Roman or Roller Shades?
Whether you're decorating a new home or just refurbishing your current residence, I’m sure you’ve come across Roman and Roller Shades. And you might be uncertain which is which. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing whether to use Roman Shades or Roller Shades in a room. There is no right or wrong but one may be better for you.
The main difference between the two is in the mechanisms. Roller Shades, as their name indicates, roll up the rod; Roman Shades fold up. With that in mind, what does this mean for your choice:
STYLE
Roller Shades are considered more modern, because of their sleek lines. They roll up to “disappear” if you want full views of your windows. They are best when looking to maintain the most natural light when down as they are a single layer of material.
Roman Shades are more traditional. They are made of a face fabric and liner. Their style has remained unchanged for a very long time and they give a timeless look to your interiors (Read our article on Roman Shades here). When roman shades are raised all the way, they will typically take up the top 10” for a cord control, 12” for cordless, and 16” for motorized.
NATURAL LIGHT
Because Roman Shades fold up, they tend to cover a portion of the window unless you have them outside the recess and high above the window. This means they tend to block some of the light coming in. An advantage of Roller Shades is that they roll all the way up, meaning they allow more light to come in.
DECORATION
Roman Shades can bring on the drama darling! If you don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows, or simply have a radiator in the way, Roman Shades are a great alternative to full on drapery. Because they create a “top treatment” when raised, and can adjust your stopping poignant to leave the roman ½ way in the window or the top ⅓. Romans are a great way to bring a focal point in the room.
USE CASES
Roller Shades come in various different materials: cotton, linen, polyester, you name it. Because of the diversity of the materials, you can choose the one that is more fit to your use case. You can choose a water resistant material for a damp area for example, making them ideal for rooms like a bathroom or washroom: they offer both privacy and impermeability.
Roman Shades come in various rich fabrics. If your room is droughty or cold and needs insulation, then Roman shades are a great option.
In conclusion, Roller shades are a popular choice for a modern and minimalist look. But if you want to create a softer look, then the Roman Shades will do just that!
As seen above, space, design and setting should also be considered before investing in any kinds of window treatments. If you are still unsure about your choice, we’re here to assist you! Feel free to drop us a line and our experts will give you their professional opinion for the best fit for your home.