Roman Shades 101

Hello Christine
I am new to google. But I am trying to find out how I can get information from you, if you do that, to tell me how the relaxed Roman valance is made. I am in the sewing business and need to make these valances. Since I have never made one of these and I am stumped, I made a mock up but it is not looking like the picture.

What do you charge and how can I get that to you? I have never paid anything over the Internet. This is all new to me. Thank you.

Ann

Dear Ann,

I do not sew. I really stink at sewing. With my first house- down in LA- I thought I would sew myself some Roman shades. I bought a book on it, and gave it a try. They were so bad they did not get installed. Today I work with a fantastic workroom in Sacramento- and I no longer consider sewing myself at all. In fact- I gave the book away- knowing that I would never use it again. And so- with that huge disclaimer- I will explain to you the differences between the popular styles of Roman shades. In this tutorial- I am only including styles that I like- so I will be leaving out the Austrian, balloon, and front fold styles- as I not a big fan of those. So- Here goes-

The photo above is a flat Roman shade with dowels. Different brands have different names for this. I have these in my home, and really like them. They pull up very nicely- with clean folds, and have a straight flat look. These are a perfect for a contemporary, transitional or modern feel. The type of fabric used will make all the difference in using them.

OK- now look at the photo above- these are what I would call a London shade. I have also seen them referred to as a tulip shade. Whereas a flat Roman shade has a dowel across the bottom, keeping it smooth and straight- these do not- giving it a more relaxed feel. The strings, pulling up the shade area are brought in a few inches, not on the outside edges, giving the shade a bit of a flap, or tail on the ends. Notice too- the pleats at the top of the shade- adding to its fullness. These are a more traditional look- perfect in a provincial setting, or perhaps shabby chic. They can go quite formal to informal depending on the materials used.

OK- here's another flat fold with dowels... I thought I would throw another in so you wouldn't forget...

Above is a simple flat Roman shade- only one dowel across the bottom- no pleats. These can be made with or without fabric below the bottom dowel- depending on the look you want when raised.

The drawing above is a relaxed Roman shade with a pleat. Compare this option to the shade at the top of the post- which is also a relaxed Roman shade. This second one, with the center pleat, will add more fullness, of course, and change your look a bit from the first relaxed shade at the top of the post. Again- no dowel on the bottom, a relaxed smile instead. In very large windows- you can make this look with two smiles, pulling up the material in the center.

Here, again, is a relaxed Roman shade with no pleat- see the difference? Some fabrics will lend themselves nicely to the pleat- whereas others (thicker fabrics)- would lay nicer without the pleat.

OK- now here's the test- what kind of shade is this one above? .....

Yes- that's right- it is a London Shade- or tulip style.

Now- look at the one above- can you tell what is different between this one and the London shade? I would call this a relaxed Roman with tails. What is the difference between this one and the London shade? No pleats and smaller tails. See the flat look at the top. This is a less formal look- more casual. I find that the lingo is different with different places I go- this can also be called a casual Roman shade. Make sure that you are on the same page with whomever you are working with as far as the different styles go.

I don't remember which book it was that I had. I found it a little frustrating that it used words that I did not understand- like thread- and needles. But- being in the business, I am sure you will understand the lingo great- and a good how to book can teach you what you need to know.

Thanks to The Shade Store, Casual Corners, and the Foam and Home Decor Store for the photos used in today's post.

Comments

[Nancy]

There are many websites that provide instructions as well as selling supplies. Here are some: http://www.terrelldesigns.com/
http://www.alternative-windows.com/roman-blind.htm
http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/how-to-sew-roman-shades/index.html
Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I love the 2nd one with the two reverse box pleats. That one would be easy to make on a spring rod.

Thanks for the post!

[John Taylor]

I like all the designs and the colors of the roman shades that she used. They are all beautiful! :-)
John Taylor
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