Roller Shades vs. Roman Shades: A Buyer's Guide

If you plan to install shades indoors, consider the type of look you would prefer. ​Roller shades give a clean and minimal look. They can blend with all kinds of interior decor. If you are thinking what are roller shades, remember they can be rolled up easily to view outside.

If you want to have a premium look, go for roman shades. They fold elegantly when raised and the neat folds give a sophisticated look.

However, several folds of roman shades can appear too bulky. This can decrease the elegance and obstruct the view from a small window.

There are several options for your patio and backyard as well. Consider UV-resistant roller shades to block sunlight. You may prefer the breeze to flow in while blocking the sunlight. In such a case, a reed roman shade could be a great choice for you.

Consider the amount of light you want to filter through the shades. Consider sheer roller shades to achieve maximum brightness. They are best suited for rooms that require lesser privacy, like the kitchen and living room.

For bedrooms, opt for blackout or room-darkening roman shades. Blackout roman shades block the unwanted light, ensuring that you get a distraction-free sleep.

Room-darkening roman shades ​allow very little light inside. They don’t block natural light completely. They also have a fabric lining at the back, which provides insulation and gives a sleek look from the outside.

It can be a little challenging to achieve the desired level of natural light using roman shades. They can either be fully raised or completely lowered.

If you want natural light in, you will have to open them completely. This might be uncomfortable for some.

On the other hand, roller shades can be easily adjusted to the desired level. They allow you to change the shade whenever you want.

Roller shades are generally more affordable than roman shades. They are a budget-friendly option for homeowners. If you have a bigger budget, it's best to give your home a premium look with roman shades.

Roman shades are quite energy-efficient. They can reduce the impact of direct sunlight, thus offering relief during summer.

If you want to improve the insulation in your room, go for roman shades. They can help maintain the room temperature and reduce utility bills.

Both the roller and roman shades can be mounted in two ways- inside and outside mount. An inside mount shade fits neatly within the window frame. Go for these if you prefer a minimal look.

Outside mount shades are well-suited for narrow windows. They extend a little beyond the window frame and make it look a little larger.

There are a range of options available to lift both types of shades. You can select from any of the following for both roller and roman shades:

• Corded lift: If you prefer a classic look, select shades that can be lifted with a cord loop. ​For child safety, choose shades with cordless lifts or inaccessible cords.
• Motorized tethered wand: This is a modern version of the loop and is usually included with roller shades. It has buttons for adjusting the shades.
• Cordless lift: It is one of the best options for those who prefer a minimal look. The shades close when you gently push the handle on the rail.
• Motorized shades: You can adjust the shades using an app on your mobile phone or other smart assistance gadgets. You can also schedule the time to open and close them automatically.

Roller shades provide a modern look with simple functionality. Roman shades can improve elegance and add a touch of sophistication to your room. Evaluate the above-mentioned factors to select the one that meets your needs and enhances your home decor.