Roman shades are a popular type of window covering that add style and functionality to any room. Unlike regular roller shades that just go up and down, Roman shades fold up into elegant folds when raised. The gathered folds create a beautiful draped effect that is decorative and luxurious. Roman shades come in a wide variety of fabrics, patterns, colors and opacities to fit any decor. But what exactly makes a Roman shade “standard”? Here’s an overview of the typical features and parts of a standard Roman shade.
Fabric
Standard Roman shades are usually made from soft, pliable fabrics that drape nicely into folds. Common fabrics include cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, suede and silk. Light filtering fabrics like cotton or linen allow some light through while still providing privacy. Opaque fabrics like velvet or suede completely block out light for maximum privacy. The fabric thickness and texture impacts how the shade hangs and folds. Lightweight, medium-weight and heavyweight fabrics produce different draped looks.
Lining
Most standard Roman shades have a lining on the backside of the main fabric for insulation and light-blocking. A common lining material is white acrylic, which helps reflect sunlight to brighten a room. Other popular lining options are blackout lining to fully block light and thermal lining for added insulation. No lining results in a more relaxed, casual style. Lined shades provide a more polished, finished look. The lining also hides the operating cords and mechanics on the backside of the shade.
Cord Loop Size
Cord loops along the back top edge of the shade provide a means to pull the shade up into soft folds. Standard cord loops are usually 1.5 inches to 3 inches in size. Smaller cord loops under 1.5 inches gather the fabric into many narrow, tight folds. Larger loops over 3 inches create wide billowy folds. The cord loop size impacts the look, overlap and stacking of the folds. The optimal loop size depends on the fabric weight and desired folded effect.
Cord Type
Most standard Roman shades have beaded chord operating cords. Plastic or wooden beads are strung along the cords to provide an easy grip and elegant look. Alternatively, some shades have plain flat cords without beads. More casual fabrics like cotton or linen often use plain flat cords to match the relaxed style. Velvet, silk and other dressier fabrics tend to use beaded cords for aesthetics. The cords allow the shade to be smoothly raised, lowered and set to any position
Top Treatment
The part of the shade above the gathered folds, called the top treatment, can be customized. A standard Roman shade usually has a plain top treatment. That means the extra fabric just hangs straight without adornment when raised. For a more decorative look, the top treatment can be configured with contrasting fabric that forms scalloped or pointed edges when lifted. A valance can also be added to the top section for additional style.
Bottom Hem
The bottom edge of a standard Roman shade has a straight hem. No adornments or treatments are added to the bottom hem. The shade simply hangs straight from the bottom rod or rings. To get a more tailored look, the bottom hem can be upgraded to have contrasting banding, trim, a scalloped edge or decorative tassels. But a plain straight hem is most common for a basic Roman shade.
Length
Standard Roman shades are usually a single full-length panel from top to bottom. The length ranges from just below the window sill all the way to the floor. Floor length shades provide the most decorative impact. But sill length and other partial lengths work well for covering the lower portion of windows. Having a single full panel allows the shades to stack evenly when lifted. Separate upper and lower panels can also be used but are less common.
Mounting Options
Standard Roman shades mount inside the window frame by attaching to the top. Common mounting options include:
- Door or window – Attached directly to the door or window molding
- Wall – Mounted on the wall above the window
- Ceiling – Attached to the ceiling with cables
- Recess – Installed inside the window opening
Door or window mounting is the most popular for a clean built-in look. Wall, ceiling and recess mounting work well for some situations too. Roman shades can be made in custom sizes to fit any window space.
Operating Mechanism
Standard Roman shades raise and lower smoothly using cord lift operation. Pulling on the cord loops lifts the shade into stacked folds. Pulling the opposite side’s cords steadily lowers the shade. Springs or counterweights are not typically needed for standard Roman shades. Cordless lift operation using wands or buttons are options too but less common.
Variation Features
Standard Roman shades have a simple, straightforward design. But many variations and upgrades are available to make them more decorative and functional:
- Contrasting fabric colors
- Trim, tassels or embellishments
- Patterned, textured or embossed fabrics
- Top treatments like tiers, scallops or points
- Contouring for arched or curved windows
- Banding or stripes
- Layered or doubled fabrics
- Cordless lift operation
- Motorized remote control
- Blackout, noise reducing or thermal fabrics
- Hidden tab connectors for wide windows
So in summary, a standard Roman shade typically consists of a full-length soft fabric panel with cord loops for lift operation. It has a simple flat hem and plain top treatment and mounts inside the window frame. Lining, beaded cording, and fabric choice allow customization for both form and function.
Benefits of Standard Roman Shades
There are many benefits that make standard Roman shades a popular choice:
- Stylish look – The gathered folds and draped fabric create an elegant, tailored appearance.
- Light control – Fabrics range from translucent to blackout for controlling just how much light filters in.
- Privacy – Opaque fabrics and linings fully block outside views when closed.
- Easy operation – Cord lifts allow smooth raising, lowering and setting to any position.
- Softens hard window lines – The fabric contours and frames the window beautifully.
- Decor coordination – Choose from many colors/patterns to match your room’s style.
- Energy savings – Insulated linings provide an added layer of insulation to reduce heat/cold flow.
- Affordable cost – Roman shades are a budget-friendly window covering option.
- Customization – Size, fabric, cord type, etc. can be customized as needed.
- Child/pet safety – Cord connectors, ties and cleats help prevent accidental entanglement.
Standard Roman shades offer the perfect combination of beauty, functionality and affordability for nearly any home. Their classic draped style works in both traditional and modern decor.
Disadvantages of Standard Roman Shades
Although very versatile, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider with standard Roman shades:
- Not as insulating as layered window treatments like drapes over shades.
- Cords may pose safety hazard for young children and pets if not secured properly.
- Manual cord operation only unless motorized.
- Fabric may fade over time with extensive sunlight exposure.
- Can’t tilt slats like some other shades.
- Folds may bunch unevenly at times.
- Not as opaque as wood or faux wood blinds.
However, there are ways to minimize these disadvantages. Attach cord cleats, use fade resistant fabrics, supplement with curtains, or consider cordless and motorized options. Overall, standard Roman shades offer gorgeous style and versatility for most homes.
Roman Shade vs. Regular Roller Shade
What distinguishes a Roman shade from a regular roller shade? While both raise and lower from a roll at the top, there are some key differences:
| Roman Shade | Regular Roller Shade |
|---|---|
| – Fabric forms gathered folds when raised | – Fabric rolls up flat with no folds |
| – Typically uses cording to lift into folds | – Typically uses spring tension to roll up |
| – Can stop at any partially raised position | – Often has set stop positions |
| – Softest, most elegant look | – More casual, utilitarian look |
| – wider range of light filtering vs. blocking fabrics | – Often uses sheer or blackout fabrics |
| – Can be layered behind curtains | – Less often used with separate curtains |
In summary, Roman shades create a decorative, draped effect while regular roller shades provide a more basic, streamlined look. Roman shades focus more on softness and style, while roller shades prioritize function and efficiency.
Conclusion
Standard Roman shades offer a timeless, elegant way to soften and enhance any window. Their distinctive draped folds and variety of fabrics and styles make them a go-to choice for a stylish yet functional window covering. Key components like fabric, lining, cords, mounting and operation define the standard Roman shade’s classic look and performance. With proper selection of materials and options, Roman shades can complement both traditional and contemporary home decors. Their soft gathered folds gracefully frame windows with beauty and style.