There’s nothing like a roman shade in a beautiful fabric to perk up a window. They can be made so that they are functional (cover the entire window) or decorative (stay stationary with folds to look as if they are functional). You could also place a roller shade behind them for privacy and room darkening at night.
Romans can be installed within the window frame, on the window casing or above the window casing to make the window appear taller. The folds can be straight or have a slight curve (waterfall).
You can make them yourself with one of the many tutorials on the web. Canadian House and Home has this one on their site. If you aren’t a sewer, you can leave it to the professionals.
Absolutely beautiful fabric from Absolutely Beautiful Things.
The above four images are rooms designed by Meg Braff. I have included the last image as it is a traditional take on a roman – not my favourite look but it works in a room like this.
Alice Lane Home
Yes, the roman shade is pretty but I’ll take the entire kitchen please!
Above four images via TradHome. Have you checked them out yet?
Even romans made with solid fabrics can look spectacular like these airy ones in a Vicente Wolfe designed space.
If you need help with window treatments or decorating assistance, please contact me at vanessa@vanessafrancis.com.
Ann
April 19, 2011Those spaces wouldn’t be as gorgeous without those roman shades ♥
Designwali
April 19, 2011pretty, pretty & pretty.
Tammy@InStitches
April 19, 2011They sure are big now, I make a lot of them and have them in almost every room of my house. You found some pretty ones !
Lisa
April 19, 2011I love a good roman shade – clean, tailored and classy! Great images!
Maureen @ Modecor
April 19, 2011Roman shades are my favorite window treatment. I have made several, from structured to lazy. I especially like them when they are inside mount and the details of the window frame and sash etc are still visible. I really like all the ones you have highlighted, but as always am drawn to the first one….because of the colour.
Edin's House
April 19, 2011I’ve always loved the look of roman blinds!
Thanks for sharing so many lovely spaces 🙂
Victoria
christine {bijouandboheme}
April 19, 2011Ah the MC Misia totally stole my heart- love love that fabric. I love Roman’s as of late- such a clean/modern way of adding some colour/detail to a space.
*sarah berry design*
April 20, 2011Vanessa, what a brilliant post, I’ve actually bookmarked it and will refer clients to it, you’ve really captured Roman blinds comprehensively and this is so so helpful as I often find clients don’t really understand what versatile and brilliant things they are!!
Kelly @ JAX does design
April 20, 2011Great collection of romans. I prefer the simple style, but they all look wonderful. Especially the first one – I think that fabric would look great in my new green family room 🙂
barbara@hodge:podge
April 21, 2011I love roman shades. I think they are perfect! The first image is one of my favourite, the fabric it gorgeous
Wallpaper
April 22, 2011I love the neutral palette of the B&W living room.
VICTORIA
April 26, 2011I love Roman shades, there is something very simple and elegant about them. On the other hand the blinds and drapes combo looks great!
Fabulous bedroom! I love every single one!