Roman shades have a stuffy reputation. The common thinking being, why not just buy curtains? We’re going to let you in on a designer secret: sometimes, you need both. The layering of a roman shade and a curtain can give your space an instantly sophisticated, immediately more expensive look. But the window treatments serve different purposes. While drapes visually raise ceilings and provide privacy from prying neighbors, sometimes you need another layer under the curtain rod. The best Roman shades, whether you prefer pleated or draped, block light and accent the millwork adorning your window frames.
From sheer linen to budget-friendly blackouts, we’re highlighting our seven favorite Roman shades that will tie your space together because, sometimes, curtains just don’t cut it.
Our Top Picks
For Oversized Windows
In classic new build fashion, my windows are huge, a real privilege until you’re shopping for blinds. A budget-friendly bamboo shade never seemed possible. Enter: TwoPages. The Sybil bamboo roman shades have a warm tone and subtle stripe, a far cry from the orange tones of the early aughts. The shades arrived within a week of placing the order, and installation was simple enough for me to accomplish on my own in an hour (although a second set of hands is probably needed if you’re also navigating a ladder). Over the last year and a half, they’ve held up very nicely. They don’t accumulate dust, and block just enough light that I no longer feel like I’m in a fish bowl. Available in three light diffusing options—sheer, privacy, and blackout—these shades are an instant way to add depth to a space in need of character. For renters, there are even tension rods for a hardware-free experience.
Most Affordable
For a fuss-free experience and affordable price tag, look to Ikea’s Ringblomma roman blind. Available in either beige or white, these are a simple, streamlined Roman shade for those not looking to shell out hundreds of dollars for privacy. Customer reviews praise their easy installation and opaque quality—these shades lie somewhere between a privacy shade and a blackout curtain. Plus, they’re machine washable.
For a Bespoke Look
An editor-favorite for window treatments of all shapes and sizes, The Shade Store offers dozens of textile options and designer collaborations. These waterfall woven wood shades are a more substantial alternative to light-diffusing bamboo options. Contributor Lila Allen chose these because they offered an inside mount and wouldn’t cover the intricate details on her window frames. The Shade Store also offers delivery and installation, a must if you’re not the DIY type. “The entire process took less than half an hour, and, in white-glove fashion, [the installer] also took all of the packaging with him,” she says. If you prefer a motorized option to the endless loop or cordless pull, the retailer can do that, too.
A Designer Pick
Embrace the cottage aesthetic with a vintage-inspired floral linen courtesy of AD100 designer Heidi Caillier. The blackout shade offers a custom look without the price tag—choose from four standard window sizes and an indoor or outdoor mount. Adorned with a two-toned, symmetrical print, the folded Roman shade provides both privacy and that enviable, effortless appeal that only a skilled design hand can provide.
For Quick Shipping
For high-quality, ready-to-ship Roman shades, look to Pottery Barn for a handful of prints and sizes. These Riviera stripes are a distinctly coastal window treatment, but are versatile enough to work in a landlocked environment. Crafted from a linen and cotton blend, there is an additional backing for a true blackout experience. There’s even a concealed handle for a cordless lift-and-lower—great if you have curious little ones running around.
For Custom Sizing
For a truly custom experience (vetted and approved by AD100 designers like Jake Arnold), Everhem has a Roman shade shape and fabric option to suit any design style, even if you can’t name it yet. As part of his new collection for the brand, Arnold unveiled a new shape—a slightly sloping, almost smile-like pleat that’s simultaneously nonchalant and fully sophisticated. Shopping director Rachel Fletcher owns a different set of shades from the brand and can attest to their quality and seamless installation (even for someone who lacks power drill experience). “I’ve had them for over a year now and have seen them perform through several season changes, and they continue to look and work beautifully,” she says. A note, the London shades aren’t available in blackout form, but there is a privacy option that blocks peering eyes without total darkness.
Most Fabric Options
For the English cottage enthusiast, a subtle polka dot in the right hue can unify the rest of your patterns, creating a cohesive design scheme. We envision the Eloise shade as a whimsical addition to a child’s bedroom or to add privacy in a bathroom. Pepper Home knows that not everyone vibes with structured drapery, so you can choose between a tailored look or a more relaxed drape. Whether it’s a floral block print or a French ticking stripe, these sheer Roman shades are available in dozens of fabrics for a custom look.