Relaxed Roman shades—sometimes called soft Romans—are known for their graceful swooping shape at the bottom hem. Unlike traditional Roman shades, which are squared off and structured, a relaxed Roman shade is designed with a gentle swag through the center. That’s the “relaxed” part—it’s not held rigidly in place by cords, giving the shade a more casual, elegant drape.
This softer shape makes relaxed Romans a favorite in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and other spaces where a bit of romantic style is welcome. But it’s important to understand how they function—and how to help your client love their finished shade.
This softer shape makes relaxed Romans a favorite in bedrooms, sitting rooms, and other spaces where a bit of romantic style is welcome. But it’s important to understand how they function—and how to help your client love their finished shade.
Set Expectations: These Shades Like to Be Left Alone
Relaxed Romans look best when left mostly in the down position. That doesn’t mean they can’t be operable—but if your client is particular about things being perfectly symmetrical, they may find the shade needs a little adjusting after each time it’s raised or lowered. Sometimes the fabric behaves and settles back into place with no effort, but often, a little fluffing or patting is required.
Letting your customer know this ahead of time helps ensure they’re delighted with the final result.
Relaxed Romans look best when left mostly in the down position. That doesn’t mean they can’t be operable—but if your client is particular about things being perfectly symmetrical, they may find the shade needs a little adjusting after each time it’s raised or lowered. Sometimes the fabric behaves and settles back into place with no effort, but often, a little fluffing or patting is required.
Letting your customer know this ahead of time helps ensure they’re delighted with the final result.
Don’t Skip the Weight Bar
Whether your relaxed Roman is flat, banded, trimmed, or interlined, all versions require a weight bar or rod at the bottom hem. This critical component does two things:
Whether your relaxed Roman is flat, banded, trimmed, or interlined, all versions require a weight bar or rod at the bottom hem. This critical component does two things:
- It keeps the vertical ring columns evenly spaced, so the shade doesn’t pinch inward at the sides.
- It provides structure to help the shade raise and lower cleanly.
Use a 2-Cord Widget for Clean Operation
We recommend using a 2-cord Widget system, mounted directly to the headrail. This simple hardware setup gives you smooth, child-safe lifting power with minimal hardware, making it ideal for the more delicate look of a relaxed Roman.
You’ll see in the image above how discreet and effective the Widget is in a finished shade.
Inspired to build a Relaxed Roman? Order your Widget Kit today!
We recommend using a 2-cord Widget system, mounted directly to the headrail. This simple hardware setup gives you smooth, child-safe lifting power with minimal hardware, making it ideal for the more delicate look of a relaxed Roman.
You’ll see in the image above how discreet and effective the Widget is in a finished shade.
Inspired to build a Relaxed Roman? Order your Widget Kit today!
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