Stylish and versatile, Roman blinds are a versatile window covering, adding an elegant touch to any space. Known for their soft fabric folds and tailored finish, these fabric blinds offer the perfect blend of beauty and practicality thanks to their expert design. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist design, luxurious textures, or bold patterns, our range of made to measure roman blinds has something to suit. In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you choose the best Roman blinds for your space.
Contents
- What are Roman Blinds?
- How do Roman Blinds Work?
- The Benefits of Roman Blinds
- How to Choose a Roman Blind
- Choosing the Right Style
- Choosing the Right Colour
- Lining Options
- What Rooms do Roman Blinds Work Best in?
- Where to Hang Roman Blinds
- How to Measure for Roman Blinds
- How to Fit Roman Blinds
- FAQs
What are Roman Blinds?
Roman blinds are a type of window covering that provide light control and privacy. Made from fabric that neatly folds into pleats when raised, they’re a sleek and timeless choice. Their soft, tailored finish makes them perfect for creating a cosy, refined atmosphere in any room. Unlike other blind styles, Roman blinds do not have slats; instead, they fold flat when lowered and form soft, cascading folds when raised. Because of this design, they are often seen as a stylish and space-saving alternative to curtains.
How Do Roman Blinds Work?
Roman blinds are easily operated with a control chain, which raises or lowers the fabric. Use the control chain to raise the blind and watch as the fabric folds up in a series of pleats, offering a neat and tidy look. Pull the control chain in the opposite direction to gently close the blind, lowering the fabric and releasing the pleats. Typically, a Roman blind is made using fabric panels which have rods sewn into the back. These rods help create the folds in the fabric. Many modern Roman blinds also feature headrails with Velcro attachments, making installation and maintenance incredibly simple. For more information, see our complete guide on How Roman Blinds Work.
What are the Benefits of Roman Blinds?
Popular for good reason, roman blinds offer a wide range of benefits thanks to their innovative design. Let’s discuss them below:
Elegant Design: Available in a wide range of fabric options, Roman blinds add a touch of luxury to any space and can complement both traditional and contemporary interiors alike. At Unbeatable Blinds we offer over 450 different styles.
Customisation Options: Customise your roman blinds with one of our premium lining options and tailor them to suit any space. Choose from light filtering, blackout, and thermal linings.
Energy Efficiency: When paired with a thermal lining, Roman blinds can help reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Thermal blinds can even help keep down those pesky heating bills!
Light Control: With options for blackout and light-filtering linings, Roman blinds allow precise control over light and privacy. Simply select the lining option that offers your desired level of light control.
Space-Saving: When installed within a recess, Roman blinds fit snugly into the window frame, making them ideal for small or awkward spaces where curtains may be too bulky.
How to Choose a Roman Blind
When selecting a Roman blind, it’s important to choose one that not only suits your interior style but meets the needs of your space. Consider the style, colour, and lining options carefully to create the best roman blind for your space.
Choosing a Design
Roman blinds are available in a variety of fabrics, including both plain and patterned designs.
Plain Designs
Plain Roman blinds are perfect for adding a subtle touch of sophistication. With their simplistic design, the fabric becomes the focal point, so choosing the right one can really elevate the finish of your room:
Woven Fabrics: Woven Roman blinds add texture and depth without overwhelming your space. Basketweave and herringbone designs are a great choice if you want to layer different fabrics for a tactile finish.
Velvet: With a rich texture and soft sheen, velvet roman blinds add a feeling of opulence to any room. With a plush, soft-to-touch finish, they’re the perfect choice for luxurious, cosy spaces.
Velour: Similar to velvet but with a lighter texture, velour roman blinds offer a smooth and soft finish. This makes them a great option for those seeking comfort and elegance without the heavier feel of traditional velvet.
Chenille: Known for their soft, textured surface, chenille Roman blinds offer a tactile finish that’s both stylish and durable. With a range of textured, and soft-sheen options, they also offer versatility.
Faux Silk: Faux silk Roman blinds are another sleek and stylish option. Expertly designed, these luxury fabric roman blinds mimic the look of real silk without the associated maintenance.
Faux Suede: Providing plenty of warmth and a soft, matte texture, faux suede Roman blinds are ideal for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
Patterned Designs
For those who want to make more of a statement, patterned roman blinds are a fantastic choice:
Floral Patterns: Floral roman blinds offer a soft, feminine touch, perfect for adding a touch of nature to any room. Choose from a range of botanical prints boasting delicate blossoms, ferns, and leaves.
Tartans & Plaids: Providing a classic finish, tartan Roman blinds are ideal for traditional or rustic interiors. We offer a wide variety plaid and check designs in tones of brown, blue, and yellow.
Designer Blinds: Featuring bold patterns and unique textures, our designer roman blinds with prints from Sara Miller and Emily Bond introduce a sense of artistry and craftsmanship to your space. Not only do these luxury blinds add personality to your space, but they offer a premium finish too, printed on premium cotton and poly-cotton fabrics.
Choosing a Colour
Roman blinds come in a broad spectrum of colours, making it easy to find the perfect match for your interior:
Black: Sophisticated and dramatic, black Roman blinds are perfect for a bold, modern look.
White: A timeless classic that works well in any room, white roman blinds provide a clean and crisp appearance.
Green: Ranging from soft pastels and sage to deep forest hues, green Roman blinds can add a touch of nature to the home.
Grey: A versatile neutral, grey roman blinds work well in both minimalist and industrial-styled spaces.
Blue: From light sky blue to deep navy, blue Roman blinds create a serene, calming effect.
Pink: Playful and charming, pink Roman blinds are a lovely addition to feminine or eclectic spaces.
Cream: Warm and soft, cream Roman blinds offer a neutral option that works in almost any room.
Natural: Natural Roman blinds with rich, earthy tones of brown and beige bring a sense of tranquillity and warmth into the home.
Red: Bold and passionate, red roman blinds make a strong statement in any space.
Orange: From bold burnt orange to rich terracotta and playful peach, orange roman blinds are a cheerful, vibrant choice that can bring energy and warmth to a room.
Gold: Luxurious and warm, gold roman blinds add a sense of opulence and refinement to your windows.
Purple: Rich and regal, purple Roman blinds work well in both modern and traditional interiors.
Silver: A sleek and modern choice, silver Roman blinds can bring a touch of glamour to a space, particularly when paired with other metallic accessories.
Brown: Warm and earthy, brown Roman blinds are ideal for creating a cosy, rustic feel.
Choosing a Lining Option
When ordering your roman blind, choosing the right lining is crucial for both the look and functionality:
Light Filtering: Creating a soft, ambient glow, this lining allows natural light to gently filter through while maintaining a good level of privacy. Shop Light Filtering Roman Blinds
Blackout: Perfect for bedrooms or spaces where complete darkness is desired, a blackout lining prevents light from entering the room. Shop Blackout Roman Blinds
Thermal: An energy-efficient option that helps insulate the room, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Shop Thermal Roman Blinds
What Rooms Do Roman Blinds Work Best In?
Living Rooms: Roman blinds in rich fabrics like velvet or chenille can add a touch of luxury to your living room and create a welcoming atmosphere. We offer a wide selection of living room roman blinds that go with a variety of interior styles.
Bedrooms: If you’re looking for the perfect bedroom roman blind, then you can pair any of our designs with a blackout lining to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
Bathrooms: Although not waterproof, many of our roman fabrics can still be used in bathrooms when looked after properly. It’s important to keep them dry and ensure your bathroom has good ventilation. Bathroom roman blinds should be paired with a blackout lining to ensure you can maintain your privacy.
Kitchens: If you’re looking for a kitchen roman blind, then light filtering options often work best. These classic blinds offer privacy without sacrificing natural light.
Children’s Rooms/Nurseries: Opt for playful patterns or soothing colours with a blackout lining to ensure a restful environment for little ones.
Where to Hang Roman Blinds
Roman blinds can be hung either inside or outside the window recess, depending on your space and preference.
Inside Recess: This option gives a sleek and tidy look, as the blind fits neatly within the window frame.
Outside Recess: Fitting outside the recess can make the window appear larger and allows for more light to enter the room when the blinds are fully raised.
How to Measure for Roman Blinds
Once you’ve decided where to you want to hang your roman blind, you can measure using the simple steps below:
Recess Measuring: Measure from wall to wall inside of the window recess for a snug fit. We make all necessary adjustments.
Exact Measuring: Measure the exact width and height you want the blind to cover inclusive of the headrails. Exact measuring is usually used when fitting outside the recess. We won’t make any deductions to your sizes.
For more information view our Blinds Measuring Guide or How to Measure for Roman Blinds.
How to Fit Roman Blinds
Whether you’re fitting inside or outside the recess, Roman blinds are straightforward to install.
Fitting Outside Recess: Mount brackets on the wall above the window, ensuring the blind covers the window and frame when lowered. Make sure you fit the blind in the same spot you measured.
Fitting Inside Recess: Ensure the brackets are mounted inside the recess for a flush finish. These can be top fixed or face fixed within the recess.
For more information view our Blind Fitting Instructions or How to Fit Roman Blinds.
Now that you’re equipped with all of our essential tips and tricks, choosing the perfect Roman blinds for your space should be easier than ever. Remember, choose a colour, design, and lining that suits your space and reflects your desired ambience. Explore the complete range of Made to Measure Roman Blinds today and find the best roman blinds for your home.
FAQs
Do Roman blinds keep heat in?
Yes, Roman blinds are an excellent option for helping to retain heat, particularly when paired with thermal linings. Thermal roman blinds are designed with an insulating layer, trapping warm air inside the room and preventing cold drafts from entering through the windows. This can be especially beneficial during colder months, reducing the need for additional heating and improving energy efficiency. Roman blinds with thermal linings are a practical yet stylish solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature all year-round.
Are Roman Blinds Old-Fashioned?
No, Roman blinds are far from old-fashioned. In fact, they are considered a timeless window covering option, transcending ever-changing trends. Their classic design has been used for centuries, yet they remain popular in modern interiors due to their elegant appearance and versatility. With a wide range of fabric choices, textures, and finishes, Roman blinds continue to stay relevant, offering a sophisticated look that never goes out of style.
Are Roman Blinds Fashionable?
Absolutely! Roman blinds are a chic and fashionable choice for any space. Their versatility allows them to complement a wide range of interior styles, from minimalist and modern to bold and eclectic. With an array of fabrics, colours, and patterns to choose from—including luxurious velvets, contemporary prints, and designer collaborations—Roman blinds can be tailored to suit any aesthetic. Easy to style, they can also be paired with matching or contrasting cushions and curtains for an elevated look in any room.
Can Roman blinds be fitted outside the recess?
Yes, Roman blinds can be fitted outside the window recess, offering a flexible and stylish option for different window types. Often the most popular fitting option, installing roman blinds outside the recess has several advantages. It allows the blind to cover the entire window frame, creating a more expansive look that can make windows appear larger and more prominent. Additionally, mounting blinds outside the recess allows more light to enter the room when the blinds are raised, and block out more light when they are closed. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a bold, statement-making look while maintaining functionality and ease of use.
How to attach Roman blinds?
Attaching Roman blinds is a straightforward process, made even easier with modern design features like Velcro on the headrail. The Velcro system simplifies installation and maintenance, allowing the fabric of the blind to be securely fastened to the headrail while still offering the convenience of an easy removal. This is particularly useful when cleaning or replacing the fabric, as you can simply detach the blind from the headrail without needing to uninstall the entire mechanism.
The headrail itself is typically mounted to the wall or inside the window recess using brackets. Once the headrail is securely in place, the fabric section of the Roman blind, equipped with Velcro strips, is easily pressed into position. This method ensures a seamless look, with the fabric hanging evenly.
How to remove Roman blinds?
Removing Roman blinds is a simple and hassle-free process as they are attached using Velcro. If your Roman blinds are secured with Velcro, you can easily detach the fabric by gently pulling it away from the headrail. This allows you to remove the blind without disturbing any of the fixings or hardware.
How to clean Roman blinds?
To keep your roman blinds looking their best, it’s important to regularly dust them as part of your cleaning routine. This can be done using a soft cloth, duster, or vacuum with an upholstery attachment. For stains or marks, spot cleaning is usually the best option, although it’s important to first check the cleaning label and test any cleaning method on a small, inconspicuous area to avoid damage to the fabric. For more detailed instructions on check out our comprehensive guide on How to Clean Roman Blinds.
How to restring a Roman blind?
Restringing a Roman blind involves carefully replacing the cord that runs through the loops and rings on the back of the blind. Start by removing the old cord and then thread the new cord through each loop and ring, ensuring it is securely positioned. Make sure you adjust the tension to ensure smooth operation. If you’re still not sure how to fix roman blinds, you can contact our customer support team for help. When done correctly, the restringing process restores the functionality of the blind, allowing it to raise and lower correctly.
Are Roman blinds blackout?
Yes, Roman blinds can indeed be blackout when you choose the appropriate lining. To achieve complete darkness, opt for Roman blinds with a dedicated blackout lining, which prevents light from penetrating through the fabric. Blackout roman blinds are ideal for bedrooms or any space where you need to block out external light effectively.
Are Roman blinds easy to fit?
Yes, Roman blinds are incredibly easy to fit. Simply install the brackets, fit the headrail into place, and secure the child safety mechanism and you’re good to go! For step-by-step instructions, see our guide on How to Fit a Roman Blind.
Are Roman blinds expensive?
Not necessarily—Roman blinds can be surprisingly affordable, especially with our made to measure options that offer luxurious quality without breaking the bank. The price of Roman blinds can vary based on several factors, including fabric choice, size, and lining. Premium fabrics like velvet or designer prints, larger sizes, and specialty linings such as thermal or blackout can influence the overall cost. However, our range ensures that there are options to suit different budgets while still providing high-quality and stylish window treatments. Why not compare the price of blinds for yourself or enter your sizes online for an instant quote!
Are Roman Blinds Suitable for Kitchens?
Yes, Roman blinds can be a great choice for kitchens, though they are not inherently moisture-resistant. For kitchens, it’s important to choose fabrics that can handle occasional splashes and steam. Faux silk, while not moisture-resistant, is a popular choice due to its elegant appearance and ease of cleaning.
Are Roman Blinds Suitable for Bathrooms?
Yes, Roman blinds can be used in bathrooms, but it’s crucial to select fabrics and materials that can withstand humidity and occasional moisture. While our Roman blinds are not specifically moisture-resistant, they can still be suitable for bathrooms with proper care. Opt for fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain, and ensure your space has proper ventilation and that the blinds are kept dry to prevent any potential damage.
Can Roman blinds be altered?
Yes, it may be possible to alter your Roman blinds, but with our made to measure service, there’s typically no need for adjustments after purchase. At Unbeatable Blinds, each blind is crafted to fit your window dimensions precisely from the beginning. This means you get a perfect fit without the hassle of alterations.