Roman or Honeycomb Shades: Which Is Best for Your Home?

Window treatments play a vital role in enhancing your home’s interiors. Shades are best when you don’t want to clutter the space and make your windows look beautiful. They also offer control over light and privacy.

Honeycomb and Roman shades are two of the most popular styles. Both create a single fabric wall when lowered and work well for tall windows that are hard to reach.

But they also offer unique advantages. There is no clear winner between the two, but understanding what each offer can help you in picking the right ones for your home.

 

Roman Shades

Roman shades provide Toronto homes with a classic, simple look, which is one of the many reasons that make them the right choice for your home. Apart from the traditional flat design, Roman shades are available in contemporary teardrop shapes as well. Their fabric folds neatly at the top when you open them.

Advantages of Roman Shades

• Roman shades offer a unique appeal and evergreen style.
• They give your windows a soft look.
• Their wide array of fabrics and patterns make them versatile.
• You can combine them with custom draperies and other window elements.

 

Drawbacks of Roman Shades

• Roman shades use cords which can be hazardous to pets and young children.
• Their one-piece design means they cannot be customized; they also cannot filter light.
• Traditional Roman shades obstruct your view and cannot control the amount of light you want inside your home.

 

Types of Roman Shades

• Flat Shades: These shades are made with one fabric which hangs flat against the window. They are made of horizontal panels supported by sturdy bars for strength. It has a structured look and uncluttered design. The unique folds tucked tightly at the top deliver gentle curves that look like valances. Extra fabrics allow them to darken the room while giving them a slim profile which is good for shallow windows and French doors.
• Soft Fold Shades: These are also called teardrop, hobbled, or looped shades. They retain loose folds in both the lowered and raised position, adding an informal aura, airy feel, and romantic mood. Custom drapes can be styled more traditionally. These shades come with a more formal look and are one of the most popular decorative styles.
• Modern Shades: These come in bold colours and vibrant patterns. You can match them with similarly coloured accessories to create bright decor.
• Tailored Shades: These are sophisticated, and although understated, go well with most interior decor styles. You can use bold stripes or go with thin textured material. If you want a little drama and romance, choose balloon shades as a decorative top window treatment.
• Traditional Shades: These are the simplest, most functional, and casually elegant shades. When you raise them, you will see a soft raft of material; when lowered, the folds gently cascade down the window.

If you want something stylish, pair Roman shades with another window treatment. You will also find a wide variety of custom shades in Toronto that you can use solo or in combination with other drapery options like curtains.

 

Honeycomb Shades

Honeycomb shades are made of fabric folded into many honeycomb-like cells. If you want a sophisticated look, these insulating cellular shades are a good option. They are versatile, and their insulating properties keep the space warm in winter and cool in summer.

Advantages of Honeycomb Shades

• They offer thermal insulation that maintains the temperature inside the home, thus saving a lot on energy bills.
• Their top-down or bottom-up feature adds increased privacy control.
• They come in two options: translucent for light filtering and opaque for light blocking, giving you better control of light.
• There are no cords involved in operating the shades; hence they are safer for pets and kids.

 

Drawbacks of Honeycomb Shades

• They are not the most fashionable window treatment.
• Some look like creased paper which is not a great look.
• There are no tilting vanes.
• You will need to keep the shades closed most of the time and that makes them less versatile.

 

Types of Honeycomb Shades

• Cordless Shades: Traditional shades come with cords for opening and closing while cordless honeycomb shades have theirs hidden. You push the rail up or down at the base to automatically open or close them. Their locking system keeps them in place until you open or close them again.
• Motorized Shades: You can operate them with a remote control which makes them very convenient and easy to use. You can even set a timer for them to open and close.
• Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades: These allow you to keep your privacy and get some natural light inside your house as well. You can keep most of your window covered at the bottom while pulling down the top for light.

When you are choosing between Roman and honeycomb shades, be sure to weigh their pros and cons. Honeycombs are better if you are looking for light control and privacy; Roman shades are simpler and more traditional.  We can help you make an informed decision. Call us at 416-780-0800.