
Roman Shades: The Easiest Way to Make a Room Feel Finished
What Are Roman Shades?
Roman shades are fabric window coverings that fold up into neat, soft pleats when raised. When lowered, they lay flat against the window, giving a clean, tailored look — without actually looking stiff. In Los Angeles homes, we love using Roman shades in spaces where people want privacy and light control, but don’t want the full volume of drapes. You’ll often see them in kitchens, bathrooms, and small bedrooms, but they can work just about anywhere.
Not sure what they look like? Check out our gallery for real-life examples from LA homes.
Why Choose Roman Shades Over Other Window Treatments?
Roman shades offer that perfect in-between. They give you the softness of fabric without the bulk of full-length drapes, and they feel warmer and more personal than blinds. For LA homeowners who want something sleek but still cozy, Roman shades hit the mark. They’re also a great choice when space is limited, no heavy stacks of fabric, no side clearance needed. They go up, they go down, and they always look put-together.
Where We Love to Use Roman Shades
We’ve added Roman shades to homes all across LA — from compact kitchens in Silver Lake to Spanish-style homes in Pasadena. They work beautifully in bathrooms and breakfast nooks where you want privacy without darkening the space too much. In kids’ rooms or guest bedrooms, they’re an easy way to keep things neat and functional. And they’re especially handy in rooms with tight furniture layouts where there’s just no room for drapes.
Types of Roman Shades
There are a few main styles, and the choice depends on the vibe you’re going for.
Flat Roman shades feel modern and simple — great for minimal interiors.
Relaxed Roman shades curve slightly at the bottom and feel soft and casual.
Cascade or hobbled styles keep gentle folds even when lowered and add a little more depth.
We help you pick based on the space, the fabric, and how formal or laid-back the room feels.
Light Control and Privacy
Roman shades offer great flexibility. You can choose light-filtering fabrics to keep rooms bright while cutting the glare, or go with blackout lining for bedrooms or media rooms. In LA, where the light can shift fast, we often suggest combining Roman shades with a second layer — like sheers or even hidden rollers — for even more control. If your window faces the street, we’ll help you choose the right opacity to keep things private without going dark.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Fabric changes everything. Linen feels casual and coastal. Cotton is crisp and versatile. We’ve used woven wood blends for texture and velvet for a more luxe feel. Lighter fabrics let in glow; heavier ones give more structure. The fabric you choose will also affect how the folds look — some drape softly, others hold their shape. We always bring samples so you can feel how they behave in your actual space and light.
Inside Mount or Outside Mount?
With Roman shades, you get to decide how they sit on the window.
Inside mount gives a clean, built-in look.
Outside mount makes windows feel larger and can block more light.
In older LA homes, where windows aren’t always level or symmetrical, outside mount is often the better choice. We always measure carefully and show you both options so you can see the difference before anything gets installed.
Blackout Roman Shades
Yes, Roman shades can be blackout — and yes, they really work. We add a special lining that blocks light without making the shade bulky. We’ve done this in primary bedrooms, nurseries, and even small home theaters. In one Santa Monica home, the client wanted the room dark for mid-day naps, and the result was perfect. Blackout Roman shades are also a great option if you don’t want traditional drapes in the bedroom.
Layering with Drapes
Love the look of both? You don’t have to choose. We often layer Roman shades with full-length drapes to get the best of both worlds. You can keep the shades down for privacy, and draw the drapes for texture or mood. It’s especially useful in larger rooms with tall ceilings — the shades keep it functional, the drapes make it feel styled. We’ve done this in homes from Brentwood to Hancock Park with beautiful results.
Motorized Roman Shades
Want convenience? Motorized Roman shades are smooth, quiet, and super easy to use. They’re great for hard-to-reach windows or just everyday ease. You can raise or lower them with a remote, phone app, or smart home system. We’ve installed motorized shades in lofts downtown and family homes in Sherman Oaks — it’s one of those upgrades people thank us for later. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Roman shades are pretty low-maintenance. Most fabrics just need a gentle vacuuming with a brush attachment now and then. If needed, spot cleaning works for small marks, and some fabrics are dry-cleanable. We’ll always guide you toward materials that match your lifestyle — no point picking a delicate silk if you’ve got a toddler and a dog. LA’s dry climate helps too — not much moisture means less mildew and fading.
Custom vs. Ready-Made
You can find Roman shades in stores, but they’re almost never the right size. With custom, everything fits exactly — the window, the lining, the fold depth, even the cords. We also help you choose the right fabric, mount, and finish so everything feels considered. In custom homes or older LA properties with unique windows, it makes a big difference. One client said, “I didn’t even realize how off the store ones looked until I saw these.”
Thinking About Roman Shades?
Roman shades can add warmth, function, and clean design to any space without overwhelming the room. If you’re not sure what style fits your home, take a look through our project gallery for ideas. You’ll see real examples from Los Angeles homes in every style and size. And when you’re ready to talk through your space, send us a message. We’re happy to help you choose something that actually works — and feels right.