When down, Roman shades look very plain and sleek like roller blinds from outside. Their appearance will vary depending on type of fabric, color, texture, weave type, and whether they are mounted inside or outside the window frame.
The first question I always get when I buy Roman shades is “what do Roman shades look like from the outside?” The answer I mostly get is: Roman shades are the most aesthetically appealing window coverings. Sometimes, the response is: They are very much like sun shades – they can be lowered to help you get some fresh air but there is no doubt that they are made for shade. They are perfect for blocking out the glaring sunlight and providing a suitable degree of shade for your home.
What Do Roman Blinds Look Like from the Street?
Do Roman shades look like folds of white fabric when viewed from the street? The answer is: airy and luxurious! They come in many different types of weave.
Here’s how Roman shades will look like on the exterior based on their weave type.
Natural Beauty and Warmth
They are constructed from woven fabric materials which give them a very warm appearance and a natural look from any angle you look at them, although the type of weave chosen will depend on the shade you are looking for.
So if you want an alluring looking shade that will block out the bright sunlight, select fabric with intricate construction.
Many people like the look of woven material because it is very elegant and warm and can add warmth to any room. A woven style will not only enhance the natural beauty of the room, but it can add an air of sophistication to your home that many people are after.
Modern, Rugged Look for Sunny Rooms
There are more modern styles of shades that provide more of a rugged look. This is ideal for rooms where the sun hits the walls and floors hard, so as to help them protect from damage.
Clean, Crisp Look
Go with a very plain-looking Roman window covering that can add a very clean, crisp look to any room. But if you want something with a little more character then you could choose one that is made from a very fine cloth.
Traditional Look with Corduroy Weave
For a more traditional look, you can opt for a shade that has been created to look like the normal woven fabric, but you can choose a twill or corduroy weave if you prefer this look. Again, it is up to you which weave you prefer and if you are not sure about what weave you like, then you can discuss it with the seller of the shade. This will make sure that you get exactly what you want.
How Material Choice Affects Roman Shades’ Appearance
To define the look of a Roman shade according to your taste, consider the type of material the shade is made from. There are plenty of fabrics available, so you can choose between:
- Cotton – a terrific choice for solid and pattern Roman shades to create any style, from modern to casual to traditional.
- Linen – extremely light and airy fabric to create a clean, streamlined look from both inside and outside
- Linen blinds with rayon, cotton, and viscose – for clean, crisp, crease-less appearance
Whichever weave you choose, you can be sure that it will look luxurious and very chic.
If you want a darker shade for better light control and privacy, choose polyester fabric with a tighter weave. It’ll be an ideal choice if you prefer a more conservative style.
However, if you want something that is very different and unique, buy a Roman fabric that is both darker and starker. This is probably the most popular type of Roman shade.
As you can see, you have plenty of options to define the look of Roman shades internally and externally. All of these materials will help to create a good finished look. The weave and design will also have a big effect on how the shade looks.
If you have a problem with glare and light entering into your home, we recommend a light filtering fabric with openness percentage ranging from 3% to 5%.
Roman shades come in a variety of styles too, such as soft fold, flat fold, front slat fold, European relaxed fold, etc.
FAQs
Do Roman blinds look good from outside?
Yes, Roman blinds do look good from outside. Some homeowners ask this question differently when buying Roman shades: “Do Roman shades look better inside or outside mount?” Roman blinds look as good from outside as from inside. These versatile and stylish window coverings will enhance the look and feel of your home from both inside and outside.
Also, whether you install them inside or outside of the window recess, they’ll add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your windows. If you have smaller windows, hanging the Roman shades higher outside the recess will give an illusion of height and give a tidy finish to your room’s interior.
What is the downside to Roman shades?
The main downside to Roman shades is that their beautifully woven, intricate fabric construction makes them more expensive than roller blinds, faux wood blinds, and cellular shades. Plus, the fabric folds of Roman shades can collect dust and require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Can you see through Roman shades at night?
The answer is no! Roman shades are an excellent choice to enjoy sunshine and privacy during the day and get more privacy at night. Roman fabrics with lower openness percentage (3% to 1%) will provide a perfect balance of privacy at night and outside view during the day.
Need More Help?
Still unsure what Roman shades look like from the street side? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and a custom solution.