What is a "Roman shade"?

A Roman shade is a type of window treatment that is made of fabric and is designed to fold up (stack) evenly into horizontal sections when raised. Roman shades are typically hung from a rod or other types of hardware and can be easily raised or lowered using a cord or pulley system. They come in a variety of styles and patterns, from simple and understated to more ornate and decorative, and can be made from a range of materials such as cotton, linen, or silk.