What is a Roman shade?
A Roman shade is a fabric window shade that folds up into neat horizontal pleats as it is raised, and lies flat or softly folded when lowered. Unlike a roller shade it stacks at the top of the window rather than rolling, and it is usually lined for warmth, light control and a finished look from the street.
Why Roman shades suit Atlantic homes
There is a reason Roman shades show up so often in the heritage homes of Halifax's South End, Saint John's Uptown, downtown Charlottetown and downtown Fredericton. They have the softness of drapery without the bulk, and they sit comfortably within deep old window casings and against original trim.
They are also warm. A Roman shade with a thermal lining, mounted snugly, adds a real layer against a drafty old sash window.
This is the product where our workshop matters most. Roman shades are sewn, not just assembled. Every fold is measured and stitched by hand on our bench in Halifax.
Choose a fold style
- Flat (classic). Crisp, clean folds that lie flat when lowered. Shows off a patterned fabric best.
- Hobbled (waterfall). Soft, cascading folds that stay layered even when lowered. Traditional and full.
- Relaxed (European). A gentle curve at the bottom edge. Casual and soft. Best on narrower windows.
- Tailored with banding. A contrast border along the sides or bottom. Sharp in modern rooms.
Choose a lining
| Lining | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Unlined | Light and airy, fabric glows in the sun | Kitchens, where you want soft light |
| Privacy lining | Daytime and night privacy, protects the fabric from fading | Living and dining rooms |
| Thermal lining | Added insulation, helps against drafts | Older homes, north-facing rooms |
| Blackout lining | Blocks light through the fabric | Bedrooms, nurseries |
Lining also protects the face fabric from the sun, so your shade keeps its colour longer on south and west windows.
Fabrics
Linens and linen-blends, cottons, textured weaves, performance fabrics that resist stains and fading, and your own fabric (COM, customer's own material), subject to our review of weight and suitability. Designers: ask about our trade program.
Operation
- Cordless. Lift and lower from the bottom rail. Child-safe and our standard.
- Continuous loop. For larger, heavier shades. Tensioned to the wall to meet Health Canada rules.
- Motorized. Quiet and smooth, especially worthwhile on tall heritage windows.
The honest trade-offs
- Roman shades stack at the top of the window, so they cover a few centimetres of glass even when fully raised. On short windows, an outside mount above the frame lets the stack clear the glass.
- They cost more than roller and cellular shades because they are sewn.
- Natural linens soften and can move slightly with humidity. In bathrooms and damp rooms choose a performance or polyester fabric.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Roman shades and roller shades?
A Roman shade folds up into fabric pleats that stack at the top of the window, while a roller shade rolls around a tube. Roman shades look softer and more tailored, and are usually lined. Roller shades are slimmer, simpler, cost less and clear the window more completely when raised.
Are Roman shades good for bedrooms?
Yes. With a blackout lining, Roman shades darken a bedroom well and add warmth. For complete darkness, mount the shade outside the frame so it overlaps the edges, since some light can enter at the sides.
Are Roman shades energy efficient?
They can be. A Roman shade with a thermal or blackout lining, mounted snugly, adds a good layer of insulation against drafty windows. Cellular shades still insulate more, but lined Roman shades are a strong, attractive option for older homes.
Can I use my own fabric for Roman shades?
Often, yes. We review customer-supplied fabric for weight, width and suitability before accepting it. Interior designers regularly specify their own fabrics through our trade program.
How much do custom Roman shades cost?
Custom Roman shades typically cost about $400 to $1,100 per window installed, depending on size, fabric, fold style and lining. Customer-supplied fabric and motorization change the price.
How do I clean Roman shades?
Vacuum regularly on low with a brush attachment and spot-clean with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, ask us; most lined Roman shades should be professionally cleaned rather than washed.
Pairs well with: Sheer shades · Wood blinds · Trade program Read next: Window coverings for heritage homes