A Softer Kind of Shade

Q: My home has a traditional feel with some contemporary pieces and I'm torn between shades and drapes. I like the soft fabric look of drapes, but I'd rather have the convenience of cord controls (and the more compact design, too). What can you suggest?

A: Roman shades are perfect for your needs! These shades mix the soft appearance and feel of fabric with the ease of shade controls. These fabric window treatments cover your window with either elegant folds of fabric or more contemporary flat panels, both of which can be raised and lowered with traditional shade cord controls or cord loops.

And, since roman shades come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures, you have a huge range of choices to match your home's unique décor. They're also available in room-darkening or light-filtering fabrics that give you even greater control over the atmosphere in your home. And, in addition to being versatile, roman shades also come in top down/bottom up styles that allow you to raise and lower your shade from either the bottom rail or the top.

With almost unlimited options in styles and function, you can't go wrong with roman shades!

Low Profile Shades for Drapes

Q: I'm not really looking to change the look of my living room, but I do need a little more control over sunlight. I currently have drapes and don't want to take them down. Is there anything I can use that would work with my existing window treatments?

A: Yes! In fact, cellular shades and roller shades work great with drapes. Both of these shade types are low-profile and, when installed alone, add elegant simplicity to any room. The unique linear design also makes them an ideal choice for pairing with existing window treatments. Their basic look and versatile function make them easy to hide behind valences, but also easy to coordinate with your décor.

When choosing between cellular and roller shades, you may want to consider function. Both come in light filtering and room darkening styles to maximize your control over incoming natural light, but cellular shades offer the benefit of insulation. By trapping cells of air between the window and your room, cellular shades help you save energy by preventing unnecessary heat loss. Roller shades, on the other hand, are very thin and take up minimal space when rolled up.

Both come in lots of colors and textures – perfect for pairing with any decorations!

Drape-Like Shades

Q: Are there any shades or blinds that have the same soft richness as drapes? I love my drapes and the look of lose fabric, but I was hoping for a convenient solution. Any ideas?

A: Check out Roman Shades! Roman shades are unique to the shade and blind world and combine the soft appeal of fabric drapes with the simplicity and function of shades. There are a few different styles, too. While most people think of lose folds of fabric, roman shades actually come in a variety of styles that range from casual and lose to streamlined and modern. If you're looking for a very lose fabric look, try out hobbled or relaxed roman shades. If you want something more sleek and tailored, look for a classic flat style.

The best thing about roman shades is that they're available in a huge range of fabrics, textures, and patterns. You can even get them in light diffusing fabrics or have them lined to have shades that really darken your room. Either way you'll end up with a soft window treatment that appeals to both aesthetics and function.