Should I Choose Roman Blinds for my Windows?
These soft, fabric blinds are super-versatile and add a sumptuous cosiness to any room
Cheryl F
2 January 2018
Houzz Contributor. I'm a London-based journalist with years of experience writing for the UK's top interiors titles. I love shopping for quirky accessories, have a passion for rummaging through vintage stores and I'm ever-hopeful of finding that elusive perfect paint shade.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a London-based journalist with years of experience writing... More
When you’re thinking about window treatments, Roman blinds are the perfect compromise between soft fabric and stylish practicality. Here are 10 reasons why you should give them a try on your windows.
They’re great where space is tight
Blinds are the ideal solution when curtains would get in the way of furniture or radiators. But if you want a softer, cosier look than rollers or Venetians, Roman blinds are the answer. Here, the darker shade of the blind adds definition to the white walls and woodwork.
Blinds are the ideal solution when curtains would get in the way of furniture or radiators. But if you want a softer, cosier look than rollers or Venetians, Roman blinds are the answer. Here, the darker shade of the blind adds definition to the white walls and woodwork.
They allow you to use gorgeous fabric
One of the benefits of Roman blinds is that they make a feature of fabric. Where patterned curtains can sometimes overwhelm a space, a Roman blind covers a smaller, more contained area, as in this beautiful dining room.
Bear in mind that when they’re pulled up (usually with a cord), Roman blinds stack, so, unlike rollers, they won’t go right to the top of the window. This will probably block a little natural light, but it needn’t be a huge problem, especially if your room is bright.
How to use pattern on a headboard
One of the benefits of Roman blinds is that they make a feature of fabric. Where patterned curtains can sometimes overwhelm a space, a Roman blind covers a smaller, more contained area, as in this beautiful dining room.
Bear in mind that when they’re pulled up (usually with a cord), Roman blinds stack, so, unlike rollers, they won’t go right to the top of the window. This will probably block a little natural light, but it needn’t be a huge problem, especially if your room is bright.
How to use pattern on a headboard
They soften a kitchen
Roman blinds are a natural fit in kitchens. They add an instant softness that can counter metres of shiny worktops, tiles and cabinets.
Stripes or checks are classic choices in a cookspace, but you could also go for a bold floral or a bright shade, as these homeowners have done, to add some colour and personality.
Roman blinds are a natural fit in kitchens. They add an instant softness that can counter metres of shiny worktops, tiles and cabinets.
Stripes or checks are classic choices in a cookspace, but you could also go for a bold floral or a bright shade, as these homeowners have done, to add some colour and personality.
They can look fresh and neat
Roman blinds are often the perfect compromise in rooms where there are several windows. In this light and airy living room, curtains would have covered up half the walls and window frames, and looked too busy. Instead, Roman blinds fold neatly away, keeping things contemporary and chic.
Romans come in every colour and pattern you can think of. Here, elegant charcoal grey fabric with a slubby texture helps ground the space.
Roman blinds are often the perfect compromise in rooms where there are several windows. In this light and airy living room, curtains would have covered up half the walls and window frames, and looked too busy. Instead, Roman blinds fold neatly away, keeping things contemporary and chic.
Romans come in every colour and pattern you can think of. Here, elegant charcoal grey fabric with a slubby texture helps ground the space.
They’re stylish teamed with curtains
Roman blinds work brilliantly layered with curtains for extra privacy and insulation. They don’t need to match exactly; instead, choose a design that complements your curtain fabric.
In this room, the soft blue blinds add a calm contrast to the patterned curtains. They also coordinate with the cushions, bringing the whole room together.
In the market for new window treatments? Read this beginner’s guide to buying curtains
Roman blinds work brilliantly layered with curtains for extra privacy and insulation. They don’t need to match exactly; instead, choose a design that complements your curtain fabric.
In this room, the soft blue blinds add a calm contrast to the patterned curtains. They also coordinate with the cushions, bringing the whole room together.
In the market for new window treatments? Read this beginner’s guide to buying curtains
They work well in bedrooms…
Curtains in bedrooms can get dusty and look fusty, but Roman blinds are a great alternative. Be sure to get them lined with blackout material, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
Make sure there are no gaps around the side, either. You can do this either by boxing the blinds in to the recess, or by making them fit across the whole frame width, as here. This will stop light seeping in around the edges of your blinds, which can be an issue, even with blackout linings.
Curtains in bedrooms can get dusty and look fusty, but Roman blinds are a great alternative. Be sure to get them lined with blackout material, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
Make sure there are no gaps around the side, either. You can do this either by boxing the blinds in to the recess, or by making them fit across the whole frame width, as here. This will stop light seeping in around the edges of your blinds, which can be an issue, even with blackout linings.
…and bathrooms (sometimes)
Romans can look lovely in traditional-style bathrooms – choose a toile design for some shabby chic period elegance.
However, think about how close to potential splashes your blinds will be, and whether your bathroom is well-ventilated, as moisture can cause mould. If this is going to be a problem, Venetians or moisture-resistant rollers may be a better bet.
Find out if you should choose Venetian blinds for your windows instead
Romans can look lovely in traditional-style bathrooms – choose a toile design for some shabby chic period elegance.
However, think about how close to potential splashes your blinds will be, and whether your bathroom is well-ventilated, as moisture can cause mould. If this is going to be a problem, Venetians or moisture-resistant rollers may be a better bet.
Find out if you should choose Venetian blinds for your windows instead
They can be a budget option
Roman blinds don’t have to be expensive. While they do tend to be pricier than roller blinds, there are lots of online companies that can create made-to-measure Roman blinds at very competitive prices.
Alternatively, support your local blind-making specialist and ask them for a quote, as it may well cost less than you think – and you’ll get the benefit of professional measuring.
Choosing a cheaper fabric is an easy way to keep costs down. And in rooms that aren’t for sleeping in, such as living rooms or kitchens, you won’t have to fork out for pricier blackout linings.
Roman blinds don’t have to be expensive. While they do tend to be pricier than roller blinds, there are lots of online companies that can create made-to-measure Roman blinds at very competitive prices.
Alternatively, support your local blind-making specialist and ask them for a quote, as it may well cost less than you think – and you’ll get the benefit of professional measuring.
Choosing a cheaper fabric is an easy way to keep costs down. And in rooms that aren’t for sleeping in, such as living rooms or kitchens, you won’t have to fork out for pricier blackout linings.
They work in nearly every room
You might not always call Venetian or roller blinds elegant, but Roman blinds really are. In fact, they’re surprisingly versatile. They can work in formal living rooms like this one, as well as country cottage schemes. This white Roman blind has been boxed in at the top for a more finished, clean-lined look.
Romans also allow you to use the space under the windows happily – curtains in here would have butted into the sofa or just looked odd.
You might not always call Venetian or roller blinds elegant, but Roman blinds really are. In fact, they’re surprisingly versatile. They can work in formal living rooms like this one, as well as country cottage schemes. This white Roman blind has been boxed in at the top for a more finished, clean-lined look.
Romans also allow you to use the space under the windows happily – curtains in here would have butted into the sofa or just looked odd.
They’re great for wider windows, too
An ultra-wide Roman blind like this one can look rather pretty. The scalloped detail at the bottom (as opposed to a more modern, straight-lined edge) adds a traditional prettiness. Romans do vary in terms of how traditional or modern they are, so when choosing a blind, be sure to check details such as this, as well as how they pleat when raised.
Are your a fan of Roman blinds and, if so, why? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
An ultra-wide Roman blind like this one can look rather pretty. The scalloped detail at the bottom (as opposed to a more modern, straight-lined edge) adds a traditional prettiness. Romans do vary in terms of how traditional or modern they are, so when choosing a blind, be sure to check details such as this, as well as how they pleat when raised.
Are your a fan of Roman blinds and, if so, why? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
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Cream heavyweight roman blind inside the recess with dandelion jacquard curtains. Cream rug and dandelion seating.
Roman blinds look beautiful and a statement with the right material and fabric....BUT... I cannot wash them properly and have to vaccuum them as they get so dusty. Had to replace them.
nicky671. Firstly the Roman blind tracks used by reputable makers are robust for the majority of fabrics. We use bonded lining, interlining and blackout and the tracks are manufactured to meet most weights.
It is recommended that curtains and Roman blinds should never be washed/laundered. It’s a soft furnishing fabric which can usually be dry cleaned. Give them a light brushing, or shake, if they are curtains, every now and then. Most do not get dirty unless there are animals brushing up against them.
You are best going to a recommended local maker where you will usually get very good advice. My DIL inherited mass produced Roman blinds🙈 we were not impressed with the tracks or the fabric. It could have been that they have improved. If you do consider the company you mentioned,ask to see their track sample and pop into your local curtain/ blind maker to compare. It’s an investment having bespoke soft furnishings made and you expect them to last quite a few years. Good luck