What are Roman shades?

Roman shades are made of a continuous piece of fabric, not unlike drapes, that are then attached to a headrail. Unlike drapery window treatments which attach to a rod and slide side to side, roman shade material folds neatly up to the top as you raise it, so that it is packed away to clear your view, and then can be lowered down when you want to cover your window. Their compact nature allows them to be mounted easily within the window frame or even on french doors. The fold style of the material can be customized as well, from a classic fold for a more traditional look, to a hobbled fold that is designed to accentuate the folds, or even a relaxed fold that has a curved bottom for a more casual look.

Are Roman shades better for light filtering or blocking natural light?

Roman shades come in a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, and styles, making them ideal for windows in any room. You can choose from solid fabrics that can filter the natural light, reducing glare while keeping the room bright and airy, to blackout shades that provide complete privacy and darkness - perfect for a bedroom or nursery. Sheer fabrics are also available which allow you to see through the material even when it is down. Thicker materials with liners can also turn roman shades into effective thermal blinds for temperature control. Take a look at our selection of products and order free samples to see for yourself.