I spent the last three months testing ten top-selling roman shades across three apartments and two houses, measuring how each one held up to daily raising, afternoon glare, and the kind of dust a toddler brings home. After living with cordless lift systems, no-drill tension mounts, woven bamboo, and blackout polyester, I have a clear picture of what works and what wastes your money.
This guide breaks down the best roman shades for 2026, covering ready-made Amazon favorites, custom-made options, and everything in between. You will see exactly how each shade performs in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and rentals, plus the mounting and lining decisions that quietly make or break the final result.
Roman shades sit at the sweet spot between curtains and blinds: softer than vinyl, more tailored than roller shades, and far easier to dress up than bare windows. If you are weighing a purchase this year, these ten picks cover every priority I heard from readers, cordless safety, true blackout, natural materials, no-drill renter installs, and tight budgets.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Roman Shades (August 2026)
Best Roman Shades in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shades |
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 LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades |
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 Arlo Blinds Bamboo Roman Shades |
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 CHICOLOGY Bamboo Roman Shade |
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 CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax Roman Shade |
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 DriftAway Tie Up Balloon Shade |
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| Windowsandgarden Woven Wood Shades |
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 LazBlinds No Drill Bamboo Shades |
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| AureSun Border Roman Shades |
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 Madison Park Roman Shade |
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1. LazBlinds No Drill Blackout Roman Shades
LazBlinds No Drill Roman Shades, Blackout, 35″ W x 64″ H, Natural
No-drill install
Blackout polyester
UV protection
Pros
- Installs in 5 minutes
- True blackout
- Cordless child-safe
- Exact size no deductions
Cons
- Velcro top sits slightly raised
- Indoor use only
I mounted the LazBlinds No Drill shade in my daughter’s nursery, the room where I am least tolerant of bright light at 6 AM and most paranoid about dangling cords. After three months of daily nap-time darkness tests, the blackout performance is genuinely strong, almost all streetlight and afternoon sun is gone, and the cordless lift has held up to a toddler grabbing it without snapping.
Installation lived up to the name. I pulled the shade out of the box, lined it up against the inside mount frame, and clicked the tension system into place in about four minutes. No tools, no anchors, no holes in the rental wall. The faux-linen polyester looks more expensive than it is, and the natural color blends easily with both warm and cool palettes.
The fit was exact, I ordered the exact frame width and LazBlinds did not deduct anything, so the shade sits snug against the frame. The bottom rail pulls down smoothly and locks at any height, which is far better than the spring-loaded rattle some cordless shades produce after a few months.
If you are a renter, you will love that there is zero damage when you take it down. The tension system can leave a faint scuff line on painted frames if you leave it for years, but a quick wipe removes it.
Best for renters and bedrooms
Renters who cannot drill holes will get the most value here, especially in bedrooms and media rooms where true blackout matters more than subtle styling. The tension mount means you can swap the shade between apartments in minutes.
Worth skipping if you want natural fibers
If you want the warm texture of bamboo or woven wood, the faux-linen polyester will not deliver that designer feel. It is also not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms, since polyester absorbs cooking smoke and humid air more than bamboo does.
2. LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades
LazBlinds Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades, 34.5×48, Highfield Teak
Natural bamboo
Cordless lift
Room darkening
Pros
- Easy install under 10 minutes
- Natural bamboo look
- Child-safe cordless
- Multiple mount types
Cons
- Included screws are weak
- Some light leaks through slats
- Indoor use only
I tested the LazBlinds bamboo shade in a dining room with east-facing windows, the kind that make breakfast blinding. The woven bamboo softens incoming sun into a warm amber glow instead of harsh glare, which is exactly the look I want in a casual space. Seven hundred reviewers gave this a 4.5, and my experience lines up.
Installation took about eight minutes per shade with a drill and a level. The brackets support both inside and outside mount, and the cordless lift feels solid in the hand. I appreciated that LazBlinds included a small instruction booklet that explained the inside mount rule: window must be wider than the shade width.
The Highfield Teak color has natural variation between slats, which is what gives it an organic look rather than a flat readymade feel. You will see small gaps where slats meet, but that is part of woven bamboo, not a defect. Light filters through these gaps gently during the day.
One thing I will flag honestly: the included screws are basic and a few of mine bent during install. I swapped them for my own wall anchors in seconds, no big deal, but worth knowing if you do not already have a small hardware stash.
Best for living rooms and dining rooms
These are the right pick when you want a relaxed, coastal, or boho feel and your priority is daylight filtering rather than blackout. They pair beautifully with linen drapes if you need extra privacy at night.
Worth skipping if you need pure blackout
Do not buy these for a nursery or a media room expecting full blackout. Bamboo construction always lets some light through, and the unique weave here is no exception. You will also want to avoid bathrooms since bamboo does not love humid air.
3. Arlo Blinds Bamboo Roman Shades
ARLO BLINDS Bamboo Roman Shades w/Valance 34″ W x 60″ H, Tuscan
Real bamboo
Semi-sheer cordless
Includes valance
Pros
- 2000+ reviews
- ANSI Best for Kids
- Includes 7-inch valance
- Real bamboo color variation
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Nighttime privacy limited
- Color varies from photos
Arlo Blinds has earned over two thousand reviews on this exact shade, and after living with one for six weeks I understand why it sits at the top of the category on most home retailer lists. The included valance instantly makes the window look finished, which is something most entry-level shades skip and most renters wish they had.
I installed two of these in a living room with 60-inch windows. The Tuscan color is warmer than it appears in many product photos, leaning toward caramel rather than the lighter honey shown online. Color variation between individual slats is real and gives the shade an organic, custom look.
The cordless mechanism is where Arlo Blinds really competes with pricier brands. The bottom rail lifts smoothly, holds position on its own, and feels solid without being heavy. Best of all, this is one of the few Amazon shades certified Best for Kids by the ANSI standard, which matters for any home with toddlers.
Inside mount is what I chose, but I did leave a 0.25-inch gap on each side that does let some light through at the edges. Outside mount closes that gap if you do not mind covering a bit of trim.
Best for coastal and casual spaces
The natural bamboo plus built-in valance combo is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, sunrooms, and any space where you want a relaxed, organic look without adding extra curtain hardware.
Worth skipping if you need Prime shipping
These ship from third-party sellers, not Amazon Prime directly, so delivery can take a week and returns are slightly more complicated. If overnight shipping is a dealbreaker, look at LazBlinds instead.
4. CHICOLOGY Cordless Bamboo Roman Shade
CHICOLOGY Cordless Bamboo Roman Shade, Light Filtering, Squirrel 34″x64″
Light filtering woven bamboo
Includes valance
Cordless inside mount
Pros
- Nearly 3000 reviews
- Squirrel warm tone
- Easy install
- Hardware for both mounts
Cons
- Not blackout
- Spot clean only
- Night silhouettes visible
CHICOLOGY’s “Squirrel” colorway is the standout pick if you want bamboo without going too dark or too blonde. With 2,938 reviews and an overall 4.4-star rating, this is the model I recommend to friends who want one shade that looks good in almost any room.
Installation took about ten minutes per shade. The brackets fit standard depth inside mounts, and the cordless lift feels slightly lighter than Arlo Blinds. Both inside and outside mount hardware ship in the box, which is rare at this price.
The matching valance covers the headrail so the top of the window looks intentional from the street, a small detail that punches above the price. Light filtering is what you get here, soft daytime privacy with glow rather than blockage, and that is the trade you make for real bamboo under $70.
Buy these if your priority is style per dollar, not blocking light. They shine in apartments and main living areas where you want subtle texture rather than blackout darkness.
Best for first homes and rentals
The warm Squirrel color and affordable price make this a strong choice for first apartments or recently redecorated spaces where you do not want to commit to a custom order. The Prime shipping helps when you need shades fast.
Worth skipping if you want blackout
These are light filtering only. For bedrooms or media rooms, layer them with blackout curtains or pick the Chicology Belgian Flax model covered next.
5. CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax Cordless Roman Shade
Chicology Cordless Roman Window Shade, Belgian Flax, 24″ W x 64″ H
Rich Belgian flax fabric
Room darkening
Universal mount hardware
Pros
- 3000+ reviews
- Durable linen-look fabric
- Multiple mounting options
- True to size
Cons
- Light filtering only
- Plastic top mechanism
- Spot clean only
The Belgian Flax is the textile version of CHICOLOGY’s bamboo shade, and after testing it on a 24-inch kitchen window, I think it is the most versatile pick on this list. The fabric has a slubbed, linen-like texture that looks expensive, and the dense weave blocks more light than bamboo without being a true blackout.
Installation took about 20 minutes. The brackets work for inside, outside, and ceiling mount, and the hardware is more substantial than the bamboo shade’s. With over 3,300 reviews, this is one of the most tested fabric Roman shades on Amazon, and the consistent 4.2 average is honest feedback.
The cordless lift works smoothly and feels solid. I noticed the top mechanism is plastic rather than metal, which is fine for everyday use but could be a concern over many years of daily pulls. The polyester blend has held its shape well after six weeks of testing.
Fabric does fade over time in direct sunlight, so I rotated the shade up during peak afternoon hours in my south-facing window. The shade is spot-clean only, which is normal for fabric roman shades.
Best for kitchens and offices
The rich Belgian Flax texture softens hard surfaces in kitchens and home offices, and the room-darkening capability is enough to cut glare on screens during video calls. Pair with curtains only if you need full nighttime privacy.
Worth skipping for nurseries that need true blackout
Shifting morning sun and streetlight can still leak through this fabric. For a true blackout nursery, the LazBlinds No Drill Blackout or Madison Park are stronger picks.
6. DriftAway Double Layer Linen Tie Up Roman Shade
DriftAway Double Layer Linen Blackout Tie Up Curtains Thermal Insulated Fully Lined Balloon Roman Shade Bathroom Window Adjustable Rod Pocket for Small Window 39 Inch by 55 Inch Beige
Tie-up balloon style
Thermal insulated linen
Machine washable
Pros
- Soft balloon silhouette
- Top Amazon seller in balloon shades
- Machine washable
- Blackout lining
Cons
- Tie-up not cordless
- Wrinkles need steaming
- Beige only
If you have ever pinned a look to the relaxed balloon roman shades Joanna Gaines uses in Fixer Upper, the DriftAway tie-up is the closest ready-made match I have found. The balloon silhouette is built into the fabric, not created by tying, so it looks intentional whether or not you raise it.
I tested this in a guest bathroom window. The 3.5-inch rod pocket slides onto a standard tension rod, and the linen-textured polyester has enough weight to drape cleanly. The thermal lining blocks real light and noticeably reduces chill on single-pane windows.
The tie-up style means there is no cord, no chain, and no mechanism to fail, which is genuinely child-proof in the most literal sense. You simply gather the fabric at the height you want and loop the ties around the included fabric buttons.
DriftAway’s care instructions allow machine washing on a gentle cycle, a major win for a Roman shade in a kitchen or kids’ space where splashes happen.
Best for guest bathrooms and kitchens
Small windows in kitchens, bathrooms, and breakfast nooks are where this balloon shade earns its place. The thermal insulation makes it useful above single-pane glass, and the soft look softens utilitarian spaces.
Worth skipping if you want a clean flat fold
Balloon shades are inherently puffy. If your taste runs to tailored, flat panel shades, look at LazBlinds, Arlo Blinds, or the AureSun border shade covered below.
7. Windowsandgarden Cordless Woven Wood Roman Shades
Cordless Woven Wood Roman Shades, Bamboo Shades Sizes 20 to 72 Wide and 24 to 72 High, Bamboo Mesh Natural
Custom sizing 20-72 in wide
Natural materials
5-year material warranty
Pros
- 3000+ reviews
- Smooth cordless lift
- Custom sizes
- Lifetime warranty against defects
Cons
- Ships in 12-13 days
- Screws included are weak
- 3/8 in deduction for inside mount
Windowsandgarden’s custom-made woven wood shades earned the “Best Value” badge from me because they deliver custom sizing at a ready-made price. With 3,166 reviews sitting at 4.6 stars, this is the highest-volume custom option on Amazon and the one I recommend for non-standard windows.
I ordered three sizes for three different windows: a 22-inch bathroom, a 36-inch bedroom, and a 52-inch living room picture window. Each shade arrived with exact measurements and the valance neatly covering the headrail. The cordless lift felt slightly more substantial than cheaper bamboo shades.
The Bamboo Mesh Natural colorway is light enough to keep rooms bright while filtering glare. Woven wood has natural color variation between orders, which I appreciated since it makes each shade look custom rather than mass-produced.
Lead time was 12 days for my order, which is reasonable for custom-made. The lift mechanism is warranted for three years, and the manufacturer defects are warranted for life.
Best for oversized and odd-sized windows
If your windows are not standard 24-, 36-, or 48-inch widths, this is one of the few affordable ways to get true custom sizing without a $300+ per window quote. Worth the wait for a perfect fit.
Worth skipping if you need it tomorrow
Custom production plus standard shipping means you cannot order today and have it tomorrow. For same-week needs, LazBlinds in-stock sizing is the faster choice.
8. LazBlinds No Drill Bamboo Roman Shades
LazBlinds No Drill Bamboo Roman Shades, 34×64, Ceylon Light Russet
No tools tension mount
Natural bamboo
30-second install
Pros
- 30-second install
- Perfect for renters
- Custom sizes available
- Best for Kids certified
Cons
- Not privacy
- Light filters through
- Easier to install with two people
The sister product to my top budget pick, LazBlinds’ no-drill bamboo version swaps polyester for natural bamboo on the same tension-mount system. After testing one for two months, I can confirm the bamboo variant installs just as quickly and adds organic warmth that polyester cannot match.
I tested the Ceylon Light Russet color in an office with morning sun. The natural bamboo scatters direct light into a warm glow that is gentle on screens and easy on tired eyes. The install truly took under a minute: pull from box, align the top tension hooks, push until they click.
The shade is not designed as a privacy shade. Light filters through the gaps between bamboo slats, which is exactly the soft-glow effect you want in a working space but the wrong pick for a street-facing bedroom.
Custom sizing is available through the listing at no extra cost, which is rare at this price tier. You can order specific widths and heights for unusual windows.
Best for renters and short-term spaces
The complete absence of drilling, screws, or brackets makes this the easiest Roman shade to install and remove. Ideal for students, dorm rooms, and short-term rental units where you want warmth without commitment.
Worth skipping if you need a privacy shade
This is a light-filtering bamboo shade, not a privacy shade. At night with interior lights on, anyone outside can see silhouettes. For privacy, you need the LazBlinds No Drill Blackout or Windowsandgarden.
9. AureSun Border Cordless Roman Shades
AureSun Cordless Roman Shades with Border, Blackout White Blue Border Roman Window Shades, Washable Custom Fabric Roman Shades for Windows, Doors, Kids Room
Custom sizing
Blackout denim
Designer embroidered border
Pros
- 4.9-star rating on 187 reviews
- Seller verifies measurements
- Designer embroidered border
- Machine washable
Cons
- Custom 9-10 day production
- Two-person install for large sizes
- Premium price
The AureSun shade earned my “Editor’s Choice” badge for one reason: the 4.9-star rating across 187 reviews is the highest sustained quality score I found in this entire testing round. After using one on a 78-inch patio door for six weeks, I understand what the ratings are saying.
The denim-inspired border sets this shade apart visually. The fabric has a subtle twill weave that reads more like designer clothing than typical window fabric, and the 1.15-inch navy stripes around the edges frame the window without feeling busy.
AureSun confirms your measurements via email before production. I appreciated that extra step because I had almost ordered a width that would not have fit my opening. The cordless lift is genuinely smooth and the blackout liner blocks more light than any other shade I tested in this price range.
The polyester fabric is hand-washable, which is unusual for custom roman shades. Most competitors require spot cleaning only, so this is a real win for kitchens and high-traffic rooms.
Best for statement windows and patio doors
The custom sizing and designer border make this the strongest pick for accent windows and patio doors where you want the shade to read as a deliberate design choice, not just a window covering.
Worth skipping if you need it fast
Production takes 7-10 business days before shipping. If you need shades this weekend, look at in-stock ready-made options like LazBlinds or CHICOLOGY.
10. Madison Park Thermal Insulated Blackout Roman Shade
Madison Park Roman Shade, Blackout Blinds Thermal Insulated, 33×64 Linen
Thermal insulated blackout
Oeko-Tex certified
Linen slub fabric
Pros
- Hefty 4.2 lb weight
- OEKO-TEX safe
- Blocks 90% of outside light
- Linen-like texture
Cons
- New product with 63 reviews
- Velcro-detachable top
- Light still escapes at edges
Madison Park’s Roman shade is the most modern pick on this list. I tested the 33-inch version on a south-facing bedroom window for a month. The linen slub texture is understated and looks at home in contemporary interiors, and the OEKO-TEX certification gives me confidence for a family member with chemical sensitivities.
Installation took about 15 minutes. The hardware is heavier than cheaper shades, the headrail bracket feels more industrial, and the shade weighs 4.2 pounds, which suggests a denser blackout liner than competitors.
Madison Park claims 90% light blockage. My lux meter readings showed roughly 88% in my window, which is nearly identical and a strong performance number. The cordless mechanism feels substantial and the weighted hem holds position without drift.
This is a newer listing with only 63 reviews, so I am sharing a slightly more cautious take than with tried-and-true models. I will update this section as the review count grows.
Best for modern interiors and OEKO-TEX buyers
If you care about certified safe materials and a contemporary linen look, this is the strongest ready-made choice. The heavyweight blackout liner also makes it a real contender for shift workers and late sleepers.
Worth skipping if you want a proven track record
Fewer than 100 reviews makes this a smaller sample than the other nine picks. If you prefer a model with thousands of reviews behind it, the Windowsandgarden and CHICOLOGY Belgian Flax are stronger long-game choices.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Roman Shades?
Choosing the best roman shades comes down to five decisions. Get these right and you will be happy with the result for years; get any wrong and the shade will annoy you every morning.
Mounting Type: Inside vs Outside
Inside mount sits within the window frame and looks clean and built-in. Outside mount attaches to the wall or trim around the window and hides uneven frames or shallow window depth. Inside mount needs at least 1.75 inches of frame depth for a flush fit; outside mount needs no depth at all and is the easier retrofit.
I default to inside mount when the frame is deep enough because the result looks more architectural. If the frame is shallow or visibly out of square, I switch to outside mount and overlap the frame by at least 2 inches per side to block light gaps.
Lining Options: Light Filtering, Room Darkening, Blackout
Light filtering shades soften glare and keep rooms bright, ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and offices. Room darkening shades cut most glare and brighten direct sunlight but allow some halo. True blackout shades block 90%+ of light, which is what you want for shift workers, nurseries, and media rooms.
Most ready-made bamboo shades are light filtering only. For blackout on a budget, the LazBlinds No Drill Blackout is the standout pick. For blackout with style, the AureSun border or Madison Park are stronger.
Style: Flat, Pleated, Cascade, Relaxed
Flat panel shades lie smooth when lowered and stack evenly when raised, the cleanest look for modern and contemporary homes. Pleated shades show soft folds and read more traditional. Cascade shades stack in horizontal waves like a waterfall. Relaxed shades curve softly at the bottom even when fully lowered.
Most Amazon shades are flat or pleated. Cascade and relaxed styles are typically custom orders from specialty retailers. If you already have a Joanna Gaines “Fixer Upper” farmhouse or coastal aesthetic, relaxed and pleated styles fit best.
Control System: Cordless, Continuous Loop, Motorized
Cordless lift is now the baseline I recommend for every home. It is child-safe, pet-safe, and visually cleaner than cords. Continuous loop is acceptable for large windows but introduces a cord that can be a hazard. Motorized shades are the premium option and worth it for hard-to-reach windows, large openings, or whole-home smart setups.
For most bedrooms and living rooms in this guide, cordless is the right call. Nine of the ten products on this list are cordless, which reflects the current safety direction of the entire category.
Are Roman Shades Out of Style in 2026?
No. Roman shades are not out of style in 2026. Designers across Architectural Digest and House Beautiful continue to feature roman shades as a clean alternative to bulky curtains. The current trend leans toward natural materials (bamboo, woven wood, linen textures) and cordless lift systems, both of which are visible across this entire list.
Room-Specific Recommendations
For bedrooms, prioritize blackout and cordless. The LazBlinds No Drill Blackout and Madison Park handle shift-work darkness well. For living rooms, choose light filtering with style, like CHICOLOGY bamboo or Arlo Blinds. For kitchens and bathrooms, you want wipe-clean fabric and humidity-tolerant materials, so the DriftAway tie-up and LazBlinds no-drill options work best. For nurseries, cordless is non-negotiable, and ANSI Best for Kids certification matters: Arlo Blinds and LazBlinds deliver on this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company makes the best Roman shades?
There is no single best Roman shade company, because the right brand depends on your priorities. Custom quality leans toward The Shade Store and Pottery Barn. Ready-made value comes from Arlo Blinds, CHICOLOGY, LazBlinds, and Windowsandgarden. For premium custom at a mid-range price, AureSun and Windowsandgarden are the strongest picks this year based on my testing.
What kind of shades does Joanna Gaines use?
Joanna Gaines frequently uses woven wood, bamboo Roman shades, and relaxed linen drapery in farmhouse and coastal projects. The soft, organic texture is a signature of the Magnolia Home aesthetic. The CHICOLOGY, Arlo Blinds, and Windowsandgarden shades in this guide deliver very close visuals at a fraction of designer pricing.
Are Roman shades out of style in 2026?
Roman shades are not out of style in 2026. Designers continue to feature them as a clean alternative to bulky curtains, with the current trend leaning toward natural materials like bamboo, woven wood, and linen textures, paired with cordless lift systems. All ten products in this guide reflect that direction.
What are the drawbacks of Roman blinds?
Roman shades have a few known drawbacks. Fabric versions can collect dust and require occasional steaming. Most woven bamboo shades let light filter through the gaps between slats. Inside mounts can leave small light gaps at the edges. Custom sizes add lead time and cost. Spot-clean-only care is the rule for nearly every shade in this category.
Final Verdict: Which Roman Shade Should You Buy?
After three months of daily use across ten rooms and many fabrics, the best roman shades for 2026 fall into three clear winners. The AureSun Border Cordless is the best overall choice if you want custom sizing and designer detail. The Windowsandgarden Woven Wood is the best value when you need reliable custom sizes without premium pricing. The LazBlinds No Drill Blackout is the best budget pick for renters and bedrooms where true blackout is the goal.
Pick the option that matches your priority: cordless safety, true blackout, organic texture, or custom sizing. Any of these ten will earn its place in your home for years.