Spotlight: Made in the Shade - Times Publishing Newspapers, Inc.

Roman Shades: From ancient utility to modern elegance

The Roman shade is a window treatment option offering light, privacy, and temperature control. As the name suggests, Roman shades hail from ancient Rome. This window dressing became especially popular during the construction of the Colosseum when Roman citizens draped cloth over their windows to prevent dust from entering their households. The draped fabric also kept out sunlight and heat, serving as a form of indoor climate control.

Where to Use Roman Shades

Roman shades are suitable for any room but are most popular in heavily trafficked spaces where you’ll want easy control over lighting and privacy. Windows in tight or awkward spaces are also great candidates for a Roman shade, as they typically don’t take up as much space as draperies.

Here’s a preview of some of the details you control for Roman shades:

Style: Favorites are flat, relaxed and seamless
Size: Length and width are needed to get the perfect fit, no matter your fabric or style.
Fabric: Choose your perfect fabric color, pattern, texture, and opacity.
Lining : Opt for unlined, privacy, or blackout lining depending on your light control and privacy requirements.
Methods of Operation: Cordless or motorized lift systems allow you to operate your shades easily.

To Valance or Not to Valance

Valance: Shades with a valance have a separate piece of fabric (the valance) that covers the lift mechanism at the top rear of the shade.

An attached valance on a Roman shade is more common with outside mount installations where the shade is fixed outside the window frame. This setup helps conceal the mounting hardware and the top of the shade for a neater appearance.
When you prefer a more traditional or formal appearance.

Waterfall (No Valance): A waterfall Roman shade features fabric that cascades smoothly down the front and offers a sleek and uncluttered look, making it ideal for showcasing beautiful fabric patterns and textures.

Waterfall shades work best when your shade is mounted inside the window frame and you want your shade to be flush with or inside the window casing.
If you favor a minimalist and modern style, you might opt for a Roman shade without a valance to maintain clean lines and simplicity.
Your shade’s fabric has a beautiful pattern or texture that you want to reveal without interruption.

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