Why Are They Called Roman Shades? A Look at History, Beauty, and Function

As the name suggests, Roman Shades trace their origins back to ancient Rome—but not in the way you might think!
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While we often think of window treatments as purely decorative or practical, the term Roman Shade has a dramatic architectural lineage. The most iconic connection to ancient Rome lies not in home decor, but in the grandeur of the Colosseum (below). There, Roman engineers created a system of massive retractable awnings known as the velarium. This innovative canopy shaded spectators from the sun while leaving the arena floor open to light—an early example of retractable fabric engineering, not unlike today’s flat-panel shades.

Fast forward to now, and while we may not be protecting ourselves from the blazing sun at a gladiator match, the concept of a retractable, flat shade remains. That’s how these timeless treatments got their name.
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But there are far better reasons today to install Roman shades than to keep lions and gladiators cool!

The Beauty of Modern Roman Shades

Today’s Roman shades shine not only for their historical nod but for their versatility and style. One of their most striking qualities is how they allow beautiful fabrics to be boldly displayed. Whether raised and pleated or lowered to a smooth flat panel, the shade becomes a focal point in any room, offering texture, color, and pattern.

In these examples, you’ll see how fabric choices can excite a space, enhancing everything from wall color to furnishings. Even better, Roman shades can easily be partially lowered or fully extended, letting in just the right amount of light while maintaining privacy and design impact.

More Than Just Pretty

Modern Roman shades also offer practical advantages. With options like blackout or thermal dimout linings, they improve energy efficiency—keeping interiors cooler on hot summer days and helping insulate during colder months.

With their cordless lift system, they are child-safe and incredibly easy to operate. Form and function have never worked together so seamlessly.

Inspired to add Roman shades to your space?
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Explore our custom options and fabric selections to create a look that’s as timeless as it is personal.

​Cushions might seem like small details, but they make a big impact—on both comfort and style. At our workroom, we create cushions all the time: rectangular bench cushions, single seat chair cushions, and even full sets of replacements for worn-out sofas. Whether you need a soft new surface or want to give your room a whole new look, we’ve got you (and your cushions) covered.

Our process can be as simple as refreshing tired inserts or wrapping firm foam with batting to add softness. Want a new color or texture? We offer a wide range of fabrics so you can update your space with just the right tone and feel.

​Sometimes the job calls for something more ambitious—like the project we recently completed for a client who needed a custom bench cushion. This wasn’t your average seat pad—it was a 9-foot-long by 2-foot-wide bench cushion, built entirely from scratch. We supplied the foam and batting, then stitched and zippered the customer’s selected fabric to create a finished piece that was as stylish as it was substantial.

We love challenges like these, and we’re always ready to help you make a space more comfortable, functional, and beautiful.
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Thinking about new cushions? Whether it’s updating the old or designing something brand new, we’d love to help. Reach out and let’s talk cushions!

​A Slipcover Story (With a Furry Twist)
Most of the time, our customers come to us for slipcovers because they want a fresh splash of color or because their old covers have become worn and faded. But this client had a more unusual reason:

​“We’re getting a Maine Coon kitten,” they said. And they wanted to be sure their chairs could stand up to the new arrival’s curious claws.

Kitten plans were officially put on hold until we could create cat-resistant slipcovers.

​We always drape our slipcovers onsite—it’s much easier to carry fabric than to lug a chair! For this project, we worked with the customer to choose a darker, more durable fabric that would blend with their space while standing up to playful paws. I spent an afternoon in their home, carefully draping and pinning the fabric directly to their chairs, ensuring a snug, tailored fit.

Back in the workroom, I transformed the pinned fabric into two custom slipcovers. When we returned to install them, the chairs seemed to settle into a new identity—still relaxed and welcoming, but now dressed in a bold, cozy color with a layer of feline defense.
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We’re now eagerly awaiting news of the kitten’s arrival and how everyone is settling into their Seacoast home together.

Along the beautiful New Hampshire seacoast, our client is breathing new life into a charming home. As part of the renovation, they envisioned Roman shades and bench cushions throughout much of the house—adding both style and a sense of warmth to each space.
​The client had already selected fabrics for every room and wanted coordinating bench cushions for two built-in seating areas. From there, it was all about the details: tailoring each feature to fit the window and enhance the space.

​Some windows were better suited to inside-mount shades for a clean, inset look. Others needed outside-mounted Romans, and for those, we added fabric returns to the headrail—an elegant way to hide the folds when the shade is raised.

​In several rooms, the client selected trims and tassels to finish the bottom edge of the shades. To keep things tidy and polished, we used a concealed hem technique that hides the hem grip and shows off the trim beautifully.

​It’s always exciting to work on a whole-home project like this one—where custom details bring out the personality of each room, and practical design solutions make the whole house feel cohesive and complete.

Thinking about Roman shades (or Cushions!) for your own home?
We’d love to help you design window treatments and features that are both beautiful and built to last. Explore our website to see more of what’s possible.