Choosing Between Bamboo and Fabric Roman Shades

Curtains, blinds, roman shades, and other types of window treatments are not a necessity but most people enjoy having them because they allow you to choose when you want to open or close them.  Privacy seems to be the first reason for installing window treatments, roman shades, and blinds.  You may also be in search of a way to block out the sunlight if you are trying to sleep in on a Saturday morning.  Whatever your reason may be, bamboo and fabric roman shades are an excellent option.  Either one can successfully provide your home with elegant and effective window coverings.

Bamboo roman shades have recently become very popular because bamboo is a “green” or environmentally friendly type of wood.  Bamboo plants grow at a rapid rate which means they can be replenished quickly after being cut down to fabricate bamboo products.  If you are looking for a “green” window treatment options, than you should definitely consider a bamboo roman shade product for your windows.  Most companies fabricate blinds in different natural bamboo stains that range in colors from light golden to darker brown.  You may be thinking that the darker the stain, the more coverage or privacy you will have but in actuality, the way the bamboo is weaved determines how much light can pass through the shade.  The tighter the weave the more privacy you will have.

Most bamboo window treatments are costly because they are also very durable.  Bamboo window treatments require very little upkeep.  The sun’s UV rays may fade the material but the result is a natural lighter color which is less noticeable than a fabric material.  You may have to periodically dust the shades but that is about all of the maintenance they will need even after many years of use.  The usually operate with a drawstring which you will need to keep away from small children because they pose a choke hazard just like the drawstrings of other types of blinds or roman window shades.

Fabric roman shades are also quite elegant and effective as window treatments.  Fabric shades come in all kinds of materials, colors, and textures.  You can choose from simple solid colors or elaborate patterned designs.  Discount roman shades are usually made of fabric because it is the least expensive material.  Fabric can also be quite resistant depending on the type you choose.  Vinyl fabrics seem to last longer because they fair better against the power of the sun.  A vinyl fabric is also much easier to maintain and keep clean.

If you need custom roman shades for your home, the best material is fabric because there are less expensive to create and you will have many options to choose from.  A custom shade will cost you more so you definitely want to make sure you choose a sturdy and durable fabric material.  Make sure the fabric has some kind of UV barrier so it lasts longer and protects the interior of your home from the sun’s damaging effects.  Sun coming through a window is beautiful but if you have furniture in that area, the sun rays will likely begin to slowly fade and dry out the surfaces of those items.  If you are trying to block out all light from outside, then you definitely want to choose a thicker or darker fabric for you shades.

If you are trying to find out how to make roman shades from scratch, you will quickly find that even if you need a custom fit, making them yourself takes a lot of work especially if you plan to work with bamboo materials.  Fabric homemade shades are easier to make but you will still need to purchase the materials needed including the hardware that is necessary to hand the blinds.  You will also need access to a sewing machine for the process.  You can find all kinds of online resources as to how you can make your own roman shades.  You can choose from various types of materials, patterns, and installations. 

Regardless of how you go about getting a roman shade for your windows or which type of material you choose, you will likely be satisfied with the investment and its long term benefits.  Window coverings are not a necessity but they sure do add elegance and utility when they are done right and maintained properly.