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Roman shades are gaining attention as a window-treatment option in 2026: Google Trends data cited by Hunker show searches for the term up 50% from the previous year, and Apartment Therapy’s design report found more than one-third of surveyed designers favored relaxed Roman shades. The figures indicate interest, not proof that Roman shades are taking over homes or that traditional curtains are disappearing.
Roman shades are gaining attention as a 2026 window-treatment trend, according to a Hunker report citing Google Trends data and Apartment Therapy’s annual home-design report. The figures suggest growing interest in a tailored alternative to curtains, but do not establish that shades are replacing traditional window treatments across households.
Hunker reports that Google Trends searches for “Roman shades” rose 50% from the previous year. The report does not specify the dates covered, geographic scope, or whether the figure measures search volume, relative interest, or another Google Trends index. It is an indicator of online interest, not a count of purchases or installations.
The report also cites Apartment Therapy’s State of Home Design 2026, saying more than one-third of participating designers identified relaxed Roman shades as a leading window-treatment trend. The article does not provide the survey’s sample size, question wording, or field dates, so the finding should be read as a reported designer preference rather than a measure of how common the style is in homes.
Roman shades use fabric that folds as the shade is raised. Styles mentioned in the report include soft-fold and relaxed silhouettes. Hunker says the format can offer a less elaborate appearance than ornate drapes, along with adjustable light control and, in some designs, a frame-contained profile. These characteristics vary by product and installation.
Why Designers Favor Roman Shades
The trend matters to homeowners weighing appearance, light control and available space. Unlike long curtains, Roman shades can sit within or close to a window frame, which may suit rooms where a compact profile is preferred. Their fabric folds can also provide a softer look than hard blinds without requiring floor-length panels.
Cost and material choices are part of the appeal described by the report. Interior designer Jennifer McKissick told The Spruce that Roman shades use less fabric than long drapery, which can make a higher-priced fabric a more feasible choice for some projects. That is a design consideration, not a guarantee that Roman shades are cheaper overall: price depends on dimensions, fabric, lining, operating mechanism, and whether the product is custom-made.
The reported figures do not show that consumers are broadly abandoning curtains. They do, however, give readers a signal that designers and people searching for window treatments are paying more attention to Roman shades. For anyone planning a room update, the practical question is whether a shade’s coverage and operation fit the window and the room’s needs.
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How the 2026 Trend Was Measured
The source frames the shift as a move away from ornate curtains, valances and tiebacks toward simpler window treatments. Those styles remain options; the report’s description of them as dated reflects a design judgment, not a documented decline in their use. Roman shades themselves are not new. The reported development is renewed attention to them in current design coverage and search activity.
The two cited indicators measure different things. Google Trends reflects search interest, while the Apartment Therapy report reflects responses from designers. Neither source, as summarized by Hunker, provides sales figures, installation data, or a representative survey of homeowners. Together, they support describing Roman shades as a trend receiving attention, not as a verified nationwide replacement for curtains.
Hunker also notes that Roman shades are available across a range of prices and mentions a no-sew, glue-based DIY approach. A do-it-yourself project may reduce labor costs, but results depend on the window, materials and construction. The article does not provide product testing or safety guidance for the method.
“They require about one-fourth of the fabric that long drapery requires, making them a great option to incorporate more expensive fabrics into your space.”
— Jennifer McKissick, interior designer, speaking to The Spruce as quoted by Hunker
What the Trend Figures Do Not Show
The reported 50% increase in searches lacks a stated date range, location and measurement details in Hunker’s account. Google Trends data indicate relative search interest and should not be treated as a direct count of shoppers or sales. The available source material also does not establish whether the increase continued through all of 2026.
The designer finding is similarly limited by missing survey details, including the number and selection of respondents. It is not clear whether relaxed Roman shades were compared with specific alternatives or how designers defined “at the forefront” of trends. No independent sales data are provided to confirm a shift in purchasing or installation.
There is also no single best choice for every window. Roman shades may not provide the same coverage, insulation, or decorative effect as a particular curtain setup, and performance depends on construction and fit. The source does not compare products on durability, privacy, energy use, or child-safety features.
Compare Fit Before Replacing Curtains
For homeowners considering the change, the next step is to compare specific shades with existing treatments: check measurements, mounting options, fabric, lining, privacy needs and how much daylight should enter. Prices should be compared for equivalent sizes and features, including installation where relevant. The trend figures alone do not establish that replacement is necessary or cost-effective.
Further evidence of a lasting market shift would include later Google Trends comparisons with defined dates, complete survey methods, and sales or installation data. Until such information is available, Roman shades can be described as a prominent design option receiving increased attention—not a confirmed replacement for traditional curtains.
Key Questions
Are Roman shades replacing traditional curtains in 2026?
Not based on the cited evidence. Hunker reports rising search interest and a designer-trend finding, but provides no sales or installation data showing that curtains are being broadly replaced.
What does the reported 50% increase mean?
It is the year-over-year rise in Google Trends searches for “Roman shades” cited by Hunker. The report does not state the exact period, geography or measurement details, and the figure is not a measure of purchases.
What are relaxed Roman shades?
They are a Roman-shade style with a softer, less rigid fabric profile. The source identifies relaxed shades as a trend but does not set out a standard product definition.
Are Roman shades less expensive than curtains?
Not necessarily. Designer Jennifer McKissick said Roman shades require less fabric than long drapery, which may make more expensive fabric practical. Total cost still depends on the product, window size, operating system and installation.
Can Roman shades be made as a DIY project?
Hunker mentions a no-sew, glue-based DIY method, but the source does not provide a tested cost estimate or assess its durability. Homeowners should follow the chosen product’s instructions and check that the finished shade suits the window and its use.
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