Roman shades are functional and stylish, adding that special element to the living space. When closed, these curtains blackout light completely to maintain privacy as well as offer an adequate share in the room flooded with excess sunlight. As such, they are also called blackout roman shades.
While most drapes and curtains open similarly, blackout roman shades have a unique opening. Unlike the standard room darkening curtains that bunch up right at the top, roman shades stack up or fold evenly when opened. As a result, these curtains are smoother and sleeker than other types of drapes.
Since blackout roman shades are available in a wide variety, it may be difficult to choose a particular product that meets the preferences and needs. This guide can help you to identify the important factors for choosing roman shades and highlight the selection of variety available so that you can pick the best option for your home.
Things to Consider Before Buying Roman Shades
Whether you are buying simple drapes and curtains, French door curtains, or roman shades, there is a purpose for choosing a particular variety. When it comes to complete room darkening curtains, roman shades are the best. These are available in different colors, styles, and fabrics. Roman shades also feature several lift mechanisms, offering various mounting positions. Understanding these features can help you look for the best variety of roman shades, irrespective of the budget.
Why are you buying?
As with all other window treatments like drapes and curtains, cellular shades, and blinds, blackout roman shades have a different purpose. However, it all depends on the specific type of shade you choose.
- Standard white light roman shades, also called light-filtering shades, provide the required privacy and still allows light into the space
- Thermal white light satin shades are created for additional insulation for windows to prevent warm or cool air from seeping in or escaping. They also allow light to enter your space
- Room darkening shades reduce or block sunlight completely from entering the room. These types of curtains are made from heavier or thicker fabric and may have an added fabric lining layer
- Blackout Roman shades are created with a liner to allow them to block sunlight completely from entering the room
Type of Fabric
When you choose roman shades, the fabric is the most important thing to consider. Besides the design on fabric, also consider its texture because it has a great impact on the overall appearance of Roman shade and the overall look in your space.
Generally, both heavier and lighter fabrics are suitable for roman shades, though rigid fabrics may not be the best choice since they do not fold neatly.
Style of the Fold
Blackout roman shades are also available in a wide range of folds:
- Flat Folds: These shades do not have seams. So, patterns on this fabric remain uninterrupted. They maintain a slim profile, making an optimum choice as French door curtains and for shallow windows. Once this type of shade is raised, the folds need a bit of adjustment.
- Plain Fold: Also known as a classic fold or knife pleat shades, they feature horizontal seams across the shade in a few Although the seams are not optimal for these patterned fabrics, they could make such solid fabrics visually more appealing. Most importantly, their features are very slim. The folds also remain even when raised. Thus, adjustment is not necessary.
- Soft Fold: Also called hobbled folds, these shades feature characteristic fabric rolls cascading down the shades to add more depth as well as lend a decorative appearance once lowered. The more additional fabric used for creating the shades also increases the ability to darken the room. However, these are bulkier shades, especially when you consider the side view, which makes it an illogical choice for shallow windows.
- Relaxed Fold: Also known as European fold shades, these fold shades feature curved bottom. They are the right choice for windows where shades are left partially raised. When you lower the shade, it would make the window’s base look sloppy. After lowering or raising the shades, the folds typically require adjustment.
- Front Slat Fold: These shades have horizontal tucks all along their front, resembling slats. The tucks add dimension to these roman shades, especially when you choose solid colored shades. When you raise the shades, the slats tend to fold one over the other.
Choice of Color & Patterns
With the option for customization, the choice of patterns and colors for blackout roman shades are quite extensive. When you choose between innumerable colors as well as patterns, find options coordinating with your living space. In addition, consider whether some other window treatment like drapes and curtains, or valances too. However, make sure your choice complements or offers a contrast to any other window treatment you add to the room.
Type of Lift
Roman shades have different operations, or lifts, too. For instance, a cord lock is a type of life that can raise the shade by simply pulling a cord. Once the roman shade reaches the desired length, pull the cord to your right to lock it. When you pull the cord to your left, it unlocks the shade and you can lower it. This lift mechanism, however, is not recommended for houses with pets or small children, as the hanging cords are loose and may pose strangulation risks.
A continuous shade loop features a round beaded chain. Users have to pull in a particular direction to raise the roman shade and reverse direction for lowering it. It is easier to operate continuous loops than using cord locks and remove risks of strangulation.
Cordless roman shades, on the other hand, operate without wires or cords. Users can raise and lower the roman shade manually by pushing them upwards or pulling them downwards. They are easier to operate.
Motorized shades are, of course, the easiest to use and maintain. These shades operate with a remote control or even with smartphone apps.
Final Word
Do your research before picking the right blackout roman shade for your home. Make sure you choose an appropriate color and texture to accentuate your room and change its appearance.
