Although window fashions can help unite your interior design schemes, these features also serve practical purposes, such as creating privacy and helping to lower electrical costs. This is especially essential in the hot summer months, when you'll likely be running air conditioning units and fans throughout the day. Window coverings, particularly roman shades, can help block out UV rays and keep your home cooler.
But what types of shades should you choose? Here at Metropolitan Window Fashions, we are committed to helping you achieve a stylish and smooth-running home. If you're wondering what roman shades are appropriate for your windows, take a look at our helpful list below. And, as always, our home design consultants are here to help you should you have any further questions.
- Austrian roman shades: These type of roman shades are traditional, grand and ideal for formal settings. They include the most amount of fabric, which also makes them a more expensive option – however you'll certainly get what you pay for. These decorative roman shades include gathered vertical and horizontal rows. They also boast scalloping along the bottom for an added touch of class.
- Balloon roman shades: Balloon roman shades add glamour to your home and are ideal for a dining room, or a similar area where you want to add a bit of drama to the aesthetic. They feature inverted box pleats at the top which open to soft scalloping at the bottom. It's important for these shades to be mounted so that they are sturdy and hung at a correct height.
- Butterfly roman shades: These types of window fashions are exactly as their name describes – they're light and airy like a butterfly, and also boast wing-like offshoots at the bottom to create a rich aesthetic. Although these shades are appropriate for nearly every room in your house, we love the idea of using them to create a spa-like master bathroom.
- Constructed flat roman shades: Flat roman shades are simple and unfussy. This design includes fabric panels which are sewn together with back bars to reinforce the fabric. They are typically durable and can even be embellished or paired with drapes if you're looking for a more decorative vibe.
- Relaxed roman shades: "The name says it all with relaxed roman shades, also known as soft or London shades: They are classy but casual unconstructed shades that gently bow when raised," writes Killy Scheer of Houzz.com. "Due to the lack of construction, relaxed romans work best with windows less than 54 inches wide. Wider shades should have two poufs."
- Unconstructed flat roman shades: This roman shade is even simpler than its constructed counterpart. For this reason, a patterned fabric works well in order to give this look a bit more style if you prefer to do so. Additionally, if you're interested in a printed fabric, this style is ideal since it doesn't have any horizontal seams of stitching that may overcomplicate or disturb the fabric. Essentially, these shades are made with a single piece of fabric that hangs over a window, without back bars or any additional panels.
For more home decorating ideas, be sure to follow our blog and book an appointment with our home design consultants. Our custom window coverings – including roman shades, curtains, drapes, shutters or blinds – may be just what your house needs to look stylish and be cost-effective this season!