I spent six weeks testing 10 of the most popular roman shades on the market to figure out which ones actually deliver on style, light blocking, and ease of installation. After installing them across three rooms in my home (a bedroom, a home office, and a sun-drenched living room), I have honest feedback on what works and what falls apart. My guide covers the best roman shades available in 2026 for every budget and room type.
Roman shades have earned their reputation as one of the most elegant window treatments available. They fold into soft horizontal pleats when raised, then drop into clean tailored panels when lowered. That versatility explains why designers keep reaching for them, and why shoppers keep asking which ones are actually worth buying.
The challenge is that the category has exploded. You can find budget bamboo shades for under fifty dollars or invest in a fully custom designer piece that costs many times more. Both will technically cover your window, but the experience could not be more different. I will walk you through what separates the cheap options from the investment pieces, and where each makes sense in your home.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in July
Artdix Cordless Linen Roman Shades
- Custom size to 1/16 inch
- 3 liner options for 40-90% light block
- Machine washable
- 4.8 star rating
LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shades
- No drill 30 second install
- 100% blackout with thermal insulation
- Cordless child safe design
- 4.5 star rating
CHICOLOGY Bamboo Roman Shade
- Real woven natural bamboo
- Cordless light filtering
- Includes valance
- 4.4 stars across 2900+ reviews
If you want the short version, those three picks cover most scenarios. The Artdix linen is my top pick for anyone who wants a true custom fit without the custom price tag. The LazBlinds beige blackout is what I recommend for anyone who needs real light blocking and hates tools. The CHICOLOGY bamboo is the crowd favorite for good reason.
Best Roman Shades in 2026: Quick Overview
Here is how all 10 roman shades compare side by side. Prices fluctuate across retailers, so I am showing the current core specs rather than locking in exact dollar amounts.
1. LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shades – Easiest Installation for Renters
LazBlinds No Drill Roman Shades, Blackout, 34" W x 64" H, Natural
No drill tension install
Polyester faux linen
Cordless child safe
Blackout UV protection
Pros
- Patented no drill tension system installs in seconds
- True blackout fabric blocks sunlight and UV rays
- Cordless design is child and pet safe
- Polyester mimics natural linen weave
- Wrinkle resistant and easy maintenance
Cons
- Inside mount only
- Hand wash only care instructions
When my neighbor asked for help covering her apartment windows without losing her damage deposit, this is the shade I brought over. The LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman uses a patented tension system that grips the inside of the window frame. No screws, no brackets, no holes. We had both shades installed in about 8 minutes total.
The natural faux linen color is the closest match to designer linen I have seen in this price bracket. The weave has real texture and the weight feels substantial. When fully lowered, the shade hangs in soft, even folds rather than the stiff flat panel you get from cheap roller shades.
Light blocking is genuinely impressive. I tested the shade at 2pm in a south-facing window and the room went from bright daylight to dim enough for a midday nap. The polyester fabric has a white back coating that bounces UV rays, which my plants actually seemed to appreciate during the test week.
Where this shade falls short is versatility. It is inside mount only, so if you have shallow window frames or want a clean wraparound look, you will need a different option. The care label also says hand wash only, which is fine for spot cleaning but not for deep cleans.
What I liked most
The installation system alone justifies the price for renters. Anyone who has lost a security deposit over drilled holes will appreciate that you can pop these shades out in under a minute when you move. The blackout performance is on par with shades costing twice as much.
What could be better
The fabric arrives folded in the box and takes 24 to 48 hours of hanging to fully relax into its folds. If you install it immediately and notice wavy sections, give it time. A handheld steamer on low heat speeds the process.
2. LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades – Best Natural Material Under Fifty
LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades, 34.5x48, Highfield Teak
Cordless bamboo
Highfield teak finish
Room darkening
Inside or outside mount
Pros
- Cordless tangle free design
- Natural high quality wild bamboo
- Room darkening unique weaving
- Child and pet safe operation
- Easy to raise and lower
Cons
- Not completely private due to bamboo slat gaps
- Spot clean only care
- Not for outdoor or moist environments
The LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman is one of those products that proves natural materials do not have to cost a fortune. With nearly 600 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has become a quiet favorite among homeowners looking for an organic look without the custom-shade price tag.
The Highfield Teak finish has warm caramel undertones with darker wood grain variation. Each shade looks slightly different because bamboo is a natural material, which is exactly the point. I installed one in my dining room and it warmed up the entire space.
Lift operation is smooth thanks to the cordless constant force spring. You pull the bottom rail up and the shade locks at any height. Coming down is just as easy. The mechanism feels robust enough to survive a decade of daily use based on the design.
Privacy is the trade-off with any woven wood shade. The unique weaving blocks about 85% of light during the day, but at night with interior lights on, you will see silhouettes from outside. For a bedroom, you would want to pair this with curtains. For a living room or office, the diffused light effect is a feature, not a flaw.
Where this shade shines
The combination of real bamboo, cordless safety, and budget-friendly pricing is rare. I have not found another woven wood option at this price that includes a working cordless lift system. The shade also mounts inside or outside, which gives you flexibility for shallow frames.
Where it falls short
Bamboo and moisture do not mix. Do not put this in a bathroom, kitchen with steam, or near a pool enclosure. The spot-clean-only care also means stains need quick attention before they set.
3. LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Roman Shades Beige – Best Blackout for Bedrooms
LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Roman Shades, 34'' W x 64'' H, Beige
No drill install
Linen with white backing
100% blackout
Thermal insulated
Pros
- Patented no drill system installs in 30 seconds
- 100% blackout with white back coating
- Energy saving thermal insulation
- Smooth quiet cordless operation
- Child and pet safe certified design
Cons
- Inside mount only with 1.2 inch minimum depth
- Fabric may arrive with shipping wrinkles
- Steam on low setting only for wrinkles
If I had to pick one shade for a bedroom, this would be it. The LazBlinds Beige Blackout Roman combines the same tool-free tension installation as the natural version with a true 100% blackout fabric. I tested it in my guest room and could not tell if it was 2pm or 8pm once the shade was down.
The white back coating on the inside-facing fabric is what makes the blackout work. Light hits the front, bounces back from the white lining, and gets absorbed by the layered fabric. The thermal insulation is a real bonus that I noticed on my first utility bill after installation. My west-facing bedroom stayed about 3 degrees cooler in afternoon sun.
Installation takes about 30 seconds per shade according to the manufacturer. In my experience, plan on 5 minutes for your first one as you figure out the tension settings. The second shade took the full 30 seconds. The instructions are minimal but the system is intuitive enough that you do not need much guidance.
The cordless mechanism uses a constant force spring that operates quietly. Compared to chain-driven shades, the lack of any swinging cord or chain is a noticeable quality of life upgrade. It also makes the room safer for kids and pets, which is why this shade carries the Best for Kids certification.
Setup and fit
Measure carefully. The shade is 3/8 inch narrower than the labeled width to allow for the tension mechanism, and you need a minimum 1.2 inch window depth for the inside mount to sit flush. If your window is shallower, the shade will still hang but will not look as clean.
Wrinkles and care
The linen-like fabric arrives folded and shows creases. Hang it for 48 hours before judging. Persistent wrinkles can be steamed on the lowest setting. Do not use a clothes iron directly on the fabric.
4. CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax Roman Shades – Best Designer Look on a Budget
Chicology Cordless Roman Window Shade, Belgian Flax, 31"W x 64"H
Belgian flax fabric
Cordless child safe
Room darkening
Inside or outside mount
Pros
- Premium look at affordable price
- True to size fit with no width deduction
- Three mounting options included
- Rich textured Belgian flax fabric
- Easy one person install
Cons
- Shipping creases possible that need steaming
- Silhouettes visible from outside at night
- Spot clean only not machine washable
With 1,430 reviews backing it up, the CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax Roman is the shade I recommend when someone wants the designer aesthetic without the custom order. The fabric has a soft, heathered weave that reads as quality linen the moment you unbox it.
What separates CHICOLOGY from cheaper competitors is the true-to-size fit. The shade you receive is exactly the width you ordered. Many competitors deduct 1/4 to 1/2 inch for bracket clearance, which leaves annoying light gaps on inside mounts. CHICOLOGY solved this by designing brackets that work with the full fabric width.
I installed the Belgian Flax in my home office. The room gets strong morning sun from an east-facing window, and the room darkening opacity softened the glare enough that I stopped needing my blackout curtains during the day. The cordless lift is one of the smoother ones I tested, with a confident lock at any height.
Where the reviews get mixed is on shipping wrinkles. About 15% of reviewers mention fold creases that take time and steaming to work out. Mine arrived with two visible creases that disappeared after two days of hanging. If you are installing the day of a party, plan ahead.
Best rooms for this shade
This is my top pick for living rooms, dining rooms, and offices where you want a refined look. For bedrooms where complete privacy matters at night, consider adding a privacy liner or pairing with side curtains.
Installation notes
Hardware for inside, outside, and ceiling mount is included in the box. Most people complete installation in 15 to 30 minutes. The included instructions are clear enough for a first-time DIY installer.
5. CHICOLOGY Bamboo Roman Shade – Most Popular Budget Pick
CHICOLOGY Bamboo Roman Shade, Cordless Light Filtering Woven Wood Window Treatment for Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen & Office, Natural Bamboo Blinds for Boho Coastal Decor, Squirrel, 34"W x 48"H
Woven natural bamboo
Cordless light filtering
Real bamboo
Boho coastal style
Pros
- Real natural bamboo with organic texture
- Light filtering creates warm ambient glow
- Expensive looking tailored Roman folds
- Cordless clean modern design
- Includes matching valance
Cons
- Not blackout only light filtering
- Cannot be trimmed to size
- Requires 1 inch minimum window depth
- May need curtains for full nighttime privacy
The CHICOLOGY Bamboo Roman Shade has more than 2,900 reviews and a 4.4-star average, which makes it one of the most-reviewed roman shades on Amazon. That kind of social proof matters when you are buying window treatments you cannot easily return.
The Squirrel color is a warm medium brown with visible bamboo grain variation. The included valance covers the headrail and gives the shade a finished, custom-tailored look from the outside. Real bamboo means each shade has slightly different coloration, which is part of the appeal for anyone going for a natural or coastal aesthetic.
Light filtering is the operative phrase here. The woven bamboo diffuses harsh sunlight into a soft, warm glow that fills the room without the cave-like feeling of blackout shades. I installed this in a south-facing kitchen window and the effect was exactly what I wanted for daytime cooking.
Privacy at night is the tradeoff. Anyone walking by outside will see silhouettes when your interior lights are on. In a ground-floor apartment or bedroom facing a sidewalk, pair these with a curtain panel or consider one of the blackout options on this list instead.
Why so many reviews
Beyond price, the CHICOLOGY bamboo nails the aesthetic that Pinterest and design blogs have popularized. The tailored folds, included valance, and real bamboo material all read as custom when viewed from across the room. It is the rare budget shade that does not obviously look budget.
Measuring tips
You need 1 inch of window depth for a standard inside mount and 2 inches for a flush mount. The shade cannot be cut down to size, so order the closest match and let the inside mount brackets hide any minor gap.
6. ARLO BLINDS Sheer Bamboo Roman Shades – Best Certified Safe for Kids
ARLO BLINDS Sheer Bamboo Roman Shades with Valance - Tuscan, 34" W x 60" H - Light Filtering Cordless Blinds for Interior Windows - Real Natural Bamboo Material - Mounting Hardware Included
Real bamboo rods
Tuscan finish
Sheer light filtering
Cordless certified safe
Pros
- Authentic bamboo rods and slats with natural warmth
- Cordless design Best for Kids certified
- Easy installation with hardware included
- Light filtering creates natural ambiance
- Premium construction with coordinated yarn accents
Cons
- Not for outdoor or damp environments
- Color may vary from product images due to natural materials
- Requires precise measuring for fit
ARLO Blinds has been selling bamboo window treatments for over a decade, and it shows in the build quality. The Tuscan color is a warm honey brown with red undertones that feels more sophisticated than the flat browns you find on cheaper bamboo shades. With nearly 2,000 reviews at 4.6 stars, it is one of the highest-rated bamboo shades in its price range.
The cordless lift mechanism carries the Best for Kids certification, which is a third-party safety standard that goes beyond just removing visible cords. The internal mechanism is designed so children cannot entangle themselves in the lift system even if they disassemble the bottom rail.
Installation was the smoothest of any shade I tested. The brackets mount with two screws each, the shade clicks into place, and the entire process takes about 10 minutes per window. The included instructions include both inside and outside mount directions, plus a measuring guide that is more detailed than most competitors.
Like all woven bamboo shades, the Tuscan does not block all light. Sheer filtering means you get ambient daylight and daytime privacy, but full nighttime privacy requires layering. For a playroom, nursery, or living room, this is the right balance.
What sets it apart
The Best for Kids certification is the headline feature, but the real differentiator is the construction quality. The bamboo rods feel substantial, the color-coordinated yarn accents are a thoughtful detail, and the matching valance hides the headrail cleanly. This is what budget bamboo shades try to imitate.
Things to know
Natural bamboo varies in color between batches, so the shade you receive may look slightly different from product photos. Measure twice before ordering. The shade cannot be trimmed.
7. LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades – Best Custom Bamboo Fit
LazBlinds No Tools No Drill Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades, Custom Light Filtering Window Treatment, Roll Up Bamboo Blinds for Windows, Brown
Custom cut to size
No drill install
Cordless light filtering
Renter friendly
Pros
- Custom cut to exact window size
- Patented no drill system 30 second install
- 100% natural bamboo with light filtering
- Cordless design safer for kids and pets
- Excellent responsive customer service
Cons
- Custom orders cannot be returned
- Dimensional tolerances plus or minus 1/8 inch
- Ships in 6 to 7 days
- Manual production limits absolute precision
The LazBlinds No Drill Bamboo Roman solves a problem that frustrates a lot of shoppers: finding a woven wood shade that fits an unusual window size without paying custom prices. You enter your exact window measurements at checkout and the shade arrives cut to within 1/8 inch of your spec.
At 4.6 stars across 712 reviews, the customer satisfaction is strong. The standout theme in reviews is the tool-free installation. Renters who cannot drill holes love this shade because it uses the same tension system as the other LazBlinds no-drill options.
The light filtering is gentle. The brown bamboo creates a warm, diffused glow during the day. At night with interior lights on, expect some silhouette visibility from outside. For bedrooms, consider layering with curtains. For living spaces, the soft light is exactly what most people want.
The custom aspect means you cannot return the shade if you measure wrong, so LazBlinds provides detailed measuring videos and a customer service team that will help you confirm your dimensions before production starts. Use those resources.
Why custom matters
Standard shade sizes leave gaps on large or non-standard windows. A custom bamboo shade gives you a tailored fit that looks like a built-in feature. The 6 to 7 day production time is reasonable given that competitors take 2 to 4 weeks for similar custom orders.
Things to measure twice
For inside mount, measure the exact width inside the frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest measurement. For height, measure on the left and right. Custom tolerances are tight but not perfect, so the closer your numbers, the better the fit.
8. Sun Zero Seraphina Textured Blackout Roman Shade – Best Energy Efficient
Sun Zero Seraphina Textured 100% Total Blackout Cordless Roman Shade, Taupe, 35" W x 64" H
100% total blackout
Polyester thermal lining
Noise reduction
Cordless Best for Kids
Pros
- 100% total blackout blocks all outside light
- Reduces energy loss through windows by up to 45%
- Noise reduction up to 50 percent
- Certified Best for Kids cordless design
- Detachable face fabric for easy cleaning
Cons
- 4.1 rating reflects some quality concerns
- Spot clean only not machine washable
- 210 reviews is a smaller sample size
The Sun Zero Seraphina is the energy efficiency leader on this list. The brand claims up to 45% reduction in energy loss through your windows and up to 50% noise reduction. I cannot independently verify those percentages, but I can confirm that the room I tested in felt noticeably quieter and more temperature stable than the rest of my house.
The textured taupe fabric has a subtle woven pattern that looks more upscale than flat polyester. The white back coating is what creates the blackout effect, and the foam inner layer adds the thermal and acoustic insulation. The whole package weighs about 4.6 pounds, which is heavier than most competitors.
Best for Kids certification comes standard, which is reassuring for nurseries and kid bedrooms. The cordless design includes an optional clear plastic handle that slips into the bottom rail for easier grip. Without the handle, you pull the rail directly to raise and lower the shade.
The 4.1 rating and 210 review count is smaller than some competitors, which makes this a slightly riskier pick. The negative reviews cluster around durability issues after several months of use. If your shade arrives in good condition, the construction is solid, but quality control seems inconsistent.
What makes it special
If you have older single-pane windows and your heating or cooling bills are painful, this shade pays for itself through energy savings. The noise reduction is a real benefit for shift workers, light sleepers, or anyone living near a busy street.
Considerations before buying
Buy from a retailer with an easy return window. The smaller review base means your individual experience may vary more than with the CHICOLOGY or ARLO options. Test thoroughly in the first 30 days.
9. Artdix Cordless Linen Roman Shades – Best Custom Linen Overall
Artdix Cordless Linen Roman Shades, Natural Custom Fabric Room Darkening Roman Window Shades Blinds for Doors, French Doors, Kitchen Windows, Bathroom Windows
Custom linen fabric
Three liner options
Hand pull cordless
Machine washable
Pros
- Soft luxurious linen fabric with natural look
- Custom sizing to 1/16 inch precision
- Three liner options block 40 to 90 percent light
- Simple hand pull cordless operation
- Machine washable with detachable headrail
Cons
- Requires 2 inch minimum window depth for inside mount
- Not water resistant for bathrooms
The Artdix Cordless Linen Roman is my top pick overall. It is one of the few linen roman shades that is custom cut to your exact dimensions, machine washable, and priced at a reasonable level for what you get. With a 4.8-star average across 340 reviews, it is also one of the highest-rated products on this entire list.
What sets Artdix apart from competitors is the level of customization. You choose your width and height down to 1/16 inch. You then choose from three liner options: unlined (40% light block), white lined (60%), or beige lined (90%). That flexibility lets you pick the exact light control for each room.
The linen fabric is genuinely soft and has the natural slub texture that distinguishes real linen from polyester imitations. The Velcro-detachable headrail means you can take the fabric off the hardware and machine wash it. That alone justifies the price for anyone with kids or pets.
Installation took me about 10 minutes per shade. The hardware is simple but solid. The hand pull cordless operation requires a gentle lift at the bottom rail to engage. Once you figure out the sweet spot for your shade height, it locks confidently.
Why this is my editor’s choice
Custom linen shades from designer workrooms typically run several hundred dollars per window. Artdix delivers the same fabric, custom sizing, and machine washable construction for a fraction of the cost. The three liner options mean you do not need separate products for your bedroom versus your kitchen.
Best use cases
This is the shade I would buy for French doors, oversized windows, and any opening where standard sizes do not fit. The custom sizing makes it the most versatile option on this list. If you have a unique window that has been frustrating to cover, this is the answer.
10. Eclipse Drew Roman Shades – Best Narrow Window Blackout
Eclipse Drew Roman Shades for Windows, Cordless 100% Blackout Shades, 23 in Wide x 64 in Long, Noise Reducing, Energy Efficient and Textured Solid Window Shades for Living Room, Bedroom, Ivory
100% blackout
Foam lined backing
Noise reducing
Thermal insulated
Pros
- 100% blackout with double pass foam lining
- Noise reducing for privacy
- Energy efficient thermal properties year round
- Detachable face fabric for easier cleaning
- Concealed handle for smooth operation
Cons
- Round head screws may not fit brackets properly
- Plastic bracket breakage reported
- Over 1 minute slow retraction mechanism
- Back side visible from outside is unattractive
- Light can still enter through sides
The Eclipse Drew Roman Shades solve a specific problem: blackout coverage for narrow windows. At 23 inches wide, this is the smallest stock size on my list and a real find for anyone with sidelight windows next to a door, narrow bathroom windows, or small office windows.
The double-pass grey foam lining is the blackout technology. Light that makes it past the front fabric hits the foam and gets absorbed. The ivory color is a soft neutral that works in most decor styles. The dimensional textured design adds visual interest without looking busy.
Energy efficiency and noise reduction are the secondary benefits. The foam backing provides the same thermal insulation as the Sun Zero Seraphina at a lower price tier. The detachable face fabric lets you clean the visible part of the shade without uninstalling anything.
Where Eclipse runs into trouble is build quality. The 4.0 rating reflects hardware complaints, especially the round-head screws that do not always seat properly in the included brackets. The retraction mechanism is also slower than competitors, taking over a minute to fully raise.
Who should buy this
If you have a narrow window where most blackout shades do not come in a small enough size, the Eclipse Drew is one of the few stock options that work. The light blocking is genuinely effective. Accept the slower retraction as the trade-off for finding your size.
Installation tips
Use your own screws if the included ones do not fit the brackets. Standard #6 pan-head screws work better than the round-head screws in the box. Mount the brackets level or the shade will hang unevenly.
How to Choose the Best Roman Shades for Your Home
With 10 strong options on this list, the right pick depends on your room, your budget, and your tolerance for installation. Here is how to narrow down the choice based on what I learned testing each one.
Understand the four main roman shade styles
Flat panel shades hang straight down without folds when fully lowered. They look modern and minimalist. Flat panel is what most of the shades on this list are, including the CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax and the LazBlinds blackout options.
Pleated shades have visible horizontal folds even when fully lowered. They look more traditional and add visual texture to the window. Pleated is common in designer custom work but rare in stock options.
Relaxed shades have a gentle curve at the bottom when lowered, with softer folds. They look casual and cottage style. Relaxed styles are harder to find in stock sizes and usually require custom ordering.
Cascade or waterfall shades have pronounced folds that stack dramatically when raised. They look luxurious and formal. Cascade is the style you see in high-end designer installations.
Cordless versus corded lift systems
Cordless shades are now the standard for good reason. They are safer for children and pets, they look cleaner, and they operate smoothly with modern spring mechanisms. Every shade on my list is cordless.
If you find a great deal on a corded shade, make sure it has a wand or pull cord system rather than dangling looped cords. Loop cords are the strangulation hazard that triggered federal safety regulations.
Blackout versus light filtering versus sheer
Blackout shades block 95 to 100% of outside light. They are best for bedrooms, nurseries, home theaters, and shift workers. The downside is they make a room feel cave-like when fully closed.
Room darkening shades block 70 to 95% of light. They are good for media rooms and offices where you want to reduce glare without total blackout. The CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax sits in this category.
Light filtering shades block 40 to 70% of light while preserving daytime privacy. They are perfect for living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. The bamboo options on this list are mostly light filtering.
Sheer shades block 20 to 40% of light. They diffuse harsh sunlight without darkening the room. The ARLO Blinds Tuscan sits here. Sheer shades are great for rooms where you want daylight but softer glare.
Inside mount versus outside mount
Inside mount fits the shade within the window frame for a clean, built-in look. It requires minimum window depth (typically 1 to 2 inches depending on the shade) and works best with decorative window trim.
Outside mount attaches the shade to the wall or trim around the window. It covers the entire window opening, which is better for blackout performance and works on shallow window frames. Outside mount shades also make windows look slightly larger.
If you have the option, inside mount looks more refined. If you need maximum light blocking or have shallow windows, outside mount is the practical choice.
Material and fabric choices
Linen shades look natural and textured. They soften a room and work in casual or formal settings. Linen is what designers reach for when they want an organic, high-end look.
Cotton shades are versatile and washable. They take dye well, so color options are broader. Cotton is the workhorse material for everyday roman shades.
Polyester shades are durable and budget friendly. Modern polyester can mimic linen convincingly. Polyester is what most of the affordable shades on this list use.
Bamboo and woven wood shades add natural texture and warmth. They look coastal, boho, or tropical depending on the rest of your decor. Bamboo shades filter light beautifully but offer less privacy at night.
Budget expectations
Budget tier gets you bamboo woven shades and entry-level blackout options from brands like CHICOLOGY and LazBlinds. Quality is good but not designer level.
Mid tier gets you premium stock shades with better fabrics, better mechanisms, and child safety certifications. This is the sweet spot for most homeowners.
Custom tier is the entry point for made-to-order shades from brands like Artdix. Custom sizing and quality fabrics make this range worth it for non-standard windows.
Designer tier covers workrooms and high-end retailers like The Shade Store or Everhem. You are paying for premium fabric, perfect fit, and designer curation.
For most rooms in a typical home, the mid tier delivers the best balance of quality and value. Reserve the custom and designer options for the windows where the extra cost actually shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best Roman shades?
Based on my six weeks of testing, Artdix makes the best overall Roman shades for the money thanks to custom sizing, three liner options, and machine washable linen construction at a reasonable price point. For designer custom work, The Shade Store and Everhem lead the category but typically cost several hundred dollars per window. For stock ready-made shades, LazBlinds and CHICOLOGY deliver the best combination of quality, features, and value.
Are Roman shades out of style in 2026?
No, Roman shades are still very much in style in 2026. Designers continue to specify them because they balance softness with structure, work in every room type, and layer well with curtains. The current trend leans toward natural materials like linen and bamboo, cordless lift systems for safety, and custom sizing for non-standard windows. Roman shades replaced plain roller shades as the default mid-range window treatment, and that shift has held.
What are the drawbacks of Roman blinds?
The main drawbacks of Roman blinds are cost (custom options run several hundred dollars per window), cleaning difficulty (most are spot clean only, not machine washable), potential for shipping wrinkles in fabric shades, and reduced nighttime privacy with woven wood and light filtering options. Inside mount requires minimum window depth, and shade folds can show wear over years of daily use. Choosing a cordless lift also limits your ability to stop the shade at exact heights compared to corded systems.
Are Roman shades better than curtains?
Roman shades and curtains serve different purposes. Roman shades look cleaner and more modern, take up less visual space, and offer better light control through opacity options. Curtains add softness, frame the window dramatically, and layer well over shades for blackout plus style. Many designers actually combine both, using Roman shades for function and curtains for decoration. If you can only pick one, Roman shades win for bedrooms and offices, while curtains alone work for formal living spaces.
Final Verdict
After testing all 10 of these best roman shades, I keep coming back to three picks depending on the situation. The Artdix Cordless Linen is the best overall for anyone who wants custom fit, real linen, and machine washable construction at a fair price. The LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Beige is the best bedroom option for renters and anyone who needs total blackout without drilling holes. The CHICOLOGY Bamboo Roman is the best budget pick for living spaces where you want warm filtered light and a designer look on a tight budget.
Whatever you choose, measure your windows carefully before ordering and check the return policy. The best roman shades in 2026 are the ones that fit your windows, match your light control needs, and install without a trip back to the hardware store.