When you visit a retailer that specializes in window shades, you can expect to see lots of Roman shades for sale. While you might not know this product by its name, you've almost certainly seen it in various peoples' homes or perhaps even in office buildings or hotels. A Roman shade is a large piece of fabric that covers a window and allows you to raise or lower it. Unlike blinds, which require several individual pieces over the surface of the window, Roman shades have just one piece per window. Roman shades can be a good window covering in several rooms of your home. Here are three popular Roman shades that you'll see.

Solid Color 

Roman shades are available in a wide range of solid colors, and many homeowners favor this look. If you like the idea of a small amount of light flowing into the room even when the shade is down, you might favor a light color such as white or off-white. These hues can offer a bright, clean appearance that can especially work well in a smaller room. Dark-colored Roman shades also offer value, namely in terms of their ability to keep light out. A shade in black, brown, or navy blue, for example, can effectively block the sun while offering a stylish look.

Striped

If you find that a plain color is too drab for you, there are lots of options that you can consider. Expect to see a number of striped Roman shades at your local window treatments store. The stripes can be vertical or horizontal, each of which can have an impact on how the window looks. Vertical stripes may make the window look tall and narrow, while horizontal stripes may make it look wider. Stripes can vary in thickness and in color, so you'll be able to find a look that works well in the room.

Pattern

If you want your Roman shade to look a little more lively, you might be interested in buying a product that has a decorative pattern. Many of these options are available on the market, featuring plaid designs, polka dots, damask shapes, and many other styles. This idea can work well if you've decorated one of your rooms in a simple manner and want to add some visual interest. Visit a window treatment store in your area or browse an online shop to check out Roman shades in these and other designs.