Roman shades can be manufactured with some of the following options:

Hard roman shades are made using stiffer fabrics – the same type of fabrics that are used to make roller shades. These roman shades are of the classic or flat types as explained below.

Soft Roman shades or ‘soft’ window treatments are more common as they are made of softer fabrics, like those used to make draperies. Here are some different types of ‘soft’ roman shades.

CLASSIC / FLAT ROMAN SHADES

A flat roman shade will lie flat, similar in look to a roller shade when fully extended (closed). When it is raised (open) it looks somewhat like an accordion with neatly stacked folds/pleats. These window treatments offer a ‘soft’ and uncluttered look to the décor of any room.

HOBBLED ROMAN SHADES

The hobbled roman shade retains its folds or loops even when it is fully extended (closed). It creates an even ‘softer’ look than a classic roman blind as the loops cascade down. The hobbled roman blinds are closer in ‘look’ and ‘feel’ to draperies and provide a good compromise between roller shades and draperies.

EMBELLISHED ROMAN SHADE

As its name suggests an embellished roman shade has additional features. Both classic roman shades and hobbled roman shades can be embellished. Embellishments include:

• The bottom of the roman shade being curved (instead of being straight), sometimes like a fan, referred to as the European style;
• Tassels or beads are added to the bottom trim of the blind as additional decorations; or
• A vertical line is placed in place in the middle of the roman blind;