Offices may benefit from Roman shades

When decorating offices, people tend to opt for function over fashion. Shades are needed to keep glare off computer screens and to block sun rays from heating up the rooms. But those looking to combine practicality and aesthetics may want to consider hanging Roman shades.

"There's very little overload of detail or texture or color, but when you look at it, the fabric will be of a particularly beautiful weave or it will have an interesting pattern," interior design expert Marie-Noelle Swiderski told ConstructionWeekOnline.com. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Roman shades also effectively block out sunlight.

When selecting a fabric for the shades, individuals may want to opt for a translucent material. "[When decorating offices] we look for something that has a degree of transparency - a fabric that you can see through. Some of the larger buildings have good views that they don't want to block out, so we usually use a white or very light grey fabric," designer Jason Roberts told the news source.

Those looking for Roman shades that also insulate a room can select ones that serve dual purposes. "Two-in-one shades combine the beauty of materials associated with Roman shades with insulating and light blocking qualities," Chris Stanley of Blinds Chalet said.