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Are Roman Shades Still in Style? Yes—Here’s Why They’re a Top Trend
Roman shades aren’t going anywhere. They’re still a go-to because they deliver a tailored look, work with almost any décor, and layer beautifully with drapery. Whether your home is modern or traditional, a Roman shade can add texture, color, and the perfect amount of softness without being overly fussy.
Quick Take: What Is a Roman Shade?
A Roman shade is a fabric window covering that raises and lowers as one smooth panel, forming neat, horizontal folds when lifted. Unlike slatted blinds, it’s a continuous piece of fabric attached to a headrail and controlled by a lift system. The best of curtains and shades combined, the style is elegant and clean.
Visual callout (parts of a Roman shade): headrail (top housing), brackets, fabric panel, optional liner (privacy/blackout), lift system (cordless, cord loop, or motor), and the fold style (flat, relaxed, soft/hobbled, or waterfall/European).
Why the Roman Shade Trend Endures
Tailored lines that suit any décor
Roman shades give you crisp, architectural lines that read “custom” without overwhelming the window. A simple linen can feel minimalist; a patterned fabric can become the room’s statement.
Fabric freedom
From airy cottons and classic linens to performance blends and woven woods/bamboo, you can dial the look from breezy to luxe in seconds. Roman shades work well with prints, stripes, solids, and textures.
Layering with drapery for a designer look
Designers often use a Roman shade inside the frame for privacy and light control; for extra height or softness, finish the look with an outside mount or a tailored valance/cornice for a clean, high-end feel.
Modern features
Today’s Romans can be cordless or fully motorized, and many offer intelligent control. Privacy and blackout liners improve light control and insulation while protecting your fabric from sun fade.
Space savers
Roman shades work well in areas with little wall space, such as tiny bedrooms, kitchens, and doors, because they are near windows. They’re also great near counters where full-length drapery won’t work.
Choose Your Roman Shade Style (and When to Use Each)
Flat Roman shade
Sleek and streamlined with the lowest “stack” (the folded height when raised). Perfect for bold prints, stripes, or any fabric you want to show off without interruption.
Relaxed Roman shade
A soft center scoop creates an easy, casual vibe. Best on wider windows (or hung in pairs) to show a graceful curve. Works beautifully in living rooms and primary bedrooms.
Hobbled/soft-fold Roman shade
Waterfall & European variants
Waterfall has a continuous front with a modern edge; European features a subtle curved hem for a tailored-but-soft finish. Both lean contemporary while keeping the Roman DNA.
Mini style matrix
Style |
Best Rooms |
Fabrics That Shine |
Pros |
Considerations |
Flat |
Kitchens, offices, kids’ rooms |
Prints, stripes, graphic patterns |
Clean, lowest stack, great pattern match |
Can show faint “rib” lines with very thin fabrics |
Relaxed |
Living rooms, primary beds |
Linen, washed cotton, soft blends |
Casual, elegant curve |
Looks best on wider spans; pair smaller windows |
Hobbled/Soft-Fold |
Dining rooms, formal spaces |
Solids, textures, velvet |
Rich dimension, hides light lines |
Slightly deeper stack when raised |
Waterfall/European |
Modern spaces, entries |
Smooth solids, fine textures |
Contemporary profile, refined finish |
Precise measuring helps keep the edge crisp |
Roman Shade vs. Other Window Treatments (Comparison)
Roman shade vs. roller shade
Rollers are ultra-minimal and often cheaper; Romans bring softness, texture, and a tailored look. Romans typically offer more fabric choice and better room character; rollers win for low profile and easy wipe-down.
Roman shade vs. drapery
Drapery is dramatic and great for widening/heightening a room visually. Romans are tidier in tight spaces and on doors. Layer them when you want both beauty (panels) and daily function (shade).
Roman shade vs. shutters/blinds
Shutters are architectural and permanent; blinds are adjustable but more utilitarian. Romans add warmth and color, with better fabric customization and softer light diffusion.
Quick comparison
Treatment |
Aesthetic |
Privacy/Blackout |
Lead Time |
Upkeep |
Roman shade |
Tailored, soft, custom |
Excellent with liners |
Moderate (custom) |
Light vacuum/spot clean |
Roller shade |
Minimal, modern |
Good; great with blackout fabric |
Fast–Moderate |
Easy wipe/occasional dust |
Drapery |
Dramatic, luxe |
Excellent with lining |
Moderate–Long |
Steam/cleaning as needed |
Shutters |
Architectural |
Very good |
Longer |
Dust/wipe |
*Ranges vary by fabric, size, and features.
Room-by-Room Guide to Roman Shades
Bedroom
Choose a blackout liner for better sleep, and go cordless or motorized for safety and convenience. If you need near-total darkness, consider an outside mount to reduce light gaps.
Living room
Layer a flat or hobbled Roman with a matching valance or cornice to add height and polish. Use textures (linen, slub weaves) for interest, and reserve big prints for flat Romans so the pattern reads cleanly.
Kitchen & bath
Opt for performance fabrics or woven woods that tolerate humidity and are easier to wipe. Keep folds simple around sinks and tubs; an outside mount can clear tile or trim.
Doors, bay & bow windows
Outside mount helps clear handles and hardware; check the projection so the shade lifts cleanly. Measure for stack clearance so the raised shade doesn’t clash with door swings or bay angles.
Maintenance & Safety
Everyday care
Lightly vacuum with a brush attachment or use a lint roller to remove dust. Spot clean promptly; always test a hidden area first and follow fabric care guidance.
Child/pet safety
Choose motorized lifts to eliminate dangling cords. If cords are present, use safety devices and always mount cleats out of reach.
Longevity tips
To improve insulation and shield face fabric from UV fading, use a liner, either blackout or privacy. Rotate shades between fully raised and lowered positions to prevent permanent fold impressions.
Experience Modern Convenience with SmartWings
Speaking of modern features, upgrading to a motorized lift system has never been easier or more integrated. SmartWings takes the timeless elegance of Roman shades and powers it with smart technology, allowing you to control light and privacy with a remote, a smartphone app. Various motors are available and can be selected based on your needs, paired with a compatible hub, and work with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit, making it easy to set schedules or control multiple shades at once.Imagine your classic linen or jacquard Roman shades lifting smoothly on schedule or with a simple command. This is the perfect way to blend the tailored, decorative look discussed here with the seamless convenience of a truly modern home.
FAQs
Which Roman shade looks most contemporary?
Flat and waterfall styles read the most modern, especially in solid or subtly textured fabrics.
Can a Roman shade be blackout?
Yes. Add a blackout liner and consider an outside mount to minimize light seepage.
Roman shade vs. roller shade—what’s better for small windows?
Both work, but Romans add softness and color without taking up wall space. Rollers win if you want the slimmest profile and easy wipe-down.
Can I motorize a Roman shade?
Absolutely. Motorization is popular and works well with smart-home systems; it's ideal for windows that are high or difficult to reach.
How much stack will a Roman shade have when raised?
If you want a window treatment that looks tailored, adds texture, and adapts to nearly any room, a Roman shade is a smart, style-proof choice. Pick the fold that fits your space, choose a fabric and liner that match your light and privacy needs, and consider cordless or motorized lifts for a cleaner, safer finish. With the right setup, a Roman shade can deliver designer polish day in, day out.
Conclusion
With so many stylish alternatives to traditional blinds, there’s no reason to settle for window treatments that don’t fit your home’s aesthetic or functionality. Whether you choose plantation shutters for a timeless look, Roman shades for elegance, or woven wood shades for a natural touch, you can find a window covering that suits your style and needs. Consider the benefits of each option and take the time to choose one that complements your space—your windows will thank you!