A Guide to European Relaxed Fold Roman Shades
European relaxed roman shades - with their signature cascading scallops - spell out a form of romanticism in interior design that transcends time and trends. A unique fusion of the traditional soft ornamental pleats of curtains and modern svelteness of blinds, roman shades in this fold style carry an allure that feels both current and classic.
Somewhere between the hush-hush tenets of minimalism and the controlled chaos of maximalism, European relaxed roman shades provide a middle ground to appease these arch-opposite styles. Neither going overboard with opulence nor coming off as unadorned and plain, they are an unrivaled client favorite irrespective of where one’s aesthetic loyalties lie.
If you find yourself becoming a part of this fandom, this guide will be a delightful read, offering you all the insights you need to fully appreciate and embrace the elegant charm of European relaxed roman shades.
What are European Relaxed Roman Shades
One of the most popular styles of roman shades, European relaxed roman shades are instantly recognized and defined by their signature scalloped bottom swags.
When fully lowered, the swag ‘disappears’ and the shade unfurls into a regular, flat fold roman shade perfectly tracing the rectangular shape of the window. But when operated, shades of this style fold up into a gently curved stack of pleats at the bottom, rendering a moment of true grace and elegance.
These scalloped folds are not stitched or pre-tailored. The swag is, in fact, formed organically by the weight of the fabric as the shades are raised. And every fold lends a little more weight to the center, than the previous one, finessing the formation of an opulent swag at every step.
Unlike slatted shades, where the structure is supported by slats sewn at the back, European roman shades are slatless. So their frontage remains clear of slat silhouettes and hemlines. This slatless construction - combined with the signature swag - makes European relaxed style an equally good fit for both patterned and plain fabric roman shades. While the plain front surface offers patterned fabrics the opportunity to shine, the swag lends plain fabrics a decorative flair.
The European relaxed roman shades are the picture of elegance and we can tell you’re smitten. But hold up, before you get into the rush of shopping, let our stylists guide you through all the details of this style to make sure this is the right one for your home sweet home.
European Relaxed Roman Shades: Perks to Pick
European relaxed roman shades are sleek yet opulent, svelte yet decorative, and as friendly with patterns as with plains. All this versatility makes them well-suited for most homes and windows. That said, there remain some perfect-match settings and spaces where this style reigns especially supreme, such as:
LEISURELY LOUNGES: The structural make-up of relaxed roman shades with flowy, curvy folds make them a befitting match for informal loungey spaces with a laid-back - almost languorous - ambiance. The roman shades’ signature gentle demeanor has a relaxed look capable of beckoning warmth and an ineffable sense of tranquility in any space. Beyond informal settings, this quality of European relaxed roman shades can also be leveraged to minimise the sense of alienation that can sometimes permeate straight-lined, overly-sleek interiorscapes.
DAINTY DENS: The undulating scallops of European relaxed roman shades quintessentially read soft and feminine by default. So, no surprise, the style is the belle of the ball when it comes to window treatments for traditional and feminine interiors that often are dominated by opulent and curvy silhouettes. Think of rooms adorned with rosettes and friezes, filled with pastel and citrus hues, a space that swirls and curls visually; European relaxed roman shades complete this recipe of escapism from the strict mores of modern industrial design styles.
STYLE STATEMENTS: In formal living rooms or dining rooms dazzling in chandelier lights, where the emphasis is more on decor refinement than functionality, relaxed shades are the ideal candidate since they bring high decor value with their lush folds. Layer them with rich custom drapery puddling gracefully on the floors, and you’d have instantly doubled up on both the aesthetic allure and functionality of your show-stopper window treatments.
PATTERNED FABRICS: With a clean frontage - devoid of slats or hemlines - European relaxed roman shades allow the patterns to be displayed without any interruptions. While the swag of the shades counterbalances the sharp edges of straight-lined patterns like stripes and checks, it also equally complements and emulates the swirls of paisleys and florals. Therefore, along with the back-slatted style, the European fold style is our stylists’ top recommendation for patterned roman shades.
PLAIN FABRICS: Devoid of the bustle of patterns, plain fabrics can sometimes come off as ‘uneventful’. On such fabrics, the decorative scallop of the European relaxed style brings the much-needed element of visual interest, offsetting an otherwise unadorned fabric. When paired with opulent fabrics like silks and velvets, it amps up the resplendence, creating a diva out of your window treatments. And while partnering with linens or cottons, the style dials up the casual, loungey vibe of these fabrics.
European Relaxed Roman Shades: Points to Ponder
While European roman shades are undoubtedly impressive, it’s important to take a moment of pause before you dive into your shopping experience. Consider the following few factors that may influence your final decision to ensure your choice aligns with your needs:
SHADE SIZE & FABRIC WEIGHT: The depth of swag in a European relaxed shade varies based on several factors - most noticeably the size of the shade and the weight of the fabric. This is because the swag is formed organically by the weight of fabric dipping in the center, and the scallop deepens as the shade is folded up. In a small, narrow shade - especially one crafted from very lightweight material - the required weight and span may be lacking, and therefore your shade may only dip into a very gentle curve - instead of forming a rich, deep swag. Similarly, if you choose a stiff fabric, it may not allow for the gentle scallop to form. Therefore, stylists advise against ordering European relaxed roman shades for windows narrower than 30 inches and recommend opting for soft, pliable fabrics.
PLEAT TRAINING: Since European relaxed roman shades are sewn only with a bottom weight bar and no middle slats to support the structure, their ‘pleat memory’ is formed organically and gradually over time. Unlike slatted, flat-fold shades that fold crisply along the straight slats on day one of duty, new relaxed roman shades find themselves needing a bit of assistance in the early days. Their folds may need to be set and shaped manually a few times, until the shade is fully ‘trained’ and in the ‘habit’ of forming clean, even folds on its own as it folds up.
For this reason, many clients plan to leave their relaxed shades in a semi-open position permanently, typically in rooms where total privacy or light control is not a priority. In such settings, the shades are expected to fulfill more of an aesthetic function, instead of an operational one. While other clients see the task of pleat-setting as a joyful moment spent with their brand-new roman shades, only to be enjoyed until the shades have ‘learnt’ to fold along clean lines and are ready to meet all visual and functional expectations.
MASCULINE SPACES: Since relaxed roman shades are curvilicious members of window decor, their flowing design may seem at odds with the raw finishes, sharp edges, and minimalist details often found in masculine decor spaces. However, that said, relaxed shade can still be used to offset the edginess of the decor when paired with masculine patterns and color palettes. Opt for rustic checks or clean stripes in a moody or earthy color palette, and you’ve got a sophisticated blend of strength and softness that elevates the decor of the entire room.
HAUL EM' HOME: Striped Roman Shades | Check Roman Shades
How to Measure For European Relaxed Roman Shades
With the goal of specifying roman shades that fit your windows like a glove, first decide on the mounting position of your roman shades. Would you like to mount them outside the window frame, or have them sit primly inside the recess? To find your answer and a detailed discussion on the pros and cons of the two mounting positions, please refer to our blog on Inside Vs Outside Mounted Roman Shades.
Once you’ve decided on the mounting position, browse our Roman Shades Measurement Guide for handy illustrations and simple step-by-step instructions on measuring for your European relaxed roman shades. Then grab that measuring tape and seize the digits. Before you know it, you’ll be all set to place your order!
How to Install European Relaxed Roman Shades
Once your package of fabulousness has arrived at your doorstep, the final step awaits: mounting those stunning shades! Our roman shades come ready to install right out of the box, complete with all the necessary hardware. With a bit of DIY enthusiasm, it’ll be an exciting Sunday morning project you can tackle on your own or with an extra pair of hands for some shared fun. Of course, if you prefer, you can always hire a professional or enlist a decor-loving DIY-pro friend.
For images of our hardware, and step-by-step instructions to hang your European relaxed roman shades like a pro, please refer to our Roman Shades Installation Guide.
And with that, get comfier on your couch; the shopping spree is about to begin!
Seal the Deal: Shop European Relaxed Fold Roman Shades from Sewn
At the end of this comprehensive guide, we hope you’re feeling fairly familiar with all the secrets that lie within the gentle folds of European relaxed roman shades. And armed with all that knowledge - from where this style makes the best fit to when you need to reconsider your decision - you’re all set to dive into the joy of browsing through Sewn’s 2000+ strong fabric collection and shopping for your custom roman shades. Whether you’re seeking a piece of quiet resplendance or an element of unabashed opulence, be assured that our collection is equipped to cover every whim and window. And on that rather thrilling note, go ahead, fellow shopper, give your shopaholic heart a free rein!
