We’ve gotten a lot of questions about the modern roman shades we used for the Shiny, Happy Makeover. Just what are roman shades, and why are they such a versatile design choice? Here’s a little Roman 101 for you!
Roman blinds have been around – well – since the Romans! Though it may not be true that the Romans invented them, these versatile shades have definitely been around for centuries. You might think that a style that old can’t match the style of your home, but there’s a reason they’ve stuck around: they’re the chameleons of the décor world, able to match different styles and eras effortlessly. Whether your personal style leans toward the romantic, the traditional, the modern or the retro, you can find roman blinds to complement it. In addition, their design lends itself to being energy efficient, and when combined with modern technology, they’re safe for small hands as well.
Roman shades are unmatched in their simplicity. They can be as discreet as a single sheet of fabric which rolls effortlessly to drape gracefully at the top – or bottom – of your window. However, this simplicity is deceptive: don’t underestimate its potential for great style. Hunter Douglas offers over a hundred possible combinations for roman blinds, and because the fabric drapes simply, it really highlights the fabric itself – which can be off-white to let in the light, or a rich, textured burnt orange that sings alongside your collection of vintage teak furniture and late-sixties posters. Roman shades can offer subtle counterpoint to understated elegance or can be the dramatic focus of a room.
One of the modern twists on roman shades is that a little extra money spent can render them cordless, a major bonus for concerned parents or the terminally clumsy! Using LiteRise technology means your shades will rise at a touch, rather than after a struggle with the cord. Roman shades can also give you a discreet, almost unnoticeable defense against the cold and drafts. Because a second layer can be added to the back of a blind without any change in its look, you can get a honeycomb effect that keeps out the cold even on the chilliest of days, saving you money and keeping you comfortable. As well, properly fitted roman blinds stop drafts at their sources by sitting snug against the edges of your windows.
Sometimes things last because of their usefulness and beauty. Today’s roman blinds can trace their ancestry back to Roman times, but can be as modern – and as versatile – as you like. If you’re considering new window treatments, consider the treatment that can range from bashful to bold and back again, depending on how you customize it.
