Custom Roman Shades

Roman shades combine the elegance of drapery with the functionality of window shades.

They form accordion-like folds when raised and lie flat when lowered. Their timeless and classic look makes them a popular choice for interior design.

We can motorize them, customize them to any window size, and craft them from the fabric of your choice, from sheer to blackout.

Roman shades in a kitchen dining area.

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades trace their origins to ancient Rome, inspired by the Roman practice of hanging a damp cloth over windows to keep out dust and heat.

These are some of the key features of modern Roman shades:

  • Fabric Material: Roman shades are fashioned from fabric like linen, cotton, silk, or synthetic blends. The choice of material affects the appearance and texture of the shade.
  • Horizontal Folds: Roman shades have accordion-like pleats or folds that create a distinctive and tailored look. When lowered, the shade lies flat to cover the window.
  • Variety of Styles: Roman shades come in various styles, including flat, hobbled (waterfall), balloon, Austrian, relaxed, London, and more. Each type has unique visual and functional characteristics.
  • Lift System: Like Venetian blinds, most Roman shades have a cord system that lets you raise or lower them. You can also opt for cordless or motorized shades.
  • Accessories: Choose from a range of accessories to add style and functionality. These include decorative trims, tiebacks, cords, and hold-downs.
Blue Roman shades raised all the way.

Our Roman Shade Gallery

Why Choose Roman Shades?

  • Customization: Roman shades can be sized to fit your windows exactly. They’re available in various colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for extensive design choices.
  • Light Control: Roman shades provide varying degrees of light control depending on the fabric and lining used. They can filter and diffuse incoming light or block it entirely.
  • Energy Efficiency: Depending on the fabric’s thickness, Roman shades can insulate, reduce drafts, and slow heat gain or loss through windows.
  • Privacy: Roman shades’ superior privacy control makes them suitable for bedrooms and other private spaces.
  • Space-Saving: Roman shades neatly stack when raised, taking up minimal space and allowing for an unobstructed view outside.
  • Easy Maintenance: Most Roman shades are easy to clean and maintain. Regular dusting or spot cleaning will keep them looking fresh.
  • Durability: High-quality Roman shades are built for the long haul, with sturdy construction and durable materials that can withstand daily use.
  • Child and Pet Safety: Cordless Roman shades or those with safety features like cord cleats reduce the risk of child or pet entanglement.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: Roman shades can complement various interior design styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Roman shades in a window with a view of the sky.

Styles of Roman Shades

Whether you lean toward bold and modern or timeless and classic, there’s a Roman shade for you. These are some of the most popular types:

Flat Roman Shades

  • Have a clean and smooth appearance when fully lowered, lying flat without visible seams or folds.
  • Create a contemporary and minimalist look, making them suitable for modern interior designs.
  • Provide effective light control and privacy.

Hobbled Roman Shades (Waterfall Roman Shades)

  • Soft, overlapping folds create a gentle, cascading effect when lowered.
  • Their relaxed, elegant appearance adds romance and sophistication to a room.
  • Work well in formal living areas and bedrooms.

Balloon Roman Shades

  • Have a series of billowing, balloon-like poufs when raised.
  • Known for their dramatic and decorative appearance.
  • Often used in formal and vintage-inspired interiors, such as Victorian or French country decor.
  • Less effective for light control and privacy due to their gathered design.

Austrian Roman Shades

  • Similar to balloon shades but with a more structured and controlled appearance.
  • Feature evenly spaced horizontal pleats that give them a neat and tailored look when raised.
  • Offer a balance between the dramatic appeal of balloon shades and the functionality of standard Roman shades.

Relaxed Roman Shades

  • Have gentle, soft curves at the bottom when lowered. They lack the rigid horizontal lines of other Roman shade styles.
  • Have a casual and laid-back appearance, making them suitable for beachy or cottage-themed decor.
  • Often made from lightweight, flowing fabrics.

London Roman Shades

  • A hybrid style combining elements of flat and hobbled Roman shades.
  • Have flat sections at the top and bottom, with cascading folds in the middle.
  • Offer a modern aesthetic, making them a popular choice for contemporary interiors.

Banded Roman Shades

  • Feature contrasting fabric bands sewn horizontally onto the shade.
  • Create a bold, graphic statement in a room, making them ideal for contemporary decor.
  • Allow for a blend of colors and textures within a single shade.
  • Provide effective light control.

Pleated Roman Shades

  • Have a series of crisp, folded lines that give them a structured and geometric appearance.
  • Work well in modern interiors due to their clean and minimalistic design.
  • Provide good light and privacy control.

Cordless Roman Shades

  • Use a spring-loaded mechanism for raising and lowering, eliminating the need for cords.
  • Offer a clean, streamlined look and increased safety, particularly in homes with children or pets.
  • Can be harder to adjust to an exact height compared to corded shades.
Stylish Roman shades in a study.

Customizing Your Roman Shades

We invite you to our Los Angeles showroom to see and test our working displays and product samples.

Count on us for an unbeatable combination of top-notch customer service, high-quality materials, expert workmanship, and attention to detail.

We’ll advise you on the best window treatments for your home or business, review the possibilities with you, and customize anything that needs customizing, including:

  • Shade size for a perfect fit
  • Fabric type, color, or pattern
  • Backing type
  • Lift system: corded, cordless, or motorized

We look forward to helping you create a beautiful, comfortable, and energy-efficient space!

Heavy, light-blocking Roman shades in a bedroom.

Accessorizing Your Roman Shades

Accessories can take your shades to another level of style and functionality. Here are some of your options:

  • Decorative trims for added texture, color, and visual interest
  • Tiebacks for holding your shades open when desired
  • Cords or pulls for manual shade adjustment
  • Hold-downs to keep Roman shades from blowing about in a drafty room
  • Valances for a decorative accent at the top of the window
  • Room darkening liners for added privacy and light control
  • Top-down/bottom-up feature for adjustable privacy
  • Traversing and motorization systems for a convenient and effortless way to adjust your shades
Raised Roman shades in a bedroom.

Installation & Follow-up: What to Expect

  • Our sales staff will make an appointment to install your window treatments.
  • We’ll install your window treatments to the highest standards and show you how to operate and maintain them.
  • We view our relationship with you as permanent. If ever you experience a problem with our products, we’ll do our utmost to repair them.
A man measuring window blinds with a tape measure.

Why Choose Aero Shade?

  • We specialize in window treatments and can deliver the best possible results for your home or office.
  • We've been in business since 1947.
  • We're family-owned and 100% committed to customer satisfaction.
  • Our window treatments for luxury homes have been featured in lifestyle and design magazines.
  • We've installed blinds and shades for USC, UCLA, the Long Beach and Los Angeles Unified School Districts, and several Fortune 500 corporations.
  • Our prices are reasonable. All estimates are free.
  • We're an authorized dealer of the high-quality Hunter Douglas and Lutron brands.
  • Our customer relationship continues after the installation. If you ever have a problem with an Aero Shade window treatment, we'll do our best to fix it.