Standard Roll or Reverse Roll: Which Roller Shades are Better?

Roller shades are the most popular window treatments on the market. With great versatility, an affordable price, and only the most minimal of cleaning and maintenance required, they are a great value product that won’t disappoint. While roller shades are a very simple product, there are a few decisions to be made once you choose to go with one that will have an important impact on how well your product performs for you and your space. One such decision is the choice between the standard roll and the reverse roll.

With a standard roll, the fabric lowers from the back of the roll and rests close to your windowpane. This does a better job of limiting light spillage into your room. The standard roll also gives you more options when it comes to choosing your valence. As the name suggests, it should be your default choice when selecting the direction of your roller shade.

On a reverse roll, the fabric of your roller shade lowers from the front of the roll in a manner reminiscent of a waterfall. This creates more clearance between the fabric and the windowpane, which can be beneficial if there is a protruding handle that would otherwise interfere with the roller shade lowering – something that is particularly common with sliding glass doors. The fabric on a reverse roll also conceals the roll when it is lowered, which can be a small aesthetic improvement depending on your preferences. A reverse roll is best suited to windows and doorways that need a little extra clearance for the roller shade to operate smoothly.