Roman shades vs roller shades

Trying to choose between Roman shades and roller shades? Both are fabric window coverings that lift out of the way, and both come in manual and motorized versions. What separates them is the look, how they manage light and the rooms where each one shines.

The short version

A roller shade winds around a tube at the top of the window. Lowered, it shows a smooth, flat surface. A Roman shade folds into wide, soft pleats as you raise it. Lowered, it can also look flat, but it keeps a more woven, decorative feel.

Look and style

• Roller: clean, contemporary and discreet. It fades into the background behind furniture and curtains, and suits minimalist rooms and offices.
• Roman: warmer and more dressed up. The fabric and folds add texture, which works well in traditional or transitional decor.

Light control and privacy

The result depends more on the fabric you choose than on the shade type.

• Solar roller: cuts glare while keeping a view outside. Our solar fabrics come in several openness factors, from 0.5% to 10%.
• Blackout roller: blocks light, a good fit for bedrooms or a media room.
• Translucent roller: diffuses daylight and keeps daytime privacy.
• Roman: available with or without lining (blackout or interlining). Unlined, it softens light; lined, it blocks more sun and sightlines.

Materials and fabrics

At Stores d’Aujourd’hui, the difference also comes down to fabric:

• Roller-fabric Roman shade (see the page): made from our solar, blackout or translucent roller fabrics, in a flat style with crisp folds. This is the functional, more economical version.
• Drapery-fabric Roman shade (see the page): cotton, linen, velvet, silk and blends. More textured, in a flat or relaxed (bouffant) style, and it can be matched to curtains or valances.
• Roller shades (solar, blackout and translucent shades): roller fabric in an aluminum headrail or fascia, with bead chain, spring or motor control.

What affects the cost

Prices cannot be compared without knowing the project. These are the factors that move them:

• the fabric chosen and how complex it is to sew;
• the window dimensions;
• lining (blackout, interlining) for a Roman shade;
• the headrail or matching valance for a roller shade;
• the control: cord, bead chain, spring or motor;
• the number of shades and the installation.

As a rule, the roller-fabric Roman shade is more economical than the drapery-fabric one. For an exact figure, request a free quote.

Care and maintenance

• Roller: regular dusting and, depending on the fabric, gentle cleaning with a damp cloth is generally enough.
• Roman: gentle dusting with a soft brush or a low-suction vacuum. Cleaning decorative fabrics depends on the fibre, so check with your advisor.

Which room suits which shade?

Side-by-side comparison

Comfort and everyday use

• Operation: both types can run on a cord, a bead chain (depending on the model) or a motor. A heavier Roman shade in a thick fabric often benefits from a bead chain or motorized control.
• Stack size: a roller shade winds into a compact headrail. A raised Roman shade leaves a stack of folds at the top of the window, which takes a little more glass.
• Coordinating: a Roman shade pairs well with curtains or valances. A roller shade looks good on its own, or under drapes.
• Rows of windows: across a wall of windows, roller shades line up very cleanly, while Roman shades add rhythm and colour.

How to decide

1. What style do you want: clean or dressed up?
2. Do you need to block light completely or only filter it?
3. Is the room exposed to moisture or splashes?
4. Do you want to match the shade to curtains?
5. Have you measured your windows? See our guide on how to measure windows for blinds.

Want to see the fabrics in person? Request a free quote or visit our showroom at 865 boulevard Maloney Est, Gatineau. Our shades are made in our Gatineau workshop.