How to Make Roman Shades in 3 Different Styles

When it comes to Roman shades, there are three basic styles: classic, casual, and formal. The choice of fabric will influence the final effect (toile, for instance, tends to look more formal than gingham, regardless of the shade's shape).

We installed these panels inside window frames; they can also be mounted to the front casing. Their lines are perfect for small windows, in which elaborate treatments might be too busy, and for large ones, in which they can complement a room without overpowering it. When lowered, the shades fit snugly in a window frame, almost flush against the glass; when raised, their fabric hangs in neat symmetrical folds.

You can dress up your shade with stripes or trim, but the beauty lies in its simplicity: a single length of finished cloth fit with a system of cords. Lighting and privacy needs will determine when the shade should be raised or lowered. Either way, you get a room with a whole new view.

Making a Classic Shade

Making a classic shade requires cutting and lining fabric to size. You'll have to fold and re-fold hems (ironing will be involved) and sew either by hand or by machine. Dowel pockets will need to be made, and this is an intricate process.

Making a Casual Sheer Shade

A translucent fabric is less formal, especially when it's in a cheery color. This free-flowing linen shade is perfect over a kitchen sink, where it filters sunlight while preserving the view. This shade has no lining and calls for just a single dowel in the bottom hem, so you won't need to make pockets. The folds in the shade are formed by cords threaded through brass rings, which are stitched directly to the fabric. Use a disappearing-ink pen to mark rows every 8 to 12 inches, as you would for a classic shade. Stitch brass rings to shade in four columns. Thread cord through rings, lock, and tassel, and knot before mounting the shade.

Making a Formal Shade

Deep-bottom pleats and a patterned fabric give this shade traditional elegance. It's designed to remain raised partially; this accentuates its lovely form. A lightweight cotton liner instead of blackout fabric lets the floral design seen in the link below sparkle in the sunlight.

Determine the size you want the shade to be; add 16 inches to the width and 18 1/2 inches to the length. Cut fabric and lining to size. Complete the first two steps as described in the tutorial above for the classic shade. Fold fabric to create a 3-inch-wide pleat along each long side of fabric; iron and pin. Cut a dowel long enough to fit between pleats. Insert dowel through opening in bottom hem, slide between pleats, and sew a running stitch around it to keep it in place. Hand-stitch rings in four-inch intervals along the rear fold of each pleat.

Attach batten and cording as described in tutorial for the classic shade below. Pull cords so bottom 10 inches of shade are gathered (the bottom hem will be drawn up the back side, thus concealing it). Slide cords through lock and condenser. Tie a knot, trim two cords, and slide condenser over knot. Take out pins (the pleats will be held in place by batten and dowel). Attach tassel, mount shade, and arrange gathers.