Roman Shades

A window treatment that looks fresh and new, but feels as comfortable as an old classic; roman shades reflect the roots of modernism with their crisp, clean lines.   As the popularity of drapery and soft treatments continues to grow, the popularity of roman shades increases in kind. Styles and fabric vary from casual to couture, allowing these shades to function as a complete window treatment.  

Both classic and contemporary, roman shades offer a clean and sophisticated look. Roman shades are extremely versatile - they can stand alone as the only treatment on the window, or they can be used in tandem with drapery panels, cornices and valances. They use the minimum amount of fabric to cover a given window yet, they give so many different degrees of light blocking.  

A classic roman shade resembles a roller shade when lowered, yet takes on overlaying folds when raised. A "hobbled" roman shade allows you to maintain the beauty of the overlaying folds even when the shade is lowered. European-style "London-shades" have a soft, balloon-shaped bottom that creates an elegant, feminine finish.

Because roman shades can be made in your own fabric selections means that they can easily coordinate with any décor. Interest has grown in roman shades with seamless sheer styles for large windows as well as shades with blackout linings for bedrooms.  

Roman shades are ideal for children's rooms. When pulled up, they offer the softness of a valance, and when down, they can provide a room-darkening solution for napping.

New hand woven, natural shades provide texture and sun control without obscuring natural light. Made from renewable and sustainable natural materials, they are an important choice for those embracing a more eco-friendly lifestyle.    

Solar control fabrics, such as Phifers' collection of sheerweaves,   can be fabricated in much wider widths using roman shade construction as opposed to traditional roller shades that have to be seamed. This is especially important in new high-rise construction where floor to ceiling glass walls require especially over-sized shades to control heat and glare without compromising the view. However, these types of oversized shades require motorization.