Needing to update your window treatments? Allow us to introduce Roman shades. Roman shades contain all the features you love of curtain and drapes (design, fabric, and ease in use) while also sporting a clean look that fits well in modern homes. Not to mention, they’re wonderful for privacy when the shades are drawn. If you’re wondering “what is a Roman shade?”, then keep reading to learn all you need to know about these window treatments, how they work, and their available features.

What Is a Roman Shade?

Roman shades are window coverings made out of materials such as bamboo, synthetic fabrics, wood and paper. Unlike curtains and drapes that hang off a rod, Roman shades are installed on the inside or outside of the window frame and are designed to cover the entire window when pulled all the way down.

This window covering design has been around for well over 2,000 years. Originating in Rome (hence the name), Roman shades were originally made from cotton or silk materials to block out the sun or for privacy. Though they have this long history, Roman shades are an excellent choice for modern-style homes since they are flatter than curtains and drapes, which gives them a clean and streamlined look. Some Roman shades fold up in one organized bunch, while others form singular pleats as they rise. Where curtains and drapes are pushed to the sides to allow light in or pulled together to block light, Roman shades are lifted up or down with one of two mechanisms we’ll talk about in the next section.

How Do Roman Shades Work?

Original Roman shades were meant to pull up or down with the help of a cord. While this method is still available in today’s option, modern technology has allowed for Roman shades to also work without this feature, with options even including a motorized Roman shade.

Here are the two main ways to use a Roman shade:

Cord: Roman shades that include a cord work similarly to blinds. To raise your Roman shade, simply pull down on the cord to adjust the blinds to your desired level. To lower your shade, pull the cord to the left to release the lock, then let the cord retract to allow the shades to cover the window to your desired level.

Cordless: Cordless Roman shades are a breeze to work. Instead of using a cord, you use your hands or a motorized feature! To raise your cordless Roman shade, grab the bottom and gently push it up to your desired level. To lower, grab the bottom again and pull down with the same amount of force until you reach your desired level. Some Roman shades are magnetic, with slats that attach to each other via magnets when you push the shade up. Others rely on a tension mechanism inside the top or bottom of the shades that connects to the cords built in each slat to lock or release the slats when you raise or lower the shade. For Roman shades that are motorized, use the remote control that comes in your kit to raise or lower the shade to your desired level.

Popular Roman Shade Features

Now that we’ve answered the question, “what is a Roman shade?”, it’s time to discuss their most noteworthy features.

Top-Down/Bottom-Up: Only want to cover the middle portion of your window with a Roman shade? One with a top-down/bottom-up feature allows you to do. This feature lets you raise the bottom of the shade while pushing down the top at the same time to conceal the middle area of your window.

Thermal: Insulate your home and windows with the help of thermal Roman shades. These act like normal Roman shades but insulate your windows to prevent heat loss in the winter and block extra heat from coming in during the summer months.

Blackout: Keep the sun at bay in your home with a set of blackout Roman shades. Made with blackout technology, these Roman shades prevent the sun or headlights from shining through the shade and into your room.

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Now that we’ve answered, “what is a Roman shade?”, it’s time to pick your favorite!