Window coverings are essential to a home’s interior design, often setting the scene, along with wallpaper or well-chosen painted walls, for inviting room arrangement with furnishings and artwork. Together, all elements establish atmosphere. However, window coverings serve two purposes, as they not only assist the overall decor and atmosphere, but they are necessary for privacy too. Roman shades provide privacy but they also lend style that is versatile and unique.
Roman shades are different from ordinary flat shades for several reasons. First, while designed to help block out the sun and shade a room either partially or entirely when drawn, they differ from regular shades by collapsing into evenly sized horizontal panels as they are lifted, rather than rolling up conventionally. However, when lowered, they look relatively smooth. Moreover, by operating the attached cord system, it is possible to raise the shades partially, allowing some stacking as well as the smoother extended portion to show.
Discount Roman shades, just as those at full price, can be found in a range of materials. Unlike traditional blinds of wood, plastic, or metal, or ordinary vinyl shades, they combine aspects of these products but add class to their unique style because of the materials from which they are made. One of the most popular material choices is fabric, offering its distinctive classy look to a practical situation. Roman shades fashioned from fabric in a variety of patterns and colors, also come in several styles, among them: classic, relaxed, soft, and flat.
Classic fabric Roman shades have definite folds when raised, and cleanly smooth horizontal panel sections, at usually about 6″ intervals, when lowered. Often they also come with thermal linings, though adding side panels in matching or complementary designs helps to add both insulation and eye appeal.
Relaxed Roman shades are a softer version of the classic variety, as they fall smoothly and form soft swags at the bottom hemline. Though relaxed, depending on fabric choice and thickness, they can still look formal because of the swag effect, particularly when placed between panels tied back with pretty accessories. On the other hand, if the fabric is sportier, for instance, a more casual look will prevail despite the swags.
Flat Roman shades, as the name implies, lie flat and smooth when lowered, folding neatly at the top when raised. They are well suited to use in a home-office or den, effectively doing their job in a no-frills manner.
Finally, for those who want elegance alongside classic tailoring, there are simple soft styles. These have draped, overlapping folds of fabric reminiscent of a cascading effect. They stack neatly at the top when raised, but the effect when down is lovely, providing a warm, nesting feeling.
Besides fabric, Roman shades woven from bamboo and other natural reeds are interesting alternatives, especially for casual areas like family rooms or even kitchens and baths, where they are not sensitive to moisture. Many have self valances at the top and then fall in a relatively flat fashion. They rise evenly and stack into flat space-saving folds.
While most Roman shades are mounted within the window area, they can also be mounted outside. An inside look is very neat and a good solution if you want to show of painted or wooden window frames. However, outside mounts work well when wanting to cover up trim not in stellar condition or wanting to downplay the look of wood entirely. The latter is often attractive in bedrooms, the shade seeming to blend in with the wall rather than being outlined.
Overall, whether choosing fabric or weaves of reed or bamboo, one cannot go wrong with Roman shades in any style. They add a nice touch, are versatile for any room in the house, and are refreshingly different-looking than regular drapes or blinds without being any less effective.
