Window Treatments
Hobbled Roman Shade
Hobbled roman shades, also called waterfall or teardrop romans, feature soft, continuous horizontal folds that remain visible even when the shade is fully lowered. This creates a more textured, luxurious appearance than flat romans, with gentle cascading waves of fabric.
The permanent folds add dimension and visual interest, making hobbled romans feel dressier and more traditional than their flat counterparts. They work particularly well in formal spaces and bedrooms where their romantic, soft appearance enhances elegant interiors.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Permanent soft horizontal folds
- ✓Visible texture when lowered
- ✓Romantic, luxurious appearance
- ✓More fabric required than flat
- ✓Traditional elegance
- ✓Soft, cascading effect
Types & Variations
Standard hobbled (even fold depth)
Soft fold (less structured)
Cascade hobbled (graduated folds)
Lined hobbled (better light control)
Motorized hobbled
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Hobbled romans have significant stack height when raised—account for this if you need maximum light. They look best on taller windows where folds can be appreciated. Inside mount shows the texture well.
💡 Pro Tip
Choose solid or tone-on-tone fabrics for hobbled romans—busy patterns can conflict with the visual texture of the folds. Silk, linen, and cotton velvet show the soft folds particularly beautifully.