Metropolis Flat Roman Shades

Flat roman shades are the tailored suit of window coverings—clean, crisp, and impeccably constructed. When lowered, the fabric forms a single, smooth plane from headrail to bottom bar. When raised, it stacks into neat, horizontal folds that sit flush against the headrail, creating a sharp architectural line. This minimalist aesthetic makes flat roman shades the preferred choice for contemporary interiors, urban apartments, and any space where clean lines are paramount. Unlike hobbled or relaxed romans, flat romans have no permanent folds; the fabric is completely flat when fully extended, providing an unobstructed view and maximum light control. Available across our entire fabric library—from sheer linens to total‑blackout textiles—and in unlimited custom sizes. Every shade is hand‑crafted in our U.S. workrooms, with your choice of cordless, continuous cord loop, or motorized lift. Simplicity, elevated.

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Precision‑Folded Stack

A flat roman shade lives or dies by the quality of its stack, and ours is engineered with real craftsmanship. Each fold line is hand‑pressed and stitched by master seamstresses to ensure uniformity from top to bottom. Fold depth is calculated specifically for your finished drop—typically 4–6 inches—so the shade rises into a clean, architectural stack. When fully raised, the stack height is roughly one‑third of the total drop, keeping the top of the window open and visually uncluttered.

Unobstructed View When Lowered

When lowered, a flat roman shade becomes a perfectly smooth panel of fabric. No loops, no permanent folds, nothing to interrupt the view. This makes flat romans the best roman style for preserving sightlines, ideal for rooms overlooking gardens, mountains, city skylines, or waterfronts where you want a full, uninterrupted panorama.

Superior Light Control

Because the face fabric lies completely flat, there are no inherent light gaps like those found in hobbled romans. Paired with a blackout liner, flat romans achieve near‑total darkness, with only minimal edge leakage—easily eliminated with optional side channels. For bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms, this is the most light‑controlled roman style available.

Customizable Hemlines

The bottom hem is an opportunity to personalize the look. Options include:

  • Standard Hem — clean, straight, 2‑inch finish

  • Contrast Hem — a tailored accent using a second fabric

  • Decorative Trim — fringe, tassels, or beading for a bespoke touch

  • Scalloped Hem — custom curved patterns for a softer silhouette

These details let you add character while maintaining the shade’s overall streamlined aesthetic.

Lining Options

Flat romans accept every lining type, allowing you to tailor both performance and appearance:

  • Unlined — airy, casual, maximum natural light

  • Light‑Filtering Liner — softened daylight and daytime privacy

  • Room‑Darkening Liner — about 80% light block, excellent glare control

  • Blackout Liner — full darkness and thermal benefits

  • Thermal Liner — added insulation and energy savings

Liners are sewn as a separate layer and attached only at the headrail and bottom bar, preserving the crisp structure of the face fabric.

Commercial & Hospitality Applications

Flat romans bring a polished, professional look to offices, hotels, and luxury retail. Their clean geometry and uniform appearance convey quality and attention to detail. All fabrics can be specified with Class A fire ratings, ensuring compliance with commercial building codes.