Roller Shades Versus Roman Shades | Which Is Best for Your Home?
When it comes to window treatments, two Hunter Douglas favorites stand out – roller shades and Roman shades.
Both add style, privacy, and light control, but they offer very different looks and functions.
At Bindi and Bird, we help homeowners across Bellingham and Whatcom and Skagit Counties choose blinds, shades and drapery that fit their homes perfectly. Here’s what to know before you decide which shade is right for you.
Understanding Roller Shades
Roller shades are simple, modern, and endlessly versatile.
A single piece of fabric rolls up neatly into a sleek headrail, keeping lines clean and sightlines open. They’re ideal for contemporary spaces, open layouts, and homes that favor a streamlined aesthetic.
See How Bindi and Bird Can Elevate Your Home
- Design Consultations – Expert guidance to find the perfect look and light control for your space.
- Professional Installation – Flawless, custom-fit results from start to finish.
- Premium Products – Featuring Hunter Douglas and other trusted brands.
Why Homeowners Love Roller Shades
• Modern and minimal design that works with any décor
• Wide selection of fabrics and opacities for light control
• Easy operation – manual or motorized with PowerView automation
• Compact profile for small or large windows
Roller shades are also one of the most practical choices for high-use rooms like kitchens, living rooms, or offices. They’re durable, easy to clean, and fade-resistant – perfect for bright Pacific Northwest homes.
Understanding Roman Shades
Roman shades bring texture, softness, and elegance to a space.
They fold gently as they rise, creating a classic, tailored look that works beautifully in traditional and transitional interiors.
Why Homeowners Love Roman Shades
• Elegant folds add visual depth and softness to any room
• Available in hundreds of Hunter Douglas fabrics, patterns, and colors
• Options for light-filtering, room-darkening, or full blackout lining
• Cordless and motorized options for safety and convenience
Roman shades are a favorite for bedrooms, dining rooms, and spaces that benefit from fabric detail. They pair perfectly with Carole Fabrics drapery for a layered, designer look.
Comparing the Two
Both roller and Roman shades are available through Hunter Douglas, but they serve different purposes in design.
| Feature | Roller Shades | Roman Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Sleek, modern | Soft, elegant |
| Fabric Options | Light-filtering to blackout | Sheer to blackout with texture |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Light vacuum or fabric care |
| Best For | Kitchens, offices, modern homes | Bedrooms, living rooms, classic interiors |
If you love a clean, architectural feel, go with roller shades.
If you prefer a warm, fabric-driven look, Roman shades are the better choice.
Both can be motorized, layered, and customized with the exact color and texture your home needs.
What About Light and Privacy?
Light control is one of the most common deciding factors for our clients.
Roller shades provide a consistent level of light filtering — they’re excellent for managing glare while maintaining a view.
Roman shades offer more depth, especially when paired with a blackout lining or used in layered designs with drapery. They’re ideal if you want a softer ambiance or complete light blocking in a bedroom.
Cost Comparison
Pricing varies depending on fabric, size, and features.
In general, roller shades start at a lower price point and are a great fit for multiple windows or large projects.
Roman shades are typically a bit higher due to their fabric folds and lining options, but they bring a custom, high-end finish that elevates any room.
Our team at Bindi and Bird provides custom quotes so you’ll always know exactly what fits your budget and design goals.
Which Should You Choose?
When helping clients decide between roller and Roman shades, we start with three questions:
- What’s your home’s overall style – modern, transitional, or traditional?
- How much light control do you need in each space?
- Do you prefer texture and softness or a minimal, clean look?
There’s no wrong answer – both options deliver beautiful results.
Many of our Bellingham clients even combine the two, using roller shades in living areas for simplicity and Roman shades in bedrooms for more of a cozy feel.
Visit Our Showroom
Seeing the fabrics and lift systems in person makes a big difference.
Schedule a visit to the Bindi and Bird showroom in Bellingham to explore full-size displays of Hunter Douglas roller and Roman shades.
You can compare fabrics, test automation, and work with our design team to create a custom plan that fits your space.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Our team will measure, design, and install everything for you – start to finish.
Related Resource
To explore all Hunter Douglas options available locally, visit our
Hunter Douglas Dealer in Bellingham page.
You’ll find details on shades, blinds, shutters, drapery, and more – all available through Bindi and Bird.
