6 Main Roman Shade Styles Defined
Roman Shade styles come in many forms, from sleek functional designs to elegant decorative options. To find the right one for your space, it’s important to understand what the different styles are and factors to consider when deciding on each.
Before diving into all the different types of Roman Shades and how to choose them, first make sure you understand what a Roman Shade is.
What Are Roman Shades?
Roman Shades are soft, elegant window treatments that combine the beauty of drapery with the functionality of shades. These types of shades are raised by folding into themselves and lowered by unfolding in a beautiful waterfall motion. 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.
Are Roman Shades in Style?
Yes, Roman Shades are a popular option for many homeowners and designers thanks to their stylish aesthetics and easy functionality. Explore curated interiors using Roman Shades in our Photo Gallery for inspiration.
Choosing the Right Roman Shade
From a simple utilitarian shade in ancient Rome, Roman Shade styles have evolved to include several main types, 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 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.
Get More Details
Learn everything you need to know about Roman Shades in our detailed Buying Guide which covers Roman Shade styles, fabrics, lining, control types and more to help you choose the perfect customizations for your design. READ THE GUIDE
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 options and remember that the right choice for you will come down to your needs and preferences.
1. Flat Roman Shades
Flat Roman Shades are those with 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
- Lots of customization options including many material choices, privacy and blackout linings, and compatibility with motorization
2. Cascade Roman Shades
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.
Why Choose Cascade Roman Shades
- Modern aesthetic thanks to its linear design created by aluminum dowls sewn into the back
- 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
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.
3. Aventura Roman Shades
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
4. Relaxed Roman Shades
Relaxed Roman Shades feature a soft, curved fold when raised that gives it a rustic, charming look. 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
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
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. What’s more, with the additional fabric used to create the lavish folds, these are one of the best Roman Shade styles for drafty windows, as the thick material helps insulate against the cold.
Why Choose Pleated Roman Shades
- Luxurious, elevated aesthetics ideal for formal rooms in traditional homes like dining rooms 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
Explore Roman Shade Styles in Person
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, visit a local showroom to experience all the different types of Roman Shades yourself. You’ll be able to see each style in an interactive display with varying control types, including motorization, so you can find the best option for your needs. Plus, with all material options available as free swatches in-showroom, you can pick your favorites and compare them at home.
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