With so many styles of window treatments available, once you have decided to incorporate shades in your next home update, the next step is to choose a type. Selecting from among the various options can be confusing, so let’s take a look at the difference between two popular styles: roman shades and pleated shades.
Popular among designers for their tailored look and soft folds, roman shades are a versatile choice that can easily be customized with a wide variety of fabrics, trim, and valances. The addition of details that complement other interior design choices lends sophistication and a polished look to a bedroom, living area, or kitchen. Since liners can add room darkening benefits, it is possible to select any fabric that matches your décor while having the added benefit of blocking light to the degree that is necessary in each particular space.
Raised and lowered with a pull cord, roman shades have remained popular in part because of their versatility. They even can be constructed in numerous ways, with some having a flat bottom edge and others being ballooned or looped. This allows them to blend seamlessly with more tailored looks or more feminine, softer styles. When most of the shade is pulled down and the fabric is covering the window, roman shades can lie straight and flat, but as they are raised, the fabric at the bottom gathers up in soft folds. In the past, this construction had a tendency to create a large section of fabric at the top of the window that might block light and views, but newer construction often allows for the folds to gather in a headrail, making this a more functional style to choose.
Often roman shades are confused with pleated shades, as they can have a pleated look when they are opened and folds of fabric can be seen. With pleated styles, however, the pleats can be seen even when the shade is completely closed, and they are more precise, unlike the soft folds of the roman shade.
Pleated shades offer the unique benefit of being able to open from the top down. This has a variety of applications in the home. Bathrooms with spa areas or soaking tubs may be more enjoyable if homeowners can take advantage of property views while still maintaining privacy. Exercise areas also are ideal spots for top-down/bottom-up pleated shades as they can shield someone who is working out from the view of neighbors while still allowing natural light to enter the space, giving it an energizing feel.
Another benefit of pleated shades is that they work well on doors. Whether your home has sliding doors onto a deck of patio or French doors, they won’t interfere with functional elements.
Unlike blinds, any shade that is chosen for the home will completely cover the window when drawn and expose it when open. Blind vanes can be tilted in various angles that allow for more incremental light and privacy control. In addition to selecting the style that will complement your décor, talk to your NYC window treatment installer to make sure that shades will be the most functional option for your room.
