Ultimate Roman Shades Buying Guide: 5 Pro Tips for Home & Office

Roman shades are a great way to make your home or office look better and work better. It's important to choose the right type of Roman shade, whether you like the natural look of linen Roman shades, the durability of cotton Roman shades, or the soft feel of velvet Roman shades. You can use blackout Roman shades for extra privacy or have Roman shades made just for you. These window treatments can be used in any room, like bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. This guide will give you the information you need to pick the right Roman shades for your windows, ones that are both stylish and useful.

Pro Tip 1: Determine Your Needs & Priorities

What Are Your Light Control and Privacy Requirements?

It's important to think about your wants and priorities before choosing Roman shades. Figuring out what you want from your window treatments will help you pick the right one. Think about how much privacy and light control you need. When privacy is important, like in bedrooms or offices, blackout Roman shades are a great choice because they block out all light and give you a lot of privacy.

How Can Insulation and Energy Efficiency Benefit You?

If saving energy is important to you, think about how Roman shades insulate. Some Roman shades, like those with thermal linings, can keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by cutting down on heat loss through the windows. This feature can help lower your energy costs and make your home more comfortable.

Are There Room-Specific Considerations?

There may be different needs for each room. For example, Roman shades for kitchens might be better if they are made of a material that is easy to clean, like Polyester, since spills and splatters are likely to happen. Roman shades for bathrooms, on the other hand, should be moisture-resistant so they can stand up to damp circumstances. Velvet Roman shades can add a touch of class to living rooms, while linen Roman shades can be used in any room for a more casual, airy look.

Do You Have Special Needs?

Don’t forget to consider any special needs that might influence your decision. If you need shades that accommodate unusual window sizes or shapes, custom Roman shades could be the solution. Additionally, if ease of use is a priority, especially in hard-to-reach areas, motorized options or DIY Roman shades might be worth exploring.

Pro Tip 2: Choose the Right Fabric

Choosing the appropriate fabric for your Roman shades is crucial, as it affects both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your window treatments.

Linen Roman shades are great if you want a natural, textured look. They give off a relaxed, airy vibe, which makes them perfect for beds or living rooms where you want to create a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. Because linen filters light, it also lets soft, diffused light into a room, making it feel cozier.

Cotton Roman shades last a long time and are easy to clean, so they are great for places with a lot of foot traffic, like kitchens and bathrooms. Because they are so versatile, they can go with a lot of different types of furniture and still look clean and crisp. Cotton is also easy to dye, so you can get a lot of different colors to fit your home's style.

Velvet Roman shades add a bit of class and luxury to any room. They look great in formal rooms like dining rooms and home offices because of their soft feel and rich colors. Along with being soft, velvet is also good at hiding light and keeping heat in. This can be especially helpful when it's cold outside.

Other materials like bamboo can offer unique benefits; they lend an eco-friendly, organic feel to your decor and are great for adding warmth and texture. Consider the weight and lining of the fabric, too. Heavier fabrics with linings are better for insulation and privacy, while lighter ones may be more suitable for decorative purposes.

Pro Tip 3: Measure Your Windows Accurately

Accurate measurements are essential to ensure that your Roman shades fit perfectly, providing optimal functionality and a polished look.

For Inside-Mount Shades

For inside-mount Roman shades, which fit within the window frame, measure the exact width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom, using the narrowest measurement. For height, measure from the top of the window opening to the sill at three points—left, center, and right—and use the shortest measurement. This ensures the shades will fit snugly without obstruction.

For Outside-Mount Shades

Outside-mount Roman shades are installed on or above the window trim, covering more area for enhanced privacy and light control. Measure the desired width beyond the window frame, typically 2-3 inches on each side, to ensure full coverage. For the height, determine how far above the window you want the shade to start and measure to the desired endpoint below the sill. Adding extra length can create a more dramatic effect when fully extended.

For Unique Window Shapes

If your windows are curved or have angled designs, you might want to get help from a professional to get accurate measures and custom Roman shades. Custom choices can work with these odd forms and keep your space's overall look consistent.

Pro Tip 4: Consider Customization Options

Because they can be customized, you can make sure that your Roman shades match your style and function, making sure that they look good and meet your needs.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Custom Roman Shades?

You can choose the size, cloth, color, and pattern of your custom Roman shades, so you can make a look that is just right for your windows and your style. This is especially helpful for windows that aren't the standard size or are in hard-to-reach places, like bay windows or frames with odd shapes.

Which Features Can Be Customized?

Several features can be customized, including:

• Fabric Selection: Choose from an extensive range of materials like linen Roman shades for a natural look, cotton Roman shades for ease of maintenance, or luxurious velvet Roman shades.
• Lining Options: Add linings for extra insulation, blackout capabilities, or light filtering, enhancing privacy and energy efficiency.
• Motorization: Integrate motorized options for convenience, especially useful for hard-to-reach windows or smart home integration.

Pro Tip 5: Roman Shades Maintenance and Care

For linen shades, dust them often and clean spots with a light cleanser. You can clean cotton shades regularly and wash them in the washing machine if the care labels say it's okay to do so. Clean velvet shades gently, and use a fabric brush. For tough spots, it's best to have them cleaned by an expert. Check the cords, pulls, and hardware on a regular basis to make sure they all work properly and avoid any operating problems. If you want to keep your shades from fading in the summer, keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. In the winter, make sure that the shades provide insulation to keep the rooms warm. These tips will help your Roman shades last longer and work better.

FAQ

What is the most popular Roman shade style?

Plain fold, also known as flat fold, is the most popular for its sleek, modern look and ability to highlight fabric patterns.

How long do Roman shades last?

Roman shades typically last 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance and care, depending on material quality and usage.

Do Roman shades make a room look smaller?

No, Roman shades offer a streamlined appearance that generally maintains or enhances spatial perception without making a room feel smaller.