If you’re looking to upgrade your home with new window treatments, categorizing them can help because there are many different styles available to you. For those seeking soft fabric shades, Roman shades and roller shades are two of the most popular styles, but many A Shade Above clients come in asking our design experts to help them choose.

That’s why our team is here to break down the benefits of both styles and how they could potentially be a great fit for your space. Once you understand the differences, you’ll be able to make better-informed decisions about what you include in your home.

Roman shades are known for their sophisticated, fabric-forward design. They fold neatly when raised for a structured, soft aesthetic. Available in a wide range of fabrics, patterns, and textures, they can complement traditional, transitional, and modern interiors. We suggest Roman shades when homeowners want tailored looks; these window treatments look lovely in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.

Homeowners often upgrade to motorized Roman shades to combine style with ease of use—it’s an ideal solution for rooms with oversized or hard-to-reach windows.

• Hunter Douglas Vignette® Roman Shades are one of the top options for Roman shades. Available in over 25 color and fabric choices, including natural linens, weaves, silks, and tweeds, we can also customize them for specialty-shaped windows and glass doors. Choose from two styles:
  • Rolling Style: A 4” full or 6” flat fold rolls into the headrail.
  • Stacking Style: A 4” full fold stacks beneath a low-profile headrail.

Hunter Douglas also offers PowerView® Automation for Vignette® Roman Shades. This motorized roman shade system lets you operate your window coverings with a remote, app, or voice commands.

Roller shades are known for their minimalist design and clean lines. They roll up into a headrail to disappear entirely when fully raised. We recommend them for modern or contemporary homes where simplicity and function are key priorities. Roller shades are well-suited for many spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms.

• Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades come in 350+ fabric options, including sheer to opaque opacities; choose from sophisticated solids, prints, textures, and globally sourced fabrics.
• Sonnette® Roller Shades are an innovative hybrid design, with roller shade cellular honeycomb shade features. This is an exceptional choice for energy efficiency.
• Designer Solar Shades are special roller shades that protect against UV rays. They have a similar construction to Designer Roller Shades but with light-protecting fabrics.
• Designer Banded Shades, also called “zebra shades,” have an appealing design with layered sheer and solid fabrics, It’s an elegant way to control light and privacy.

Although Roman shade fabrics offer many selections, they tend to have a more elegant aesthetic than roller shades. Their folds tend to offer more texture for a slightly more formal aesthetic.

Roller shades are better suited for spaces that prioritize simplicity or have a modern aesthetic. In kitchens, bathrooms, or other high-traffic areas, roller shades can prove more practical. They’re easy to clean, durable, and available in materials designed to resist moisture and stains.

Solar roller shades work well in sunrooms or spaces with large windows, as they provide UV protection without compromising natural light.

A Shade Above offers a wide selection of Roman and roller shades, including motorized options. We feature Hunter Douglas window treatments and custom-made in-house shutters and look forward to meeting you.

Contact us for a consultation or visit our showrooms in Charlotte and Cornelius, NC, & North Myrtle Beach, SC to learn more!

A Shade Above – Charlotte Headquarters
& Temporary Showroom

1253 Matthews Mint Hill Road

Matthews, NC 28105

By Appointment Only