Key takeaways
- Measure carefully: Use a steel tape, measure to the nearest eighth of an inch where the maker asks, and record the smallest width for inside mounts. Follow the maker’s rules on deductions.
- Mounting depth: Check the minimum depth listed for each product. Shades with lining and headrails need more depth than thin fabric shades.
- Wall anchors: Use anchors suitable for drywall or plaster if you cannot reach a stud. A wide shade is heavier than it looks, especially with lining.
- Cleaning: Dust regularly with a vacuum brush or soft duster. Spot clean as the maker instructs; many Roman shades cannot be machine washed, and water can distort lining.
- Steam and sun: Kitchens and bathrooms add moisture and grease. Choose fabrics rated by the maker for humid areas, and rotate or adjust shades in strong sun to slow fading.
- Safety: Keep any remaining cords out of reach of children and pets, and follow the warning labels and manual for each product. If you are unsure about a motor or power connection, ask a qualified installer or electrician.
The best Roman shade for most homes is a cordless, custom-sized fabric shade from a made-to-measure brand such as Hunter Douglas, Blinds.com or Lutron, while budget buyers do well with ready-made cordless shades from Levolor, Bali or Home Decorators Collection, and anyone with hard-to-reach windows should look at motorized Lutron Serena shades. Your choice mostly turns on light control, fabric, whether the shade is lined, and above all child and pet safety.
Our top picks
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Roman Shade Options at a Glance
| Type | Best for | Key features | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lutron Serena motorized Roman shades | Tall, wide or hard-to-reach windows, smart homes | Battery-powered motor, remote and app control, custom fabrics as listed by the maker | Premium tier; needs batteries or power setup |
| Hunter Douglas Design Studio Roman shades | Design-focused rooms, designer fabrics | Made-to-measure, cordless and motorized options, professional measuring and installation through dealers | Premium tier; dealer purchase |
| Blinds.com custom Roman shades | Custom size and fabric without a showroom | Online made-to-order with many fabrics and lining choices | Mid-range to premium; lead time for custom orders |
| Levolor cordless Roman shades | Standard windows, mid-range budget | Cordless lift options, light-filtering and blackout choices | Fewer custom sizes |
| Bali and Home Decorators Collection Roman shades | Renters and budget upgrades | Stock sizes, simple installation | Limited fabric and size choices |
| Flat-fold or hobbled Roman shades with blackout lining | Bedrooms and nurseries | Lining layer blocks most light | Heavier, bulkier when raised |
Product details here follow what makers describe on their own pages and what independent reviewers commonly report; fabric lines and sizes change often, so use the maker’s current catalog for exact options.
How to Choose Roman Shades
Light control
Roman shades come in three broad light levels. Light-filtering fabrics let daylight through and soften glare while keeping privacy during the day. Room-darkening shades use thicker fabric or a lining to block most light. Blackout-lined shades block the most light but can still show thin light gaps at the edges, especially in an inside mount. Bedrooms and media rooms usually want lining, while living areas often suit light-filtering.
Fabric and style
Flat-fold shades hang smooth when lowered and stack neatly in horizontal folds. Hobbled (also called relaxed or cascade) shades keep soft overlapping folds even when lowered, a more traditional look. Natural woven shades made from bamboo or grasses give a textured, organic look but are more translucent and often cannot be lined as easily. Cotton, linen blends and polyester are the most common choices; synthetic blends tend to resist fading and wrinkles better.
Cordless, motorized or corded
Cord safety is the most important decision. Regulators and safety groups recommend cordless products in homes with young children and pets, and Roman shades are among the styles where exposed lift cords are a known concern. Cordless lift systems, where you raise or lower the shade by hand, remove the hazard. Motorized shades also eliminate cords and are useful for tall windows. If you buy corded shades, follow the maker’s instructions for cord cleats and tension devices and keep furniture and cribs away from the window.
Inside or outside mount
An inside mount sits within the window frame and looks tidy, but the frame must be deep enough and square. An outside mount covers the frame and is better for blocking light and for windows with shallow depth. Always measure width in three places and height in three places, and follow the maker’s instructions on which measurement to give them.
Lining and insulation
Lined shades add a layer that may slightly improve comfort near drafty windows. Makers sometimes advertise energy-related benefits, but treat these as light claims and compare real-world reports. Thermal or insulating lining may be offered as an option.
Budget tiers
Budget tier: Stock-size shades from big-box lines such as Bali or Home Decorators Collection. They suit standard window sizes and rentals but offer fewer fabrics and lining choices.
Mid-range tier: Cordless shades from Levolor or custom shades from Blinds.com. They let you choose precise sizes, fabrics and lining.
Premium tier: Hunter Douglas Design Studio and Lutron Serena. They offer designer fabrics, motorization, app integration and professional measuring.
Our Picks by Situation
Best overall custom option: Blinds.com or Hunter Douglas
Made-to-measure shades solve the biggest complaint reviewers raise about ready-made products, which is fit. Hunter Douglas works through dealers who measure and install; Blinds.com is an online alternative with DIY measuring guides. Both offer cordless lifts and lining choices.
Best smart option: Lutron Serena
Lutron describes its Serena shades as battery-powered and controllable by remote, app and compatible smart-home systems, with schedules and scenes. They make sense for tall windows or for anyone who wants shades to open at the same time each day. Battery life and exact compatibility depend on the model and your smart-home platform, so review the maker’s documentation.
Best mid-range ready-made: Levolor cordless Roman shades
Levolor offers cordless lifts in a range of light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics in standard sizes. They suit regular-sized windows if you want something safe and simple without waiting for a custom order.
Best budget: Bali or Home Decorators Collection
These stock shades are widely stocked, easy to install and fine for guest rooms and rentals. Expect fewer lining options and size ranges.
Best for bedrooms: blackout-lined hobbled or flat-fold shade
A lined shade combined with an outside mount blocks the most light. Add side channels or a layered curtain if edge light bothers you.
Pick X If …
| Pick this | If you … |
|---|---|
| Lutron Serena | have tall or wide windows and want remote or app control |
| Hunter Douglas Design Studio | want designer fabrics and professional measuring |
| Blinds.com custom | need exact sizes without a showroom visit |
| Levolor cordless | want a child-safe lift in a standard size at mid-range cost |
| Bali or Home Decorators Collection | are renting or decorating on a tight budget |
| Blackout-lined hobbled shade | need a dark bedroom or nursery |
| Natural woven shade | want texture and are fine with softer light control |
Measuring, Installation and Care
- Measure carefully: Use a steel tape, measure to the nearest eighth of an inch where the maker asks, and record the smallest width for inside mounts. Follow the maker’s rules on deductions.
- Mounting depth: Check the minimum depth listed for each product. Shades with lining and headrails need more depth than thin fabric shades.
- Wall anchors: Use anchors suitable for drywall or plaster if you cannot reach a stud. A wide shade is heavier than it looks, especially with lining.
- Cleaning: Dust regularly with a vacuum brush or soft duster. Spot clean as the maker instructs; many Roman shades cannot be machine washed, and water can distort lining.
- Steam and sun: Kitchens and bathrooms add moisture and grease. Choose fabrics rated by the maker for humid areas, and rotate or adjust shades in strong sun to slow fading.
- Safety: Keep any remaining cords out of reach of children and pets, and follow the warning labels and manual for each product. If you are unsure about a motor or power connection, ask a qualified installer or electrician.
Alternatives to Consider
- Roller shades: Simpler, flatter and easier to clean, and cordless versions are common. They lack the folds and softness of Roman shades.
- Cellular (honeycomb) shades: Marketed for insulation and light control, with cordless and motorized options from Hunter Douglas (Duette) and others.
- Woven wood shades: A natural look with strong texture; usually more translucent unless lined.
- Curtains or drapery panels: Good for large windows and easy to wash, but need a rod and take up wall space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Roman shades safe for homes with young children?
Cordless or motorized Roman shades are the safer choice because they remove exposed cords that can create a strangulation hazard. If you have corded shades, follow the maker’s safety instructions, use cord cleats and tension devices, and keep furniture away from the window. Safety groups recommend cordless products wherever young children live or visit.
Can Roman shades block all light?
Blackout-lined shades block most light, but small gaps at the sides and top can still let light in. An outside mount that overlaps the window frame reduces this. For total darkness, pair shades with side channels or layered curtains.
Should I choose inside or outside mount?
Inside mount looks cleaner and keeps the casing visible, but needs enough depth and a square frame. Outside mount hides uneven frames and blocks more light. Follow the maker’s measuring guide for whichever you choose.
How do I clean Roman shades?
Regular dusting with a soft brush or vacuum attachment is the safest routine. For spots, follow the maker’s cleaning instructions, since many lined shades should not be soaked or machine washed. Professional cleaning is sometimes recommended for delicate fabrics.
Are motorized Roman shades worth it?
They are most useful for tall or hard-to-reach windows and for people who want scheduled opening and closing. Motors need batteries or a power source and add cost, so they are a premium-tier choice. For regular windows, a cordless manual lift often does the job.
What fabric is best for kitchens and bathrooms?
Choose fabrics the maker lists as suitable for humid or splash-prone areas, often polyester blends or vinyl-backed options. Natural fibers and lined cotton may stain or sag in steamy rooms. Place shades away from direct splashes and keep the room ventilated.
