Hello, friends!
Exciting updates on SYL today!
First, I want to say thank you for your patience during my short hiatus. I wish I could tell you that I was off winning the HGTV Dream Home and being whisked away to my fabulous new abode, but the reality was much less glamorous. Instead, I was dealing with two feet of snow, a bout of the flu, a much-needed weekend away, and the ever-present reality of teenagers who always seem to need my laptop for homework just as I sit down to write a blog post. Life has a funny way of getting in the way sometimes! But hey, a girl can still dream about that Dream Home, right?
Despite my temporary blogging absence, I’ve been making steady progress on a major project my bedroom makeover! And one of the key design elements I’ve been focusing on is window treatments, specifically bamboo blinds. If you’ve been following along for a while, you probably already know that I am a huge fan of bamboo blinds. I love how they add texture, warmth, and a natural element to any space. In fact, my Pinterest “Windows” board is brimming with inspiration photos featuring bamboo blinds paired beautifully with drapes.
The Bamboo Blind Dilemma: Roman vs. Roll-Up
While updating my bedroom, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma: Should I go with bamboo roman shades or bamboo roll-up shades? The decision may seem trivial, but there’s actually quite a bit to consider when choosing between these two styles.
Over the winter, I installed bamboo roman shades in our living room, and I absolutely loved how they looked. I needed five of them, and even though I found them on sale, the total cost was still around $200. When I started looking for shades for our master bedroom, I noticed a significant price difference between bamboo roman shades and bamboo roll-up shades. This got me thinking—was my love for roman shades simply based on their aesthetic appeal, or was I overlooking the potential of roll-up shades?
Breaking Down the Key Differences
To make an informed decision, I decided to compare the two styles side by side. Here’s what I found:
1. Price Point
One of the most noticeable differences between bamboo roman shades and bamboo roll-up shades is the price. Roman shades tend to be more expensive due to their construction. They feature a more structured design with stacked folds that create a clean and polished look when raised.
For example, these Levolor bamboo shades at Lowe’s cost $42.96 for a 30” width.
By comparison, the roll-up shades in a similar width are significantly cheaper, costing $19.95 for a 30” size.
That’s more than a 50% price difference, which can really add up when outfitting multiple windows.
2. Design & Aesthetic Appeal
If you love a structured, tailored look, roman shades are a great option. Their folded design creates beautiful horizontal lines, giving windows a refined and elegant appearance. These shades also tend to sit more evenly when raised.
Roll-up shades, on the other hand, have a more relaxed, casual look. Instead of folding neatly into horizontal pleats, they roll up into a cylindrical shape when lifted. While they may lack the structured elegance of roman shades, they can still look stylish and inviting—especially in a space with a relaxed, natural, or bohemian aesthetic.
3. Functionality & Ease of Use
Another key difference between these two types of bamboo blinds is how they operate. Roman shades typically have a corded mechanism that allows for smooth and controlled raising and lowering. They stay in place securely at any height you set them.
Roll-up shades, on the other hand, use a simpler cord and hook system. Instead of a continuous pull cord, they require you to loop the cord around a hook to keep them in place. While this setup is functional, it isn’t as seamless as a roman shade’s mechanism and can sometimes feel less sturdy.
4. Mounting Hardware & Installation
One of the biggest drawbacks I found with roll-up shades was the exposed hardware. The roll-up mechanism is often mounted with simple hooks, which can make the blinds look unfinished or less high-end. In contrast, roman shades come with brackets that attach securely to both the shade and the window frame, giving a more polished and built-in appearance.
To solve this problem, I came up with a creative way to hide the hardware and cords of my roll-up shades, making them look much more refined. I’ll be sharing that DIY trick with you tomorrow, so stay tuned!
My Final Choice: Roman or Roll-Up?
After weighing the pros and cons, I ultimately decided to go with bamboo roll-up shades in the color “Pecan” for my bedroom. Not only did they complement the new wall color beautifully, but they also paired perfectly with the crisp white curtains, bedding, and trim.
While I initially leaned toward roman shades, the significant price savings and relaxed charm of the roll-up style won me over. Plus, with a few tweaks to conceal the hardware and cords, I was able to achieve a high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Which Style Is Right for You?
If you’re debating between bamboo roman shades and bamboo roll-up shades, here are a few key takeaways to help you decide:
- Choose roman shades if: You want a structured, polished look with neatly stacked folds and a more seamless operation.
- Choose roll-up shades if: You’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a casual, natural aesthetic that can still be dressed up with a few creative modifications.
Regardless of which style you choose, bamboo blinds are a fantastic way to add warmth, texture, and an organic touch to any room.
What’s your take on the bamboo blinds debate? Do you prefer the sophisticated elegance of roman shades, or do you love the easygoing charm of roll-up shades? Let me know in the comments below!
