Roman Shades For The Kitchen

Roman shades are a great way to add a simple and elegant treatment to your windows. Roman shades can be made from many materials in many different styles and work much like a blind. They site bunched up at the top of your window when not in use and then can be lowered down to cover the window when you want privacy.

Because of their ability to let full sun into the room during the day while blocking peoples view into the room at night, roman shades are a perfect window treatment for the kitchen. You can use roman shades in conjunction with drapes or curtains if you'd like but they also look great by themselves.

There are different types of roman shades, and depending on your kitchen style you might want to explore one or more of these styles of blinds.

Bamboo

Bamboo roman shades are great for a kitchen that has s tropical or plantation style. They also work well in a modern kitchen or with café style décor. Most bamboo shades are made with thin canes of bamboo that have been whittled and dried then "stitched" together to form a shade. These shades add texture to the room and can add a nice look even when they are down as the opaque nature of the shade lets subtle light through.

Fabric

Fabric roman shades can be found to go with almost every kitchen style. You can get a plain fabric, a print or even a toile roman shade for a shabby chic Paris apartment look. If you buy fabric roman shades be sure to get a pattern and color that match with your overall kitchen décor. Fabric roman shades are a single panel of material that has a string running down both sides of the length. The string is pulled and the shade is gathered up. There are different styles of "gather" or pucker you can have depending on if you want a fancy or plan look.

Insulated

Insulated roman shades can be found in many colors and styles and you may want to consider this if you live in a cold climate and have drafty windows. Insulated shades will help reduce loss of heath through the window so your kitchen can be warm and cozy even on the coldest days. This insulation also acts as a noise barrier.

Relaxed

A relaxed roman shade has less formal shape and has a swaged look at the bottom. These are great for informal, cottage country or shabby chic style kitchens. Relaxed roman shades will give you a softer look and should be used with plain and light fabrics.

Roman shades can be combined with other types of window treatments to give your kitchen a complete designer look. If you use neutral colors for your roman shades, this will allow you to change out your drapes or curtains for each season but not have to bother with getting new shades. You can also give your roman shades a finished look by adding a valance in a complimentary fabric on top. To clean your roman shades, vacuum them when they are in the "down" position. If there is soiling, you can try upholstery cleaner (but test on the fabric first).

Roman shades can be a great addition to your kitchen décor no matter what your style, you are sure to find a shade that looks great.

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How to Buy Discount Roman Shades

Roman shades adorn windows to block the sun or to give privacy. Traditional Roman shades are cut from rectangular fabric and fall straight down. When its string is pulled, the Roman shade raises in regularly spaced panels. You can also use sheer fabrics create a soothing, warm light from a bright sun.


Roman shades are one of the most inexpensive types of window treatment. This doesn't mean, however, that you can't find deals to make them even cheaper. If you are making your own shades, for example, keep on the lookout for fabric on sale. Since the Roman shade is made mostly from fabric, you can significantly cut the cost. Online fabric stores have searchable fabric clearance sections, and your local fabric store will have regular fabric sales. If you have a fabric theme or color, wait until the season ends to shop for fabric. If, for example, you want dark green Roman shades, wait until after Christmas to find cheap fabric. Also ask retailers for scraps of fabric. Roman shades do not require much fabric, and you could easily decorate a small window with a large fabric scrap.


You can also visit department stores for returned or slightly damaged Roman shades. You should save a huge percentage on cost, and you can put the shades where few people will see them, like in the basement.


You can find already-made discount Roman shades online. Some companies sell, for example, flat Roman shades that are 38 inches by 46 inches for under $80, as compared to $174 to $330 for the same brand-name shades. Some discount Roman shades are custom made for you at wholesale prices. Internet searches for discount Roman shades should provide you with an afternoon of "window shopping."

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The Benefits of Bamboo Roman Shades

Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block the sun or prying eyes of nosy neighbors. Roman shades can be purchased or made cheaply and relatively simply by the do-it-youselfer.

Traditional Roman shades are made from fabric that is pleated in regular intervals. Bamboo Roman shades, however, are a stylish alternative to fabric Roman shades. Bamboo Roman shades are perfect for rooms with Asian-inspired themes or rooms with an earthy, casual feel. Their natural feel can subtly frame your gorgeous window-view. Bamboo Roman shades can also be on glass doors that open into a sunroom, screened in porch, or deck for a natural bridge between the indoors and outdoors.

A variety of bamboo Roman shades are available. Most shades are a light wood color, but bamboo Roman shades can be found in deeper colors or patterns like tortoise shell inspired shades. The bamboo can lie flat, or be woven in a pattern. Shop around to find a shade that fits perfectly with your room.

Bamboo Roman shades are easier to clean than fabric shades. You can wipe them with a damp towel or vacuum them for a simple wash that will remove dust and dirt.

Most home improvement or department stores sell bamboo Roman shades. Be sure to measure the window or door you'd like to cover before going to the store or ordering online.

Prices of bamboo Roman shades vary by the size of the window and quality of the shade material. The most inexpensive shades for a small window tend to start around $40. The same inexpensive shade can cost over $100 for larger windows. If money is tight, consider alternating store-bought bamboo Roman shades with homemade fabric Roman shades in a room with many windows. Homemade fabric shades are cheap and easy to make and can have the same understated elegance of more expensive bamboo Roman shades.

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Different Kinds of Roman Shades and How to Make Them

Beautifying our home is a passionate thing to do because our home speaks of ourselves. We can express our personalities on how we design our home. And one of the important aspects on interior design is roman shades and window treatments. How do you design your shades to look elegant while being useful in controlling the lighting of the room?

There are several different designs in roman shades. There is a roman shade that is called the double roman shade. They have two major parts, the front of the shade and also the back part of the shade. Double shades make use of two different kinds of materials for versatility. One is sheer so that there would be easy light that could go in and the other heavier main material. This kind of shade can be great for your home decoration and interior designs. Because of the two different types of shade incorporated, you can lift the front of the shade and let the inner part of the shade create an exquisite look while still being able to serve its main purpose that is to control the lighting in your room.

The several selections of textures and kinds of materials for other shades can create different looks. Another kind of shade is the Insulated window shades which are different to double window shades. There are really different elements incorporated in each of them. Insulated type of shades does not have two parts and just use a single piece, but has fabric on the side of the window layer that has insulating properties. Most popular fabric that is being used is the sheer. Some fabric shades also have this feature as well as other shades made of different kinds of materials.

Because of the insulating kind of fabric that is incorporated to the inner portion of the roman window shade, you will have a simple, elegant and very light aura of the shade but still with the insulating feature of a fabric. Of course, because of the insulating fabric, it controls the light and increases privacy for your room. If these factors are important to you then do consider them in your choices.

Purchasing or Creating Your Own Roman Shades

There are a several ways to decide on how to get your window shade. If you do decide to buy roman shades, then there are already a lot of choices in the market today that are cut, pre-made and read to use. You can actually go to a number of stores that can let you make your own roman shade designs so that your roman shade can be very personalized.

There are also combination of several selection processes where they are already pre-set shades but all you have to do is just select the kind of fabric to use. If you do decide to make your very own roman shades, then you will need to have good sewing skills as this is the very basic skill needed and of course, you also need the tools for making the lifting mechanism of the roman shade. Because of the lifting functionality of the shades, you need to sew in where the shades will fold as the user lifts the shade.

This can be great for those that love to create their own stuffs. Before you start the building process, first get a clear idea on what style you want and already choose the materials and fabrics that you will use. Understand the process clearly and already find a pattern for your desired style.

One of the most crucial points in making your own roman window shade is conducting the correct measurements and allowing a little bit of excess material to account for sewing edges and extra estimations. With this in mind, you will make better choices when buying fabrics and materials for your roman shade. Making window shades can be an enjoyable project and can add personality to your interior design.

Adding Design Elements to Your Window Shade

Personalized or highly designed roman shades look great when you design them in your home but it will improve its overall appeal when you add some more design elements. Whatever your design theme or element is, you can add beauty and style to a window treatment by adding wall hangings, dried flower designs, shelves, drapery and other design elements.

To make your roman shade really stand out in the room, you can try framing it. For example, adding or building a shelf or cabinet right above your window and then putting decorations and design items above can really make your window treatment stand out. If you're looking into designing more of a home feel, then putting some dried flowers above the window can be beneficial and can truly make your home interior extravagant and beautiful.

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9 Expert Tips on Making Roman Shades

1. Square the fabric

Nothing is worse than hanging your roman shade only to discover that your shade hangs lopsided... it twists... or just isn't right. One of the main causes of this is that your fabric is not square. Make sure you use a T-Square or Right Angle tool when measuring and marking your fabric to cut. If your edges are square... then sewing your fabric to your lining is easier... and your roman shade will hang nicely.

2. Space your lift cords every 10"

Many people think that you only need 2 or 3 lift cords to operate a roman shade. Then when they go to raise the shade, the fabric swags in between the lift cords. That's because there are not enough lift cords and they are not close enough together. You should space your lift cords about 10" apart. This will guarantee that your roman shade does not swag in between cords.

3. Consider the hardware

Choosing the roman shade hardware is important. A basic installation of screw eyes and a cord cleat may be all you need. This is appropriate for lighter shades. One small upgrade of adding a cord lock will make operating your roman shade 10 times more enjoyable. A cord lock will have your roman shade operating like a blind. For heavier shade, replace the screw eyes with cord pulleys or cord idlers. These reduce the friction of the lift cord rubbing along the screw eyes... allowing for a smoother operation. For the ultimate, most professional result, consider a bead chain clutch system. These systems have a continuous loop bead chain that you pull... and your roman shade raises and lowers smoothly. Super nice!

4. Center the main panel when piecing

If your roman shade is wider than your fabric, you'll need to piece your fabric. Be sure to place one full fabric width in the center of your shade. Then piece on each side the remaining width needed. This will make for a stronger roman shade, and you won't have an unslightly seam in the middle of your shade.

5. Use a blind hem stitch

Try to avoid having too much stitching show on the front of your roman shade. Many times you just can't avoid this. Try using a blind hem stitch to sew the bottom hem of your roman shade. Depending on how you sew the side seams, a blind hem stitch may be perfect to use here as well.

6. Use ribs

Adding roman shade ribs to your shade will help your shade pleat evenly and neatly as you raise it. Ribs are not required for making a roman shade, but they are a really nice to have. You can add ribs to your roman shade in a couple of ways. You can sew a casing at each row of rings and then insert the ribs. You can use an iron on rib tape that creates a casing at each row of rings without the extra sewing. And there is also a roman shade rib loop tape that you can sew across your shade instead of sewing on individual shade rings. This tape creates a casing and has loops to thread your lift cord.

7. End your lift cord with cord drops

Don't forget about the lift cord that you pull to operate your shade. Condense them down to one lift cord with a cord condenser and then add a decorative cord drop at the end. You'll enjoy looking at this small detail everytime you go to raise or lower your roman shade.

8. Use roman shade orbs

Instead of tying your lift cord to the bottom rings of your roman shade, use a roman shade orb. These orbs are so easy to use and they save you a lot of time. You just slide one on at the end of each lift cord below the bottom rings... and you're done! No more fussing with knots!

9. Sew with a long straight stitch

Make sure you extend the length of your straight stitch on your sewing machine to as long as it will go... before it becomes a basting stitch. A common problem when sewing roman shades is that the fabric will pinch or gather up. Sewing with a long stitch will help prevent this problem.

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Making Roman Shades - How to Construct

When decorating your room that requires light control and privacy... like your bedroom... roman shades immediately come to mind. Roman shades are the perfect window treatment for just about any room. Roman Shades can add privacy when lowered, insulation and light control. Plus they are super stylish and with the right fabric... stunning.

And the best part about roman shades... they are VERY easy to make!

Now, there are lots of different styles of roman shades... and I can't fit all that information into one little article. But I can show you how to construct a roman shade that's flat and unlined.

This style is quick and easy... and if you already have some fabric... I bet you'll be able to hang your roman shades in a matter of a couple of hours.

Supplies you'll need:

Your face fabric, roman shade rings, lift cord, screw eyes, a cord lock, a dust board and some angle brackets.

Don't forget matching thread and a new needle for your sewing machine.

Step 1: Measure to get the finished width and length of your roman shade. You'll want to write down how wide you want your roman shade and how long you want your roman shade. If you are planning on installing your roman shade within the window frame, subtract 1/2" from the width to allow the roman shade to raise and lower without rubbing.

Step 2: Cut your fabric width to the finished width PLUS 4".

Step 3: Cut your fabric length to the finished length PLUS 9"

Step 4: Lay your fabric wrong side up. Fold the side edges in 1" and press. Then fold them in again and press. Sew the side seams with a straight stitch or with a blind hem stitch.

Step 5: Fold the bottom edge up 3" and press. Fold it up again 3" and press. Sew the bottom hem with a straight stitch or with a blind hem stitch.

Step 6: Using the side seams as a guide, measure up from the bottom edge 3" and mark with a pin. Then measure up every 6" and mark with a pin. You should now have pins running up both side seams.

Step 7: Measure across your shade - in between pins - about every 10" and mark with a pin. You'll want these pins to be evenly spaced... so the spacing may be anywhere from 9" to 11".


Sewing TIP: Fold your shade right sides together at each row of pins. The folded edge creates a clean line from pin to pin. Use the folded edge as a guide when measuring a cross your roman shade. This way the pins are aligned with each other horizontally.




Just a couple more steps!

Step 8: Sew a shade ring to your roman shade at each pin.

Sewing TIP: Fold your shade right sides together at each row of pins. Slide the folded edge under your sewing machine's presser foot. Slide a shade ring under the presser foot so that it's edge touches your shade. Set your machine to a zig-zag stitch and lower the feed teeth. Remove the pin and sew the shade ring to your roman shade with the zig-zag stitch. Your needle will catch the folded edge of your roman shade and then swing over the edge of your shade ring. Stitch about 5 or 6 times. Easy!

Step 9: Staple the top edge of your roman shade to a dust board. Make sure that the distance from the top side of the board to the bottom edge of your roman shade is the finished length.

Step 10: Install a screw eye for each column of rings.

Step 11: Install a cord lock on one side of your dust board.

Step 12: Tie lift cord to the bottom rings and thread them up through the columns of shade rings. Thread each lift cord through its corresponding screw eye and then over to the cord lock.

Install your roman shade.

Step 13: Install your dust board to your window or wall.

Step 14: Finish off your lift cords with a decorative cord drop and cord cleat.

There are several styles of roman shades to construct. This is just one simple version. You can line your roman shades... interline them. There are hobbled roman shades, relaxed roman shades... london shades. All kinds! And they all start with these basic instructions.

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