Decorating With a Classic Style Roman Shades
Roman shades are a classic and elegant window covering style that can be used in almost any home decor. The roman shades style simply refers to the general way in which the shade is lifted. It is a shade of fabric or other material that lifts in folds. When open, roman shades create a layered look on the window.
When hanging, they are essentially one piece, although there are a number of variations on what that one piece can look like. Because they are one piece, they are a good option for privacy and insulation. However, they can add decorative flair through fabric or material type, color, and other style variances. 
The bottom of a roman shade may be fringed or cut to a stylistic shape, have an additional drapery rod for effect, or simply be a classic straight cut.
When the shade is pulled down or lifted, these stylistic enhancements add to the overall feel of the window treatment. In addition, fabric roman shades can be solid, striped, floral, or any other designed pattern.
Sewn-in designs are also possible, and add a beautiful textured look to the shade. Differences in materials also create variety and significantly different looks. From bamboo roman shades to sheer roman shades, these window treatments can create a completely different feel from one room to another.
How roman shades are hung from the top can also create a dramatic, elegant, or simple look. Some are hung directly onto a curtain rod, while others may hang from clips or even tab tops.
Using a complimentary drapery rod to enhance the look of the shade creates a unified design that can highlight a classic or modern look, or anything in between. Because of the style's versatility, the shades can be used to compliment any design style, from Southwestern to country classic to contemporary.
Blinds
In addition to a traditional curtain-style approach to the roman shade design, additional designs also utilize the roman shade method of covering a window. Roman shades blinds are made of a variety of materials, from wood to faux wood to bamboo. These designs make use of a traditional blind approach but with the flair of a roman shade style. If you like the idea of blinds, but want a look that's slightly different from a traditional blind, roman shades blinds are worth looking into.
As with other blind styles, roman shades blinds allow light to filter through, but can be opened more fully than a traditional blind. When lowered, these blinds offer privacy, but with a different look than fabric roman shades. As with other styles of blinds, these can be used alone or in combination with window treatments such as valances or draperies. Either way, you can create a design that works well for your home and your tastes.
Types of roman shades
Double roman shades are exactly as they sound. These shades consist of two parts, a front shade, and a back shade. These shades typically use two different types of materials: One heavier and one sheer for light control and a bit of extra privacy when the main shade is open.
This type of shade has the added benefit of additional style. The combination of the front shade lifted, or partially lifted, with the inner shade showing creates a simple, elegant look. As with other roman shades, the choice of materials and textures can create widely differing looks.
Insulated roman shades are different from double roman shades. Insulated shades are one piece, but they have an insulating piece of fabric on the window-side layer of the shade. Some fabric shades include this option, as do shades made from different types of materials.
Bamboo shades, for example, look nice, but do not offer much in the way of insulation on their own. With an insulating fabric attached to the inner part of the shade, you can have the lightweight look of the shade with the insulating properties of a fabric.
The insulating fabric also blocks more light and adds some privacy. If these are important factors, consider looking into your options.
Purchasing or making roman shades
If you opt to purchase roman shades, you can find many on the market that are pre-made, cut, and ready to hang. You can also find a number of outlets where you can design your own shade, from start to finish. There are also combinations of these options, where you choose the fabrics for a pre-set size of shade.
If you choose to make your own roman blind or shade, you will need to have some basic sewing skills (for fabric shades) and some additional tools for making the lifting mechanism. Because the shades lift in sections, you will need to sew in some type of rod in various placements where the shades will fold as they are lifted. You will also need tools to make the eyelets through which cords will pass allowing you to lift the curtains.
Before you begin, you need to decide on a style and have your fabrics and materials chosen. Find a pattern for your desired style and read all the directions so you understand the process. You will also need to conduct careful measurements, allowing some excess material to account for sewing edges. This will help you make better decisions when shopping for fabrics and supplies. Making roman shades can be a fun way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your home's decor.
Incorporating design elements
Roman shades look very nice on their own, but they also lend themselves well to incorporating additional design elements. No matter what your design style, you can "dress up" a roman shade window using drapery, wall hangings, shelves, dried flowers, and a host of other options. Framing a roman shade can make it stand out even more.
For example, a double roman shade with a light, sheer fabric underneath looks great with a lightweight, sheer drapery hanging around the top and sides (or side) of the window. Adding a shelf above a window treatment with items that incorporate similar colors or textures can make the shade "pop." Alternatively, if you're decorating in a country style, for example, dried flower arrangements hung over and around your window can create a beautiful frame to show off a lovely roman shade.
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