Flat Panel vs. Tear Drop Roman Shades

If you are ready to invest in a window treatment that you can fall in love with, then you are ready for Roman shades. Custom made for any size window; these classic blinds look more like artistic accents, but they are actually highly functional window coverings. Roman blinds look and feel like draperies and come in a variety of rich colors and textures; some brands even come with decorative print patterns. Contemporary roman blinds have the look of fabric with the modern technology and benefits of cellular blinds, including energy saving insulation, 99% UV protection and varying degrees of light filtration from sheer to blackout.

Roman Shades generally come in two varieties: the Tear Drop style and flat panel shades. Tear Drop shades consists of four to six inch folds forming a loop pattern. When the shades are down, the loops add a dimensional, sculpted quality to any window. When the shades are up, the folds gather at the head rail. The tear drop shape is perfect if you want the classic look of traditional roman blinds. Most roman shades come with a matching fabric valance and fabric wrapped bottom rail.

Flat panel Roman blinds have more sleek and fitted look that lays flush with the window, although the blinds can be fitted outside the window frame if desired. Flat panel roman blinds are made with three vertical seams spaced evenly apart so that when the shades fold up, each horizontal panel stacks neatly behind the next one to create a seamless neatly folded look. Each panel is anywhere from 6” to 12”, depending on which style you choose. All flat panel roman blinds come with a matching valance conceals the panels and the head rail when the blinds are up. When the Roman shades are down, they hang smoothly for a contemporary look.

Both hobbled and flat panel roman shades can be fitted with upgrades such as the cordless lift system, which makes a contemporary look even more elegant and impressive. The cordless lift makes all blinds and shades safer for kids and pets. There are also top down bottom up features available for upgrade so that desired light may be let in, while still maintaining privacy. Various brands offer decorative valances, trims and even wooden cornices to enhance to the look of your blinds. Roman shades look beautiful and are built to last, so don’t keep true love waiting, order your dream shades today.