The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Roman Blinds for Your Home
- Caroline Ingram
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Roman blinds offer a timeless blend of style and function that can transform any room. They provide a clean, elegant look while allowing you to control light and privacy with ease. If you are considering updating your window treatments, Roman blinds might be the ideal choice. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect Roman blinds for your home.
What Are Roman Blinds?
Roman blinds are a fabric window covering made usually from a face fabric and a back lining fabric that folds neatly into pleats when raised. Unlike traditional curtains, they stack up evenly and smoothly, creating a sleek appearance. When lowered, they hang flat, providing a clean and tailored look.
Roman blinds come in various styles, including:
Flat Roman blinds: Smooth and simple, with no visible folds when lowered.
Voile Roman blinds: Made from just one layer of a more transparent/see through fabric. Used for semi privacy/light blocking but to still allow light into the room.
Relaxed/French Roman blinds: A casual, curved shape at the bottom, usually tied up with a fabric tape, perfect for informal spaces.
Electric Roman blinds: Motorised either with a remote to control the raise/lower or hard wired into your electric home appliance system.
Understanding these styles helps you decide which look fits your room’s design best.
Benefits of Roman Blinds
Roman blinds combine beauty and practicality. Here are some advantages:
Elegant appearance: Their neat folds add sophistication to any room.
Light control: Adjust the blinds to let in as much or as little light as you want.
Privacy: Fully lowered blinds block views from outside.
Space-saving: They fit closely to the window, ideal for small rooms.
Versatility: Available in many fabrics, colours, and patterns to match your decor.
These benefits make Roman blinds a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms when there is not enough stack back space either side for curtains.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Fabric choice affects both the look and function of your Roman blinds. Consider these factors:
Light filtering: Sheer or voile fabrics allow soft light to enter while maintaining privacy.
Blackout: Thick, lined fabrics block nearly all light, perfect for bedrooms.
Thermal: Insulated fabrics help regulate room temperature by keeping heat in or out.
Durability: For kitchens or humid rooms, choose fabrics resistant to moisture and stains.
Popular fabric options include cotton, linen, polyester blends, and velvet. For example, a linen Roman blind in a neutral tone adds a natural, airy feel to a living room, while a patterned blind in a rich colour creates an uplifting atmosphere in a bedroom.
Measuring Your Windows Correctly
Accurate measurements ensure your Roman blinds fit perfectly and operate smoothly. Follow these steps:
Decide on inside or outside window recess fit
Inside recess fits within the window frame for a clean look.
Outside mount covers the window frame and can make windows appear larger, also providing less light seepage either side of the blind if you are wanting a more blackout look.
Measure width
For inside recess fit, measure the exact width inside the frame horizontally at the top, middle, and bottom points. Use the narrowest measurement.
For outside recess fit, measure the width you want the blind to cover, usually extending 5cm beyond the frame on each side. Bear in mind any window sills you have as the bottom of the blind will sit on the sill touching it.
Measure height
For inside window recess fit, measure from the top vertically inside the frame to the window sill or desired length.
For outside the window recess, measure from where you want the blind to start (usually 12-16cm above the window frame) to where it should end.
Double-check measurements
Always measure twice to avoid errors.
If you are unsure, we offer professional measuring services to guarantee a perfect fit as many windows need an expert eye to know the right solution for your window frame vs your requirements.
Selecting the Right Style for Your Room
Roman blinds suit various interior styles. Here are some ideas:
Modern and minimalist: Choose flat Roman blinds in solid, neutral colours like white, gray, or beige.
Traditional or classic: Opt for French or bordered Roman blinds with patterned or textured fabrics.
Cosy and warm: Velvet, patterned or heavier fabrics in deep colours add richness.
Casual and relaxed: Relaxed Roman blinds with light cotton or linen fabrics create a soft, inviting look.
Think about the room’s function and mood when selecting style and fabric. If you need our advice to select the right fabric for your room we are more than happy to help.
Installation Tips
Proper installation ensures your Roman blinds work well and look great. Consider these tips:
Use a sturdy universal bracket that can support the weight of the fabric.
If fitting inside the recess, ensure there is enough depth for the blind to fold without obstruction.
For outside recess fits, position the brackets so the blind fully covers the window.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully or hire a professional fitter.
Good installation prevents issues like uneven folds or difficulty raising and lowering the blinds and protects your walls when drilling in holes. When you order blinds through us we will always fit your blinds for you with our professional fitter to ensure a perfect fit.
Caring for Roman Blinds
Maintaining your Roman blinds keeps them looking fresh and extends their life. Here’s how:
Regular dusting: Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum or a feather duster.
Spot cleaning: Blot stains gently with a damp cloth or fabric stain removal spray.
Avoid harsh chemicals: These can damage fabric and colours.
Avoid the washing machine: Never wash your romans in the washing machine as the fabric can warp and shrink.
Proper care preserves the fabric’s texture and colour, keeping your blinds fresh for years.
How to Fix a Cord Breakaway Device on a Roman Blind
The cord breakaway devices clip onto the rods at the rear of your roman blind and secure the raise/lower cords. They act as a child safety device by breaking away when excessive force is applied. You can watch our video below on how to fix a roman blind breakaway cord should yours ever breakaway.
Where to Buy Roman Blinds
You can find made to measure Roman blinds at Cornish Curtains. We offer free samples and a professional consultation, which can help you decide on the right fabrics and see how fabrics look in your home lighting before buying.
Roman blinds offer a stylish and practical solution for window coverings. By understanding the different styles, fabrics, and installation methods, you can select blinds that enhance your home’s comfort and appearance. Take accurate measurements if you decide to do it yourself, select the right type of roman blind for your room, choose fabrics that suit your needs, and maintain your blinds properly to enjoy their benefits for years.
Ready to update your windows? Explore fabric options and styles with us today by making an enquiry on enquiries@cornishcurtains.com or by calling 07912 280888 to find the perfect Roman blinds that fit your home’s personality and your lifestyle.
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