Curtains vs Roman Shades: How to Choose?
Are you ready to dress up your windows with stunning window treatments? Then you are in the right place! The first step is to determine the look you want to achieve. Also, you have to consider factors such as cost, maintenance, installation, energy efficiency, and light control.
Now, coupled with the fact that there are dozens of options of window treatments that are available to choose from, it can quite get confusing. To help prune down the task for you, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on blinds vs. curtains. With this, you can make an informed decision on whether to go for custom drapes or roman shades.
How to Choose between Curtains and Roman Shades
First, let us establish the fact that curtains and roman shades are very popular among homeowners because the choice of fabrics is virtually unlimited. Irrespective of the style and color scheme of your home, you are sure to find something that works perfectly for you.
On the other hand, other dressings like shutters, plastic blinds, and wooden blinds, among others, have limited options.
Curtains: When to Choose Curtains
Just like roman shades, Curtains are versatile and even more. They are fabric panels often sold in pairs and come in different fabrics, patterns, colors, lengths, and widths. From the short, sheer curtains to the full pleated luxurious curtains, you are sure to find the perfect fabric for your curtains. So, what strong points are in favor of curtains?
Limitless Design Possibilities
Curtains come in a wide range of fabrics, styles, textures, patterns, colors, and transparency levels. You will find them from sheer silk to geometric-inspired curtains. The options are endless. The best part is that they work with any classic style of interior design.
Whether your room is mid-century-modern, Hollywood glam or French country styled, curtains would fit in perfectly. If you are a DIY enthusiast, then you can do a lot with curtains. You can create your design anyhow you want, from simple to sumptuously-pleated-pooling design.
Better Soundproofing and Insulation
Without a doubt, both curtains and roman shades offer general insulations and help to maintain heat. However, because they have no slats where heat can escape, curtains have been found to reduce heat loss during the colder months by about 37% compared to about 14% heat loss reduction from other shades.
It is worth mentioning that the thicker the curtains, the higher the level of insulation it offers. When it comes to sound control, both curtains and roman shades do a great job but then again, curtains with tightly woven fabrics and heavyweight do a better job. That is because they are thicker and without slats from where sound can penetrate.
Shades: When to Choose Roman Shades
Roman shades are another group of popular window treatments in modern homes. They are high on aesthetics and utility and come in a wide range of materials and fabrics. They are operated with a chain drive mechanism or traditional cord.
You have different styles to choose from, including balloon, looped, and flat. Roman shades can add a robust or soft touch to your home just as you want. So, when should you choose custom roman shades?
Modern and Elegant Style
Roman shades have their charms as window treatments. They have a unique design that makes them transform a space into a high-end, elegant room without trying too hard. With the right fabric and color that complement your space, you are sure to love the final result of your interior.
Roman shades bring a touch of regal to your room. For instance, if your home has a minimalistic design with simple but sleek furnishing, Roman shades will look great in your space.
Perfect for Tight Space
If you have a smaller space, where curtains would look too overpowering or disturb the furniture, roman shades would be a perfect choice. They can create a cozy yet airy ambiance that you can’t get with curtains.
For instance, installing curtains in a small living room or bedroom will cover the whole of the window frame and ruin the aesthetic feel of the room. It can also make the room smaller. However, one of the benefits of roman shades is that you get compact window treatments that highlight your window frames without taking too much room.
Can You Combine Both?
Of course! You can install both curtains and roman shades in your home to enhance the dynamics of different rooms. For instance, you can install curtains in areas with low moisture where you have no issues with mold. Your bedroom and living room are great places for curtains.
They offer great design options, soundproofing, and insulation. However, your master bath or kitchen where moisture is high, will benefit from roman shades. They are durable and very easy to clean. If you want, you can layer both window treatments in your bedroom or living room to create a cozy setting and improve privacy.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at curtain vs. shades and factors that should inform your choice between the two. As you can see, shades and curtains can be used independently but you can pair them for additional design, texture, and color.
