Roman blinds combine traditional elegance with contemporary design, making them one of the most popular window treatments. These blinds, which have always been in style, add colour, pattern, and texture to any space and go well with various interior design schemes. Roman blinds are likely at the top of your wish list, whether you’re upgrading your décor or starting from scratch.

Why Is a Roman Blind Called a Roman Blind?

People have been using Roman blinds for hundreds of years. They were initially created in ancient Rome (hence the name), where the wealthy used silk blinds, which, at the time, was a rare and pricey material. When archaeologists were excavating the remains of a house in Pompeii, which Mount Vesuvius destroyed in 79 AD, they found that one room had a window with two layer blinds: an inner layer of thin wood slats held together by metal rings, and an outer layer covered in linen fabric.

Back then, when people desired seclusion or sun protection, Roman blinds were used as curtains to cover windows, to enable daytime or nighttime sleep, or to block out light. In 1808, Thomas Harris created the first Roman blind in modern history. Samuel Worsdell bought his creation, which he later enhanced with an automated lifting mechanism.

The Different Types of Roman Blinds

Today, the classically structured and London style are the two most popular Roman blind types, each with different benefits. No matter the practical and elegant blind type you’re looking for, getting the correct fit for your windows is what’s most important. That’s why Roman blinds custom-made solutions are your best bet for a spot-on solution for your living space.

One option for getting custom Roman shades is to search for reputable suppliers online and visit a showroom where you can get lost in the immense colour and style range. Another option is a service some firms provide: you can contact them and they’ll come to you if you can’t go to them. Such professionals offer free on-site measuring and quote services to help you get the perfect look for your home.

Classic Structured

Because of their simplicity and elegance, structured (also known as flat) custom Roman blinds are the most popular type of Roman shade among all the other styles. They come in various textures and colours giving the space a relaxed yet classic appearance.

When you lift Roman shades fully, their many folds stack on top of one another like an accordion. The window appears simple and suited since every fold is nice and orderly; you’ll adore this style if you have a Type A mentality. The rapid and easy adaptability of the flat shades’ fold memory is another reason for their popularity.

They also frequently come in large, eye-catching patterns if you wish to accessorise the space. You can also use other huge fabric patterns centred on each hue. That guarantees that they will seem the same in several windows. A softer cloth will give the design more depth by delivering a more layered appearance.

Classic Roman blinds custom-fit rest flat against the window while open. Many people like the shade’s clean, uncluttered appearance. French doors and small windows will look fantastic with this classic’ slim shape. The additional fabric offers excellent light control depending on how much you have it drawn.

If the design of these shades interferes with the blinds’ ability to rise precisely, it is crucial to add them to spaces where the blinds may be styled up. However, they’re simple to use and require little styling.

London

London Roman blinds have a loose midsection with a tail on each side. The two pleats give the space a whimsical feel while remaining informal like a loose shade. They’re ideal for casual spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.

Because of the folded form, dressing up a London Roman shade might take some time, making them frequently employed in locations where they don’t need to be raised or lowered regularly. Because of that, the main uses for London shades are decorative rather than for light control or privacy.

Tips for Selecting the Right Material for Roman Blinds

Roman shade fabric selections seem limitless. However, you can reduce the number of options to a manageable handful by considering what you need from your window coverings. What should you consider?

What Amount of Light Must You Block Out?

A heavier, thicker, or darker-coloured cloth is what you should choose if you want your window covering to block out a lot of light. You can also line your shade to enhance light filtration: select a thinner, lighter, or finer cloth if you’re looking for mostly decorative shades. If you pull your Roman shades up to the top of the window frame, the folds will still be noticeable.

How Much Use Are Your Shades Going to Get?

Your fabric choice should consider how much you want to use your shades because certain textiles are more sensitive than others. Remember that “use” means actively raising and lowering your blinds. Use on occasion shouldn’t cause any issues. Putting it to daily use could mean drawing and pulling the curtains in the bedroom. Not as durable as a thicker fabric or one with intricate decoration (think embroidery) is a thinner, sheerer cloth.

Who Is Going to Use Your Shades?

If it’s mostly you, go with your preferences. However, you’ll probably want to go with a sturdy fabric in a neutral colour if you’re outfitting a place you want to rent out or a guest room that will get a lot of use. Also, children of any age can be harsh with furniture.