Roman Window Shades

If you would like window shades but feel that drapes are better suited to the design of your room, consider roman window shades. Roman window shades look like drapery and are often chosen by people that want that look.

Roman window shades have interior and exterior layers that are composed of drapery materials, such as linen, silk, polyester blends or cotton. Roman window shades have a middle layer that is made of mylar or a similar material with blackout abilities. Flat panel roman window shades are particularly popular because they have a tailored look. Flat panel roman window shades also hang smoothly when lowered.

Aside from the common options of color and fabric, there are a number of options on how to have your roman window shades structured. The typical window shade comes structured so that you draw the shade from the top down to the bottom to close it. If you do not want to completely close your roman window shade and want some light to come through, you would draw your shade down part way or half way. Alternatively, consider buying roman window shades that close from the bottom up to the top.

Which of these options you choose depends on how you like to use your roman window shade. If your window is on an upper level floor, you might be better off with a roman window shade that closes from the bottom up to the top. If you draw these roman window shades half-way you would have privacy but still be able to let light into your home or to be able to step up to your window and enjoy the view.

If your window is on the ground floor, you might prefer to have a roman window shade that draws from the top down. Then you can draw the shade down partially to block the sun but still allow light to come through the bottom half of your shade. Some upper level rooms are also suited for this configuration because of how the sun hits your window and the times of day you are typically in the room. Also keep in mind that some roman window shades are configured so that you can either roll them bottom to top or top to bottom. That would give you the greatest flexibility.

Another variable is the kind of control system you want for your roman window shade. The traditional control mechanism is a cord that you can use to lower or raise your shade. Cords, however, can be attractive nuisances for children or pets. Children or pets can get tangled up in cords and suffer serious injury. At a minimum, they can habitually pull your shades out of place. There are roman window shades available that have a continuous looping cord. These cords are designed to stay the same length whether the shade is open or has been drawn. Therefore, they are not dangling within reach of children or pets. There are also roman window shades that are cordless. Also, if it suits your preference, you can purchase roman window shades that are opened and closed by remote control.

Roman window shades afford you the style and elegance of drapes with the functionality of window shades. If you are in the market for new energy efficient window coverings, give them a try.