What Are Roman Shades

If you want something versatile and sleek, then you’re looking for Roman shades. Roman shades are a popular window covering style that features soft drapes and crisp folds of fabric when the shade is lifted. They operate like pleated or cellular shades, using a pull cord or a continuous loop of cording to raise and lower the fabric. However, unlike cellular shades, they’re a lot less obtrusive because they lay perfectly flat against your window.

They are a classic staple in décor that have been around since the Roman times (as their name suggests!) and are known for their style and function. After all, their design has been perfected over the past thousands of years — they were used in the Roman Colosseum! So what makes them great? We at Budget Blinds of North Glendale wanted to share that with you today. 

Four Main Styles

Roman shades come in four styles, meaning they can fit almost any taste and home. 

Standard Flat Fold

This is the type we referenced earlier. The flat fold style lies completely flat when the shade is lowered. When it is raised, the fabric draws upward in a neat bunch of folds that are reminiscent of cellular shades. 

Just because they are flat, doesn’t mean they are boring! We offer numerous colors, patterns and tones so you can find the right flat fold shade for you. They don’t have to be white and boring — they can be a bold navy blue, tailored with elegant prints, or a vibrant yellow if you would like! On top of that, they pair exceptionally well with other window treatments like valances, cornices, curtains, and drapes. 

In fact, this standard type of Roman shade best complements floor-length curtains. Working together, they offer homeowners more practical light filtering and privacy options without closing the drapes. 

They also don't drown your windows in fabric and are designed to blend seamlessly in with your furniture. Therefore they are amazing for the minimalist style or for small rooms that wouldn’t benefit from clutter. 

Plain Fold/Knife Pleat 

When you think about Roman shades, this is likely the look you’re imagining. The plain fold style, also known as a knife pleat, brings more texture and body to the window covering. The fold is visible, even when the shade is completely lowered. When it’s raised, the fold becomes more pronounced. It’s also heavier and wider than the standard flat fold. 

This style adds depth to your windows. It’s not quite flat, but it’s also not as bulky as the remaining two styles of Roman shades. This style is one of the most popular ones especially when using a solid fabric. 

Along with the depth, they are more stable than flat fold styles. This is because the seam that creates the folded look also helps the shade close into neat and symmetrical folds. 

They look best when tailored nicely over long and narrow windows and doors with similar glass features. You can use them all over the house though! Our design experts will not only help you pick the right shade for you, but they’ll help you find the best windows for them as well. Schedule your free consultation with us at Budget Blinds of North Glendale to find your perfect fit today! 

Soft Fold/Hobbled Fold

The soft fold, or the hobbled fold, is a lot like plain fold designs. The main difference is that soft folds are rounded. They do still maintain a straight edge along the bottom too.

If you are going to leave your shades raised most of the time, then we suggest one of the other styles. This is because soft folds are bulky! They’re the most full looking when raised out of all of the other styles. Their volume is great when lowered, but not every homeowner likes them when they’re raised. 

You may also want to consider a subtle print or color for this style since there is a lot going on with the loops of fabric. 

European Fold/Relaxed Roman

Also called a “relaxed fold,” the European fold is what interior designers call “the soft smile.” Unlike the other shade styles, this style doesn’t have a rod sewn into the bottom. Without it, the fabric can drape in a natural soft curve that looks like a smile. 

This style is not suited for windows that you want unobstructed. European folds look best when they are half-raised. Despite that, this charming and soft look fits almost any style and is most popular in French Country, Cottage and Traditional. 

If you want Roman shades in your home, give us a call! Our design experts will hook you up with the perfectly tailored look for your home. Schedule your free consultation today!