple aesthetics and control type compatibility, choose from these three styles of Roman Shades for kitchen windows:

Roman Shades for kitchen windows include Flat Roman Shades in Tangier Weave, Desert, in a kitchen with red floral wallpaper

flat roman shades

With a clean line at the bottom of each fold, and a simple, unadorned face, Flat Roman Shades are very versatile in their design and can work in contemporary and traditional kitchens.

Control type compatibility: All control types.

Pictured: Flat Roman Shade, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Tangier Weave in Desert, design by Christopher Peacock for the 2022 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, photography by John Bessler

Cascade Roman Shades

Featuring aluminum dowels stitched in the back of the shade, Cascade Roman Shades have clean, crisp folds that unfurl beautifully in a cascading motion when lowered.

Control type compatibility: All control types.

Pictured: Cascade Roman Shade, Mokum Satori Stonewash in Silver Birch design by Chad Dorsey for the 2020 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse, photography by Stephen Karlisch

Roman Shades for kitchen windows include Cascade Roman Shades made of a grey texture fabric above a desk in a kitchen alcove
Roman Shades for kitchen windows include Aventura Roman Shades of Lannister Sheer in White in a bright white tiled kitchen

Aventura roman shades

Inspired by Japanese shoji screens, which traditionally consist of semi-transparent paper stretched over a frame, Aventura Roman Shades feature aluminum dowels sewn to the front of the shade. To capture the same effect as shoji screens, these shades are best left unlined.

Control type compatibility: Continuous loop control and motorized control.

Pictured: Aventura Roman Shades, Lannister Sheer in White, design by Mark Williams for the 2021 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse, photography by Emily Blackwell 

Other Roman Shade Styles

Relaxed Roman Shades, Tulip Roman Shades and Pleated Roman Shades are all additional style options. Each of these features one or more characteristics that might not make them a great choice as kitchen Roman Shades based on your needs.

Relaxed Roman Shades: A Popular Decorative Choice

With a casual, smiling curve of fabric at the base, Relaxed Roman Shades deliver a charming look. They’re best when used decoratively and paired with functional Roller or Solar Shades. They can be used on their own but be aware you’ll likely need to adjust the pleats to look their best whenever you lift or lower them.

Control type compatibility: Continuous loop control.

Pictured: Relaxed Roman Shade, Windsor Stripe in Sage, design by James Huniford

Roman Shades for kitchen windows include Relaxed Roman Shades made of Windsor Stripe in Sage in a Coastal style kitchen
Tulip Roman Shades made of Velvet in Camel offer a luxe look to a room with warm white walls and gold decor
Tulip Roman Shades: Elegant Decoration

Featuring a swooping design that resembles an upside-down tulip, these shades offer an elevated look. However, you’ll need to adjust their pleats each time you lift or lower them, making them not ideal for functional use. Their folds also make them difficult to clean. That’s why they’re best used as pure decoration, set at a height well above your countertop, and paired with a functional Roller or Solar Shades for ease of use.

Control type compatibility: Continuous loop control.

Pictured: Outer Layer: Tulip Roman Shade, Velvet in Camel and Inner Layer: Roller Shade, Naomi in Light Tan

Pleated Roman Shades: Luxe Folds

While easy to use, Pleated Roman Shades feature beautiful, lush folds of fabric that can be magnets for crumbs, dust and moisture. Plus, their deep folds make them difficult to clean on a regular basis. You can use these shades decoratively in your kitchen, but their best application is for lower activity rooms like formal living and dining rooms where their lush pleats can be admired.

Control type compatibility: Continuous loop control and motorized control.

Pictured: Outer Layer: Pleated Roman Shade, Wool Blend in Fleece and Inner Layer: Solar Shade, 5% Evergreen in Coal

A Pleated Roman Shade made of Wool Blend in Fleece delivers unexpected elegance to a stark, minimalist sitting room

Choose Easy-to-Clean Fabric

To get the best investment out of your Roman Shades for kitchen windows, it’s best to choose a hardy fabric that’s up to the challenge of being a part of an active kitchen.

Synthetic fabrics are your best bet as they’re better at resisting moisture and are usually easier to clean than natural fabrics. However, there are some hardier natural fabrics to choose from if your heart is set on a natural look.

Synthetic Fabrics & Synthetic Blends

Made from durable synthetic fabrics like acrylic, polyester and other engineered materials, these fabrics offer durability for your kitchen Roman Shades. Some are also blended with natural fibers like wool or linen for a mix of natural beauty and improved performance.

For one of the best fabrics for kitchen Roman Shades, consider Sunbrella fabrics, made specifically with hardiness in mind, without sacrificing aesthetics.

Roman Shade swatches made of fabrics from the Sunbrella Ventana Collection are laid flat and feature neutral colors
Sunbrella Ventana Collection

Made from 100% Sunbrella acrylic, these fabrics offer excellent performance with their fade and moisture resistance and easy maintenance. The Ventana Collection features several fabrics from Alma, with a textured, heavyweight linen look and feel to the hardy, beautiful canvas of Velarte to the surprisingly durable, yet delicate-looking sheer, Neblina.

In addition to Sunbrella, there are many other synthetic options for your Roman Shades for kitchen windows. Check out a few examples to get an idea of the possibilities.

Roman Shade swatches made of Korinthos fabric are laid flat and feature frayed edges and neutral colors
Korinthos

Made from 100% polyester, Korinthos delivers synthetic durability with the look and feel of a cotton-linen blend with a unique, charming texture.

Roman Shade swatches made of Delia fabric are folded invitingly and feature warm and cool neutral colors
delia

A beautiful blend of acrylic, wool and polyester, Delia offers durability with a luxurious feel and subtle visual texture that warms any space.

Roman Shade swatches made of Highland fabric are laid flat and feature a simple plaid pattern in neutral colors
highland

A simple plaid pattern made from a mix of acrylic, wool and polyester, Highland offers a charming, inviting aesthetic with excellent performance.

Hardy Natural Fabrics

If you’re interested in natural fabrics for your kitchen Roman Shades, you have some options. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are well-known for being durable as well as beautiful. Just be aware that these may not clean as easily as the synthetic blends and will more than likely require a professional window treatment cleaning specialist should they get stained or soiled.

Roman Shade swatches made of Cotton fabric are laid with subtle curves on a table and feature white, blue and beige colors
cotton

Cotton is a popular natural fabric that’s well-known for its durability and inviting softness. Choose from simple solid colors like Canvas or opt for designer looks from The Novogratz, Nate Berkus and more, with options also made from 100% cotton.

Roman Shade swatches made of Linen fabric are folded and stacked tightly and show the texture and soft colors
linen

An extremely versatile and popular fabric for centuries, Linen offers excellent durability along with a soft feel and subtly textured look. From heavyweight Luxe Linen to light Linen Sheers, you’ll find the right look your kitchen Roman Shades.  

Roman Shade swatches made of Wool Flannel fabric are folded and stacked tightly and show the soft texture and inviting colors
wool

Renowned for its durability and softness, wool brings a sense of comfort to your kitchen. From lustrous Wool Sateen to the beautiful, hardy wools of our Holland & Sherry Collection, you have many options for your wool kitchen Roman Shades.

Alternatives to Roman Shades for Kitchen Windows

While Roman Shades for kitchen windows are a great choice, you have a couple other options that are just as good — with the same easy functionality and easy-to-clean materials. Choose these in place of Roman Shades, or better yet, layer them with your Roman Shade for greater versatility and design dimension.

A kitchen with turquoise walls features a Roller Shade made of Sheila Bridges Florentine in Grigio for a subtle pattern

Roller Shades for Kitchens

Made of a single panel of material that warps around a tube at the top of your window, Roller Shades are highly versatile and easy to use. Plus, they offer a sleek, simple aesthetic. They’re available in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well as light-filtering and blackout materials so you can get the right look with the right level of light and privacy control.

Pictured: Roller Shade, Sheila Bridges Florentine in Grigio, design by Sheila Bridges, photography by William Waldron

A kitchen with warm grey cabinets and ivory walls has Solar Shades made of Sunbrella 3% Solistico in Ash for softened light

Solar Shades for Kitchens

Solar Shades are a type of Roller Shade, with a single panel of material wrapped around a tube, but they’re made with unique material that blocks up to 99% of UV rays while still letting natural light flood your home. They also come in different transparency percentages which refer to the level of UV protection as well as how well you can see through them to the outdoors.

Pictured: Solar Shade, Sunbrella 3% Solistico in Ash, photography by John Bessler

Compare Roller Shades & Roman Shades

Get a closer look at the differences between Roller and Roman Shades to help you decide which is right for you.

Pictured: Outer Layer: Flat Roman Shade, Shoreline in Pewter and Inner Layer: Solar Shade, Chilewich Mini Basketweave in Sandstone, photography by John Bessler

Inspiration for Kitchen Roman Shades

Now that you know to select the right Roman Shades for kitchen windows, see examples of real kitchens to get ideas for your own design.

Find the Perfect Roman Shades for Kitchen Windows

Now that you know how to choose the right Roman Shades for kitchen windows and have inspiration for your design, order free swatches of your favorite fabrics to compare at home. Pay attention to the fabric components to ensure it offers the right level of performance to suit your needs. Also, be sure to observe the fabric in different lighting throughout the day to get a true sense of how it will look on your kitchen Roman Shades.

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.

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