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Which Roman Shades Are Right for You?

When it comes to designing your home’s interior, the little touches often matter more than you realize. Roman window shades are an effective way to add both beauty and functionality to any room.

These classic shades are an elegant alternative to blinds. They’re customizable, space-efficient, and attractive, with their neat, clean lines integrating seamlessly into nearly any aesthetic. Which type is right for you?

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades are essentially a combination of curtains and blinds. Like curtains, they can be made with any fabric you choose. Like blinds, they can be raised or lowered with a cord system.

These window treatments have a rich history. They were inspired by the velarium, a massive retractable awning used by the ancient Romans to shield Colosseum spectators from the sun. The velarium was controlled by a system of ropes and pulleys, a much more complicated version of the controls used in today’s Roman shades.

Roman shades for windows give you the opportunity to incorporate a specific fabric or pattern into your living space. They also have a neater appearance than that of curtains. While many retailers offer already-made options, custom Roman shades are a great — and surprisingly affordable — way to give your interior a facelift.

The material you choose isn’t the only option you have for customization, either. There are three main types of fabric Roman shades: flat, hobbled, and waterfall.

Flat Roman Shades

Flat Roman shades are a good choice for anyone looking for a clean, modern aesthetic. When extended, a flat Roman shade looks like a smooth piece of fabric. When it’s raised, it folds like an accordion.

Flat Roman shades have an understated elegance about them. They’re a good choice if you want a window treatment that’s beautiful without drawing attention to itself.

Hobbled Roman Shades

Hobbled Roman shades have a softer appearance. As hobbled shades extend downward, soft folds in the fabric appear to cascade like a waterfall. Fittingly, they are sometimes called “waterfall shades” or even “teardrop shades.”

Even when they are raised, hobbled Roman shades retain some of the artistry that sets them apart. A few of the folds are visible in a small cascade located at the top of the window.

These shades also require more fabric and are generally more complex to make. This means they’re usually more expensive than flat shades. For people who love their signature look, they’re well worth the price.

Are Roman Shades the Right Fit for Your Home?

At The Hemming Way, we have more than 40 years of experience taking simple fabric and using it to transform lives for the better. If you’re considering adding custom Roman shades to your home or need help with any sewing needs, get in touch today.

Timeless Roman Shades

All drapery has a story, and Roman shades have one of the richest stories of all. Their roots trace back to the Colosseum’s complex system of retractable shades. The modern-day Roman shades found on windows are much smaller, but the concept is the same: combining the beauty of fabric curtains with the easy functionality of blinds.
We’ll work with you to choose the fabric that best reflects the story of your home and use it to create fully customized Roman shades you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Want to Transform Your Interior?​

At The Hemming Way, we don’t think bedding and drapery should be an afterthought. Both play important roles in your home or hotel, whether complementing your existing decor or taking your aesthetic in a whole new direction.

If you are ready to transform a residential or commercial interior with custom-crafted bedding and drapes, give us a call or send us an email to schedule a free consultation.