Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are a fabulous idea if you're looking for a sumptuous way to bring elegant styling to your décor. Their timeless appeal and ability to seamlessly blend into both contemporary and traditional interiors make them an incredibly versatile choice.

This largely comes down to personal choice and which look you prefer. Inside the recess is the more popular choice and provides a neater, more compact look, but may not be suitable windows that open inwards. Outside the recess gives you a full view out of the window when the blind is fully raised, it keeps the window sill free to use and minimises light leakage around the sides of the blind, but can appear bulkier from within the room. Both options are relatively easy to install.

Yes, and they’re becoming more not less popular. New fabric collections are launched frequently to reflect the latest colours, designs and trends in interior design. They have also undergone a level of modernisation over the last few years in terms of how they operate, with a sleek, modern aluminium headrail with hidden Velcro attachment to allow the fabric to be attached and removed for cleaning as needed – with ease. They have been around for centuries, and their timeless design has never gone out of fashion.

Roman blinds tend to be more expensive than other types of blinds for several reasons. The soft fabrics and components used in their construction are of premium quality. The manufacturing process is more labour-intensive than other blinds and luxury Roman blinds, such as the ones we supply are handmade with meticulous attention to detail. They’re built to last for many years and in the long run a cost-effective investment.

Roman blinds are effective at blocking out the light, especially if you choose a blackout lining. Roman blinds with a standard non-blackout lining whilst not completely light blocking, are still effective at controlling light without darkening the room too much, making them suitable for most spaces.

High-quality made-to-measure Roman blinds, crafted with premium fabrics and components can typically last at least 12-15 years and longer. The lifespan of a Roman blind will be influenced by the environment they’re in, usage and the quality of craftsmanship. Readymade Roman blinds, whilst initially more affordable, may only last up to 5 years with proper care.

In most cases, they’re not generally recommended for bathrooms due to their susceptibility to moisture and humidity. Direct contact with water or prolonged exposure to moisture in the air can eventually lead to fabric shrinkage, discolouration and even mould and mildew growth. There are exceptions, such as large well-ventilated bathrooms with windows far from water sources. Roman blinds made from polyester are more durable than natural fabrics such as silk or cotton. However, they will still be vulnerable to mould and mildew in humid environments.

Yes, Roman blinds are one of the easiest types of blinds to fit, even if you’ve never fitted blinds before. Made-to-measure Roman blinds are supplied with universal brackets that allow for fixing into the wall/window frame and either inside or outside the window recess. Each blind comes with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. The process involves marking out and drilling the screw holes and securing the brackets before simply clipping the blind into place.

When viewed from the outside, Roman blinds offer a sleek and tidy appearance thanks to their neutral-coloured lining. Their lining provides a clean consistent look from the outside and enhances the blind's thermal insulation and protects the decorative fabric facing the interior of your home. There may also be horizontal lines created by the pockets that house the stabilizing rods visible when the blind is down.

A regular dusting as part of your normal cleaning routine will help to prevent dust buildup and maintain their appearance. Use a feather duster/microfibre cloth or soft brush vacuum attachment. Pay extra attention to the folds and the bottom of the blind. Stains can be removed by gently blotting with a damp cloth, using warm, soapy water if needed. For stubborn stains, a fabric stain remover can be used, but always test it on an inconspicuous area first. Don’t get them too wet to avoid watermarks and leave the window open to allow them to dry. If the blind requires a more thorough cleaning or has picked up odours, professional dry cleaning is recommended.
For more details on how to clean wooden Roman blinds, check out our article on cleaning Roman blinds