Roman vs. Cellular Shades: Which Are Best for You?

Roman and cellular shades are both popular window treatments among homeowners. Moreover, these styles offer similar advantages, such as being easy to maintain and energy-efficient.

Each is available in a wide variety of aesthetic designs. With that said, how do you choose the best option for you?

What are Roman shades?

Roman shades consist of a single piece of fabric that opens and closes like an accordion. They’re simple, easy to use, and one of the most popular blinds options available today.

Additionally, they meet most homeowners’ requirements for privacy, energy efficiency, and light filtering.

Insulating

Roman shades can come in thicker, insulating fabric options. However, they do not have the same thermal-resistant properties as cellular shades. That being said, Roman shades do offer some heat retention and remain a relatively energy-efficient option.

Just ensure you choose a thick fabric and keep the blinds closed on particularly cold or warm days.

Light Control

How much light control do you need? Whatever the answer, Roman shades can provide it.

They’re available in a variety of fabrics that offer varying levels of light control. If you need total darkness, simply choose a blackout fabric or similar material.

Furthermore, Roman shades use an innovative pulley mechanism to control light (and privacy). You can filter light as you please by opening or closing the shades.

Design

No matter the style of your home, you can’t go wrong with Roman shades. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, fabrics, and designs to complement every household.

At Window Blinds Direct, we offer three main styles of Roman shades: soft shades, flat shades, and cascade shades. Soft shades are delicate, elegant and flow freely.

Flat shades have a dowel at the bottom, causing the shades to hang flat while fully extended and folding into crisp lines when retracted. Finally, cascade shades resemble a waterfall. They offer beautiful texture and visual interest to every room.

Maintenance

Your new Roman shades are easy to clean; however, you should clean them regularly. That way, you can remove any dust or debris before it settles into the fabric of the shades. To clean your Roman shades, use a vacuum or a specialty spray. Roman shades are sensitive to moisture, so you should not use water to clean them.

What are cellular shades?

Cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades) feature a pleated or honeycomb-shaped design that offers varying degrees of light filtering. They’re also incredibly insulating, helping to keep your home cozy while simultaneously saving energy.

Plus, they come in a wide assortment of designs.

Thermal-Resistant and Insulating

Their unique shape prevents air transfer between your home and the outside. How? Air is trapped in between the cells, forming a barrier between the window and your house’s interior.

Less hot air gets in during the summer, and less hot air escapes during the winter. As a result, your home is kept at a consistent temperature without overworking your HVAC.

Additionally, some cellular shades use thick, insulating fabrics. You’ll notice the difference come wintertime when freezing temperatures have arrived in Toronto!

Light Control

You can choose from the three major light control options: sheer, light filtering, or blackout. Their versatility makes cellular shades a great option for any room in your home.

After all, different rooms have different light control needs. Just because you need total darkness in your bedroom does not mean you have the same requirements in your kitchen!

Design

Window Blinds Direct carries a wide selection of cellular shades. You can choose from various colours, fabrics, and prints to find the style that best suits you and your home.

Additionally, we offer enhanced cordless and fully motorized options that are perfect for households with pets or small children.

Our cellular shades are also available in top-down and bottom-up options for lowering or raising. This allows you to control how much light gets in and control the privacy levels.

Maintenance

Cellular shades are easy to maintain; however, dust does get trapped in the fabric. You should dust the shades to keep them clean. If you choose to use a vacuum, use a low setting to avoid warping the shape of your blinds.

Additionally, moisture can damage the fabric, so use lukewarm water if you must spot clean. Or, hire a professional window treatment cleaner!

Which is best for you?

So, are Roman shades or cellular shades best for you? It depends on your personal preference and requirements.

If you need an insulating and thermal-resistant option, then cellular shades are the better choice.

Their structure offers superior insulating properties that make your home more efficient and more comfortable in both summer and winter.

If you want a hands-free, fully motorized option, then, again, you should choose cellular shades. If you want a luxurious appearance, we recommend Roman shades.

Both Roman and cellular shades are easy to maintain and come in a variety of beautiful designs. Furthermore, they offer similar light control and privacy levels.

Choose Window Blinds Direct for Your New Roman or Cellular Shades!

Whichever window treatment style you choose, you can find it at Window Blinds Direct. We carry a wide variety of versatile, stylish, and durable blinds for Toronto homeowners.

Furthermore, our custom blinds solutions make it easy to find the best model for your style and functionality requirements.

To learn more about custom window blinds in Toronto, call Window Blinds Direct at 647-360-7026 or contact us here.