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Roman shades are a type of window

Window

A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...

 covering used to block out the sun to create a shaded area. Roman shades are different from standard shades in that they stack up evenly when being opened, however when they are they are visibly smooth, not bumpy or ribbed like typical vertical shades of blinds.
Roman shades are usually opened with a cord mechanism, allowing the user to adjust the height of the covered area. In this case, the opened portion of the blinds remains smooth, while the very top will be stacked evenly.

Styles

Roman shades are available in a variety of styles. Both Looped Roman Shades and Classic Roman Shades are designed to create depth and dimension. Looped Roman Shades have handcrafted folds that cascade down the face of the shade to help create eye-catching depth, while Classic Roman Shades offer a pleated design.Roman shades are also available in a seamless style, which feature a smooth or flat shade face best suited for uninterrupted patterns.

Materials

Many different kinds of materials, from wood to fabric, can be used to create Roman shades, as well as natural materials such as bamboo.