The benefits of roman blinds
- Jodi-Anne
- Consultant
In short
Roman blinds give you the ease of a blind with the style of curtain fabric. The benefits: near-limitless fabric and fold styles (hobbled, flat or relaxed), a timeless look, good light control and privacy from a single piece of fabric, energy efficiency when lined, and great value, using around 25% less fabric than curtains. They also keep windows clean and streamlined and suit smaller windows well.
Roman blinds are a great option if you want the ease and practicality of a blind with the style versatility of curtain fabric. Here is a rundown of why we think they are worth considering.
Table of contents
Nearly limitless design choices
The main benefit is the sheer breadth of options. A roman blind can be soft and feminine or tailored and structured, and comes in several fold styles, each with a different look:
A hobbled fold is traditional, with loops of fabric all the way down the blind.
A flat fold is contemporary, made from one complete piece of fabric, which makes it ideal for patterns.
A relaxed roman has a casual look, with no horizontal dowels so the bottom drapes softly.
Because they can be made from almost any fabric, even sheers, there is a roman blind to suit any home. Our guide on choosing fabric for roman blinds helps you narrow it down.
Timeless, flexible style
Roman blinds have been around for centuries and tend not to cycle in and out of trend quickly. With the right fabric, they have a long, stylish life and suit anything from industrial or minimalist to traditional, country or shabby chic.
Light control and privacy
While they do not tilt like slat blinds, their pleated style still gives plenty of scope between open and closed. The advantage is that, being one whole piece of fabric, there are no gaps for light to filter through when you really want to block it out, and that same solid panel gives great privacy.
Energy efficiency and value
Properly lined and made from the right fabric, roman blinds are a tasteful way to keep heat in or out across all seasons; see our guide on which blinds insulate best. They are also good value, using around 25% less fabric than curtains, which makes them a more affordable option.
A clean, soft look for any window
Roman blinds add a soft character to a window, unlike harder options such as wood blinds, while keeping a light, uniform, streamlined appearance whether up or down. They take up no space to either side, so they suit smaller windows that curtains would overwhelm, and they are simple to raise and lower by cord, or motorised for added convenience.
A note on safety
Traditional roman blinds use rings and cords (and sometimes dowels) along the back, and the cords can form loops that are a strangulation hazard for children and pets. If young children are around, choose a cordless or motorised version, or keep cords secured and out of reach.
Think roman blinds might suit your home? Request a free in-home consultation and one of our consultants will bring fabric samples and help you choose the right style and lining.
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Guides
Choosing the right blinds for your home
Not sure which blinds will suit your home? From blind types and key features to room-by-room advice, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of roman blinds?
Roman blinds combine the practicality of a blind with the style of curtain fabric. They offer near-limitless fabric and fold choices, a timeless look, good light control and privacy from a single piece of fabric, energy efficiency when lined, great value, and a clean, soft, streamlined appearance.
Are roman blinds cheaper than curtains?
Generally yes. Roman blinds use around 25% less fabric than curtains, which makes them a more affordable option while still giving you the look and feel of fabric at the window.
What roman blind styles are there?
Three common styles: a hobbled fold (traditional, with loops of fabric down the blind), a flat fold (contemporary, one piece of fabric that suits patterns), and a relaxed roman (casual, with a soft draping bottom and no horizontal dowels).
Are roman blinds child-safe?
Traditional roman blinds use rings and cords that can form loops, a strangulation hazard for children and pets. Choose a cordless or motorised version, or keep cords secured and out of reach, for a child-safe option.
Expert advice at home
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