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Roman shades offer both a stylish and functional addition to a living space. When closed, they filter (or completely block out) light to both maintain the privacy of a living space and offer shade in a room flooded with too much sunlight. Roman shades open in a unique way: Unlike standard shades, which bunch up at the top when opened, Roman shades fold or stack up evenly as they’re opened. As a result, they look sleek and smooth, as opposed to having the ribbed or bumpy appearance of other types of shades.
Since there is a wide variety of Roman shades on the market, it can be difficult to choose the product that will best meet your needs and preferences. This guide will help you identify the key factors to consider when shopping for Roman shades as well as highlight a selection of the best Roman shades available today so you can choose the ideal option for your living space.
- BEST OVERALL: Blinds.com Premium Roman Shade
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Nicetown Blackout Tie-Up Vertical Curtain
- BEST LUXURY: Loom Decor Flat Roman Shade
- BEST WOVEN: Windowsandgarden Cordless Woven Wood Roman Shades
- BEST TOP-DOWN/BOTTOM-UP: Bali Casual Classics Roman Shades
- BEST BLACKOUT: Blinds.com Premier Roman Shades
- BEST MOTORIZED: Levolor Roman Shades
- BEST FOR BATHROOMS: Arlo Blinds Thermal Room-Darkening Fabric Roman Shade
- BEST FOR KITCHENS: Pottery Barn Custom Emery Linen Cordless Roman Shade
- BEST FOR FRENCH DOORS: Homeideas Beige French Door Curtains
How We Chose the Best Roman Shades
When gathering our top picks for Roman shades, we made sure to only look at brands that offered a wide choice to shoppers in terms of styles, fabrics, colors, patterns, and lift types. Everything on our list of recommendations boasts multiple customization options to ensure you receive a set of Roman shades that are specific to your exact requirements. No matter the style or window size, the choices we listed above are sure to match what you’re looking for.
We made sure to include options that span a range of budgets, offering both budget-friendly choices as well as high-quality upgrades. Installation was also a major factor in our research. As such, we only included products that are easy to install without unnecessary hassle or poorly written instructions.
Our Top Picks
After conducting extensive research and taking into consideration the abovementioned features, we’ve selected these products, which cover a variety of categories and represent the top picks for the best Roman shades for every budget. Each of the featured products boasts top-notch construction, offers quality fabrics, and can bring both style and function to a living space.
Best Overall
Blinds.com Premium Roman Shade
The Premium Roman Shade from Blinds.com offers numerous customization options to help shoppers personalize them based on their needs and preferences. Over 150 color and pattern options are available to coordinate with different home decor styles. Depending on the color and pattern selection, various fabric options are available, including 100 percent cotton, 100 percent polyester, cotton/polyester blends, rayon/viscose blends, rayon/linen blends, and a polyester/nylon blend.
Choose the fold style from flat fold, classic fold, hobbled fold, front slat fold, and relaxed fold (for widths over 30 inches). Both inside and outside mounting options are available but may depend on the selected fold style. These shades are offered in any height between 16 and 120 inches and any width between 12 and 115 inches.
Also available are corded, continuous-cord loop, corded top-down/bottom-up, cordless, and motorized-lift options. These Roman shades can be purchased without a valance; however, a matching fabric valance can be included for an additional charge. These are standard white-light filtering Roman shades, but liners are available to convert them to thermal sateen white-light-filtering, room-darkening, or blackout Roman shades.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester, cotton, nylon, linen, rayon
- Lift type: Corded, continuous-cord loop, cordless, motorized
- Sample swatches? Yes
Pros
- Highly customizable; able to suit a range of home decor styles
- Multiple patterns and colors available
- Several upgrades to choose from; shoppers can meet most of their requirements
Cons
- Installation screws are fiddly; may be quite difficult for some users
Get the Blinds.com Premium blackout Roman shades at Blinds.com.
Best Bang for the Buck
Nicetown Blackout Tie-Up Vertical Curtain
Nicetown’s Roman shades feature a simple tie-up design. Rather than pulling a cord or pushing up on the shades to raise or lower them, you can adjust them by lifting the shade to the desired height and tying the two ties on either side. Since there are no hanging cords, these are a more child- and pet-friendly option.
These reasonably priced folding shades are 54 inches long, with four widths available for windows between 34 and 46 inches wide. Note that these shades are only suitable for outside mounts since they need to hang from a rail. These blackout Roman shades are available in an extensive range of colors. They can offer up to 99 percent blackout light filtering with darker colors and down to around 85 percent blackout for the lighter color options.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Lift type: Manual ties
- Sample swatches? No
Pros
- Easy installation; great for multiple windows in the home
- Affordable compared to similar options
- Extensive range of colors to suit many room styles
Cons
- Fabric can look quite wrinkled; may need occasional steaming or ironing
- Manual pulling and tying can become tiresome compared to more automated options
Get the Nicetown blackout Roman shades at Amazon.
Best Luxury
Loom Decor Flat Roman Shade
This flat Roman shade from Loom Decor can add a luxurious feel to any living space. The shade offers multiple customization options to match your needs and preferences. Choose from an extensive selection of colors and patterns in an abundance of fabric choices, including classic linen, classic velvet, lush linen, dapper, metallic linen, and Sunbrella canvas. A border or tape trim is also an optional add-on for select fabric choices.
Unlined, privacy, and blackout Roman shades are available to suit different light-filtering preferences. The shades come in any length between 12 inches and 126 inches and any width between 16 inches and 108 inches. Choose either an inside-mount or outside-mount option. A silver-beaded continuous-loop cord raises and lowers the shades and features a clasp to anchor it to a window for added safety.
Product Specs
- Material: Cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, Sunbrella canvas
- Lift type: Continuous-loop cord or cordless
- Sample swatches? Yes
Pros
- Made from high-quality materials; provides excellent durability
- Sophisticated designs and patterns; great as a room upgrade project
- Various light-filtering options; suitable for all rooms in the home
Cons
- Only 1 fold style; may not be to everyone’s taste
Get the Loom Decor Roman shades at Loom Decor.
Best Woven
Windowsandgarden Cordless Woven Wood Roman Shades
These Roman shades from Windowandgarden feature woven natural materials that add a charming and inviting touch to a living space. The nine woven wood finishes include Ashbury camel, Eastfield ash, Eastfield teak, Eastfield umber, Hatteras camel, Hatteras cocoa, Sarasota camel, Sarasota cocoa, and Winthrop camel.
These cordless Roman shades are easy to raise and lower by gently pushing the shade up or pulling it down. Numerous size options for windows between 36 and 72 inches long and 29 and 72 inches wide are available. Select the correct measurement based on whether an inside or outside mount is desired; ⅜ inch will be deducted from the width for inside mounts, so choose a shade size that matches the exact dimensions of the window.
Product Specs
- Material: Wood
- Lift type: Cordless
- Sample swatches? No
Pros
- Easy installation; suitable for most window types
- Multiple colors available; easy to match existing wood decor
- Relatively affordable compared to similar options
Cons
- Limited privacy; can be peeked through when very close to the window
Get the Windowsandgarden Roman shades at Amazon.
Best Top-Down/Bottom-Up
Bali Casual Classics Roman Shades
A top-down/bottom-up lift configuration is one of the numerous options for these Roman shades from Bali. The other four lift options include a standard corded lift, a continuous-cord loop lift, a cordless lift, and a motorized lift. Select either plain or soft fold as the fold style for the shades.
These Roman shades offer a wide array of fabric options as well: four sheer fabrics, 58 light-filtering fabrics, 13 room-darkening fabrics, and seven blackout fabrics. Choose from an assortment of fabric styles, including damask and linen. Select any height between 18 inches and 96 inches and any width between 16 inches and 192 inches for a custom-tailored look for both inside and outside mounts. Numerous trim options, including 1-inch teardrop crystal beads, 7/16-inch gimp, and ½-inch round bead crystal, can also be added to the shades.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Lift type: Corded, continuous-cord loop, cordless, motorized
- Sample swatches? Yes
Pros
- A range of fold styles is available; can suit a range of tastes
- Various light-filtering options; great for bedrooms
- Decorative trim options help satisfy a range of style preferences
Cons
- Somewhat limited range of colors and patterns
Get the Bali Roman shades at The Home Depot.
Best Blackout
Blinds.com Premier Roman Shades
Add a blackout liner to the Premier Roman shade from Blinds.com to completely darken a room. Like blackout shades, these Roman shades can block out sunlight for sleeping or entertainment purposes. There are over 100 color and pattern options from which to choose to coordinate with just about any style of home decor. Numerous fabric options are also available, including 100 percent cotton, 100 percent polyester, 100 percent linen, polyester/cotton blends, polyester/viscose blends, polyester/rayon blends, polyester/linen blends, and a polyester/nylon/linen blend. These shades are available in any height between 22 inches and 120 inches and any width between 12 inches and 100 inches.
Select from corded, continuous-cord loop, cordless, and motorized-lift configurations for both inside- and outside-mount options. These blackout Roman shades also offer additional customization options for both hobbled-fold and plain-fold styles.
Product Specs
- Material: Cotton, polyester, linen, rayon, nylon
- Lift type: Corded, continuous-cord loop, cordless, motorized
- Sample swatches? Yes
Pros
- Simple installation with all parts included
- Multiple lift types as well as color and pattern options are available; highly customizable
- Ideal for bedrooms; great for room darkening and blocking out light for entertainment
Cons
- Wider shades can droop in the middle
Get the Blinds.com Premier blackout shades at Blinds.com.
Best Motorized
Levolor Roman Shades
Customize Levolor’s Roman shades by adding a motor for seamless and effortless operation. Users can raise and lower the shades using either the Levolor app on a smartphone or tablet or with the six-channel remote control (available as an add-on purchase). Two power-source options include a standard battery and a satellite battery.
These Roman shades offer two fold styles: classic fold and soft fold. In addition to the motorized-lift option, cordless and corded top-down/bottom-up lift types are also available. Select any height between 18 inches and 120 inches and any width between 20 inches and 96 inches, with additional width options for nonmotorized lift types. The shades offer both inside- and outside-mounting options. Additionally, you can choose from semi-sheer, light-filtering, and room-darkening opacity. When designing these Roman shades, the manufacturer selected fade- and fray-resistant fabrics from 18 unique fabric collections, featuring an assortment of colors, prints, and textures.
Product Specs
- Material: Cotton, polyester, linen, rayon, nylon
- Lift type: Corded, continuous-cord loop, cordless, motorized
- Sample swatches? Yes
Pros
- App-capable operation; ideal for smart homes
- Multiple power options to choose from
- Lightweight and durable construction can look great for years
Cons
- Colors online may not match actual colors
Get the Levolor Roman shades at The Home DepotorBlinds.com.
Best for Bathrooms
Arlo Blinds Thermal Room-Darkening Fabric Roman Shade
Chic, safe, and effective, the Arlo Blinds thermal Roman shades are made of thick polyester fabric to block a majority of light, lend privacy, and boost energy efficiency by keeping rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. These polyester window treatments are available in dozens of precut dimensions to fit a host of residential windows, and they operate easily with a cordless lift mechanism.
Choose from among several neutral colors (graphite, light gray, navy, and white), which work with a range of interior styles. Cleaning is a breeze with a dusting cloth or soft-brush vacuum attachment. A steamer on low heat can remove any wrinkles. Although a good choice for a variety of living and office spaces, these window treatments do not block all light so are not ideal for bedrooms that require complete darkness.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Lift type: Cordless
- Sample swatches? No
Pros
- Suits most decor styles; comes in several neutral colorways
- Great for temperature regulation; increased energy efficiency since material is thick enough to provide thermal insulation
- Simple cordless design; will not tangle or snag on children or pets
Cons
- Fabric can arrive creased and wrinkled and may require pressing before hanging
Get the Arlo Blinds Roman shades at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best for Kitchens
Pottery Barn Custom Emery Linen Cordless Roman Shade
Those who love a subtle and gorgeous Roman shade as an accent to their kitchen fixtures and appliances can rely on the Pottery Barn cordless Roman shades. Made with linen, cotton, polyester, and a cotton blend, this Roman shade comes with a patented AeroLife Cordless Lift System, which is safe for homes with children and pets for peace of mind.
This option also comes with a concealed handle, which makes it easy to lower and raise as needed and can be used as an outside or inside mount. Plus, all of the installation hardware is included with purchase. Need more? This top pick is also available in three different sizes to accommodate a variety of windows and in five neutral shades.
Product Specs
- Material: Linen, cotton, polyester, and a cotton blend
- Lift type: Cordless
- Sample swatches? No
Pros
- Suits most kitchen decors and styles; comes in several neutral colorways
- Patented cordless design; will not tangle or snag on children or pets
- Comes with a concealed handle to easily move it up and down
- Can be installed as an outside or inside mount and comes in many sizes
Cons
- Limited color options compared to some other Roman shades on the market
Get the Pottery Barn Roman shades at Pottery Barn.
Best for French Doors
Homeideas Beige French Door Curtains
Roman shades can add privacy to a workroom, bedroom, laundry room, or kitchen’s French doors. For some added privacy, rely on the Homeideas beige French door Roman shades. This option includes a blackout Roman polyester shade and adhesive strip for easy installation. The triple-weaved fabric is made to be wrinkle-resistant, thick, and soft to add a cozy touch as well as room darkening and ultraviolet (UV) protection. Plus, the Roman shades are machine washable on the cold setting. Finally, these sleek and versatile Roman shades are made in multiple colors and sizes, but be advised that only one panel is sold per purchase.
Product Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Lift type: Manual
- Sample swatches? No
Pros
- Perfect size and installation type for many door varieties; does not require tools to set up
- Made with blackout, triple-weave polyester for UV protection and privacy
- Machine-washable fabric for easy maintenance
- Comes in multiple colors and sizes to suit users’ preferences
Cons
- Does not come with an integrated pull system; must be manually lifted and secured
Get the Homeideas Roman shades at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Roman Shades
Roman shades are available in numerous colors, fabrics, and styles. They also feature different lift mechanisms and offer a variety of mounting options. Understanding all of these features will help guide shoppers as they search for the best Roman shades, regardless of their budget.
Purpose
As with other types of window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, and cellular shades, Roman shades serve different purposes, depending on the type.
- Standard white-light shades, often referred to as light filtering, provide privacy while still allowing plenty of light into a space.
- Thermal sateen white-light shades are designed to create additional insulation for a window by preventing cool or warm air from escaping or seeping in. They will also still allow light to filter into the space.
- Room-darkening Roman shades, as the name suggests, will decrease the amount of sunlight that is able to enter a room. They are generally made from thicker or heavier fabric and may also have an additional layer of fabric lining.
- Blackout-filtering shades are designed with a thick liner that allows them to completely block sunlight from entering a room.
Fabric
Shoppers considering Roman shades will want to pay attention to the fabric for each option. In addition to the design on the fabric, consider the texture, as it can also greatly impact the overall appearance of the Roman shade and how it will look in a space. In general, both lighter- and heavier-weight fabrics are suitable to use for Roman shades, but rigid fabrics are not ideal since they won’t fold neatly.
Fold Style
Roman shades also offer a variety of fold styles:
- Flat-fold shades have no seams, so patterns on the fabric are not interrupted. They have a very slim profile, making them an ideal choice for shallow windows or French doors. After raising this type of Roman shade, the folds may need to be adjusted a bit.
- Plain-fold shades, also called knife-pleat-fold or classic-fold shades, have horizontal seams going across the shade every few inches. While these seams may not be optimal for patterned fabrics, they can help make solid fabrics more visually appealing. They also have a slim profile. The folds stay even when raising the shade, so no adjustment is necessary.
- Soft-fold shades, often referred to as hobbled-fold shades, feature rolls of fabric that cascade down the shade to add depth and give it a more decorative look when lowered. The additional fabric used to create these shades can increase their room-darkening abilities. However, they are bulkier from the side view and are not a logical choice for shallow windows.
- Relaxed-fold shades are also called European fold shades. Unlike the other types of Roman shades, these shades have a curved bottom. They are ideal for windows where the shade will be left at least partially raised; when the shades are completely lowered, it can make the base of the window frame look a bit sloppy. After raising or lowering these shades, the folds will typically require an adjustment.
- Front-slat-fold shades feature horizontal tucks along the front that resemble slats. These tucks can add some dimension to the shade, especially with solid-color Roman shades. When the shade is raised, the slats fold over one another.
Colors and Patterns
With the customization options offered by many manufacturers, the color and pattern choices for Roman shades are very extensive. When choosing between the numerous colors and patterns, shoppers will want to look for options that coordinate with their living space. They might also consider if they want other window treatments, such as curtains or valances. If so, they may want to determine whether they’d like the Roman shades to complement or offer a contrast to the other window treatments in the room.
Lift Type
Roman shades feature different operation—or lift—types as well. One lift type is a cord lock. With a cord lock, you can raise a Roman shade by pulling on the cord. Once the shade is at the desired height, pulling the cord to the right side locks the cord. Pulling the cord to the left releases the lock and makes it possible to lower the shade. This type of lift mechanism is not recommended for homes with small children or pets, as the loose hanging cords can pose a strangulation risk.
A continuous-loop lift features a circular beaded chain that you can pull in one direction to raise a Roman shade and in the opposite direction to lower it. Continuous loops are easier to operate than cord locks and remove the potential risk of strangulation for young children or pets since there are no loose, hanging cords.
As the name implies, cordless Roman shades operate without any cords or wires. Users can manually raise or lower the shades by gently pushing them up or pulling them down. They are very simple to operate. Motorized Roman shades are the easiest type to raise and lower. These shades are connected to a motor and operate via remote control or a smartphone app.
Mounting
Shoppers will want to determine whether they’d prefer their Roman shades to have an outside or inside mount. With an inside mount, the shades are placed inside the window frame. For an outside mount, they are placed outside of the window frame on the wall. Outside mounts are sometimes required if the window frame is too narrow; otherwise, the ideal choice is likely the one that is more visually appealing to the buyer.
Window Dimensions
Once shoppers have decided on an inside mount or an outside mount, they’ll want to measure the window to determine the appropriately sized Roman shade prior to purchase. For an inside mount, measure the length and width of the inside of the window to the nearest ⅛ inch. To ensure a precise measurement, take three measurements for length and three measurements for width, and use the smallest of the three measurements.
For an outside mount, measure the width of the area around the window that the shade will cover. In general, it is recommended to add about 1½ inches on either side of the window for a total of an additional 3 inches. This will help prevent too much light from coming into the room from around the sides of the Roman shade.
Next, measure the length of the window and any additional space that will need to be covered by the shade. Finally, measure the depth of the window. As mentioned above, some fold styles are thicker than others; keep this in mind when selecting Roman shades for the correct window size.
FAQs
While we’ve shared a lot of information about selecting the best Roman shades for every budget in this guide, you may still have a few unanswered questions. Use the FAQs below as a resource to learn more about selecting and using your new Roman shades.
Q. What’s the difference between Roman shades and curtains?
While both Roman shades and curtains are made from fabric, Roman shades can be raised or lowered to provide privacy or let light into a space. Curtains, on the other hand, are hung from a rod above the window; they open and close by moving side to side to create a private space, darken a room, or allow more light inside.
Q. How do I choose a Roman shade color?
To choose the right Roman shade color for your living space, start by thinking about the other colors in the room, such as the furniture, carpets, valances, and artwork. Select a shade color that will complement these other colors, or choose a contrasting color for a pop of unexpected excitement.
Q. Where do you mount Roman shades?
In most cases, Roman shades offer both inside- and outside-mount options. Consider the depth of your window as well as your personal preferences to choose the right mount option for your space.
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