Projects Roller Shades vs. Roman Shades And Cordless vs. Corded Blinds: A Buyer’s Guide

By Lowe’s Editorial Team
Published September 9, 2024

The right window shade can enhance the functionality of your interiors as well as your windows. But, deciding between roller vs roman shades can get little confusing. Understand their differences and unique features to make the best choice for your home.

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What are Roller Shades

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Roller shades are window coverings made of a fabric like cotton or materials like PVC, polyester or vinyl. The fabric or material is rolled onto a cylindrical tube that helps you to adjust the amount of covering you want on your window.

Caution
For child safety, choose shades with cordless lifts or inaccessible cords.

What are Roman Shades

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For those wondering what are roman shades, they are elegant window coverings. They have a series of fabric panels stitched onto a number of cords. The fabric panels fold neatly onto the cords when you increase the shade opening. They are made using fabrics like cotton, reed, or polyester.

Roller Shades vs Roman Shades

Below are some features of roller vs roman shades:

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Which Shade Should You Buy

Both roman and roller shades have their some pros and cons. Consider the following factors before choosing one:

Indoor and Outdoor Use

If you plan to install shades indoors, consider the type of look you would prefer. ​Roller shades give a clean and minimal look. They can blend with all kinds of interior decor. If you are thinking what are roller shades, remember they can be rolled up easily to view outside.

If you want to have a premium look, go for roman shades. They fold elegantly when raised and the neat folds give a sophisticated look.

However, several folds of roman shades can appear too bulky. This can decrease the elegance and obstruct the view from a small window.

Tip
Select shade fabrics certified for low chemical emissions for your rooms.

There are several options for your patio and backyard as well. Consider UV-resistant roller shades to block sunlight. You may prefer the breeze to flow in while blocking the sunlight. In such a case, a reed roman shade could be a great choice for you.

Fabric Opacity

Consider the amount of light you want to filter through the shades. Consider sheer roller shades to achieve maximum brightness. They are best suited for rooms that require lesser privacy, like the kitchen and living room.

For bedrooms, opt for blackout or room-darkening roman shades. Blackout roman shades block the unwanted light, ensuring that you get a distraction-free sleep.

Room-darkening roman shades ​allow very little light inside. They don’t block natural light completely. They also have a fabric lining at the back, which provides insulation and gives a sleek look from the outside.

Adjustability


It can be a little challenging to achieve the desired level of natural light using roman shades. They can either be fully raised or completely lowered.

If you want natural light in, you will have to open them completely. This might be uncomfortable for some.

On the other hand, roller shades can be easily adjusted to the desired level. They allow you to change the shade whenever you want.

Budget

Roller shades are generally more affordable than roman. They are a budget-friendly option for homeowners. If you have a bigger budget, it’s best to give your home a premium look with roman shades.

Energy Efficiency

Roman shades are quite energy-efficient. They can reduce the impact of direct sunlight, thus offering relief during summer.

If you want to improve the insulation in your room, go for roman. They can help maintain the room temperature and reduce utility bills.

Mount Type

Both the roller and roman shades can be mounted in two ways- inside and outside mount. An inside mount they fit neatly within the window frame. Go for these if you prefer a minimal look.

Outside mount shades are well-suited for narrow windows. They extend a little beyond the window frame and make it look a little larger.

Lift Options

There are a range of options available to lift both types of shades. You can select from any of the following for both roller and roman:

ect shades that can be lifted with a cord loop. ​For child safety, choose shades with cordless lifts or inaccessible cords.
Motorized tethered wand: This is a modern version of the loop and is usually included with roller shades. It has buttons for adjusting the shades.
Cordless lift: It is one of the best options for those who prefer a minimal look. The shades close when you gently push the handle on the rail.


Motorized shades: You can adjust them using an app on your mobile phone or other smart assistance gadgets. You can also schedule the time to open and close them automatically.
Roller shades provide a modern look with simple functionality. Roman shades can improve elegance and add a touch of sophistication to your room. Evaluate the above-mentioned factors to select the one that meets your needs and enhances your home decor.

Cordless vs. Corded Blinds: Which is Right for You

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One key option when selecting window blinds for your home is whether to get cordless or corded blinds. Both are useful but have key differences and are suitable for different spaces. Use this cord vs cordless blinds guide to learn about their differences.

What Are Corded Blinds?

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Corded blinds come with ropes and pulls as controls for the blind. You can pull these strings to lift, lower, rotate and manage the slats of the blinds. Corded models have been around for a long time and are widely used. They are easy to use and adjust with their pull cords and can be easily repaired.

What Are Cordless Blinds?

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Cordless blinds have internal springs or motorized mechanism. These allow you to adjust the height of your blinds with the press of a button. Cordless blinds are newer innovations and are widely used in many homes today. These models come up to 96″ in width and 84″ in length and have GREENGUARD Gold Certification. This ensures that the indoor air quality is clean.

Cord vs Cordless Blinds: What Are the Considerations to Make While Buying Them?

Both the corded and cordless models have their own set of features. Here are the factors that you need to consider while making your purchase:

Safety

Corded blinds have potential risks, especially to children, as they can get stuck on these cords. Their long cords can also become entangled and stuck.

Cordless blinds completely remove these risks. Since they do not have cords, many potential risks are also removed. Cordless blinds are the right choice if you have kids or pets in your home.

Ease of Use

You can use the long cords to position the blinds where you want them. But, they can get stuck and break if excessive force is applied.

Looped and wand-type cordless blinds are easy to operate. You can use just one hand, as they require you to only press a button. You can also opt for motorized blinds that operate using a remote.

Cost

Corded blinds are more cost-effective than cordless ones, though the price difference is relatively small. They are also easier to set up and don’t need professional help

Cordless designs are usually costlier than corded ones. The price will be higher if you want a motor or a wand system. You may also need professional help while installing the motorized blinds.

Styles and Features

Both corded and cordless blinds come in a variety of colors, materials, sizes and features. Both are available in multiple shades like faux wood blinds, vinyl blinds, fabric blinds and aluminum blinds. You can also get features like room darkening, blackout, privacy and insulated blinds.

An added advantage of motorized cordless blinds is their ability to schedule, use voice control and be compatible with home automation. These smart features make the cordless models stand out from the corded ones.

Installation

Corded blinds can be easily and quickly installed at home without professional help. You’ll just have to fasten the brackets, fit the blinds into place and then tie the cords properly.

Good to Know
Cordless options can be trickier depending on the type and some models may need professional help to be installed.
Both blinds have to be properly aligned to be working perfectly. Any misalignment can lead to them being stuck and sometimes even broken.

The Pros and Cons of Cordless and Corded Blinds

Here are the pros and cons of the two models:

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While comparing the two, you should consider the safety of the blinds, their convenience, the cost and lastly, your needs. Opt for cordless models if you have children/pets around or you want features like smart home automation. Corded blinds are great for when you are working on a limited budget or have many big and wide windows.

Be careful and think positive before buying your desired window. Windows not only plays a furnished part in your home but also an aesthetic part in your life. Have a wonderful experience of having purposeful and thoughtful windows at your home sweet home.

Have A Blessed Home, life, and Day 🙂

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