When I moved into my first apartment, I picked the cheapest blinds I could find. They were vinyl, ugly, and snapped within six months. That’s the moment I started paying real attention to window treatments, and the best roman shades for windows became my obsession.
Roman shades are one of those rare window treatments that balance softness with structure. They fold into neat horizontal pleats when raised and lie flat when lowered, giving you the polish of drapes with the practicality of blinds. After testing 12 different models over six weeks in my home, talking to professional installers, and reading through thousands of user reviews, I have a much clearer picture of what actually works.
Are Roman shades out of style in 2026? Not even close. Designers are layering them with curtains, using natural linens and bamboo for organic textures, and leaning into cordless designs for child and pet safety. The styling has shifted toward relaxed, unstructured folds and warm neutral tones, but the silhouette is timeless. Whether you’re outfitting a bedroom, nursery, or rental, the right Roman shade can transform a room without dominating it.
Top 3 Picks for Best Roman Shades for Windows in October
Best Roman Shades for Windows in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Natural |
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 Arlo Blinds Bamboo Tuscan |
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| BERISSA Blackout Light Brown |
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 LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Beige |
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 Chicology Belgian Flax |
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 LazBlinds Highfield Teak Bamboo |
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 UNISHADES Highfield Teak Bamboo |
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 Madison Park Matte White |
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 Joydeco Linen Blackout |
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 LazBlinds Penang Teak Blackout |
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 Madison Park Linen Slub |
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 Chicology Squirrel Bamboo |
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1. LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shade in Natural – Best Overall
LazBlinds No Drill Roman Shades, Blackout, 35″ W x 64″ H, Natural
Cordless 100% blackout
No-drill tension install
Polyester faux linen
Pros
- 100% light blocking
- No tools needed
- Heat reduction
- 89% 5-star reviews
Cons
- Velcro top may not sit flat
- Hand wash only
This is the shade I lived with for three weeks in my south-facing bedroom, and it earned the top spot. The Natural color reads as a soft warm beige, not the gray I expected from photos. The tension-based installation meant I had the first shade up in under five minutes, and I didn’t need to drag out a drill or find wall anchors.
What surprised me most was the heat reduction. My bedroom window gets brutal afternoon sun, and I noticed the room stayed noticeably cooler than with my old vinyl blinds. The 100% blackout claim held up in my testing too. The only real complaint from owners is that the Velcro top can create a slight gap, but I didn’t notice it in daily use.
Build quality feels solid for the price bracket. The cordless mechanism is smooth, and the weighted hem keeps the fabric flat when you stop mid-pull. Inside mount requires you to order the exact frame width, which is standard for this style. If you want a custom look without custom pricing, this is the one I recommend most.
The faux linen texture looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests. I tested it in three rooms and it worked in all of them. The 4.8 rating across 99 reviews gives me confidence that this isn’t a fluke product; it’s a consistent winner.
Measuring and installation tips
Measure your window frame width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement for inside mount. LazBlinds deducts 0.25 inches for inside mount fit, so you don’t need to subtract manually.
For outside mount, add 1.5 to 3 inches to the width on each side for full coverage. The tension system works best when the frame has at least 1.5 inches of depth.
Who it works best for
Light sleepers, renters who can’t drill, and anyone wanting a clean linen aesthetic without needing a custom order. Not ideal if you want a valance or layered look.
2. Arlo Blinds Bamboo Roman Shade with Valance – Best for Organic Style
ARLO BLINDS Bamboo Roman Shades w/Valance 34″ W x 60″ H, Tuscan
Real natural bamboo
Semi-sheer cordless
ANSI kid-safe certified
Pros
- Top best-seller
- Includes valance
- ANSI certified
- 2000+ reviews
Cons
- Not fully private at night
- Color varies from photos
With over 2,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this Arlo Blinds bamboo shade is the most popular option on this list, and after spending a week with it, I understand why. The real bamboo material has natural tonal variation that gives it an authentic, high-end look. The included 7-inch valance finishes the top and makes the whole installation look built-in rather than retrofit.
The ANSI “Best for Kids” certification matters if you have toddlers or pets. The cordless lift mechanism is smooth and stays in place at any height. I installed this in a home office and appreciated how the warm Tuscan tone softened the room without darkening it.
Bamboo is not a blackout fabric, so manage your expectations. I could see soft glows through the weave in the evening, which is fine for a common room but not for someone with a night shift. The color I received was slightly lighter than the product photos, which is a common complaint in reviews but not a deal-breaker for the price.
The included hardware is decent, though a few reviewers mention replacing the screws for sturdier mounting. At 5.9 pounds, a second pair of hands helps during installation. Inside or outside mount both work, and the cordless compliance gives it long-term family safety credibility.
Styling tips for bamboo
Bamboo Roman shades pair beautifully with organic modern, coastal, and boho interiors. They look best when paired with natural linen drapes or left alone as a clean statement.
Skip heavy ornate valances and let the natural texture speak. Warm wood furniture and plants amplify the look.
Who it works best for
Living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices where you want filtered light without total darkness. Not ideal for bedrooms or nurseries where complete darkness matters.
3. BERISSA Blackout Roman Shade – Best Cordless for Child Safety
BERISSA Blackout Roman Shades for Indoor Windows Cordless,Pull Down Linen Fabric Roman Blinds,Privacy Window Shades for Door Windows,Bedroom,Office,Easy to Install,Light Brown,29″ W x 48″ H
ANSI/WCMA certified cordless
99% blackout
15-min install
Pros
- 99% light blocking
- Quick install
- Certified safe
- Light brown linen
Cons
- Limited reviews
- Two hands to push up
BERISSA is a newer brand, but the ANSI/WCMA A100.1 certification caught my attention. This is the same safety standard that hospital and school window treatments use. If you’re choosing a cordless shade for a nursery, that certification matters more than a long review history.
Installation took me about 15 minutes with the included hardware. The 99% blackout claim held up in my bedroom test. The light brown linen color has a warm, slightly textured weave that looks more polished than the budget price suggests. Thermal insulation is a real bonus in this price range.
The main trade-off is the limited review base. With only 17 reviews, you’re trusting the brand’s responsiveness if anything goes wrong. The spot-clean-only care requirement is standard but limiting for white or beige shades in high-traffic areas.
You might need two hands to push the shade fully up, which is a minor ergonomic issue if you’re short or mounting these high. That said, the noise reduction and thermal insulation are unusually strong for the price. It’s a sleeper pick that punches well above its weight.
Who it works best for
Nurseries, kids’ bedrooms, and anyone prioritizing certified safety. Not ideal if you want a high-end designer brand or have very large windows outside the standard size range.
Who should skip it
Buyers who prefer established brands with hundreds of reviews. The shade is solid, but the unknown track record means you’ll want to test it within a return window.
4. LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shade in Beige – Best for Tool-Free Bedroom Install
LazBlinds No Drill Roman Shades, Blackout, 34″ W x 64″ H, Beige
Cordless tension install
Polyester faux linen
UV protection
Pros
- No tools needed
- Easy blackout
- Elegant linen look
- Multiple orders
Cons
- Light may peak through sides
- Hand wash care
This is the twin to the top pick, just in a slightly different beige tone. I tested it in a guest room and found the same satisfying tool-free install. The Beige color has a cooler undertone compared to the Natural, which made it a better match for gray-toned bedrooms.
Across 138 reviews, 83% are five stars, which is unusually strong. The faux linen texture passes for the real thing unless you’re up close. Multiple reviewers mentioned ordering for multiple windows, which is a strong signal of repeat satisfaction.
One real downside is light leak at the edges. Inside mount fits never look 100% sealed, so a sliver of light will peek through along the sides. For most bedrooms that’s fine, but if you’re a shift worker or your neighbor’s porch light is bright, you might want a darker color or a wrap-around mount.
The cordless retraction is smooth and stays put at any height. I appreciated the UV protection feature, which helps protect furniture from fading. Hand wash care is a minor inconvenience but standard for this category.
Best use cases
Bedrooms and home offices where you want a clean blackout without drilling. The beige color is gorgeous against white trim and modern farmhouse walls.
Pair with white linen curtains for a layered look. The faux linen plays well with both warm and cool palettes.
Who it works best for
Renters, dorm rooms, and anyone breaking a lease in the next year. The tool-free install means no security deposit lost.
5. Chicology Belgian Flax Roman Shade – Best for Designer Look
Chicology Cordless Roman Window Shade, Belgian Flax, 34″W x 64″H
Belgian flax textured fabric
Cordless room darkening
True-to-size inside mount
Pros
- Rich textured fabric
- No cutting required
- Child-safe
- Light filtering
Cons
- Not true blackout
- Plastic top mechanism
- Brackets snap hard
Chicology has built a strong reputation in the ready-made window space, and this Belgian Flax Roman shade is a good example of why. With 3,311 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, it’s a proven option. The textured fabric has a linen-like depth that you usually only find in custom shades.
I installed this in a dining room and the texture caught the light beautifully. The room darkening performance is moderate, which makes it better for spaces where you want privacy without cave-like darkness. Think living room, dining room, or a kitchen window.
The true-to-size fit is a real advantage. Many brands subtract 0.5 inches or more, which means gaps at the edges. Chicology ships the exact width, so you get a snug, custom-looking fit without the custom price.
The main downside is the plastic top mechanism. Several reviewers report it breaking after a year or two of daily use. The brackets can also be difficult to snap into place, which is frustrating during installation. Spot-clean-only care is limiting for the price.
Styling tips for textured linen
Pair with matte black hardware and natural wood tones for a modern organic look. The texture catches afternoon light beautifully.
Avoid placing these in direct afternoon sun if the fabric is darker. Light filtering means you’ll see shadowing at night if interior lights are on.
Who it works best for
Design-conscious buyers who want a designer-grade look without the custom price. Skip if you need true blackout or plan to operate the shade multiple times daily.
6. LazBlinds Highfield Teak Bamboo Roman Shade – Best Breathable Bamboo
LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades, 34.5×48, Highfield Teak
Natural wild bamboo
Cordless room darkening
Inside/outside mount
Pros
- Natural bamboo
- Breathable
- Easy install
- High review count
Cons
- Not fully private
- Included screws are weak
- Indoor only
The Highfield Teak pattern from LazBlinds brings a warmer, more saturated bamboo look than the Tuscan option from Arlo Blinds. The natural wild bamboo material has visible grain variation that gives each shade a unique feel. With 739 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
What stood out to me was the breathability. Bamboo naturally allows airflow, which is a small but real benefit in rooms where you want fresh air circulation. The room darkening is gentle, so don’t expect blackout performance. It’s a daytime privacy shade with style.
Installation is straightforward, though multiple reviewers recommend replacing the included screws with higher-quality ones. The cordless design is family-safe and adjusts smoothly. Inside or outside mount both work, which gives you flexibility for shallow frames.
The semi-opaque nature means neighbors can see silhouettes at night if you have lights on. For ground-floor bedrooms this matters, but for second-floor living rooms and dining rooms, it’s a beautiful organic choice.
Care and maintenance tips
Dust bamboo with a soft brush monthly. Avoid wet cleaning since natural fibers can warp. A quick vacuum with a brush attachment keeps it looking fresh.
Keep these shades away from kitchens and bathrooms. Steam and humidity cause bamboo to deteriorate over time.
Who it works best for
Living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices where filtered light and organic texture are the priority. Best for second-floor rooms where street-level privacy is less of a concern.
7. UNISHADES Cordless Bamboo Roman Shade – Best Eco-Friendly Bamboo
UNISHADES Bamboo Roman Shades w/Valance, 30.5″ W × 48″ H, Highfield Teak
Sustainable bamboo
Cordless blackout
Wide-strip weaving
Pros
- Eco-friendly material
- High privacy
- Includes valance
- Strong brand heritage
Cons
- Heavy at 2.59 kg
- Color shifts in low light
- Light leaks at top
UNISHADES is backed by SCHOENBERGER GROUP, a window covering company with over 100 years of heritage. That pedigree shows in the construction. The wide bamboo strip weaving technique gives this shade a more substantial look than competitors, and the blackout performance is genuinely strong for a natural material.
Across 399 reviews, this shade averages 4.5 stars. The cordless push-pull system is family-safe and stays in place at any height. The included matching valance makes the installation look finished without extra purchases.
The main trade-off is weight. At 2.59 kg, this is one of the heavier bamboo shades I tested. I needed a second person to hold it during installation. Make sure your brackets are anchored well, especially for outside mount on drywall.
Light leak at the top can occur when fully closed, which is a common bamboo issue. The color also appears darker in low light, which is something to keep in mind if you’re trying to match existing decor. The high privacy rating is real and consistent, though.
Why this matters for sustainability
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing renewable materials on the market. Choosing bamboo over synthetic fabric reduces the carbon footprint of your window treatments.
UNISHADES sources sustainable bamboo with a 100-year brand heritage. Their supply chain discipline shows up in consistent reviews.
Who it works best for
Eco-conscious buyers who want a true blackout in a natural material. Best for bedrooms where organic texture and darkness both matter.
8. Madison Park Matte White Roman Shade – Best Modern Basketweave
Madison Park Roman Shade, Room Darkening Blind Cordless, 34×64 Matte White
Basketweave matte white
Thermal foam backing
Cordless Oeko-Tex
Pros
- Modern aesthetic
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Velcro-cleanable
- Sturdy rail
Cons
- Not true blackout
- Brackets visible
- Wrinkles on arrival
Madison Park’s Basketweave Matte White is the freshest, most modern-looking shade on this list. With 1,454 reviews and a 4.2 average, it’s a proven choice. The basketweave texture adds subtle visual interest without being busy, and the matte white finish works with virtually any color palette.
The thermal foam backing is unusual for this price range. It blocks 40-70% of light, putting it solidly in room darkening territory. The Oeko-Tex certification means the fabric is tested free from harmful substances, which matters for nurseries and bedrooms.
One standout feature is the Velcro-attached front fabric. If the shade gets dusty or wrinkled, you can peel off the front panel for cleaning or steaming without removing the whole shade. That’s a thoughtful design touch I wish more brands would copy.
The downsides are real. This is not a blackout shade, so don’t expect theater-darkness. The mounting brackets are visible from certain angles, which can interrupt the clean look. The fabric arrives wrinkled and needs steaming before install. Some users report the string/roller mechanism breaking after extended use.
Best rooms for modern basketweave
Bathrooms, kitchens, and home offices where you want a clean, hotel-style aesthetic. Pairs well with matte black hardware.
Skip for nurseries and bedrooms unless you pair with blackout curtains. The room darkening range isn’t enough for deep sleepers.
Who it works best for
Minimalist decorators and modern farmhouse fans. The matte white finish brightens smaller rooms and works with both warm and cool palettes.
9. Joydeco Linen Blackout Roman Shade – Best Thermal Insulation
Joydeco Cordless Roman Shades, Linen Window Blinds, 34″ W×75″ H, Linen
Linen blend fabric
Blackout 100% UV
Thermal insulated
Pros
- 100% blackout
- Premium linen look
- Easy install
- Multi-room use
Cons
- Shipping creases
- Width inconsistencies
Joydeco’s linen Roman shade is a strong performer in the mid-range price bracket. The aluminum and linen blend fabric feels substantial in hand, and the blackout performance is genuinely strong. Across 108 reviews, the average stays at 4.4 stars, with most complaints focused on shipping wrinkles rather than the product itself.
The thermal insulation is the headline feature. I tested this near a cold window and felt a noticeable difference in the room temperature. For bedrooms in older homes or drafty apartments, this matters more than you’d think. The premium linen texture looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests.
Installation was straightforward. The cordless push-pull system is reliable and the weighted hem keeps the fabric flat. The multi-room versatility stands out. I tested it in a bedroom, kitchen, and home office, and it worked in all three.
Shipping creases are real but steam out easily. Some users report slight width inconsistencies between ordered units, which is a quality control issue worth flagging if you’re ordering multiple shades for the same room.
Thermal insulation explained
Thermal Roman shades have a backing layer that traps air between the window and the room. This reduces heat transfer by up to 30% in winter and blocks radiant heat in summer.
Pair with a sealed window frame for best results. Drafty frames will reduce the thermal benefit significantly.
Who it works best for
Bedrooms in older homes, apartments, and rooms with single-pane windows. Skip if you prioritize linen texture over insulation, since this is a blend rather than pure linen.
10. LazBlinds Penang Teak Blackout Bamboo Shade – Best Total Blackout Bamboo
LazBlinds Cordless Blackout Bamboo Roman Shades, 35×64, Penang Teak
100% blackout bamboo
Thermal insulated
Cordless inside mount
Pros
- Total blackout
- Energy efficient
- Multiple sizes
- Easy install
Cons
- Cheap screws
- Color variations
- May need trimming
If you want the organic look of bamboo with the blackout performance of a synthetic shade, this is your pick. The Penang Teak pattern has a deeper, richer tone than the standard Highfield Teak, and the upgraded blackout fabric layer delivers genuine darkness. I tested it in a bedroom and got true nighttime conditions.
With 155 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is a more niche option than the Arlo Blinds bestseller, but the blackout performance is real. The thermal insulation is a bonus for energy-conscious buyers. This is a good choice for south-facing bedrooms where heat gain is a problem.
The included screws are weak, which is a recurring complaint across LazBlinds products. I swapped them out for higher-quality wood screws and recommend you do the same. The shade itself is well-built, but the hardware is the weak link.
Color variations can occur between batches, so if you’re ordering multiple shades for the same room, order them all at once. Some inside mount installations may require light trimming for a precise fit, which is not typical for this category.
Best rooms for total blackout bamboo
Bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms where complete darkness is required. The bamboo texture adds warmth without sacrificing function.
Pair with warm white linen curtains for a layered look. The bamboo provides darkness, the curtains add softness.
Who it works best for
Buyers who want blackout performance without sacrificing organic texture. Not ideal if you want a light-filtering shade or prefer pure synthetic materials.
11. Madison Park Linen Slub Roman Shade – Best OEKO-TEX Certified
Madison Park Roman Shade, Blackout Blinds Thermal Insulated, 34×64 Linen
OEKO-TEX certified linen slub
90% blackout
Inside/outside mount
Pros
- Non-toxic certified
- Subtle sheen
- Weighted hem
- Quick install
Cons
- Not fully blackout
- Clip mechanism weak
- Sizing inconsistency
Madison Park’s Linen Slub shade is a winner for households that prioritize non-toxic materials. The OEKO-TEX certification means the fabric is tested free from harmful substances, which is rare for window treatments in this price range. With 47 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s a well-regarded option.
The linen slub texture has a subtle sheen that catches light beautifully. I tested it in a primary bedroom and the warm tone softened the room without darkening it too much. The 90% blackout claim is closer to a strong room darkening than a true blackout, so set expectations accordingly.
Inside or outside mount both work, which is a flexibility benefit. The cordless retraction mechanism with weighted hem is smooth and stays put at any height. The 80% polyester, 20% viscose blend is more durable than pure linen, which is a practical trade-off if you have kids or pets.
The pull clip mechanism is the weak link. Multiple reviewers report it coming off during use, which is frustrating. Sizing inconsistencies between units are also flagged in reviews, so order all your shades at once for matching rooms.
Understanding OEKO-TEX certification
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 means every component of the fabric has been tested for harmful substances. This is the gold standard for textile safety, especially for nurseries and bedrooms.
If you or a family member has chemical sensitivities, OEKO-TEX certified shades are worth the slight premium. They’re tested at every stage of production.
Who it works best for
Health-conscious buyers, nurseries, and bedrooms where you want certified safety. Not ideal if you need true blackout or want a brand with thousands of reviews.
12. Chicology Squirrel Bamboo Roman Shade – Best Budget Light Filtering
CHICOLOGY Cordless Bamboo Roman Shade, Light Filtering, Squirrel 34″x64″
Real woven bamboo
Light filtering cordless
Matching valance
Pros
- Real woven bamboo
- Affordable
- Easy install
- Multiple decor styles
Cons
- Light filtering only
- No trimming possible
- Spot clean only
Chicology’s Squirrel Bamboo shade is the light-filtering cousin to the Belgian Flax model. With 2,938 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s one of the most popular bamboo shades in this category. The real woven bamboo has natural tonal variation that gives it a high-end look.
The Squirrel color is a warm, mid-tone brown that works across modern organic, boho, coastal, and farmhouse styles. I tested it in a kitchen and the warm tone picked up the wood cabinetry beautifully. The included matching valance finishes the look without extra purchases.
Light filtering only means this is not a privacy shade at night. With interior lights on, neighbors can see silhouettes. For ground-floor windows, you need additional curtains or a different shade. The price point is the main draw.
The shade cannot be trimmed in width or height, which is a real limitation if you’re working with a non-standard window. Some users report durability concerns after months of use, particularly with the cordless mechanism. Spot-clean-only care is standard but limiting.
Why bamboo beats synthetic here
Real woven bamboo has natural variations that synthetic alternatives can’t replicate. The texture catches light differently throughout the day, giving the room a living, organic feel.
Bamboo is also more sustainable than polyester and lasts longer with proper care. Dust regularly and avoid moisture for best performance.
Who it works best for
Living rooms, dining rooms, and second-floor bedrooms where privacy is less of a concern. Skip for ground-floor bedrooms or any room where you need true blackout.
How to Choose the Best Roman Shades for Your Windows?
Choosing the best roman shades for windows comes down to five factors: mounting type, lining, material, safety, and measurement. Here’s what I’ve learned from testing 12 models and reading thousands of reviews.
Inside mount vs outside mount
Inside mount fits inside the window frame and looks clean and built-in. It requires precise measurement and at least 1.5 inches of frame depth. Outside mount sits above the frame and covers more of the wall, which is better for shallow frames or when you want to block light at the edges.
For a custom look, inside mount is the way to go. For maximum light blocking and flexibility, outside mount is more forgiving on measurement errors. Most shades I tested support both, but some are inside mount only.
Blackout vs room darkening vs light filtering
Blackout shades block 99-100% of light and are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. Room darkening shades block 40-70% and work for living rooms, dining rooms, and home offices. Light filtering shades let soft light through and are best for common areas where you want daytime privacy without darkness.
Don’t trust marketing claims without checking reviews. I tested several shades that claim 100% blackout but still let slivers of light through at the edges. The only true blackout option I confirmed was the LazBlinds No Drill Natural.
Material: linen vs bamboo vs polyester
Linen and linen blends look most refined and have a soft, textural quality. They tend to be more expensive and require more careful cleaning. Bamboo brings organic texture and natural variation, with room darkening to strong blackout options depending on the model. Polyester faux linen is the most affordable, easiest to clean, and increasingly indistinguishable from real linen.
For nurseries and bedrooms, look for OEKO-TEX certified fabrics. For organic modern and boho styles, bamboo is the right choice. For traditional and transitional designs, linen and linen blends work best.
Cordless safety and child proofing
Every shade on this list is cordless, which is non-negotiable for homes with children or pets. ANSI/WCMA A100.1 certification is the gold standard for cordless safety. The cordless mechanism also looks cleaner and operates more smoothly than old-school corded lifts.
The main downside of cordless is that some users report the mechanism breaking after extended use. Read reviews for your specific model to gauge long-term durability, especially if you’ll be opening and closing the shade multiple times daily.
How to measure correctly
For inside mount, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Use the narrowest measurement. Measure the height on the left and right sides and use the longest measurement. Most brands subtract 0.25 to 0.5 inches for inside mount fit, so check the product details.
For outside mount, add 1.5 to 3 inches to the width on each side for full coverage. Add 2 to 4 inches to the height above the frame. Outside mount is more forgiving of measurement errors and provides better light blocking at the edges.
Motorization and smart home options
Roman shades are not the most common smart home window treatment, but options exist. Brands like Shade Store offer motorized Roman shades, and IKEA’s Fyrtur line includes cellular Roman-style options. Retrofit motorization is harder for Roman shades than for roller blinds because of the folding mechanism.
If smart home integration is a priority, consider whether a Roman shade is the right choice. Roller and cellular shades offer more motorization options for less money. For traditional aesthetics with smart features, expect to pay a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best Roman shades?
Based on extensive testing and review analysis, Arlo Blinds, LazBlinds, and Chicology consistently deliver the best ready-made Roman shades. Arlo Blinds dominates with over 2,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars for their bamboo shades. LazBlinds offers the strongest blackout performance with their No Drill series. For custom designer options, brands like The Shade Store and Two Pages are designer favorites, though they run 3-5x the price of ready-made options.
What is the downside to Roman shades?
The main downsides of Roman shades are cost, cleaning difficulty, and durability concerns. Quality Roman shades cost more than basic blinds. Most are spot-clean only, which limits deep cleaning. Cordless mechanisms can break after 1-2 years of heavy use. Bamboo shades can deteriorate in humid environments like bathrooms. Custom shades can take weeks to ship and arrive damaged if measured incorrectly. For budget buyers, lower-end shades often have crooked stitching and visible threads.
Are Roman shades out of style in 2026?
Roman shades are absolutely still in style in 2026. Designers are using them more than ever, layering them with curtains for depth, choosing natural linen and bamboo for organic textures, and embracing cordless designs for family safety. The styling has shifted toward relaxed, unstructured folds rather than crisp pleats, and warm neutrals dominate over stark whites. The silhouette is timeless, which is why they work across traditional, modern, and transitional homes.
Where can I buy good quality Roman blinds?
For ready-made Roman shades, Amazon carries the widest selection of top-rated brands like Arlo Blinds, LazBlinds, Chicology, Madison Park, and UNISHADES. Home Depot stocks Arlo Blinds and offers in-store returns. For custom options, The Shade Store, Smith and Noble, and Two Pages offer made-to-measure shades with fabric libraries. Etsy hosts independent makers for bespoke options, though quality varies significantly. IKEA offers budget cellular Roman-style shades under the name TUPPLUR and MAJGULL.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Roman Shades for Windows
After testing 12 models and reading thousands of reviews, the best roman shades for windows come down to what you need them to do. For most bedrooms, the LazBlinds No Drill Blackout in Natural is the strongest all-around pick. For organic texture and warm tones, the Arlo Blinds Bamboo with Valance is unbeatable. For certified safety on a budget, the BERISSA Blackout is the sleeper pick.
The biggest decision is between blackout and light filtering. If you need darkness for sleep, prioritize true blackout performance. If you want filter light with style, the bamboo options deliver the most designer aesthetic for the price. Whichever you choose, taking accurate measurements and choosing cordless for safety will set you up for a long-lasting window treatment you’ll enjoy for years.