A Reading Nook in the City of Literature: Roman Shades in Iowa City
Roman shades in Iowa City make a great top layer for a window reading nook. A light-filtering Roman softens the low winter sun, so you get even light on the page and less glare. It folds up neatly when you want the whole window. After dark, add a warm layer behind it. A January night here gets cold, and you'll be sitting right next to the glass.
Why does Iowa City make such a good case for a reading nook?
Books are part of the town's identity. In November 2008, UNESCO named Iowa City the world's third City of Literature. Only Edinburgh and Melbourne came before it. The University of Iowa calls its Writers' Workshop the first creative writing degree program anywhere. The City of Literature group also runs the Iowa City Book Festival and One Book Two Book.
In a town like that, a good reading chair by the window feels right. January is a good month to set one up.
What makes a Roman shade different from other shades?
Think of a fabric panel with slim rods sewn in behind it. Lift the bottom rail and the fabric gathers into folds at the top. Let it down and it covers the glass.
The fold style changes the look. A flat fold has clean, simple lines. A relaxed fold dips a little in the middle. A hobbled fold has looping layers for a softer, classic feel. Our Roman shade options show each one. They can also be lined for light filtering or room darkening.
Which window works best for a winter reading nook?
The one with steady light and no sun beaming straight onto your book. In mid-January the sun rises around 7:31 a.m. and peaks at about 12:16 p.m. It sets just after 5, per the U.S. Naval Observatory. Even at noon it stays low to the south.
What that means by direction:
- North windows give soft, even light all day. They're ideal for long reads.
- East windows are lovely for a morning coffee and a chapter.
- South windows bring low midday sun right across the page. A light-filtering Roman softens that.
- West windows glare in the late afternoon. Lower the shade partway around 3.
Older home with a deep porch? Our five winter light rules for Goosetown and Longfellow can help you pick the brightest spot.
How do you keep a reading nook warm after dark?
Pair the Roman shade with a warmer layer. NOAA normals put the January low here near 12 degrees. The normal high is only about 29. Cold glass at your shoulder makes even a cozy chair feel chilly.
| Pairing | Light on the page | Warmth at night | Good fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light-filtering Roman alone | Soft and even | Fair | North or east nooks |
| Roman shade outside the frame, cellular shade inside | Soft by day, cellular raised | Good | South or west nooks, colder windows |
| Lined Roman, top-down bottom-up | Sky light from the top | Good | Street-facing nooks |
The middle row is the warmest. The cellular shade sits close to the glass and traps air in its cells. You'll need a frame deep enough for it. The Roman shade goes on the trim in front for the look. By day you raise the cellular shade and use the Roman. At night you lower both.
Do light-filtering Roman shades give you privacy at night?
Only partly. A lamp behind the fabric turns your nook into a lit screen. Neighbors won't see the book title. They may see you sitting there. If your nook faces the street, plan for that.
There are two easy fixes. Choose a lined Roman that's thick enough to block shapes. You can also lower a room-darkening layer behind it once the lamp comes on.
What small touches make a nook feel finished?
A few details matter more in a nook than in a big room:
- Fabric color. Warm whites and soft creams glow in lamplight. Cool grays can feel chilly on a January night.
- Cordless lift. On a window seat you reach over cushions to work the shade. A cordless Roman is easier. Cordless options also suit homes with kids and pets.
- Pattern. A small print on a Roman shade can carry the room. Keep it calm, though. You'll stare at it between chapters.
Ready to set up your nook?
Pick the window and sit there on a sunny afternoon with a book. Notice the glare and the chill. Then let us bring fabrics to that exact spot. Our local team can help you choose Roman shades in Iowa City that suit your chair and your light. Book your free consultation.
Kevin Sill is CFO and co-owner of the family-owned Budget Blinds franchises serving the Iowa City area.