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
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.
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
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:
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
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
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
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.
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.
Korinthos
Made from 100% polyester, Korinthos delivers synthetic durability with the look and feel of a cotton-linen blend with a unique, charming texture.
delia
A beautiful blend of acrylic, wool and polyester, Delia offers durability with a luxurious feel and subtle visual texture that warms any space.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Go Bright with White Roman Shades in a Modern Kitchen
For a cheery, bright space, choose white kitchen Roman Shades. Lannister Sheer in White on an Aventura Roman Shade style beautifully softens sunlight while illuminating your kitchen. Lannister Sheer is a light, soft linen-polyester blend, offering natural beauty and durability. Plus, with continuous loop or motorized control options, your Aventura Roman Shade will be a breeze to operate.
Pictured: Aventura Roman Shades, Lannister Sheer in White, design by Mark Williams for the 2021 Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse, photography by Emily Blackwell
Capture a Character-Rich Look with Black Roman Shades
Give your kitchen Roman Shades a bold, dramatic look by choosing black Roman Shades, like those made of Gemma in Noir in the Flat Roman Shade style. The rich color of the shade is broken up by white starbursts with a charming hand-painted quality that keep the shade from feeling too dark and heavy. Plus, Gemma is made from 100% cotton so you can feel confident in its longevity and durability.
Pictured: Flat Roman Shades, Nate Berkus Gemma in Noir, photography by Eric Piasecki
Enhance an Urban Modern Kitchen with Striped Roman Shades
Bring sophisticated visual interest to your urban modern kitchen windows with striped Roman Shades. Sahara Stripe in Onyx is a simple barre stripe featuring dark horizontal lines on a white background for subtle, yet elevated aesthetic. Made of a linen and synthetic blend, Sahara Stripe offers plenty of performance to go with its elevated looks.
Pictured: Flat Roman Shades, Martyn Lawrence Bullard Sahara Stripe in Onyx, design by Everick Brown for the 2022 Kaleidoscope Showhouse
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.
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